Modeling an evaluation of the efficacy of the novel neuroanalgesic drug mirogabalin for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia therapy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are challenging and often intractable complex medical conditions, with a substantial impact on the quality of life. Mirogabalin, a novel voltage-gated Ca2+ channel α2δ ligand, was approved for the indication of DPNP and PHN. However, the time course of effects has not yet been clarified.We aimed to establish pharmacodynamic and placebo effect models of mirogabalin and pregabalin in DPNP and PHN, and to quantitatively compare the efficacy characteristics (maximum efficacy, onset time, and other pharmacodynamic parameters) and safety of mirogabalin and pregabalin. Public databases were comprehensively searched for randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. A model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) was developed to describe the time course of drug efficacy and placebo effects. Adverse events were compared using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Sixteen studies including 5,147 participants were eligible for this study. The placebo effect was relatively high and gradually increased with time, and it required at least eight weeks to reach a plateau. The pharmacodynamic model revealed that the maximum pure efficacy for mirogabalin and pregabalin was approximately -7.85 % and -8.86 %, respectively; the efficacy of mirogabalin to relieve DPNP and PHN was not superior to that of pregabalin, and both drugs had similar safety. While the rate constant of the onset rate of pregabalin was approximately thrice as high as that of mirogabalin. In addition, the baseline level of pain was an important factor affecting pregabalin efficacy. These findings are helpful in evaluating the clinical extension value of mirogabalin. They suggest that the high placebo effect and the baseline level of pain should be considered when grouping patients in future research and development of voltage-gated Ca2+ channel neuroanalgesic.

Handling Delayed or Missed Dose of Antiseizure Medications: A Model-Informed Individual Remedial Dosing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Delayed or missed antiseizure medications (ASMs) doses are common during long-term or lifelong antiepilepsy treatment. This study aims to explore optimal individualized remedial dosing regimens for delayed or missed doses of 11 commonly used ASMs.

METHODS

To explore remedial dosing regimens, Monte Carlo simulation was used based on previously identified and published population pharmacokinetic models. Six remedial strategies for delayed or missed doses were investigated. The deviation time outside the individual therapeutic range was used to evaluate each remedial regimen. The influences of patients' demographics, concomitant medication, and scheduled dosing intervals on remedial regimens were assessed. RxODE and Shiny in R were used to perform Monte Carlo simulation and recommend individual remedial regimens.

RESULTS

The recommended remedial regimens were highly correlated with delayed time, scheduled dosing interval, and half-life of the ASM. Moreover, the optimal remedial regimens for pediatric and adult patients were different. The renal function, along with concomitant medication that affects the clearance of the ASM, may also influence the remedial regimens. A web-based dashboard was developed to provide individualized remedial regimens for the delayed or missed dose, and a user-defined module with all parameters that could be defined flexibly by the user was also built.

DISCUSSION

Monte Carlo simulation based on population pharmacokinetic models may provide a rational approach to propose remedial regimens for delayed or missed doses of ASMs in pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy.

[Effect of CKIP-1 on hepatocyte apoptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of casein kinase 2 interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) on hepatocyte apoptosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Experimental study. An NAFLD cell model was established by inducing human hepatoma cell line, HepG₂ cells, with oleic acid (OA). Flag-CKIP-1 expression vector and shRNA-CKIP-1 were transfected into HepG₂ cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of CKIP-1 on the activity and apoptosis of NAFLD hepatocytes. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blot. CKIP-1 knockout mice in C57BL/6 back-ground were fed with either standard or high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Apoptosis-related signal proteins in NAFLD hepatocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: After CKIP-1 was transfected into HepG₂ cells, the degree of OA induced cell liposis was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry showed that CKIP-1 reduced the apoptosis of steatotic hepatocytes. Overexpression of CKIP-1 could significantly inhibit the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and increase the expression of Bcl-2/Bax (P<0.05). Knockdown of CKIP-1 could increase the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 (P<0.05). CKIP-1 knockout could further increase the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in NAFLD mice (P<0.01,P<0.05), and further decrease the expression of Bcl-2/Bax (P<0.05). Conclusion: CKIP-1 inhibited the apoptosis of steatotic hepatocytes by up-regulating the expression of apoptosis inhibitor gene, Bcl-2/Bax, and affecting the proteases, caspase-3 and caspase-9.

[Application of Wechat public platform in teaching reform of prosthodontics]

PURPOSE

To explore the law of development and existing problems in prosthodontics teaching in the new era, through flipped classroom teaching based on WeChat public platform.

METHODS

WeChat public number was applied and WeChat groups were set up among the students of grade 2013, and 93 students were divided into 20 WeChat groups, with 4 to 5 students in each group. The main platform on reform of prosthodontics teaching was WeChat app, supplemented by platforms of Lediaocha and Youkaoshi. Teachers published courseware and learning resources with WeChat public number and WeChat groups. Two-dimensional codes on questionnaires and tests which were generated by Lediaocha and Youkaoshi could be published with WeChat and the final learning effectiveness was compared using SPSS 19.0 software package for t test.

RESULTS

The results showed that 59.1% students admitted WeChat teaching effective, only 5.4% students believed ineffective. Based upon partial chapters of prosthodontics, the score of classroom test (91.35±4.45) was significantly higher than that of pre-class test(90.14±5.03, P＜0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The reform of flipped classroom based on WeChat platform in prosthodontics have some advantages, such as more flexibility in teaching form and time arrangement, promoting students' learner autonomy, and increasing students' motivation and effects of learning prosthodontics.

Comprehensive analysis of a TNF family based-signature in diffuse gliomas with regard to prognosis and immune significance

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown that members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family play an important role in cancer immunoregulation, and trials targeting these molecules are already underway. Our study aimed to integrate and analyze the expression patterns and clinical significance of TNF family-related genes in gliomas.

METHODS

A total of 1749 gliomas from 4 datasets were enrolled in our study, including the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset as the training cohort and the other three datasets (CGGA, GSE16011, and Rembrandt) as validation cohorts. Clinical information, RNA expression data, and genomic profile were collected for analysis. We screened the signature gene set by Cox proportional hazards modelling. We evaluated the prognostic value of the signature by Kaplan-Meier analysis and timeROC curve. Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis were performed for functional annotation. CIBERSORT algorithm and inflammatory metagenes were used to reveal immune characteristics.

RESULTS

In gliomas, the expression of most TNF family members was positively correlated. Univariate analysis showed that most TNF family members were related to the overall survival of patients. Then through the LASSO regression model, we developed a TNF family-based signature, which was related to clinical, molecular, and genetic characteristics of patients with glioma. Moreover, the signature was found to be an independent prognostic marker through survival curve analysis and Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, a nomogram prognostic model was constructed to predict individual survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years. Functional annotation analysis revealed that the immune and inflammatory response pathways were enriched in the high-risk group. Immunological analysis showed the immunosuppressive status in the high-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a TNF family-based signature to predict the prognosis of patients with glioma. Video abstract.

Exercise improves choroid plexus epithelial cells metabolism to prevent glial cell-associated neurodegeneration

Recent studies have shown that physical activities can prevent aging-related neurodegeneration. Exercise improves the metabolic landscape of the body. However, the role of these differential metabolites in preventing neurovascular unit degeneration (NVU) is still unclear. Here, we performed single-cell analysis of brain tissue from young and old mice. Normalized mutual information (NMI) was used to measure heterogeneity between each pair of cells using the non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) method. Astrocytes and choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPC), two types of CNS glial cells, differed significantly in heterogeneity depending on their aging status and intercellular interactions. The MetaboAnalyst 5.0 database and the scMetabolism package were used to analyze and calculate the differential metabolic pathways associated with aging in the CPC. These mRNAs and corresponding proteins were involved in the metabolites (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid, 2-Hydroxyglutarate, 2-Ketobutyric acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Fumaric acid, L-Leucine, and Oxidized glutathione pathways in CPC. Our results showed that CPC age heterogeneity-associated proteins (ECHS1, GSTT1, HSD17B10, LDHA, and LDHB) might be directly targeted by the metabolite of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Further molecular dynamics and free-energy simulations confirmed the insight into GSSG's targeting function and free-energy barrier on these CPC age heterogeneity-associated proteins. By inhibiting these proteins in CPC, GSSG inhibits brain energy metabolism, whereas exercise improves the metabolic pathway activity of CPC in NVU by regulating GSSG homeostasis. In order to develop drugs targeting neurodegenerative diseases, further studies are needed to understand how physical exercise enhances NVU function and metabolism by modulating CPC-glial cell interactions.

The effect of denture-wearing on physical activity is associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly: A cross-sectional study based on the CHARLS database

BACKGROUND

Currently, only a few studies have examined the link between dental health, cognitive impairment, and physical activity. The current study examined the relationship between denture use and physical activity in elderly patients with different cognitive abilities.

METHODS

The study data was sourced from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database, which included information on denture use and amount of daily physical activity undertaken by older persons. Physical activity was categorized into three levels using the International Physical Activity General Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Scale (IPAQ) rubric. The relationship between denture use and physical activity in middle-aged and older persons with varying degrees of cognitive functioning was studied using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 5,892 older people with varying cognitive abilities were included. Denture use was linked to physical activity in the cognitively healthy 60 + age group (p = 0.004). Denture use was positively related with moderate physical activity in the population (odds ratio, OR: 1.336, 95% confidence interval: 1.173-1.520, p < 0.001), according to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a finding that was supported by the calibration curve. Furthermore, the moderate physical activity group was more likely to wear dentures than the mild physical activity group among age-adjusted cognitively unimpaired middle-aged and older persons (OR: 1.213, 95% CI: 1.053-1.397, p < 0.01). In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, moderate physical activity population had increased ORs of 1.163 (95% CI: 1.008-1.341, p < 0.05) of dentures and vigorous physical activity population had not increased ORs of 1.016 (95% CI: 0.853-1.210, p > 0.05), compared with mild physical activity population.

CONCLUSION

This findings revealed that wearing dentures affects physical activity differently in older persons with different cognitive conditions. In cognitively unimpaired older adults, wearing dentures was associated with an active and appropriate physical activity status.

Exercise Modifies the Transcriptional Regulatory Features of Monocytes in Alzheimer's Patients: A Multi-Omics Integration Analysis Based on Single Cell Technology

Monocytes have been reported to be important mediators of the protective effect of exercise against the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims explored the mechanism by which monocytes achieve this. Using single cell transcriptome analysis, results showed that CD14 + and CD16 + monocytes interacted with other cells in the circulating blood. TNF, CCR1, APP, and AREG, the key ligand-receptor-related genes, were found to be differentially expressed between exercise-treated and AD patients. The SCENIC analysis was performed to identify individual clusters of the key transcription factors (TFs). Nine clusters (M1-M9) were obtained from the co-expression network. Among the identified TFs, MAFB, HES4, and FOSL1 were found to be differentially expressed in AD. Moreover, the M4 cluster to which MAFB, HES4, and FOSL1 belonged was defined as the signature cluster for AD phenotype. Differential analysis by bulkRNA-seq revealed that the expression of TNF, CCR1, and APP were all upregulated after exercise (p < 0.05). And ATF3, MAFB, HES4, and KLF4 that were identified in M4 clusters may be the TFs that regulate TNF, CCR1, and APP in exercise prescription. After that, APP, CCR1, TNF, ATF3, KLF4, HES4, and MAFB formed a regulatory network in the ERADMT gene set, and all of them were mechanistically linked. The ERADMT gene set has been found to be a potential risk marker for the development of AD and can be used as an indicator of compliance to exercise therapy in AD patients. Using single-cell integration analysis, a network of exercise-regulating TFs in monocytes was constructed for AD disease. The constructed network reveals the mechanism by which exercise regulated monocytes to confer therapeutic benefits against AD and its complications. However, this study, as a bioinformatic research, requires further experimental validation.

Single-Cell Integration Analysis of Heterotopic Ossification and Fibrocartilage Developmental Lineage: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Effector Xbp1 Transcriptionally Regulates the Notch Signaling Pathway to Mediate Fibrocartilage Differentiation

INTRODUCTION

Regeneration of fibrochondrocytes is essential for the healing of the tendon-bone interface (TBI), which is similar to the formation of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (HO). Through single-cell integrative analysis, this study explored the homogeneity of HO cells and fibrochondrocytes.

METHODS

This study integrated six datasets, namely, GSE94683, GSE144306, GSE168153, GSE138515, GSE102929, and GSE110993. The differentiation trajectory and key transcription factors (TFs) for HO occurrence were systematically analyzed by integrating single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and assay of transposase accessible chromatin seq. The differential expression and enrichment pathways of TFs in heterotopically ossified tissues were identified.

RESULTS

HO that mimicked pathological cells was classified into HO1 and HO2 cell subsets. Results of the pseudo-temporal sequence analysis suggested that HO2 is a differentiated precursor cell of HO1. The analysis of integrated scRNA data revealed that ectopically ossified cells have similar transcriptional characteristics to cells in the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. The modified SCENIC method was used to identify specific transcriptional regulators associated with ectopic ossification. Xbp1 was defined as a common key transcriptional regulator of ectopically ossified tissues and the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. Subsequently, the CellPhoneDB database was completed for the cellular ligand-receptor analysis. With further pathway screening, this study is the first to propose that Xbp1 may upregulate the Notch signaling pathway through Jag1 transcription. Twenty-four microRNAs were screened and were found to be potentially associated with upregulation of XBP1 expression after acute ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

A systematic analysis of the differentiation landscape and cellular homogeneity facilitated a molecular understanding of the phenotypic similarities between cells in the fibrocartilaginous region of tendon and HO cells. Furthermore, by identifying Xbp1 as a hub regulator and by conducting a ligand-receptor analysis, we propose a potential Xbp1/Jag1/Notch signaling pathway.

Population pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Oxcarbazepine is commonly used as first-line treatment for partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Owing to the high pharmacokinetic variability, several population pharmacokinetic models have been developed for oxcarbazepine to explore potential covariates that affect its pharmacokinetic variation.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the published population pharmacokinetic studies of oxcarbazepine in children and adults available in PubMed and Embase databases. The quality of the retrieved studies was evaluated, and significant covariates that may have an impact on the dosage regimen of oxcarbazepine were explored.

EXPERT OPINION

The pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine was founded to be affected by body weight and co-administration with enzyme inducers. Pediatric patients require a higher dose per kilogram than adults because children generally have a higher clearance than adults. Moreover, to maintain the target concentration, patients co-administrate with enzyme inducers need a higher dose than monotherapy due to higher clearance in those patients. Because limited information is available for exposure-response relationship, additional pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics investigations of oxcarbazepine need to be conducted to optimize the dosage regimen in clinical practice.

The soybean plasma membrane-localized cation/H+ exchanger GmCHX20a plays a negative role under salt stress

Cation/H+ -exchanger (CHX) perform diverse functions in plants, including being a part of the protective mechanisms to cope with salt stress. GmCHX1 has been previously identified as the causal gene in a major salt-tolerance quantitative trait locus (QTL) in soybean, but little is known about another close paralog, GmCHX20a, found in the same QTL. In this study, GmCHX20a was characterized along with GmCHX1. The expression patterns of the two genes and the direction of Na+ flux directed by overexpression of these two transporters are different, suggesting that they are functionally distinct. The ectopic expression of GmCHX20a led to an increase in salt sensitivity and osmotic tolerance, which was consistent with its role in increasing Na+ uptake into the root. Although this seems counter-intuitive, it may in fact be part of the mechanism by which soybean could counter act the effects of osmotic stress, which is commonly manifested in the initial stage of salinity stress. On the other hand, GmCHX1 from salt-tolerant soybean was shown to protect plants via Na+ exclusion under salt stress. Taken together these results suggest that GmCHX20a and GmCHX1 might work complementally through a concerted effort to address both osmotic stress and ionic stress as a result of elevated salinity.

Direct Synthesis of Polyurea Thermoplastics from CO2 and Diamines

The transformation of CO₂ into polymeric materials is an important and hot research topic from the viewpoint of renewable resources and environmental effects. Herein, a series of polyureas have been synthesized by polycondensation from CO₂ with diamines of 1,12-diaminododecane (DAD) and/or 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine (TTD). The properties of polyureas synthesized were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, XRD, DSC, TGA, and DMA. The polyureas synthesized from CO₂ with a mixture of diamines presented high performances compared to those of polyureas synthesized from CO₂ with a single diamine. The thermal and mechanical properties were improved largely by the variation in the crystallization and the chain flexibility depending on the changes in the density and/or intensity of hydrogen bonds. With increasing amounts of TTD from 0 to 100% in weight, the melting (T_m), crystallization (T_c), and glass transition (T_g) temperatures decreased from 207 to 116 °C, from 181 to 54 °C, and from 66 to -34 °C, respectively. When the TTD content was increased from 0 to 50 wt %, the Young's modulus decreased from 1170 to 406 MPa, and the tensile strength decreased from 53.3 to 42.9 MPa. However, the elongation at break increased from 13 to 330%. Furthermore, the chain length of aliphatic diamines and polyetheramines had a significant effect on the mechanical properties. The initial decomposition temperature (T_d,5%) is >295 °C, about 110 °C higher than the T_m (116-207 °C), which is advantageous for the postprocessing. The mechanical properties of the polyureas synthesized herein are superior to those of polycarbonate and polyamide 6. Thus, polyureas synthesized from the renewable and cheap resources, CO₂ and diamines, will find wide potential applications in the field of polymeric materials.

P6204Oral vaccination of Lactococcus lactis expressing Ling Zhi 8 protein prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver and early atherogenesis in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Background

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by lipid deposits in the subendothelial space leading to severe inflammation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) shares several risk factors with atherosclerosis. Epidemiology studies have indicated that NAFLD may be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Anti-inflammation therapy by inhibiting IL-1β led to a significantly lower cardiovascular event rate in recent clinical trial (CANTOS trial). Ling Zhi 8 (LZ8) is an immunomodulatory protein that possesses a broad range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory activities.

Methods and findings

In this study, we developed an oral vaccination of Lactococcus lactis expressing LZ8 protein in a nisin-controlled gene expression system and investigated its anti-inflammation properties. Experimental rabbits received commercial rabbit chow supplemented with 2% cholesterol for 5 weeks and recombinant LZ8 L. lactis vaccine once a day on weekdays. The expression of IL-1β in the aorta (Figure A) was significantly suppressed after LZ8 vaccination. Moreover, in hematoxylin and eosin staining of the aorta, the intima-medial thickness was decreased, and foam cells were significantly reduced in the sub-endothelial space (Figure C). LZ8 also inhibited the expression of IL-1β in the liver (Figure B), decreased fat droplet deposits and infiltration of inflammatory cells (Figure D), and improved liver function by decreasing liver enzymes.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LZ8 could be used as a therapeutic tool to improve both atherosclerosis and NAFLD due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Acknowledgement/Funding

TCVGH-1067317C, TCVGH-1063108C

[The value of Clermont score in detection intestinal mucosal ulcer of Crohn's disease]

Objective: To explore the value of Clermont score in the detection of intestinal mucosal ulcer in Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: From May 2015 to August 2017, 45 patients (28 males and 17 females; median age was 25 years) were confirmed to have ileocolic CD by endoscopic and pathological examinations at Nanjing General Hospital. All patients underwent MRE and DWI examinations. Based on the appearance of intestinal mucosa endoscopically, intestine segments from 45 patients were divided into three groups, namely, no ulceration group (NU), superficial ulceration group (SU), and deep ulceration group (DU). Several factors contribute to Clermont score calculation. These included the measurement of intestinal wall thickness using MRE, evaluation of intestinal wall edema and ulceration by MRE, DWI performance and ADC value of each segment. One-way ANOVA was utilized to compare the Clermont scores and ADC values of the intestine segments among the three groups. The efficacy of the Clermont scores and ADC values in evaluating intestinal mucosal ulcer in CD was verified using ROC analysis. Results: A total of 137 intestine segments were included in the study with 30 cases in NU, 37 cases in SU, and 70 cases in DU.DU had the highest Clermont score (22.5±4.5),following were SU(15.8±3.5) and NU(10.2±1.3)(F=179.935,P<0.01).The ADC values of DU ((1.34±0.17)×10(-3)mm(2)/s) was lower than NU ((2.07±0.52)×10(-3)mm(2)/s) and SU ((1.52±0.23)×10(-3) mm(2)/s) (F=83.822,P<0.01).The AUCs of using Clermont score and ADC value in differentiating deep ulcerations were 0.887 and 0.733, respectively. Conclusions: Either Clermont score or ADC value can be used to evaluate mucosal ulcer in CD. Clermont score demonstrates a better efficacy than ADC value in detecting deep ulcerations.

Dual Effect of Hepatic Macrophages on Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury during Liver Transplantation

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication in liver transplantation (LT) and it is closely related to the recovery of grafts' function. Researches has verified that both innate and adaptive immune system are involved in the development of IRI and Kupffer cell (KC), the resident macrophages in the liver, play a pivotal role both in triggering and sustaining the sterile inflammation. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), released by the initial dead cell because of the ischemia insult, firstly activate the KC through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as toll-like receptors. Activated KCs is the dominant players in the IRI as it can secret various pro-inflammatory cytokines to exacerbate the injury and recruit other types of immune cells from the circulation. On the other hand, KCs can also serve in a contrary way to ameliorate IRI by upregulating the anti-inflammatory factors. Moreover, new standpoint has been put forward that KCs and macrophages from the circulation may function in different way to influence the inflammation. Managements towards KCs are expected to be the effective way to improve the IRI.

RNAi-mediated ephrin-B2 silencing attenuates astroglial-fibrotic scar formation and improves spinal cord axon growth

AIMS

Astroglial-fibrotic scar formation following central nervous system injury can help repair blood-brain barrier and seal the lesion, whereas it also represents a strong barrier for axonal regeneration. Intensive preclinical efforts have been made to eliminate/reduce the inhibitory part and, in the meantime, preserve the beneficial role of astroglial-fibrotic scar.

METHODS

In this study, we established an in vitro system, in which coculture of astrocytes and meningeal fibroblasts was treated with exogenous transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to form astroglial-fibrotic scar-like cell clusters, and thereby evaluated the efficacy of RNAi targeting ephrin-B2 in preventing scar formation from the very beginning. We further tested the effect of RNAi-based mitigation of astroglial-fibrotic scar on spinal axon outgrowth on a custom-made microfluidic platform.

RESULTS

We found that siRNA targeting ephrin-B2 significantly reduced both the number and the diameter of cell clusters induced by TGF-β1 and diminished the expression of aggrecan and versican in the coculture, and allowed for significantly longer extension of outgrowing spinal cord axons into astroglial-fibrotic scar as assessed on the microfluidic platform.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that astroglial-fibrotic scar formation and particularly the expression of aggrecan and versican could be mitigated by ephrin-B2 specific siRNA, thus improving the microenvironment for spinal axon regeneration.

Air Pollution and Children's Health in Chinese

Children can be considered as a high-risk population to environmental stress since some of the organ systems including the immune system and respiratory system are still in development during childhood. During childhood, the impact of environmental pollutants exposure may program child growth and development that have long-term consequences on later health and disease risk. Considering the rapid economic growth in recent decades in China, the impact of ambient air pollution on children health causes concerns. Therefore, we aimed to review the current epidemiological evidence on the effects of air pollution exposure on adverse health outcome, including respiratory diseases, lung function, high blood pressure, cognitive disorder, and obesity in childhood in China. We believe that the findings summarized in our review demonstrate an unequivocal relationship between air pollutants exposure and Chinese children health and these results have large public health influences.

Population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in adult Chinese patients with post-craniotomy meningitis and its application in individualised dosage regimens

PURPOSE

Vancomycin (VCM) is a first-line antibacterial drug used to treat post-craniotomy meningitis (PCM). VCM pharmacokinetic parameters are altered in PCM patients, compared to those in other patients. Although VCM population pharmacokinetics (PPK) has been reported, changes in VCM PPK in adult Chinese PCM patients remain unknown. We developed a VCM PPK model in adult Chinese PCM patients and proposed a new strategy for individualising VCM administration using this model.

METHODS

Data was obtained from a prospective study of 100 adult PCM patients in the Neurosurgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. The trough concentrations at steady state were determined by enzyme multiplied immunoassay. Nonlinear mixed-effect model software was employed to develop the PPK model. The final model was evaluated using the bootstrap method and normalised prediction error distribution and through the testing of 20 independent adult PCM patients.

RESULTS

VCM clearance in PCM patients was higher than that observed in other patients. Creatinine clearance affected VCM clearance, whereas no co-administered drugs influenced VCM pharmacokinetics. Trough concentrations were accurately predicted by the final model, while the prediction errors were less than ±32 %. Moreover, a new strategy for individualising VCM regimens using the PPK model was proposed and validated.

CONCLUSIONS

A PPK model was developed to estimate the individual clearance in inpatients receiving intravenously infused VCM and could be used to develop individualised dosing of adult Chinese PCM patients.

Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography using ExiTron nano6000 for assessment of liver injury

AIM: To explore the potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) using ExiTron nano6000 for assessment of liver lesions in mouse models.

METHODS: Three mouse models of liver lesions were used: bile duct ligation (BDL), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN), and alcohol. After injection with the contrast agent ExiTron nano6000, the mice were scanned with micro-CT. Liver lesions were evaluated using CECT images, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and serum aminotransferase levels. Macrophage distribution in the injury models was shown by immunohistochemical staining of CD68. The in vitro studies measured the densities of RAW264.7 under different conditions by CECT.

RESULTS: In the in vitro studies, CECT provided specific and strong contrast enhancement of liver in mice. CECT could present heterogeneous images and densities of injured livers induced by BDL, LPS/D-GalN, and alcohol. The liver histology and immunochemistry of CD68 demonstrated that both dilated biliary tracts and necrosis in the injured livers could lead to the heterogeneous distribution of macrophages. The in vitro study showed that the RAW264.7 cell masses had higher densities after LPS activation.

CONCLUSION: Micro-CT with the contrast agent ExiTron nano6000 is feasible for detecting various liver lesions by emphasizing the heterogeneous textures and densities of CECT images.

Comparison of molar intrusion efficiency and bone density by CT in patients with different vertical facial morphology

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between molar intrusion efficiency and bone density in patients with different vertical facial morphology. Thirty-six female patients, with overerupted upper first molars, were divided into two groups according to mandiblular plane angle (FH-MP): hyperdivergent, FH-MP>30° (G1), hypodivergent, FH-MP<22° (G2). Mini-screw implants with elastic chains were used to intrude upper first molars. Spiral CT was used to measure the intrusion degree of upper first molar and bone density, and molar intrusion efficiency was calculated as amount/duration (mm month(-1) ). In addition, each tooth was divided into three portions (cervical, furcation and apical) to measure the bone density. It was found in this study that treatment duration was 3·13 and 4·71 months in G1 and G2 and that the intrusion efficiency was 1·57 and 0·81 in G1 and G2 with significant difference (P < 0·05). There were significant differences in cervical, furcation and apical bone density between two groups (P < 0·05). The bone density was significantly reduced after molar intrusion. In addition, the bone density change was greater in G1 than in G2 (P < 0·05). It was concluded that molars were more easily to be intruded in hyperdivergent than in hypodivergent patients. The difference of bone density and bone density changes during intrusion may account for the variation of molar intrusion efficiency.

Alternative messenger RNA splicing of autophagic gene Beclin 1 in human B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

Beclin 1 is a key factor for initiation and regulation of autophagy, which is a cellular catabolic process involved in tumorigenesis. To investigate the role of alternative splicing of Beclin1 in the regulation of autophagy in leukemia cells, Beclin1 mRNA from 6 different types of cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 2 healthy volunteers was reversely transcribed, subcloned, and screened for alternative splicing. New transcript variants were analyzed by DNA sequencing. A transcript variant of Beclin 1 gene carrying a deletion of exon 11, which encoded a C-terminal truncation of Beclin 1 isoform, was found. The alternative isoform was assessed by bioinformatics, immunoblotting and subcellular localization. The results showed that this variable transcript is generated by alternative 3' splicing, and its translational product displayed a reduced activity in induction of autophagy by starvation, indicating that the spliced isoform might function as a dominant negative modulator of autophagy. Our findings suggest that the alternative splicing of Beclin 1 might play important roles in leukemogenesis regulated by autophagy.

Effects of the Chinese Yi-Qi-Bu-Shen Recipe extract on brainstem auditory evoked potential in rats with diabetes

This study was designed to investigate the effects of the Chinese Yi-Qi-Bu-Shen Recipe (YB) on brain stem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in diabetic rats and on the protection of the diabetic rat brain's functional lesion. Thirty-three male rats were randomly divided into three groups: the normal control group (NC), the diabetic group (DM), and the diabetic rats treated with YB group (DM+YB). Blood glucose and body weight were measured every three weeks. After six weeks, the serum insulin, blood biochemical indices, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, monoamine neurotransmitters, and BAEP were measured. Compared with the NC group, the waves III, V PLs, and the I-III, I-V IPLs of BAEP in the DM group were significantly delayed (all P<0.05). However, YB-treated diabetic rats maintained a normal brainstem function over the experimental period. Compared with the NC group, the waves I, III, V PL, and waves I-III, III-V and I-V IPLs of BAEP in the DM+YB group were very close (all P>0.05). On the other hand, compared with the DM group, the III, V PLs and the I-III, I-V IPLs of BAEP in the DM+YB group were significantly improved. It was discovered that the central conduction time of rats with diabetes had a close correlation with serum insulin, blood glucose, malondialdehyde, and insulin resistance index. Our results suggest that YB extract has a beneficial effect in preserving the brain's electrophysiological function in diabetic rats, likely through its antihyperglycemic activity, ability to reduce insulin resistance, and antioxidant activity.

Quadruple therapy with medications containing either rufloxacin or furazolidone as a rescue regimen in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-infected dyspepsia patients: a randomized pilot study

BACKGROUND

The eradication rates of first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection are not satisfactory. Various regimens including quadruple therapies have been recommended as rescue therapies after the first H. pylori eradication attempt failed.

AIMS

To compare the efficacy and safety between quadruple therapies with medications containing either rufloxacin or levofloxacin in the Chinese nonulcer dyspepsia patients infected with H. pylori.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-eight patients after an unsuccessful 10-day standard triple therapy were enrolled in this study. They were randomized to receive a 14-day quadruple therapy with pantoprazole, bismuth citrate, and furazolidone in combination with either rufloxacin (Group Ruf, n=70) or levofloxacin (Group Lev, n=68). The H. pylori eradication was evaluated by (13) C-urea breath test 4 and 12 weeks after therapy was completed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-seven patients (65 in Group Ruf and 62 in Group Lev) completed the study. The H. pylori eradication rates in Group Ruf were 81.4% for intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 87.7% for per-protocol (PP) analysis. The rates were statistically significantly higher than those in Group Lev (66.2% and 72.6%) (p<0.05). There were no severe adverse effects found in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Fourteen-day quadruple therapy with a combination of proton-pump inhibitor, bismuth citrate, furazolidone, and rufloxacin is considered an effective and safe rescue therapy for H. pylori eradication after failure of standard triple treatment.

[Population pharmacokinetic modeling of flurbiprofen]

The paper is to report the establishment of a population pharmacokinetic model for flurbiprofen (FP), an active metabolite of flurbiprofen axetil (FA). 246 FP serum concentration and clinical data were perspectively collected from 23 general anaesthesia patients receiving FA intravenously before operation in Dentofacial Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. Population pharmacokinetic data analysis was performed using NONMEM software. The measure of Bootstrap was applied for internal validation, while Visual Predictive check was adopted for external validation. The data of FP correspond with two-compartment model. The body weight (WT) had conspicuous effect on clearance and volume of central compartment, while sex, age and daily dose of administration had no marked effect on pharmacokinetic parameter of FP. The basic model was described as follows: CL (L x h(-1)) = 1.28x EXP(ETA(1)), V1 (L) = 5.03x EXP(ETA(2)), Q (L x h(-1)) = 8.5 x EXP(ETA(3)), V2 (L) = 4.39 x EXP(ETA(4)). The final model was described as follows: CL (L x h(-1)) = 1.32 x (WT/60) x EXP(ETA(1)), V1 (L) = 5.23 x (WT/60) x EXP(ETA(2)), Q (L x h(-1)) = 8.45 x EXP(ETA(3)), V2 (L) = 4.37 x EXP(ETA(4)). The population typical value of CL, V1, Q and V2 were: 1.32 L x h(-1), 5.23 L, 8.45 L x h(-1) and 4.37 L, respectively. Bootstrap and visual predictive check show that the final model of FP is stable, effective and predictable. A novel population pharmacokinetic model is developed to estimate the individual pharmacokinetic parameter for patients intravenous injecting FA in terms of patients' characteristics and dosing history, and to design a prior dosage regimen.

Adult rat bone marrow stromal cells differentiate into Schwann cell-like cells in vitro

Bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) have the capability of differentiating into mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal lineages. In this study, MSCs isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured to proliferation, followed by in vitro induction under specific conditions. The results demonstrated that MSCs were transdifferentiated into cells with the Schwann cell (SC) phenotypes according to their morphology and immunoreactivities to SC surface markers including S-100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75). Consequently, rat adult MSCs can be induced in vitro to differentiate into SC-like cells, thus developing an abundant and accessible SC reservoir to meet the requirements of constructing tissue engineered nerve grafts for peripheral nerve repair.

Human gastric cells resistant to (−)-epigallocatechin gallate show cross-resistance to several environmental pollutants

After a long-term culture in (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 20 microM), a major constituent of green tea, human gastric AGS cells developed 2.2-fold resistance to EGCG. The resistant AGS (AGS-R) cells were cross-resistant to several N-methylcarbamate insecticides, which are among the major control agents for pest insects in Taiwan. The AGS-R cells also showed protective effects against both the cytotoxicity and DNA damage induced by one of the mutagenic derivatives of N-methylcarbamate insecticide, N-nitroso methomyl, which is known to target the mammalian gastric tract. Therefore, acquisition of resistance by AGS cells through chronic exposure to EGCG implies that the tea-drinking habit of the Taiwanese is probably beneficial for the health of the gastric tract. In addition, AGS-R cells were cross-resistant to sodium arsenite and hydrogen peroxide, indicating that tolerance to oxidative stress might play a role in the development of resistance described in this investigation.

A novel stabilization criterion for large-scale T-S fuzzy systems

This correspondence studies the stabilization problem of large-scale Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems. A novel stabilization criterion with decentralized parallel distributed compensation (PDC) fuzzy controller is proposed. The criterion contains two inequalities and one negative definite matrix to be satisfied. The effects of all interconnection terms and all decentralized PDC gains are entirely included in the negative definite matrix. The size of the matrix depends on the number of subsystems; the more the number of subsystems is, the larger the size of the matrix is. By using the linear matrix inequality method, the inequalities in the criterion can be solved to synthesize the local feedback gain of each PDC fuzzy controller such that the whole closed-loop large-scale fuzzy system is asymptotically stable. Finally, we give a practical example to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed criterion.

Study of in vivo differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells into schwann cell-like cells

In order to raise an abundant and accessible reservoir for Schwann cells (SCs), which are used as seed cells for constructing tissue-engineered nerve grafts, we investigated the feasibilty of in vivo differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) into SC-like cells. In this study, MSCs were harvested from adult rats' bone marrow, culture-expanded, and characterized. Subcultured MSCs were then labeled with Hoechst 33342, followed by transplantation into the nerve regeneration chamber, which was made of a silicone tube bridging the sciatic nerve defect of the rats. Four weeks after surgery, some of the differentiated MSCs turned into SC-like cells immunopositive to S-100 protein, accompanied by myelination of the regenerated nerve fibers. Walking-track analyses provided evidence that transplantation of MSCs contributed to reconstruction of the sciatic nerve and reinnervation of target tissues. The experimental results suggest that MSCs are capable of differentiating into SC-like cells in vivo, making them a promising candidate for cell transplantation in peripheral nerve repair.

Stabilizability of linear quadratic state feedback for uncertain fuzzy time-delay systems

This paper investigates the problem of designing a fuzzy state feedback controller to stabilize an uncertain fuzzy system with time-varying delay. Based on Lyapunov criterion and Razumikhin theorem, some sufficient conditions are derived under which the parallel-distributed fuzzy control can stabilize the whole uncertain fuzzy time-delay system asymptotically. By Schur complement, these sufficient conditions can be easily transformed into the problem of LMIs. Furthermore, the tolerable bound of the perturbation is also obtained. A practical example based on the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) model is given to illustrate the control design and its effectiveness.

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) induces osteoclast formation from monocyte/macrophage lineage precursor cells

Recent evidence indicates that the decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) of the TNF receptor superfamily, which initially though prevents cytokine responses of FasL, LIGHT and TL1A by binding and neutralization, can modulate monocyte function through reverse signaling. We show in this work that DcR3 can induce osteoclast formation from human monocytes, murine RAW264.7 macrophages, and bone marrow cells. DcR3-differentiated cells exhibit characteristics unique for osteoclasts, including polynuclear giant morphology, bone resorption, TRAP, CD51/61, and MMP-9 expression. Consistent with the abrogation of osteoclastogenic effect of DcR3 by TNFR-Fc, DcR3 treatment can induce osteoclastogenic cytokine TNF-alpha release through ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. We conclude that DcR3 via coupling reverse signaling of ERK and p38 MAPK and stimulating TNF-alpha synthesis is a critical regulator of osteoclast formation. This action of DcR3 might play an important role in significant osteoclastic activity in osteolytic bone metastases.

Observations of blanket characteristics in full-scale floc blanket clarifiers

We monitored the changes in concentrations, zeta potentials, sizes and capillary suction times of the solids flocs in the clarified water from eight floc blanket clarifiers of PingTsan Water Works of Taiwan Water Supply Company with low (< 10 NTU) and high (> 100 NTU) turbidity raw water. For the former, one-stage coagulation-sedimentation treatment was adopted which yielded a rather unstable blanket. Complete washout was noticeable when the PACl dosage was insufficient. On the treatment of high-turbidity raw water, on the other hand, the Works adopted the combined treatment process, that is, the raw water was first coagulated and settled in a pre-sedimentation tank, afterwards, its effluent was coagulated again and clarified in the clarifiers. The resulting flocs could form a networked blanket that was relatively stable to the shock load in raw water turbidity.

Coagulation of humic-kaolin-PACI aggregates

Water treatment residual flocs are fractal-like aggregates made of many initial aggregates. We investigated in this study the coagulation dynamics for the humic-mineral-polyaluminium chloride (PACI) aggregates using small-angle light scattering techniques and the free-settling test. In contrast to reports in the literature, the presence of humic acid did not lead to a loose floc. Not only the time evolution of the coagulation dynamics, but also the final floc characteristics are only mildly affected by the humic acid. However, the strength of the formed floc does decline with humic acid, which leads to a turbid supernatant with high level of organics.

Diagnosis and treatment of the azoospermic patient

With the advent of intracytoplasmic injection, the management of azoospermia has become ever more important. Gametic manipulation to produce biological offspring is not feasible unless sperm from the azoospermic male patient is obtainable. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of azoospermia.

Increased chromosome X, Y, and 18 nondisjunction in sperm from infertile patients that were identified as normal by strict morphology: implication for intracytoplasmic sperm injection

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of nondisjunction for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on morphologically normal sperm from infertile men who are candidates for ICSI.

DESIGN

After standard hematoxylin staining, sperm with normal morphology were identified using Kruger's strict morphology criteria. The location of each normal-appearing sperm was recorded using an electronic microstage locator. Slides were subsequently subjected to FISH for detection of chromosomes X, Y, and 18 (control probe). Nuclei were relocated and analyzed under the fluorescent microscope.

SETTING

University-affiliated IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection program.

PATIENT(S)

Men classified as infertile on the basis of abnormal strict morphology (<4% by Kruger's criteria). For controls, normal fertile men (n=6) were also analyzed.

INTERVENTION(S)

Semen smears were obtained retrospectively from infertile (n=8) and fertile (n=6) men.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ploidy of each cell was determined according to the number of signals detected for each probe.

RESULT(S)

Approximately 100-150 morphologically normal sperm were identified and located in each case. Subsequent FISH analysis of these normal sperm showed aneuploidy to range from 1.8% to 5.5% in the infertile group as compared with 0 to 2.6% among the control fertile group. Statistically significant differences in the incidence of aneuploidy for the sex chromosomes as well as for all three (X, Y, and 18) chromosomes was observed.

CONCLUSION(S)

Although 95% to 98% of the sperm were found to be normal for X, Y, and 18, our findings show that infertile couples undergoing ICSI are likely to be at an increased risk for having a genetically abnormal conceptus as compared with the fertile controls. These results demonstrate that normal morphology is not an absolute indicator for the selection of genetically normal sperm. Hence, observed pregnancy failures among ICSI patients may in part be due to the selection of aneuploid sperm.

Effects of cannabinoids on LPS-stimulated inflammatory mediator release from macrophages: involvement of eicosanoids

Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) is the major psychoactive component of marijuana and elicits pharmacological actions via cannabinoid receptors. Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) are endogenous ligands for cannabinoid receptors, which because of their structural similarities to arachidonic acid (AA), AEA, and 2-AG could serve as substrates for lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases (COXs) that metabolize polyunsaturated fatty acids to potent bioactive molecules. In this study, we have compared the effects of Delta(9)-THC, AEA, 2-AG, and another cannabinoid agonist, indomethacin morpholinylamide (IMMA), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO, IL-6, and PGE(2) release from J774 macrophages. Delta(9)-THC, IMMA, and AEA diminish LPS-induced NO and IL-6 production in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-AG inhibits the production of IL-6 but slightly increases iNOS-dependent NO production. Delta(9)-THC and IMMA also inhibit LPS-induced PGE(2) production and COX-2 induction, while AEA and 2-AG have no effects. These discrepant results of 2-AG on iNOS and COX-2 induction might be due to its bioactive metabolites, AA and PGE(2), whose incubation cause the potentiation of both iNOS and COX-2 induction. On the contrary, the AEA metabolite, PGE(2)-ethanolamide, influences neither the LPS-induced NO nor IL-6 production. Taken together, direct cannabinoid receptor activation leads to anti-inflammatory action via inhibition of macrophage function. The endogenous cannabinoid, 2-AG, also serves as a substrate for COX-catalyzing PGE(2) production, which in turn modulates the action of CB2.

Ceramide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-mediated nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 induction in macrophages: effects on protein kinases and transcription factors

The goal of this study was to elucidate whether triggering the sphingomyelin pathway modulates LPS-initiated responses. For this purpose we investigated the effects of N-acetylsphingosine (C(2)-ceramide) on LPS-induced production of NO and PGE(2) in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and explored the signaling pathways involved. We found that within a range of 10-50 microM, C(2)-ceramide inhibited LPS-elicited NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 induction accompanied by a reduction in NO and PGE(2) formation. By contrast, a structural analog of C(2)-ceramide that does not elicit functional activity, C(2)-dihydroceramide, did not affect the LPS response. The nuclear translocation and DNA binding study revealed that ceramide can inhibit LPS-induced NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation. The immunocomplex kinase assay indicated that IkappaB kinase activity stimulated by LPS was inhibited by ceramide, which concomitantly reduced the IkappaBalpha degradation caused by LPS within 1-6 h. In concert with the decreased cytosolic p65 protein level, LPS treatment resulted in rapid nuclear accumulation of NF-kappaB subunit p65 and its association with the cAMP-responsive element binding protein. Ceramide coaddition inhibited all the LPS responses. In addition, LPS-induced PKC and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation were overcome by ceramide. In conclusion, we suggest that ceramide inhibition of LPS-mediated induction of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 is due to reduction of the activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1, which might result from ceramide's inhibition of LPS-stimulated IkappaB kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase C.

An improved and easy method for the preparation of 2,2-disubstituted 1-nitroalkenes

Reactions of ketones 1, nitromethane 2, and catalytic amount of piperidine 3 in the presence of mercaptan 6 generate beta-nitroalkyl sulfides 7-9. At 0 degrees C and by the use of dichloromethane as solvent, beta-nitroalkyl sulfides 7-9 can be oxidized by m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA) 10 to generate beta-nitroalkyl sulfoxides 11-13 and undergo elimination in carbon tetrachloride solution to produce medium to high yield of 2,2-disubstituted 1-nitroalkenes 5. The irreversibility of the synthetic mechanism not only can overcome the reversibility of the Henry reaction in the synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted 1-nitroalkenes 5 but also can generate the major products "exo-nitro olefins"5c-e when cyclic ketones 1c-e were used. Under similar conditions, medium to high yield of 5-substituted-2-nitromethyl-2-phenylthioadamantane 17 also can be prepared from the reaction of 5-substituted-2-adamantanones 15, nitromethane 2, piperidine 3, thiophenol 6a. The intermediate17 can be oxidized by m-CPBA 10 in dichloromethane solution and then undergo elimination at room temperature or can be dissolved in solvent, coated on silica gel, and then heated at 90-100 degrees C to generate 5-substituted-2-nitromethyleneadamantane 16.

Involvement of protein kinases in the potentiation of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory mediator formation by thapsigargin in peritoneal macrophages

We have explored the regulatory roles played by Ca2+-dependent signaling on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release in mouse peritoneal macrophages. To elevate intracellular Ca2+, we used thapsigargin (TG) and UTP. Although LPS alone cannot stimulate NO synthesis, co-addition with TG, which sustainably increased [Ca2+]i, resulted in NO release. UTP, via acting on P2Y6 receptors, can stimulate phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and transient [Ca2+]i increase, however, it did not possess the NO priming effect. LPS alone triggered the release of PGE2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6; all of which were potentiated by the presence of TG, but not of UTP. The stimulatory effect of LPS plus TG on NO release was inhibited by the presence of Ro 31-8220, Go6976, KN-93, PD 098059, or SB 203580, and abolished by BAPTA/AM and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor, PDTC. PGE2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 release by LPS alone were attenuated by Ro 31-8220, Go6976, PD 098059, SB 203580, and PDTC. Using L-NAME, soluble TNF-alpha receptor, IL-6 antibody, NS-398, and indomethacin, we performed experiments to understand the cross-regulation by the four mediators. The results revealed that TNF-alpha up-regulated NO, PGE2, and IL-6 synthesis; PGE2 up-regulated NO, but down-regulated TNF-alpha synthesis; and PGE2 and IL-6 mutually up-regulated reciprocally. Taken together, murine peritoneal macrophages required a sustained [Ca2+]i increase, which proceeds after TG, but not UTP, stimulation, to enhance LPS-mediated release of inflammatory mediators, particularly for NO induction. Activation of PKC-, ERK-, and p38 MAPK-dependent signaling also are essential for LPS action. The positive regulatory interactions among these mediators might amplify the inflammatory response caused by endotoxin.

Dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) is associated with alcoholism with conduct disorder

This study examined whether there is evidence for an association between alcoholism with conduct disorder and alleles of the TaqI A and TaqI B polymorphisms, both individually and as haplotypes, at the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2). We studied 182 Han Chinese subjects, including 34 alcoholics with conduct disorder, 63 alcoholics without conduct disorder, and 85 nonalcoholics. Alcohol dependence and conduct disorder were defined according to DSM-III-R criteria. Significant associations were observed between TaqI A and TaqI B at the DRD2 locus, tested individually and as haplotypes, and alcoholism with conduct disorder. Our results suggested that DRD2 might be associated with conduct disorder or a predisposition to both conduct disorder and alcoholism. However, this needs to be further investigated by examining the differences among conduct disorder with alcoholism, conduct disorder only, and controls for the TaqI A and B system at DRD2.

Basal cPLA(2) phosphorylation is sufficient for Ca(2+)-induced full activation of cPLA(2) in A549 epithelial cells

The release of [(3)H] arachidonic acid (AA) and its connection with the triggering of the MAP kinase cascade were studied in the human A549 epithelial cell line upon stimulation with thapsigargin. Thapsigargin can increase AA release along with the increase of intracellular calcium concentration, phosphorylation, and activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Both ERK and cPLA(2) phosphorylation in response to thapsigargin were inhibited by PD 98059, a specific inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase of the ERK group (MEK), and EGTA. cPLA(2) phosphorylation was not affected by Ro 31-8220 (an inhibitor of all PKC isoforms) or LY 379196 (a PKCbeta selective inhibitor), while both of them indeed attenuated ERK activation. On the other hand, rottlerin (the selective PKCdelta inhibitor), SB 203580 (the selective p38 MAPK inhibitor), and wortmannin (the PI 3-kinase inhibitor) can affect neither cPLA(2) nor ERK phosphorylation. In A549 cells, PKC activator PMA cannot increase either the basal or thapsigargin-induced (3)H-AA release, while it can induce the phosphorylation of ERK and cPLA(2.) The PMA-induced ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by Ro 31-8220, LY 379196, rottlerin, and PD 98059, but unaffected by SB 203580 and wortmannin. Moreover, the phosphorylation by PMA was non-additive with that of thapsigargin. This implies that intracellular Ca(2+) level is the key factor for induction of cPLA(2) activity and thapsigargin-elicited ERK activation itself is substantially sufficient for cPLA(2) activation upon intracellular Ca(2+) increase.

Cycloheximide-induced cPLA(2) activation is via the MKP-1 down-regulation and ERK activation

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent phosphorylation is an important regulator for cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). In this study, we found that the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide can potentiate thapsigargin-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release concomitant with ERK phosphorylation from murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cycloheximide effect is not due to the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) nor c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK), because the activator of both MAPKs anisomycin does not elicit AA release. Cycloheximide effect is additive to the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate since these two stimuli induced sustained ERK activation respectively through inhibition of the translation and activity of MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1).

Demonstration of testicular apoptosis in human male infertility states using a DNA laddering technique

DNA laddering, morphometric analysis, and in-situ end labelling of testis biopsy tissue obtained from azoospermic or severely oligozoospermic men revealed increased apoptosis frequency, implicating a possible role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of human male infertility.

Acrylamide-regulated neurofilament expression in rat pheochromocytoma cells

Using the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12), we present molecular evidence that the neurotoxicant acrylamide directly induces neurofilament gene expression, and the signaling pathways are initially distinctive from, but eventually merged into, that for nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurofilament expression. In PC12 cells, acrylamide increased neurofilament protein levels and synthesis. Acrylamide had no effect on the stability of neurofilament mRNAs suggesting that it directly increased neurofilament mRNA synthesis. K252a, a selective inhibitor for NGF receptor gp140trk, had no effect on acrylamide induction, but completely inhibited NGF-induced neurofilament protein synthesis. Therefore, the initial step for acrylamide signaling was distinctive from NGF. Dexamethasone reversed the effects of both NGF and acrylamide on neurofilament protein levels and synthesis indicated that there is a dexamethasone-sensitive signaling step upon which NGF and acrylamide merge, suggesting involvement of transcription-activating proteins like AP-1. These results, taken together with previous studies of transgenic mice that overexpress neurofilament genes, may partially explain the mechanisms of neurofilament accumulation in distal parts of large axons, a pathognomonic feature of acrylamide neurotoxicity in animals.

Roles of atypical protein kinase C in lysophosphatidic acid-induced type II adenylyl cyclase activation in RAW 264.7 macrophages

1 Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been widely studied as a naturally occurring and multifunctional phospholipid messenger in diverse tissue and cell types and shown to inhibit adenylyl cyclase (AC) by a G protein-mediated mechanism. 2 In type II AC-expressing mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages, we showed that LPA at 3-50 microM increased cyclic AMP formation in a concentration-dependent manner, the effect being additive with that of forskolin or cholera toxin, and synergistic with that of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or isoproterenol. 3 The potentiation effect of LPA was unaffected by the removal of serum or pertussis toxin treatment. 4 Both colchicine and cytochalasin B potentiated the cyclic AMP response to PGE1, the effect being additive to that of LPA. 5 On studying the regulation of type II AC by protein kinase C (PKC), phorbol 12-myristate-13 acetate (PMA) potentiated the PGE1-elicited cyclic AMP response, this effect being non-additive to that of LPA, suggesting that PKC activation was the common mechanism involved in AC potentiation by LPA and PMA. 6 PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220, but not Go 6976, significantly inhibited the LPA-induced cyclic AMP potentiation. 7 The potentiation effect of LPA was unaffected by long-term treatment with PMA, which resulted in the down-regulation of PKCalpha, betaI, betaII and PKCdelta, but not PKCepsilon, mu, lambda and zeta. 8 By in situ kinase assay, we found a marked increase in atypical PKC activity after LPA treatment. 9 Taken together, we conclude that LPA can elicit a unique signalling cascade in RAW 264.7 macrophages and increase type II AC activity via the activation of atypical PKC.

Potentiation of lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-6 release by uridine triphosphate in macrophages: cross-interaction with cyclooxygenase-2-dependent prostaglandin E(2) production

Our previous study has demonstrated the potentiation by uridine triphosphate (UTP) of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine J774 macrophages. In this study, we found that the amount of interleukin-6 (IL-6) release in response to LPS stimulation was greatly enhanced in the presence of UTP. This enhancement exhibited concentration dependence and occurred after 8 h of treatment with LPS. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the steady-state level of IL-6 mRNA induced by LPS was apparently increased upon co-addition of UTP. The potentiation by UTP was inhibited by the treatment with U73122 (a phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C inhibitor), BAPTA/AM (an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator), KN-93 (a selective inhibitor of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase) or PDTC (a nuclear factor kappaB inhibitor). To understand the cross-regulation among NO, PGE(2) and IL-6, all of which are dramatically induced after LPS stimulation, the effects of L-NAME (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), NS-398 (a cycloxygenase-2 inhibitor) and IL-6 antibody were tested. The results revealed the positive regulation between PGE(2) and IL-6 synthesis because NS-398 and indomethacin inhibited LPS plus UTP-induced IL-6 release, and IL-6 antibody attenuated LPS plus UTP-induced PGE(2) release. Taken together these results reinforce the role of UTP as a regulatory element in inflamed sites by demonstrating the capacity of this nucleotide to potentiate LPS-induced release of inflammatory mediators.