Thrombopoietin mimetic stimulates bone marrow vascular and stromal niches to mitigate acute radiation syndrome

BACKGROUND

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) manifests after exposure to high doses of radiation in the instances of radiologic accidents or incidents. Facilitating regeneration of the bone marrow (BM), namely the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), is key in mitigating ARS and multi-organ failure. JNJ-26366821, a PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic (TPOm) peptide, has been shown as an effective medical countermeasure (MCM) to treat hematopoietic-ARS (H-ARS) in mice. However, the activity of TPOm on regulating BM vascular and stromal niches to support HSPC regeneration has yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice (9-14 weeks old) received sublethal or lethal total body irradiation (TBI), a model for H-ARS, by 137Cs or X-rays. At 24 h post-irradiation, mice were subcutaneously injected with a single dose of TPOm (0.3 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) or PBS (vehicle). At homeostasis and on days 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, and 21 post-TBI with and without TPOm treatment, BM was harvested for histology, BM flow cytometry of HSPCs, endothelial (EC) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), and whole-mount confocal microscopy. For survival, irradiated mice were monitored and weighed for 30 days. Lastly, BM triple negative cells (TNC; CD45-, TER-119-, CD31-) were sorted for single-cell RNA-sequencing to examine transcriptomics after TBI with or without TPOm treatment.

RESULTS

At homeostasis, TPOm expanded the number of circulating platelets and HSPCs, ECs, and MSCs in the BM. Following sublethal TBI, TPOm improved BM architecture and promoted recovery of HSPCs, ECs, and MSCs. Furthermore, TPOm elevated VEGF-C levels in normal and irradiated mice. Following lethal irradiation, mice improved body weight recovery and 30-day survival when treated with TPOm after 137Cs and X-ray exposure. Additionally, TPOm reduced vascular dilation and permeability. Finally, single-cell RNA-seq analysis indicated that TPOm increased the expression of collagens in MSCs to enhance their interaction with other progenitors in BM and upregulated the regeneration pathway in MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

TPOm interacts with BM vascular and stromal niches to locally support hematopoietic reconstitution and systemically improve survival in mice after TBI. Therefore, this work warrants the development of TPOm as a potent radiation MCM for the treatment of ARS.

Thrombopoietin mimetic stimulates bone marrow vascular and stromal niches to mitigate acute radiation syndrome

Background

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) manifests after exposure to high doses of radiation in the instances of radiologic accidents or incidents. Facilitating the regeneration of the bone marrow (BM), namely the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), is a key in mitigating ARS and multi-organ failure. JNJ-26366821, a PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic (TPOm) peptide, has been shown as an effective medical countermeasure (MCM) to treat hematopoietic-ARS (H-ARS) in mice. However, the activity of TPOm on regulating BM vascular and stromal niches to support HSPC regeneration has not yet been elucidated.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice (9-14 weeks old) received sublethal or lethal total body irradiation (TBI), a model for H-ARS, by 137Cs or X-rays. At 24 hours post-irradiation, mice were subcutaneously injected with a single dose of TPOm (0.3 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) or PBS (vehicle). At homeostasis and on days 4, 7, 10, 14, 18, and 21 post-TBI with and without TPOm treatment, BM was harvested for histology, BM flow cytometry of HSPCs, endothelial (EC) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), and whole-mount confocal microscopy. For survival, irradiated mice were monitored and weighed for 30 days. Lastly, BM triple negative cells (TNC; CD45-, TER-119-, CD31-) were sorted for single-cell RNA-sequencing to examine transcriptomics after TBI with or without TPOm treatment.

Results

At homeostasis, TPOm expanded the number of circulating platelets and HSPCs, ECs, and MSCs in the BM. Following sublethal TBI, TPOm improved BM architecture and promoted recovery of HSPCs, ECs, and MSCs. Furthermore, TPOm elevated VEGF-C levels in normal and irradiated mice. Following lethal irradiation, mice improved body weight recovery and 30-day survival when treated with TPOm after 137Cs and X-ray exposure. Additionally, TPOm reduced vascular dilation and permeability. Finally, single-cell RNA-seq analysis indicated that TPOm increased the expression of collagens in MSCs to enhance their interaction with other progenitors in BM and upregulated the regeneration pathway in MSCs.

Conclusions

TPOm interacts with BM vascular and stromal niches to locally support hematopoietic reconstitution and systemically improve survival in mice after TBI. Therefore, this work warrants the development of TPOm as a potent radiation MCM for the treatment of ARS.

[Comparison of corneal power assessment methods after small incision lenticule extraction]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of different corneal curvature parameters in assessing the corneal refractive status and tracking corneal power changes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study tracked and recorded total corneal curvature parameters measured by different instruments before and three months after SMILE for myopia. These parameters, including total keratometry (TK) from the IOLMaster 700, total corneal refractive power (TCRP) from the Pentacam AXL, real keratometry (RK) from the CASIA 2, and corrected parameters calculated using the Haigis, Shammas, and Maloney methods, were compared with data obtained using the clinical history method (CHM). Surgically induced changes in TK, TCRP, and RK were analyzed and compared with those in spherical equivalent on the corneal plane (ΔSEco). Results: The study included 40 eyes (40 participants). After SMILE, the difference was smallest between TK [(0.08±0.38) D] and CHM values (P>0.05). However, TCRP, RK, K_Haigis, K_Shammas, and K_Maloney were significantly different from CHM data (P<0.05). The width of the 95% limits of agreement of TK (1.49 D) was narrowest, followed by that of RK (1.57 D). Pearson analysis showed that each parameter had a good correlation with CHM data. The differences between the changes in TK, TCRP and RK caused by surgery and ΔSEco were (0.03±0.39) D, (0.17±0.43) D, and (-0.19±0.46) D, respectively. The width of the 95% limits of agreement of ΔTK (1.54 D) was narrowest, and the correlation coefficient of ΔTK (0.951) was highest. Conclusion: The parameter TK of the IOLMaster 700 can provide accurate and objective corneal power evaluation after SMILE.

Transcriptomics, metabolomics, and in-silico drug predictions for liver damage in young and aged burn victims

Burn induces a systemic response affecting multiple organs, including the liver. Since the liver plays a critical role in metabolic, inflammatory, and immune events, a patient with impaired liver often exhibits poor outcomes. The mortality rate after burns in the elderly population is higher than in any other age group, and studies show that the liver of aged animals is more susceptible to injury after burns. Understanding the aged-specific liver response to burns is fundamental to improving health care. Furthermore, no liver-specific therapy exists to treat burn-induced liver damage highlighting a critical gap in burn injury therapeutics. In this study, we analyzed transcriptomics and metabolomics data from the liver of young and aged mice to identify mechanistic pathways and in-silico predict therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse burn-induced liver damage. Our study highlights pathway interactions and master regulators that underlie the differential liver response to burn injury in young and aged animals.

[Ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelial adenoma]

Objective: To investigate the ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. The clinical clata of 15 patients (15 eyes) with pathologically confirmed RPE adenoma after local resection of intraocular tumor was collected at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2013 to October 2019. The general conditions of the patients and the location, size, shape, internal echo features of the lesions in the ocular ultrasound sonogram were analyzed, and the blood flow in the lesions was checked by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). Results: Of all the patients included in the study, 7 were male and 8 were female. Their age ranged from 25 to 58 years, with a mean age of (45.7±10.2) years. The most common symptom was vision loss or blurred vision (11 cases). Other symptoms included dark shadows or obscuration in front of the eyes (3 cases) and no symptoms (1 case). A history of previous ocular trauma was present in one case, and the rest of the patients had no history of ocular trauma.The location of tumor growth is scattered. The ultrasonographic features were as follows: the average maximum basal diameter was (8.07±2.75) mm and the average height was (4.02±1.81) mm; the ultrasonographic features mostly demonstrated abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo (6 cases); the lesion edge was not smooth, the internal echo was medium or low, and there could be hollow features (2 cases), with no choroidal depression; and the blood flow signal could be seen in the CDFI lesion, which could lead to retinal detachment and vitreous opacification. Conclusion: The ultrasound imaging features of RPE adenomas mostly demonstrate abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo, unsmooth lesion edge, with no choroidal depression, which may provide valuable evidence for clinical diagnosis and differentiation.

[A family study of the compound heterozygous mutation of the UGT1A1 gene causing Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II]

Objective: To investigate the family gene features in Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) type II. Methods: The UGT1A1 gene and related bilirubin metabolism genes were comprehensively analysed in a CNS-II family (3 CNS-II, 1 Gilbert syndrome, and 8 normal subjects). The genetics basis of CNS-II were investigated from the perspective of family analysis. Results: In three cases, compound heterozygous mutations at three sites of the UGT1A1 gene (c.-3279T > G, c.211G > A and c.1456T > G) caused CNS-II. Gilbert syndrome and CNS-II were not significantly associated with distribution or diversity loci. Conclusion: The compound heterozygous pathogenic mutations (c.-3279T > G, c.211G > A, and c.1456T > G) at three loci of the UGT1A1 gene may be the feature of the newly discovered CNS-II family genes based on the CNS-II family study.

Orthovoltage X-Rays Exhibit Increased Efficacy Compared with γ-Rays in Preclinical Irradiation

Radionuclide irradiators (137Cs and 60Co) are commonly used in preclinical studies ranging from cancer therapy to stem cell biology. Amidst concerns of radiological terrorism, there are institutional initiatives to replace radionuclide sources with lower energy X-ray sources. As researchers transition, questions remain regarding whether the biological effects of γ-rays may be recapitulated with orthovoltage X-rays because different energies may induce divergent biological effects. We therefore sought to compare the effects of orthovoltage X-rays with 1-mm Cu or Thoraeus filtration and 137Cs γ-rays using mouse models of acute radiation syndrome. Following whole-body irradiation, 30-day overall survival was assessed, and the lethal dose to provoke 50% mortality within 30-days (LD50) was calculated by logistic regression. LD50 doses were 6.7 Gy, 7.4 Gy, and 8.1 Gy with 1-mm Cu-filtered X-rays, Thoraeus-filtered X-rays, and 137Cs γ-rays, respectively. Comparison of bone marrow, spleen, and intestinal tissue from mice irradiated with equivalent doses indicated that injury was most severe with 1-mm Cu-filtered X-rays, which resulted in the greatest reduction in bone marrow cellularity, hematopoietic stem and progenitor populations, intestinal crypts, and OLFM4+ intestinal stem cells. Thoraeus-filtered X-rays provoked an intermediate phenotype, with 137Cs showing the least damage. This study reveals a dichotomy between physical dose and biological effect as researchers transition to orthovoltage X-rays. With decreasing energy, there is increasing hematopoietic and intestinal injury, necessitating dose reduction to achieve comparable biological effects.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the significance of physical dose delivered using energetically different methods of radiation treatment will aid the transition from radionuclide γ-irradiators to orthovoltage X-irradiators.

CBF oscillations induced by trigeminal nerve stimulation protect the pericontusional penumbra in traumatic brain injury complicated by hemorrhagic shock

Traumatic peri-contusional penumbra represents crucial targets for therapeutic interventions after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current resuscitative approaches may not adequately alleviate impaired cerebral microcirculation and, hence, compromise oxygen delivery to peri-contusional areas. Low-frequency oscillations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) may improve cerebral oxygenation in the setting of oxygen deprivation. However, no method has been reported to induce controllable oscillations in CBF and it hasn't been applied as a therapeutic strategy. Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (TNS) plays a pivotal role in modulating cerebrovascular tone and cerebral perfusion. We hypothesized that TNS can modulate CBF at the targeted frequency band via the trigemino-cerebrovascular network, and TNS-induced CBF oscillations would improve cerebral oxygenation in peri-contusional areas. In a rat model of TBI complicated by hemorrhagic shock, TNS-induced CBF oscillations conferred significant preservation of peri-contusional tissues leading to reduced lesion volume, attenuated hypoxic injury and neuroinflammation, increased eNOS expression, improved neurological recovery and better 10-day survival rate, despite not significantly increasing CBF as compared with those in immediate and delayed resuscitation animals. Our findings indicate that low-frequency CBF oscillations enhance cerebral oxygenation in peri-contusional areas, and play a more significant protective role than improvements in non-oscillatory cerebral perfusion or volume expansion alone.

Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Radiation Injuries

Normal tissue injury from accidental or therapeutic exposure to high-dose radiation can cause severe acute and delayed toxicities, which result in mortality and chronic morbidity. Exposure to single high-dose radiation leads to a multi-organ failure, known as acute radiation syndrome, which is caused by radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage to tissue stem cells. The radiation exposure results in acute cell loss, cell cycle arrest, senescence, and early damage to bone marrow and intestine with high mortality from sepsis. There is an urgent need for developing medical countermeasures against radiation injury for normal tissue toxicity. In this review, we discuss the potential of applying secretory extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages for promoting repair and regeneration of organs after radiation injury.

Comparison of overfeeding effects on gut physiology and microbiota in two goose breeds

To have a better understanding of how the “gut–liver axis” mediates the lipid deposition in the liver, a comparison of overfeeding influence on intestine physiology and microbiota between Gang Goose and Tianfu Meat Goose was performed in this study. After force-feeding, compared with Gang Goose, Tianfu Meat Goose had better fat storage capacity in liver (397.94 vs. 166.54 for foie gras weight (g), P < 0.05; 6.37 vs. 2.92% for the ratio of liver to body, P < 0.05; 60.01 vs. 46.64% for fat content, P < 0.05) and the less subcutaneous adipose tissue weight (1240.96 g vs. 1440.46 g, P < 0.05). After force-feeding, the digestion–absorption capacity of Tianfu Meat Goose was higher than that of Gang Goose (5.56 vs. 3.64 and 4.63 vs. 3.68 for the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05; 1394.96 vs. 782.59 and 1314.76 vs. 766.17 for the invertase activity (U/mg-prot), in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05; 6038.36 vs. 3088.29 and 4645.29 vs. 3927.61 for the activity of maltase (U/mg-prot), in duodenum and ileum, respectively, P < 0.05). Force-feeding decreased the gene expression of Escherichia coli in the ileum of Tianfu Meat Goose; force-feeding increased the number of gut microbiota Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction band in Tianfu Meat Goose and decreased the number in Gang Goose. In conclusion, compared with Gang Goose, the lipid deposition in the liver and the intestine digestion–absorption capacity and stability were higher in Tianfu Meat Goose. Thereby, Tianfu Meat Goose is the better breed for foie gras production for prolonged force-feeding; Gang Goose possesses better fat storage capacity in subcutaneous adipose tissue. However, Gang Goose has lower gut stability responding to force-feeding, so Gang Goose is suited to force-feeding in a short time to gain the body weight and subcutaneous fat as an overfed duck for roast duck.

Biotransformation of insecticide flonicamid by Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 via nitrile hydratase catalysed hydration pathway

AIMS

This study evaluates flonicamid biotransformation ability of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 and the enzyme catalytic mechanism involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Flonicamid transformed by resting cells of Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was carried out. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 converts flonicamid into N-(4-trifluoromethylnicotinoyl) glycinamide (TFNG-AM). Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms 31·1% of the flonicamid in a 200 mg l^-1 conversion solution in 96 h. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 was inoculated in soil, and 72·1% of flonicamid with a concentration of 0·21 μmol g^-1 was transformed in 9 days. The recombinant Escherichia coli expressing Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 nitrile hydratase (NHase) and purified NHase were tested for the flonicamid transformation ability, both of them acquired the ability to transform flonicamid into TFNG-AM.

CONCLUSIONS

Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 transforms flonicamid into TFNG-AM via hydration pathway mediated by cobalt-containing NHase.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report that bacteria of genus Aminobacter has flonicamid-transforming ability. This study enhances our understanding of flonicamid-degrading mechanism. Aminobacter sp. CGMCC 1.17253 has the potential for bioremediation of flonicamid pollution.

Hepatic inflammation after burn injury is associated with necroptotic cell death signaling

BACKGROUND

Burn injury still has a high attributable mortality. The elevated mortality rate of severe burns is still concerning. Hepatic inflammation and injury are common after burns and are associated with poor outcomes. Necroptosis is a programmed cell death linked with inflammation. Thus, assessing necroptotic pathways in the liver can lead to new therapeutic modalities to improve mortality after severe burns.

METHODS

Mice underwent 15% total body surface area burn or sham injury. Three hours after burn, the mice were euthanized to collect blood and livers. Histology, injury markers, genes expression, and tissue protein levels were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared with sham, burned mice had heightened liver inflammatory cell infiltration and edema. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were increased by 4.9- and 3.4-fold, respectively, in burned mice relative to sham (p < 0.05). Expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and CXCL1 (KC) genes were elevated in livers of burned mice by 10-, 86-, 10-, and 828-fold, respectively, compared with sham (p < 0.05). Expression of necroptotic genes, namely, receptor-interacting protein kinases 1 and 3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like in livers of burned mice were increased by 10-, 13-, and 4.5-fold, respectively, relative to sham (p < 0.05). Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein levels measured by Western-blot in livers after burn injury were elevated by 22- and 17-fold, respectively, compared with sham (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Liver damage occurs early after burns in mice and is associated with elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and proteins involved in the necroptotic pathway. This study suggests that necroptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver failure secondary to burn injury.

[The value of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma]

Objective: To explore the role of the scoring and strain ratio methods of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal melanoma treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from July to October 2016 were included in this study. There were 13 males and 12 females, with an average age of (48±12) years old. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal hemangioma treated in the same period were selected for differential diagnosis, including 12 males and 13 females, with an average age of (37±13) years. The lesions were examined by ultrasound elastography and scored, and the strain ratio of the tumor to the orbital tissue was measured. Two independent sample t test was used to compare the difference in the elasticity score and strain ratio between choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to analyze the value of the two methods in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Results: The elastography score of choroidal melanoma was (3.48±0.77) points, including 2 points in 3 cases, 3 points in 8 cases, 4 points in 13 cases, and 5 points in 1 case. The elastography score of hemangioma was (2.28±0.46) points, including 2 points in 18 cases and 3 points in 7 cases. The difference in the elasticity score between patients with the two kinds of tumors was statistically significant (t=6.694, P<0.01). The strain ratio was 42.97±15.83 and 12.21±9.24 in the patients with choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=8.392, P<0.01). Using 3 points as the diagnostic critical point of the elastography score, the sensitivity was 88.0%, the specificity was 72.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.80 (95% cofidence interval: 0.663 to 0.900, P<0.01). Using 21.67 as the diagnostic critical point of the strain ratio, the sensitivity was 92.0%, the specificity was 92.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% cofidence interval: 0.808 to 0.978, P<0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography plays a role in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The differential diagnostic value of the strain ratio method is higher than the scoring method. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 676-680).

Experimental investigation of joint measurement uncertainty relations for three incompatible observables at a single-spin level

In the light of the Busch, Lathi and Werner proposal, we explore, for the first time, the joint measurements and confirmation of uncertainty relations for three incompatible observables that reflect the original spirit proposed by Heisenberg in 1927. We first develop the error trade-off relations theoretically and then demonstrate the first experimental witness of joint measurements using a single ultracold ⁴⁰Ca⁺ ion trapped in a harmonic potential. In addition, we report, that in contrast to the case of two observables, scarifying accuracy of any one of the three observables the rest of two can be measured with ultimate accuracy.

The thrombopoietin mimetic JNJ-26366821 increases megakaryopoiesis without affecting malignant myeloid proliferation

Thrombocytopenia remains a challenge in myeloid malignancies, needing safer and more effective therapies. JNJ-26366821, a pegylated synthetic peptide thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic not homologous to endogenous TPO, has an in-vitro EC50 of 0.2 ng/mL for the TPO receptor and dose dependently elevates platelets in volunteers. We demonstrate that JNJ-26366821 increases megakaryocytic differentiation and megakaryocytic colony formation in healthy controls and samples from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). JNJ-26366821 had no effect on proliferation of malignant myeloid cell lines at doses up to 1000 ng/mL and malignant patient-derived mononuclear cells showed no increased cell growth or leukemic colony formation capacity at concentrations between 0.2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL. Furthermore, JNJ-26366821 did not enhance in-vivo engraftment of leukemic cells in an AML xenotransplantation murine model. Our results show that JNJ-26366821 stimulates megakaryopoiesis without causing proliferation of the malignant myeloid clones in MDS/AML and provides the rationale for clinical testing of JNJ-26366821 in myeloid malignancies.

Deoxyribonuclease Reduces Tissue Injury and Improves Survival After Hemorrhagic Shock

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) caused by rapid loss of a large amount of blood is the leading cause of early death after severe injury. When cells are damaged during HS, many intracellular components including DNA are released into the circulation and function as endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that can trigger excessive inflammatory response and subsequently multiple organ dysfunction. We hypothesized that the administration of deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) could reduce cell-free DNA and attenuate tissue damage in HS.

METHODS

Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice underwent HS by controlled bleeding from the femoral artery for 90 min, followed by resuscitation with Ringer's lactate solution (vehicle) or DNase I (10 mg/kg BW).

RESULTS

At 20 h after HS, serum levels of cell-free DNA were increased by 7.6-fold in the vehicle-treated HS mice compared with sham, while DNase I reduced its levels by 47% compared with the vehicle group. Serum levels of tissue injury markers (lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) and proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 were significantly reduced in the DNase I-treated mice. In the lungs, messenger RNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 and interleukin 1 β), chemoattractant macrophage inflammatory protein - 2, and myeloperoxidase activity were significantly decreased in HS mice after DNase I. Finally, DNase I significantly improved the 10-day survival rate in HS mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of DNase I attenuates tissue damage and systemic and lung inflammation, leading to improvement of survival in HS mice. Thus, DNase I may potentially serve as an adjunct therapy for managing patients with HS.

[Comparison of biometry with the Pentacam AXL, IOLMaster 700 and IOLMaster 500 in cataract patients]

Objective: To compare biometry with new biometers of Pentacam AXL and IOLMaster 700 and the widely used biometer of IOLMaster 500 in cataract patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 223 eyes of 147 cataract patients from Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University during 4-8 December 2017 were recruited. There were 67 males and 80 females with an age of (64±11) years.The axial length (AL), mean keratometry (Km), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and white-to-white corneal diameter (WTW) from each device were recorded. The difference and agreement between the measurements were evaluated by ANOVA, LSD test, intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The success rate of AL measurement was 85.2% (190/223) with the Pentacam AXL, 96.9% (216/223) with the IOLMaster 700 and 90.6% (202/223) with the IOLMaster 500. There was no difference among devices in measuring the AL, Km and ACD (all P>0.05). Significant difference was found in WTW [(11.36±0.42) vs. (11.69±0.45) vs. (11.45±0.42) mm; F=34.696, P=0.000]. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.859-1.000, and Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement among three devices. Conclusions: The new biometers of Pentacam AXL and IOLMaster 700 and the widely used IOLMaster 500 show no difference in measuring AL, Km and ACD. All three devices show good agreement in biometry of cataract patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 515-521).

[Comparative analysis on the significances of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in uveal melanoma diagnosis]

Objective: To compare the significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Sixty-three cases (63 eyes) of uveal melanoma patients (confirmed by histopathology) who underwent CEUS and DCE-MRI examination at Beijing Tongren Hospital during January 2010 and May 2014 were collected, including 30 males and 33 females, with average age of 47 years (ranged from 27 to 69 years). The data and images of CEUS and DCE-MRI were analyzed and the findings were reviewed and compared to pathology results so as to evaluate the diagnosis coincidence rate of using CEUS, DCE-MRI and both (combined CEUS and DCE-MRI). Fisher's exact test method was used to explore the efficiency of diagnosing uveal melanoma with CEUS, DCE-MRI and the two combined. Results: Among the 63 cases of uveal melanoma, the coincidence rates of CEUS, DCE-MRI and combined diagnosis for uveal melanoma were 93.7% (59/63), 90.5% (57/63) and 100% (63/63) respectively. There was no significant difference between CEUS and DCE-MRI (P=0.663). Fifty-five cases showed fast wash in and fast wash out, and 8 cases showed fast wash in and slow wash out in time-intensity curve of CEUS. Fifty-four cases showed rapid increase and rapid decrease, and 7 cases showed rapid increase and slow decrease, and 2 cases showed sustain enhancement in signal intensity-time curve of DCE-MRI. Conclusions: CEUS is an effective method in diagnosis of uveal melanoma. CEUS and DCE-MRI are of similar value in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma, physicians may be able to acquire more diagnostic information when using the two methods in combination.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 194-198).

Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation: A Novel Method of Resuscitation for Hemorrhagic Shock

OBJECTIVES

To determine if trigeminal nerve stimulation can ameliorate the consequences of acute blood loss and improve survival after severe hemorrhagic shock.

DESIGN

Animal study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats.

INTERVENTIONS

Severe hemorrhagic shock was induced in rats by withdrawing blood until the mean arterial blood pressure reached 27 ± 1 mm Hg for the first 5 minutes and then maintained at 27 ± 2 mm Hg for 30 minutes. The rats were randomly assigned to either control, vehicle, or trigeminal nerve stimulation treatment groups. The effects of trigeminal nerve stimulation on survival rate, autonomic nervous system activity, hemodynamics, brain perfusion, catecholamine release, and systemic inflammation after severe hemorrhagic shock in the absence of fluid resuscitation were analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Trigeminal nerve stimulation significantly increased the short-term survival of rats following severe hemorrhagic shock in the absence of fluid resuscitation. The survival rate at 60 minutes was 90% in trigeminal nerve stimulation treatment group whereas 0% in control group (p < 0.001). Trigeminal nerve stimulation elicited strong synergistic coactivation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system as measured by heart rate variability. Without volume expansion with fluid resuscitation, trigeminal nerve stimulation significantly attenuated sympathetic hyperactivity paralleled by increase in parasympathetic tone, delayed hemodynamic decompensation, and improved brain perfusion following severe hemorrhagic shock. Furthermore, trigeminal nerve stimulation generated sympathetically mediated low-frequency oscillatory patterns of systemic blood pressure associated with an increased tolerance to central hypovolemia and increased levels of circulating norepinephrine levels. Trigeminal nerve stimulation also decreased systemic inflammation compared with the vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

Trigeminal nerve stimulation was explored as a novel resuscitation strategy in an animal model of hemorrhagic shock. The results of this study showed that the stimulation of trigeminal nerve modulates both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity to activate an endogenous pressor response, improve cerebral perfusion, and decrease inflammation, thereby improving survival.

[Improvement and effect analysis of a new neuroendoscopic trans-nasal-sphenoidal pituitary tumor resection approach]

Objective: To modify the individual neuroendoscopic surgical approach of pituitary tumors with specific imaging features, and to analyze the clinical outcomes. Methods: The clinical data of 116 patients with pituitary tumors who underwent surgical treatment at the pituitary tumor diagnosis and treatment center of Ruijin Hospital from April 2014 to December 2017 were collected, then the resection effects and complication rates of pituitary tumors from three different kinds of transsphenoidal approaches (e.g. classical single nostril approach, bilateral approach, "one-and-a-half" approach) were compared. Results: Pituitary tumor resection with "one-and-a-half" trans-nasal-sphenoidal approach achieved the same surgical effects with the bilateral approach, which was difficult to resect with the single-nostril classical approach. And it had significant advantages in the average length of postoperative hospitalization ( "one-and-a-half" : 6.9 days, bilateral: 12.5 days, P<0.01), the average postoperation VAS of olfactory retention ( "one-and-a-half" : 8.6, bilateral: 7.0, P<0.01) and preventing posterior nasal septum perforation (the occurrence rate of "one-and-a-half" : 0%, bilateral: 27%). Conclusion: The "one and a half" approach increases the ability to control and completely resect the lesion beyond the medial edge of the internal carotid artery on the same side of the nostril involving endoscope. It is a good supplement and improvement to the bilateral approach.

[Study on airway inflammation in patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron]

Objective: To study the airway inflammation feature difference in the patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron. Methods: Induced sputum samples were obtained from 20 healthy men, 20 patients with stable asthma, 25 patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron. Differential cell counts in induced sputum were examined. The levels of supernatant IL-8 were measured by ELISA. Results: The pulmonary function result was normal in the patients with pulmonary thesaurosis., their FVC (4.1±1.2) L was similar to FVC (4.3±0.9) L in mal group; but their FEV(1.0) (2.9±0.9) L、FEV(1)/FVC (71.9%±5.4%) were lower than normal group's FEV(1.0) (3.2±0.7 L) 、FEV(1.0)/FVC (79.2%±9.9%) , and were hirher than asthma group's FEV(1) (2.5±0.8) L and FEV(1.0)/FVC (68.7%±6.1%) . In induced sputum, macrophages percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis (54.3%±9.7%) was higher than asthma group and normal group (48.4±6.4, 51.9±7.3, P<0.05) , neutrophils percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (43.9%±7.6%) was higher than asthma group and normal group (41.3%±7.1%, 39.8%±6.9%, P<0.05) , eosinophils percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (0.3%±0.1%) was lower than asthma group (2.8±0.3, P<0.05) , lymphocytes percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (2.0%±0.4%) was lower than asthma group (4.7±0.6, P<0.05) ; the sputum levels of IL-8 in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (914.7±24.3) pg/ml was higher than asthma group and normal group (747.9%±16.8 pg/ml, (405.4±13.7) pg/ml, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Macrophages and IL-8 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation after long-term inhalation of iron and its compounds, the airway function in patients of occupational pulmonary thesaurosis was found damaged.

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein-derived peptide C23 attenuates inflammation and tissue injury in a murine model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein is a novel damage-associated molecular pattern that causes inflammation. C23, a short peptide derived from cold-inducible RNA-binding protein, has been found to have efficacy in blocking cold-inducible RNA-binding protein's activity. We hypothesized that C23 reduces inflammation and tissue injury induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 60 minutes of intestinal ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery. Immediately after reperfusion, either normal saline (vehicle) or C23 peptide (8 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally. Four hours after reperfusion, blood, intestinal, and lung tissues were collected for analysis of inflammatory and tissue injury parameters.

RESULTS

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein levels in the intestinal tissues were significantly increased following intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Histologic examination of the intestine revealed a significant reduction in injury score in the C23 group by 48% as compared with the vehicles after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. The serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were increased in animals that underwent vehicle-treated intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, whereas C23-treated animals exhibited significant reductions by 48% and 53%, respectively. The serum and intestinal tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor α were elevated in vehicle-treated intestinal ischemia-reperfusion mice but decreased by 72% and 69%, respectively, in C23-treated mice. Interleukin-6 mRNA levels in the lungs were reduced by 86% in the C23-treated group in comparison to the vehicle-treated group after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion. Expression of macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and level of myeloperoxidase activity in the lungs were dramatically increased after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion and significantly reduced by 91% and 25%, respectively, in the C23-treated group.

CONCLUSION

C23 has potential to be developed into a possible therapy for reperfusion injury after mesenteric ischemia and reperfusion.

[Comparison of swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in measurement of anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients]

Objective: To explore the difference and agreement in the measurement of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients between swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods: A prospective study. Forty-five eyes from 45 age-related cataract patients were selected at Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from November to December 2016. There were 23 males and 22 females aged (51±19) years. SS-AS-OCT and UBM were used to measure the ACD, angle opening distance (AOD 500) and trabecular-iris angle (TIA 500). The paired samples t-test and Pearson linear correlation were used for statistical analysis, and the Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the measurement consistency of the two tools. Results: The ACD measured by SS-AS-OCT and UBM was (2.750±0.544) mm and (2.775±0.531) mm, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=2.109, P=0.040), and the measurement results were positively correlated (r=0.989, P<0.001). In the nasal, temporal, upper and lower positions, the AOD 500 and TIA 500 values measured by SS-AS-OCT and UBM had a significant difference [AOD 500: (0.451±0.201) mm vs.(0.421±0.194) mm, (0.499±0.229) mm vs. (0.465±0.207) mm, (0.390±0.215) mm vs. (0.355±0.208) mm, (0.441±0.226) mm vs. (0.423±0.215) mm, t=4.262, 4.350, 5.355, 4.415; TIA 500: 39.587°±14.698°vs. 36.944°±13.790°, 42.149°±14.138°vs. 40.289°±13.041°, 36.482°±15.887°vs. 35.600°±15.215°, 38.504°±14.805°vs. 36.818°±14.931°, t=5.131, 4.658, 4.174, 5.731; all P<0.001] and a significant linear correlation (AOD 500: r=0.971, 0.975, 0.979, 0.973; TIA 500: r=0.972, 0.957, 0.956, 0.970; all P<0.001). The Bland-Altman method showed that the two modalities had comparable results for the ACD, AOD 500 and TIA 500 (2.22%-6.67% of the measured value outside the 95% consistency boundaries). Conclusion: SS-OCT and UBM show a good agreement in the measurement of ACD and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients, though there is difference between them in measurement results. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 678-682).

Inhibition of ubiquitin-activating enzyme protects against organ injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) occurs in various clinical settings, such as transplantation, acute mesenteric arterial occlusion, trauma, and shock. I/R injury causes severe systemic inflammation, leading to multiple organ dysfunction associated with high mortality. The ubiquitin proteasome pathway has been indicated in the regulation of inflammation, particularly through the NF-κB signaling pathway. PYR-41 is a small molecular compound that selectively inhibits ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1. A mouse model of intestinal I/R injury by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min was performed to evaluate the effect of PYR-41 treatment on organ injury and inflammation. PYR-41 was administered intravenously at the beginning of reperfusion. Blood and organ tissues were harvested at 4 h after reperfusion. PYR-41 treatment improved the morphological structure of gut and lung after I/R, as judged by hematoxylin and eosin staining. It also reduced the number of apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling-positive cells and caspase-3 activity in the organs. PYR-41 treatment decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β as well as chemokines keratinocyte chemoattractant and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 in the gut and lung, which leads to inhibition of neutrophils infiltrating into these organs. The serum levels of IL-6, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were reduced by the treatment. The IκB degradation in the gut increased after I/R was inhibited by PYR-41 treatment. Thus, ubiquitination may be a potential therapeutic target for treating patients suffering from intestinal I/R. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Excessive inflammation contributes to organ injury from intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in many clinical conditions. NF-κB signaling is very important in regulating inflammatory response. In an experimental model of gut I/R injury, we demonstrate that administration of a pharmacological inhibitor of ubiquitination process attenuates NF-κB activation, leading to reduction of inflammation, tissue damage, and apoptosis in the gut and lungs. Therefore, ubiquitination process may serve as a therapeutic target for treating patients with intestinal I/R injury.

Single-Atom Demonstration of the Quantum Landauer Principle

One of the outstanding challenges to information processing is the eloquent suppression of energy consumption in the execution of logic operations. The Landauer principle sets an energy constraint in deletion of a classical bit of information. Although some attempts have been made to experimentally approach the fundamental limit restricted by this principle, exploring the Landauer principle in a purely quantum mechanical fashion is still an open question. Employing a trapped ultracold ion, we experimentally demonstrate a quantum version of the Landauer principle, i.e., an equality associated with the energy cost of information erasure in conjunction with the entropy change of the associated quantized environment. Our experimental investigation substantiates an intimate link between information thermodynamics and quantum candidate systems for information processing.

Inhibition of necroptosis attenuates lung injury and improves survival in neonatal sepsis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal sepsis represents a unique therapeutic challenge owing to an immature immune system. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that has been identified as an important mechanism of inflammation-induced cell death. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 plays a key role in mediating this process. We hypothesized that pharmacologic blockade of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 activity would be protective in neonatal sepsis.

METHODS

Sepsis was induced in C57BL/6 mouse pups (5-7 days old) by intraperitoneal injection of adult cecal slurry. At 1 hour after cecal slurry injection, the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 inhibitor necrostatin-1 (10 µg/g body weight) or vehicle (5% dimethyl sulfoxide in phosphate buffered saline) was administered via retro-orbital injection. At 20 hours after cecal slurry injection, blood and lung tissues were collected for various analyses.

RESULTS

At 20 hours after sepsis induction, vehicle-treated pups showed a marked increase in serum levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 1-beta, and interleukin 18 compared to sham. With necrostatin-1 treatment, serum levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 1-beta, and interleukin 18 were decreased by 77%, 81%, and 63%, respectively, compared to vehicle. In the lungs, sepsis induction resulted in a 232-, 10-, and 2.8-fold increase in interleukin 6, interleukin 1-beta, and interleukin 18 mRNA levels compared to sham, while necrostatin-1 treatment decreased these levels to 40-, 4-, and 0.8-fold, respectively. Expressions of the neutrophil chemokines keratinocyte chemoattractant and macrophage-inflammatory-protein-2 were also increased in the lungs in sepsis, while necrostatin-1 treatment decreased these levels by 81% and 61%, respectively, compared to vehicle. In addition, necrostatin-1 treatment significantly improved the lung histologic injury score and decreased lung apoptosis in septic pups. Finally, treatment with necrostatin-1 increased the 7-day survival rate from 0% in the vehicle-treated septic pups to 29% (P = .11).

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 by necrostatin-1 decreases systemic and pulmonary inflammation, decreases lung injury, and increases survival in neonatal mice with sepsis. Targeting the necroptosis pathway might represent a new therapeutic strategy for neonatal sepsis.

Activation of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Redirects the Inflammatory Response in Neonatal Sepsis

Sepsis is the third leading cause of death in the neonatal population, due to susceptibility to infection conferred by immaturity of both the innate and adaptive components of the immune system. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are specialized adaptive immune cells that possess important innate-like characteristics and have not yet been well-studied in septic neonates. We hypothesized that iNKT cells would play an important role in mediating the neonatal immune response to sepsis. To study this, we subjected 5- to 7-day-old neonatal C57BL/6 mice to sepsis by intraperitoneal (i.p.) cecal slurry (CS) injection. Thirty hours prior to or immediately following sepsis induction, pups received i.p. injection of the iNKT stimulator KRN7000 (KRN, 0.2 µg/g) or vehicle. Ten hours after CS injection, blood and tissues were collected for various analyses. Thirty-hour pretreatment with KRN resulted in better outcomes in inflammation, lung injury, and survival, while immediate treatment with KRN resulted in worse outcomes compared to vehicle treatment. We further analyzed the activation status of neonatal iNKT cells for 30 h after KRN administration, and showed a peak in frequency of CD69 expression on iNKT cells and serum IFN-γ levels at 5 and 10 h, respectively. We then used CD1d knockout neonatal mice to demonstrate that KRN acts through the major histocompatibility complex-like molecule CD1d to improve outcomes in neonatal sepsis. Finally, we identified that KRN pretreatment exerts its protective effect by increasing systemic levels of TGF-β1. These findings support the importance of iNKT cells for prophylactic immunomodulation in neonates susceptible to sepsis.

A cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP)-derived peptide attenuates inflammation and organ injury in septic mice

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) is a novel sepsis inflammatory mediator and C23 is a putative CIRP competitive inhibitor. Therefore, we hypothesized that C23 can ameliorate sepsis-associated injury to the lungs and kidneys. First, we confirmed that C23 dose-dependently inhibited TNF-α release, IκBα degradation, and NF-κB nuclear translocation in macrophages stimulated with CIRP. Next, we observed that male C57BL/6 mice treated with C23 (8 mg/kg BW) at 2 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) had lower serum levels of LDH, ALT, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β (reduced by ≥39%) at 20 h after CLP compared with mice treated with vehicle. C23-treated mice also had improved lung histology, less TUNEL-positive cells, lower serum levels of creatinine (34%) and BUN (26%), and lower kidney expression of NGAL (50%) and KIM-1 (86%). C23-treated mice also had reduced lung and kidney levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. E-selectin and ICAM-1 mRNA was significantly lower in C23-treated mice. The 10-day survival after CLP of vehicle-treated mice was 55%, while that of C23-treated mice was 85%. In summary, C23 decreased systemic, lung, and kidney injury and inflammation, and improved the survival rate after CLP, suggesting that it may be developed as a new treatment for sepsis.

Experimental Verification of a Jarzynski-Related Information-Theoretic Equality by a Single Trapped Ion

Most nonequilibrium processes in thermodynamics are quantified only by inequalities; however, the Jarzynski relation presents a remarkably simple and general equality relating nonequilibrium quantities with the equilibrium free energy, and this equality holds in both the classical and quantum regimes. We report a single-spin test and confirmation of the Jarzynski relation in the quantum regime using a single ultracold ^{40}Ca^{+} ion trapped in a harmonic potential, based on a general information-theoretic equality for a temporal evolution of the system sandwiched between two projective measurements. By considering both initially pure and mixed states, respectively, we verify, in an exact and fundamental fashion, the nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics relevant to the mutual information and Jarzynski equality.

[Ultrasonic diagnosis of retinal detachment in eyes with silicone oil tamponade]

Objective: To examine the features and values of ultrasonic diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with silicone oil tamponade (SOT). Methods: A prospective study. A total of 257 eyes (257 patients) were filled with silicone oil between December 1, 2015 and August 1, 2016 in the Department of Ophthalmology at a hospital in Beijing. All of the patients underwent a color Doppler ultrasound examination in the supine and sitting positions a week prior to surgery. The pre-surgery conditions were compared with the subsequent observations during the surgery to analyze the features and values of ultrasonic diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT. Results: Ultrasound manifestations of eyes with SOT included pseudo extension of the ocular axis and an arc-shaped echo between the eye wall and silicone oil. Diagnostic accuracy was 85.6% in the supine position and 93.8% in the sitting position. Conclusion: Ultrasound diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT manifests itself in certain patterns. Compared with the traditional ultrasound examination in the supine position, the sitting position examination can be used to further increase the diagnostic accuracy in the ultrasound diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT, providing reliable evidence for clinical and differential diagnosis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 842-846).

Deficiency in milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 exacerbates organ injury and mortality in neonatal sepsis

INTRODUCTION

Neonatal sepsis is a systemic inflammation occurring in neonates because of a proven infection within the first 28days of birth. It is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborns. The mechanism(s) underlying the systemic inflammation in neonatal sepsis has not been completely understood. We hypothesize that the deficiency of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8), a protein commonly found in human milk, could be responsible for the increased inflammatory response leading to morbidity and mortality in neonatal sepsis.

METHODS

Male and female newborn mice aged 5-7days were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9mg/g body weight cecal slurry (CS). At 10h after CS injection, they were euthanized, and blood, lungs and gut tissues were obtained for further analyses. Control newborn mice underwent similar procedures with the exception of the CS injection. In duplicate newborn mice after CS injection, they were returned to their respective cages with their mothers and were closely monitored for 7days and survival rate recorded.

RESULTS

At 10h after CS injection, serum LDH in the MFG-E8 knockout (KO) newborn mice was significantly increased by 58% and serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the MFG-E8KO newborn mice were also significantly increased by 56%, 65%, and 105%, respectively, from wild type (WT) newborn mice. There were no significant difference between WT control and MFG-E8 control newborn mice. The lung architecture was severely damaged and a significant 162% increase in injury score was observed in the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice. The MPO, TUNEL staining, and cytokine levels in the lungs and the intestine in CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice were significantly increased from CS WT newborn mice. Similarly, intestinal integrity was also compromised in the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice. In a survival study, while the mortality rate within 7days was only 29% in the CS WT newborn mice, 80% of the CS MFG-E8KO newborn mice died during the same time period with the majority of mortality occurring within 48h.

CONCLUSION

The deficiency in MFG-E8 caused increases in inflammation, tissue injury, neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis, which led to morbidity and mortality in murine neonatal sepsis. These studies suggest that MFG-E8 has a protective role in fighting against neonatal sepsis.

Mitigation of sepsis-induced inflammatory responses and organ injury through targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been involved in regulating inflammation in various infectious and inflammatory diseases. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by dysregulated inflammatory response to infection with no effective therapy available. Recently elevated Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been detected in sepsis. However, its contribution to sepsis-associated inflammatory response remains to be explored. In this study, we show that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling reduces inflammation and mitigates sepsis-induced organ injury. Using in vitro LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, we demonstrate that a small-molecule inhibitor of β-catenin responsive transcription, iCRT3, significantly reduces the LPS-induced Wnt/β-catenin activity and also inhibits TNF-α production and IκB degradation in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal administration of iCRT3 to C57BL/6 mice, subjected to cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis, decreases the plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines and organ injury markers in a dose-dependent manner. The histological integrity of the lungs is improved with iCRT3 treatment, along with reduced lung collagen deposition and apoptosis. In addition, iCRT3 treatment also decreases the expression of the cytokines, neutrophil chemoattractants, as well as the MPO activity in the lungs of septic mice. Based on these findings we conclude that targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway may provide a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of sepsis.

Deficiency in cold-inducible RNA-binding protein attenuates acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion can occur in shock and mesenteric occlusive diseases, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Aside from local injury, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion can result in remote organ damage, particularly in the lungs. Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) was identified as a novel inflammatory mediator. We hypothesized that a deficiency in CIRP would protect the lungs during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

METHODS

Intestinal ischemia was induced in adult male C57BL/6 wild-type and CIRP knock-out (CIRP^-/-) mice via clamping of the superior mesenteric artery for 60 minutes. Reperfusion was allowed for 4 hours or 20 hours, and blood, gut, and lung tissues were harvested for various analyses.

RESULTS

After intestinal ischemia-reperfusion, the elevated levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase and inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 were reduced by 68% and 98%, respectively, at 20 hours after ischemia-reperfusion in CIRP^-/- mice compared with the wild-type mice. In the gut, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 were reduced by 67% at 4 hours after ischemia-reperfusion in CIRP^-/- mice. In the lungs, inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 protein and myeloperoxidase activity were reduced by 78% and 26% at 20 hours and 4 hours after ischemia-reperfusion, respectively, in CIRP^-/- mice. Finally, the elevated lung caspase-3 was significantly decreased by 55%, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells decreased by 91%, and lung injury score decreased by 37% in CIRP^-/- mice at 20 hours after ischemia-reperfusion.

CONCLUSION

Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase, and apoptosis are the hallmarks of acute respiratory distress syndrome. We noticed after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion the proinflammatory milieu in lungs was elevated significantly, while the CIRP^-/- mice had significantly decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokine, myeloperoxidase, and apoptotic cells leading to decreased lung injury. These findings strongly established a causal link between CIRP and acute respiratory distress syndrome during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Targeting CIRP may therefore be beneficial for treatment of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome acute respiratory distress syndrome.

SRT1720, a sirtuin 1 activator, attenuates organ injury and inflammation in sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis affects 800,000 patients in the United States annually with a mortality rate of up to 30%. Recent studies suggest that sepsis-associated metabolic derangements due to hypoxic tissue injury, impaired oxygen utilization, and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to mortality. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a crucial modulator of energy metabolism during starvation states and has anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we hypothesized that SRT1720, a Sirt1 activator, could attenuate the severity of sepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. SRT1720 (5 or 20 mg/kg BW) or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) in 0.2-mL saline was injected intravenously at 5 h after CLP. Control animals were not subjected to any surgery. Blood and liver samples were harvested at 20 h after CLP for analysis.

RESULTS

Administration of SRT1720 markedly reduced the serum levels of tissue injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and renal injury markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) in a dose-dependent manner after CLP. Furthermore, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the serum and liver were significantly inhibited by SRT1720 treatment after CLP. SRT1720 treatment resulted in a significantly decreased mRNA expression of inflammasome components (nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3, adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase-recruitment domain, IL-1β, and IL-18) in the liver, compared with the vehicle group.

CONCLUSIONS

SRT1720 treatment attenuates multiorgan injury in septic mice. SRT1720 treatment also decreases the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reduces inflammasome activation. Thus, pharmacologic stimulation of Sirt1 may present a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis.

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) causes sepsis-associated acute lung injury via induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress

Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP), released into the circulation during sepsis, causes lung injury via an as yet unknown mechanism. Since endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with acute lung injury (ALI), we hypothesized that CIRP causes ALI via induction of ER stress. To test this hypothesis, we studied the lungs of wild-type (WT) and CIRP knockout (KO) mice at 20 h after induction of sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). WT mice had significantly more severe ALI than CIRP KO mice. Lung ER stress markers (BiP, pIRE1α, sXBP1, CHOP, cleaved caspase-12) were increased in septic WT mice, but not in septic CIRP KO mice. Effector pathways downstream from ER stress – apoptosis, NF-κB (p65), proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β), neutrophil chemoattractants (MIP-2, KC), neutrophil infiltration (MPO activity), lipid peroxidation (4-HNE), and nitric oxide (iNOS) – were significantly increased in WT mice, but only mildly elevated in CIRP KO mice. ER stress markers were increased in the lungs of healthy WT mice treated with recombinant murine CIRP, but not in the lungs of TLR4 KO mice. This suggests CIRP directly induces ER stress via TLR4 activation. In summary, CIRP induces lung ER stress and downstream responses to cause sepsis-associated ALI.

Therapeutic effect of human ghrelin and growth hormone: Attenuation of immunosuppression in septic aged rats

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units, and is more common in the geriatric population. The control of hyperinflammation has been suggested as a therapeutic approach in sepsis, but to date clinical trials utilizing this strategy have not lead to an effective treatment. In addition to hyperinflammation, patients with sepsis often experience a state of immunosuppression, which serves as an important determinant for increased morbidity and mortality. We previously used aged animals to demonstrate the effectiveness of combined treatment with human ghrelin (Ghr) and human growth hormone (GH) in improving organ injury and survival in septic animals. Here, we hypothesized that combined treatment with Ghr and GH could improve immune function in septic aged animals. Male 24-month-old rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) for sepsis induction. Human Ghr (80nmol/kg BW) plus GH (50μg/kg BW) or vehicle (normal saline) was administrated subcutaneously at 5h after CLP. The ex vivo production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 to LPS-stimulation, as well as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ production to anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibody-stimulation, in splenocytes isolated 20h after CLP, was significantly decreased compared to production of these cytokines in splenocytes from sham animals. The production of cytokines from splenocytes isolated from septic animals that received the combined treatment, however, was significantly higher than from those isolated from vehicle-treated septic animals. Combined treatment prevented the loss of splenic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in septic aged rats, and reduced lymphocyte apoptosis. Combined treatment also inhibited an increase in the regulatory T cell (T_reg) population and expression of the immune co-inhibitory molecule PD-1 in the spleens of septic aged rats. In contrast, expression of HLA-DR was increased after combined treatment with Ghr and GH. Based on these findings, we conclude that co-administration of Ghr and GH is a promising therapeutic tool for reversing immunosuppression caused by sepsis in the geriatric population. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Immune and Metabolic Alterations in Trauma and Sepsis edited by Dr. Raghavan Raju.

MFG-E8-derived peptide attenuates adhesion and migration of immune cells to endothelial cells

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) plays an immunomodulatory role in inflammatory diseases. MFG-E8-derived short peptide (MSP68) greatly reduces neutrophil infiltration and injury in the lung during sepsis. In this study, we examined the effect of MSP68 on chemotaxis of various immune cells and its regulatory mechanism. Bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) from C57BL/6 mice, human monocyte THP-1 cell line, and human T lymphocyte Jurkat cell line were used for adhesion and migration assays using a Transwell method in the presence of MSP68. Treatment with MSP68 significantly inhibited the BMDN and THP-1 cell but not Jurkat cell adhesion on the TNF-α-stimulated pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) monolayer dose-dependently. MSP68 also significantly reduced BMDN adhesion on VCAM-1-coated wells dose dependently. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed that MSP68 efficiently recognized integrin α₄β₁ (receptor for VCAM-1) at the dissociation constant (K_D) of 1.53 × 10^-7 M. These findings implicate that MSP68 prevents neutrophil adhesion to the activated endothelial cells by interfering with the binding between integrin α₄β₁ on neutrophils and VCAM-1 on endothelial cells. Moreover, MSP68 significantly attenuated the migration of BMDN and THP-1 cells but not Jurkat cells to their chemoattractants. Pretreatment with MSP68 inhibited the transmigration of BMDNs across the PAECs toward chemoattractants, fMLP, MIP-2, and complement fragment 5a (C5a) dose-dependently. Finally, we identified that the activation of p38 MAPK in BMDNs by fMLP was inhibited by MSP68. Thus, MSP68 attenuates extravasation of immune cells through the endothelial cell lining into inflamed tissue, implicating MSP68 to be a novel, therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases caused by excessive immune cell infiltration.

[End tidal PCO(2) for evaluation of severity of disease in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension]

Objective: To explore the difference in end tidal PCO(2) (P(ET)CO(2)) between idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and to analyze the correlation between P(ET)CO(2) and the indexes of disease severity in IPAH and CTEPH patients. Methods: Data were retrieved from 68 IPAH patients and 52 CTEPH patients who all had received right-heart catheterization, pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from October 2011 to October 2014. In addition, other clinical parameters were also collected. Results: The IPAH group had a significantly higher mPAP, PVR [(60±16) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (13±6) Wood U ] than the CTEPH group [(46±12) mmHg, (9±4) Wood U, t=4.90, 4.83, all P<0.01]. Meanwhile, the IPAH group had a lower percentage of predicted peakVO(2), oxygen pulse [(45±15)%, (60±22)%] compared with the CTEPH group [(53±16)%, (68±21)%, t=-2.42, -1.96, all P<0.05]. The value of P(ET)CO(2) at rest, AT, peak in the IPAH patients [(27±5), (28±7), (25±7) mmHg] were higher than those in the CTEPH patients [(24±4) mmHg, (23±6) mmHg, (21±6) mmHg, t=3.22-4.54, all P<0.01]. There was a significantly difference in P(ET)CO(2) at AT and peak between WHO-FC Ⅰ-Ⅱ and Ⅲ-Ⅳ subgroups in IPAH (t=2.55, 2.60, all P<0.05) and CTEPH (t=2.39, P<0.05), except for P(ET)CO(2) at peak in the CTEPH patients (t=1.71, P>0.05). A moderately inverse correlation was found between P(ET)CO(2) at AT and NT-proBNP in the IPAH group (r=-0.58, P<0.01), meanwhile P(ET)CO(2) at AT in the CTEPH group was weakly correlated with NT-proBNP (r=-0.34, P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the CTEPH patients, the IPAH patients had significantly decreased exercise capacity and increased P(ET)CO(2). P(ET)CO(2) could reflect the disease severity in both IPAH and CTEPH patients, being superior in IPAH than in CTEPH. Furthermore, P(ET)CO(2) at AT might be better than P(ET)CO(2) at peak in reflecting the ventilatory efficiency.

Programmed cell death in periodontitis: recent advances and future perspectives

Periodontitis is a highly prevalent infectious disease, characterized by destruction of the periodontium, and is the main cause of tooth loss. Periodontitis is initiated by periodontal pathogens, while other risk factors including smoking, stress, and systemic diseases aggravate its progression. Periodontitis affects many people worldwide, but the molecular mechanisms by which pathogens and risk factors destroy the periodontium are unclear. Programmed cell death (PCD), different from necrosis, is an active cell death mediated by a cascade of gene expression events and can be mainly classified into apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Although PCD is involved in many inflammatory diseases, its correlation with periodontitis is unclear. After reviewing the relevant published articles, we found that apoptosis has indeed been reported to play a role in periodontitis. However, the role of autophagy in periodontitis needs further verification. Additionally, implication of necroptosis or pyroptosis in periodontitis remains unknown. Therefore, we recommend future studies, which will unravel the pivotal role of PCD in periodontitis, allowing us to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease, as well as predict its outcomes.

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII-derived peptide MSP68 is a cytoskeletal immunomodulator of neutrophils that inhibits Rac1

BACKGROUND

Prolonged neutrophil infiltration leads to exaggerated inflammation and tissue damage during sepsis. Neutrophil migration requires rearrangement of their cytoskeleton. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII-derived short peptide 68 (MSP68) has recently been shown to be beneficial in sepsis-induced tissue injury and mortality. We hypothesize that MSP68 inhibits neutrophil migration by modulating small GTPase Rac1-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangements.

METHODS

Bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) or whole lung digest isolated neutrophils were isolated from 8 to 10 wk old C57BL/6 mice by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The purity of BMDN was verified by flow cytometry with CD11b/Gr-1 staining. Neutrophils were stimulated with N-formylmethionine-leucine-phenylalanine (f-MLP) (10 nM) in the presence or absence of MSP68 at 10 nM or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce sepsis, and MSP68 was administered at 1 mg/kg intravenously. Cytoskeletal organization was assessed by phalloidin staining, followed by analysis using fluorescence microscopy. Activity of the Rac1 GTPase in f-MLP or CLP-activated BMDN in the presence or absence of MSP68 was assessed by GTPase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity was determined by western blot densitometry.

RESULTS

BMDN treatment with f-MLP increased cytoskeletal remodeling as revealed by the localization of filamentous actin to the periphery of the neutrophil. By contrast, cells pretreated with MSP68 had considerably reduced filamentous actin polymerization. Cytoskeletal spreading is associated with the activation of the small GTPase Rac1. We found BMDN-treated with f-MLP or that were exposed to sepsis by CLP had increased Rac1 signaling, whereas the cells pretreated with MSP68 had significantly reduced Rac1 activation (P < 0.05). MAP kinases related to cell migration including pp38 and pERK were upregulated by treatment with f-MLP. Upregulation of these MAP kinases was also significantly reduced after pretreatment with MSP68 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MSP68 downregulates actin cytoskeleton-dependent, Rac1-MAP kinase-mediated neutrophil motility. Thus, MSP68 is a novel therapeutic candidate for regulating inflammation and tissue damage caused by excessive neutrophil migration in sepsis.

Effects of Palygorskite Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Antioxidant Ability, and Mineral Element Content of Broilers

The present study was conducted to investigate different levels of palygorskite supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, muscular oxidative status, and mineral element accumulation of broilers. One hundred ninety-two 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were allocated to four dietary treatments with six replicates of eight chicks per replicate. Birds in the four treatments were given a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg palygorskite for 42 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, neither 5 g/kg nor 10 g/kg palygorskite inclusion affected growth performance of broilers during the 42-day study (P > 0.05). However, the highest level of palygorskite supplementation at 20 g/kg increased feed/gain ratio (F/G) of broilers (P < 0.001). Yellowness (P < 0.001) and redness (P = 0.003) of breast muscle and yellowness of leg muscle (P = 0.001) were decreased by palygorskite supplementation at the levels of 10 g/kg and especially 20 g/kg. In addition, redness of leg muscle was also reduced by the inclusion of 20 g/kg palygorskite (P = 0.009). In contrast, malonaldehyde (MDA) accumulation in the breast muscle was significantly increased by 20 g/kg palygorskite supplementation (P < 0.001). Supplementation of palygorskite at either 10 or 20 g/kg significantly decreased lead (Pb) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.001) or thigh (P = 0.045) and copper (Cu) accumulation in the breast (P = 0.022). In conclusion, growth performance, meat color, and antioxidant capacity of meat would reduce with the increasing level of palygorskite supplementation, whereas a higher level of palygorskite (10 or 20 g/kg) can alter mineral element accumulations in muscles as evidenced by reduced muscular Cu and Pb contents.

Promoter methylation and histone modifications affect the expression of the exogenous DsRed gene in transgenic goats

Transgene silencing, which is common in transgenic plants and animals, limits the generation and application of genetically modified organisms, and is associated with the exogenous gene copy number, the methylation status of its promoters, and histone modification abnormalities. Here, we analyzed the expression of the exogenous gene DsRed and the methylation status of its cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter in six healthy transgenic cashmere goats and transgenic nuclear donor cells. The CMV promoter exhibited high methylation levels (74.4-88.2%) in four of the goats, a moderate methylation level (58.7%) in one, and a low methylation level (21.2%) in one, while the methylation level of the transgenic nuclear donor cells was comparatively low (14.3%). DsRed expression was negatively correlated with promoter methylation status. Transgenic cashmere goats carried one to three copies of the CMV promoter fragment and one to six copies of the DsRed fragment, but copy number showed no obvious correlation with DsRed expression. After treatment with the methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine, DsRed expression in transgenic goat cells significantly increased and CMV promoter methylation significantly decreased; this indicated an inverse correlation between promoter methylation status and DsRed expression. After treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, DsRed expression increased, indicating that an abnormal histone modification in transgenic goats is also involved in exogenous gene silencing. These findings indicate the potential of trichostatin A and 5-azacytidine to rescue the biological activity of silenced exogenous transgenes in adult-derived transgenic cells under culture conditions.

Defective eyelid leading edge cell migration in C57BL/6-corneal opacity mice with an "eye open at birth" phenotype

Development of the eyelid requires coordination of the cellular processes involved in proliferation, cell size alteration, migration, and cell death. C57BL/6J-corneal opacity (B6-Co) mice are mutant mice generated by the administration of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (100 mg/kg). They exhibit the eyelids open at birth phenotype, abnormal round cell shape from tightened F-actin bundles in leading edge keratinocytes at E16.5, and gradual corneal opacity with neovessels. The tip of the leading edge in B6-Co mice did not move forward, and demonstrated a sharp peak shape without obvious directionality. Analysis of the biological characteristics of B6-Co mice demonstrated that abnormal migration of keratinocytes could affect eyelid development, but proliferation and apoptosis in B6-Co mice had no effect. Mutant gene mapping and sequence analysis demonstrated that in B6-Co mice, adenosine was inserted into the untranslated regions, between 3030 and 3031, in the mRNA 3'-terminal of Fgf10. In addition, guanine 7112 was substituted by adenine in the Mtap1B mRNA, and an A2333T mutation was identified in Mtap1B. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that expression of the Hbegf gene was significantly down-regulated in the eyelids of B6- Co mice at E16.5, compared to B6 mice. However, the expression of Rock1, Map3k1, and Jnk1 genes did not show any significant changes. Abnormal keratinocyte migration and down-regulated expression of the Hbegf gene might be associated with impaired eyelid development in B6-Co mice.