Non-invasive in vivo molecular imaging of intra-articularly transplanted immortalized bone marrow stem cells for osteoarthritis treatment

Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage in the knee-joints. To impart regenerative ability in lowly metabolizing chondrocytes, the bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) has recently been recognized as a superior alternative treatment for OA. However, study of primary BMSCs-mediated chondrogenesis is difficult due to progressive cellular aging and replicative senescence. To obtain a therapeutic cell population for OA, BMSCs were immortalized by human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 E6/E7 along with mCherry luciferase (mCL), a gene marker for non-invasive imaging, and designated as iBMSCs-mCL. Next, their cell morphology, population doubling time (PDT) and colony forming ability (CFU) were evaluated. Furthermore, pluripotency and immunophenotypic markers were investigated. To deduce therapeutic ability, iBMSCs-mCL were intra-articularly injected into right knee of anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT)-OA mice model and tracked through non-invasive bioluminescence imaging. Cell morphology of iBMSCs-mCL was similar to parental BMSCs. PDT and CFU ability of iBMSCs-mCLs were significantly increased. Pluripotency and immunophenotypic markers were highly expressed in iBMSC-mCL. Long-term survival and tri-lineage differentiation particularly chondrogenic potential of iBMSCs-mCL were also demonstrated in vitro and then in vivo which was monitored through non-invasive imaging. Intensive bioluminescent signals in iBMSCs-mCL administered knee-joint indicated a marked in vivo survival and proliferation of iBMSCs-mCL. Immunohistochemical staining for type II collagen (IHC of Col II) and alcian blue & safranin o staining of proteoglycans also corroborated cartilage regeneration by iBMSCs-mCL. Conclusively, iBMSCs-mCL maintains stemness and in vivo cartilage regeneration potential suggesting a promising avenue for development of OA therapeutics.

Association between sleep duration and sleep quality, and metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese police officers

OBJECTIVES

This study's objective was to examine association between sleep duration and sleep quality, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in Taiwanese male police officers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male police officers who underwent annual health examinations were invited to join the study and eventually a total of 796 subjects was included in it. The study subjects were divided into 5 groups according to the length (duration) of sleep: < 5, 5-5.9, 6-6.9, 7-7.9 and ≥ 8 h per day, and the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to categorize their sleep quality as good or poor. To analyze the association between sleep problems and MetS, adjusted odds ratio and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS in Taiwanese male police officers was 24.5%. Abdominal obesity had the highest proportion (36.2%) among 5 components of MetS. More than 1/2 of the police officers (52.3%) had poor sleep quality. Police officers with higher scores of sleep disturbances had a higher prevalence of MetS (p = 0.029) and abdominal obesity (p = 0.009). After adjusting for age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking status, alcohol drinking habit, physical habitual exercise, snoring and type of shift work, the police officers who slept less than 5 h were 88% more likely to suffer from abdominal obesity than those who slept 7-7.9 h (95% CI: 1.01-3.5). Sleep quality was not associated with MetS and its components.

CONCLUSIONS

The police officers who slept less than 5 h were more likely to experience abdominal obesity in Taiwan, and those with higher scores of sleep disturbances had a higher prevalence of MetS and abdominal obesity. It is recommended that police officers with short sleep duration or sleep disturbances be screened for MetS and waist circumference in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Cordyceps militaris Treatment Preserves Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy Mice

Diabetic nephropathy is derived from long-term effects of high blood glucose on kidney function in type 2 diabetic patients. Several antidiabetic drugs and herbal medications have failed to prevent episodes of DN. Hence, this study aimed to further investigate the renal injury-reducing effect of antidiabetic CmNo1, a novel combination of powders of fruiting bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris. After being administered with streptozotocin-nicotinamide and high-fat-diet, the diabetic nephropathy mouse model displayed elevated blood glucose and renal dysfunction markers including serum creatinine and kidney-to-body weight ratio. These elevated markers were significantly mitigated following 8 weeks CmNo1 treatment. Moreover, the chronic hyperglycemia-induced pathological alteration in renal tissue were also ameliorated. Besides, immunohistochemical study demonstrated a substantial reduction in elevated levels of carboxymethyl lysine, an advanced glycation end product. Elevated collagenous deposition in DN group was also attenuated through CmNo1 administration. Moreover, the enhanced levels of transforming growth factor-β1, a fibrosis-inducing protein in glomerulus were also markedly dampened. Furthermore, auxiliary risk factors in DN like serum triglycerides and cholesterol were found to be increased but were decreased by CmNo1 treatment. Conclusively, the results suggests that CmNo1 exhibit potent and efficacious renoprotective action against hyperglycemia-induced DN.

Lovastatin lowers the risk of breast cancer: a population-based study using logistic regression with a random effects model

BACKGROUND

Laboratory studies have demonstrated statin-induced apoptosis of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, and evidence is accumulating on the mechanism of statin-induced apoptosis. However, despite numerous epidemiological studies, no consensus has been reached regarding the relationship between statin use and breast cancer risk.

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study enrolled 4332 breast cancer patients and 21,660 age-matched controls registered in the National Health Insurance program of Taiwan, which covers approximately 99% of the population. The study cases were women for whom a diagnosis of breast cancer (ICD-9-CM code 174.X) had been recorded in LHID2005 between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. A logistic regression model was adjusted for potential confounding factors, including the level of urbanization, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was applied to assess potential comorbidities. We also considered possible bias caused by random urbanization, because nutrition and lifestyle factors are related to breast cancer incidence.

RESULTS

Our results showed that lovastatin was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (adjusted OR 0.596; 95% CI 0.497-0.714; p < 0.001), and atorvastatin exhibited a protective tendency against breast cancer (adjusted OR 0.887; 95% CI 0.776-1.013; p < 0.077).

CONCLUSIONS

Although no consensus has been established regarding the relationship between statin use and breast cancer risk, our study indicated that lovastatin is a potential chemopreventive agent against breast cancer. Further detailed research is warranted.

Hydrogen Sulfide Modulates the S-Nitrosoproteome and the Mitochondrial Morphology in Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of the endogenous gaseous molecules promoting the production of nitric oxide (NO) which has cardioprotective functions. However, the role of the H₂S-mediated protein S-nitrosoproteome and its subsequent physiological response remains unclear.

METHODS

Endothelial cells EAhy 926 were treated with 50 μM of H₂S for 2 hours. The NO bound S-nitrosoproteins were purified by a biotin-switch and then digested by trypsin. Resulting peptides from control and H₂S treatment were separately labeled by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation 114/115, quantified by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry and analyzed by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software. The microP software was applied to analyze the morphological changes of mitochondria.

RESULTS

With the treatment of H₂S, 416 S-nitrosylated proteins were identified. IPA analysis showed that these proteins were involved in five signaling pathways. The NO-bound cysteine residues and the S-nitrosylation levels (115/114) were shown for ten S-nitrosoproteins. Western blot further verified the S-nitrosylation of thioredoxin-dependant peroxide reductase, cytochrome c oxidase and cytochrome b-c1 complex that are involved in the mitochondrial signaling pathway. H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial swelling can be reduced by the pretreatment of H₂S.

CONCLUSIONS

The H₂S-mediated endothelial S-nitrosoproteome has been confirmed. In the present study, we have proposed the cardioprotective role of H₂S via maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis.

Association of Sjögrens Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis Virus Infection: A Population-Based Analysis

Objective

The association between Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and chronic hepatitis virus infection is inconclusive. Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are highly prevalent in Taiwan. We used a population-based case-control study to evaluate the associations between SS and HBV and HCV infections.

Materials and Methods

We identified 9,629 SS patients without other concomitant autoimmune diseases and 38,516 sex- and age-matched controls without SS from the Taiwan National Health Insurance claims data between 2000 and 2011. We utilized multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations between SS and HBV and HCV infections. Sex- and age-specific (<55 and ≥55 years) risks of SS were evaluated.

Results

The risk of SS was higher in patients with HCV than in those without chronic viral hepatitis (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 2.16–2.86). Conversely, HBV infection was not associated with SS (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.98–1.24). Younger HCV patients were at a higher risk for SS (<55 years: OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 2.62–4.35; ≥55 years: OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.84–2.62). Men with HCV were at a greater risk for SS (women: OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.94–2.63; men: OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 2.90–6.16). Only men with chronic HBV exhibited a higher risk of SS (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.21–2.14).

Conclusion

HCV infection was associated with SS; however, HBV only associated with SS in men.

Zerumbone enhances the Th1 response and ameliorates ovalbumin-induced Th2 responses and airway inflammation in mice

Zerumbone is a sesquiterpene compound isolated from the rhizome of wild ginger, Zingiber zerumbet Smith. The rhizomes of the plant are used as a spice and traditional medicine. Zerumbone was shown to possess anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, the antiallergic activity and the underlying mechanism of zerumbone have not been reported. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of zerumbone on antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and its potential therapeutic effects against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced T helper 2 (Th2)-mediated asthma in mice. In the presence of zerumbone, lipopolysaccharide-activated bone marrow-derived DCs enhanced T cell proliferation and Th1 cell polarization in an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. In animal experiments, mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA, and were orally treated with different doses of zerumbone after sensitization. Circulating titers of OVA-specific antibodies, airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, histological changes in lung tissues, the cell composition and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and cytokine profiles of spleen cells were assessed. Compared to OVA-induced hallmarks of asthma, oral administration of zerumbone induced lower OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and higher IgG2a antibody production, attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness, prevented eosinophilic pulmonary infiltration, and ameliorated mucus hypersecretion. Zerumbone treatment also reduced the production of eotaxin, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13, and promoted Th1 cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ production in asthmatic mice. Taken together, these results suggest that zerumbone exhibits an antiallergic effect via modulation of Th1/Th2 cytokines in an asthmatic mouse model.

Hepatitis B virus infection and the risk of male infertility: a population-based analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of male infertility among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

DESIGN

A nationwide, population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

Men infected with HBV (n = 5,138) and men without HBV infection (n = 25,690).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Male infertility, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification.

RESULT(S)

The incidence of infertility was 1.59 times higher in patients with HBV infection than in those without HBV infection (2.21 vs. 1.39 per 1,000 person-years). The risk of developing infertility remained significant among patients with HBV infection (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.20-1.92) after adjusting for covariates in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSION(S)

The data show an increased incidence and risk of infertility among men with HBV infection compared with men without HBV.

Synergistic anabolic actions of hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma on cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease associated with tissue inflammation, physical disability and imbalanced homeostasis in cartilage. For advanced treatments, biological approaches are currently focused on tissue regeneration and anti-inflammation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies of hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (HA+PRP) on OA. Articular chondrocytes were obtained from five OA patients. The optimal HA and PRP concentrations were evaluated by MTT assay. The expressions of chondrogenic and inflammatory genes were analyzed by RT-PCR. Signaling pathway was examined by immunoblotting and the expressions of OA pathology-related chemokines and cytokines was demonstrated by real-time PCR-based SuperArray. The therapeutic efficacies of HA+PRP were then demonstrated in 3D arthritic neo-cartilage and ACLT-OA model. Here we showed that HA+PRP could greatly retrieve pro-inflammatory cytokines-reduced articular chondrocytes proliferation and chondrogenic phenotypes, the mechanism of which involve the sequential activation of specific receptors CD44 and TGF-βRII, downstream mediators Smad2/3 and Erk1/2, and the chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9. The real-time PCR-based SuperArray results also indicated that OA pathology-related chemokines and cytokines could be efficiently suppressed by HA+PRP. Moreover, the cartilaginous ECM could be retrieved from inflammation-induced degradation by HA+PRP in both 2D monolayer and 3D neo-cartilage model. Finally, the intra-articular injection of HA+PRP could strongly rescue the meniscus tear and cartilage breakdown and then decrease OA-related immune cells. The combination of HA+PRP can synergistically promote cartilage regeneration and inhibit OA inflammation. This study might offer an advanced and alternative OA treatment based on detailed regenerative mechanisms.

Rosuvastatin-regulated post-translational phosphoproteome in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are widely prescribed as cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins have recently been found to have pleiotropic effects that are independent of their lipid-lowering properties. Phosphorylation of serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues of functional proteins are considered to be important in the endothelial signaling cascade. In this study, protein phosphorylation status in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs) after rosuvastatin treatment was examined. The proteins were collected from rosuvastatin-treated ECs and then the phosphorylated peptides purified by a Fe(3+)-immobilized metal-affinity chromatography bead system were examined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Alterations of the phosphorylation status of proteins were noticed after rosuvastatin treatment. There were 277 and 530 phosphorylated proteins identified from the control and rosuvastatin-treated ECs, respectively. Among those proteins, T78, in addition to S156 of the Ras-GTPase-activating protein, was phosphorylated after rosuvastatin treatment. Rosuvastatin reduced the phosphorylation of Y455 in HSP90 protein. Decreased phosphorylation of T211 with a concurrent increase in the T291 phosphorylation of Akt1 was observed under rosuvastatin treatment. Increased S633 phosphorylation was detected in endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Western blot analysis further showed an earlier and greater S633 phosphorylation than that of S1177 in endothelial nitric oxide synthase after rosuvastatin treatment. Changes in the phosphorylation status of these proteins may alter the protein's function and affect endothelial physiology. The current study provides new insights leading to a better understanding of the pleiotropic effects of statins on the vascular system.

Virally inactivated human platelet concentrate lysate induces regulatory T cells and immunosuppressive effect in a murine asthma model

BACKGROUND

Platelet concentrate lysates (PCLs) are increasingly used in regenerative medicine. We have developed a solvent/detergent (S/D)-treated PCL. The functional properties of this preparation should be unveiled. We hypothesized that, due to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) content, PCLs may exert immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory functions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PCL was prepared by S/D treatment, oil extraction, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The content of TGF-β in PCL was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cultured CD4+ T cells were used to investigate the effects of PCL on expression of transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), the inhibition of T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production. The regulatory function of PCL-converted CD4+ T cells was analyzed by suppressive assay. The BALB/c mice were given PCL-converted CD4+ T cells before ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge using an asthma model. Inflammatory parameters, such as the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE), airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchial lavage fluid eosinophils, and cytokines were assayed. Recombinant human (rHu) TGF-β1 was used as control.

RESULTS

PCL significantly enhanced the development of CD4+Foxp3+-induced regulatory T cells (iTregs). Converted iTregs produced neither Th1 nor Th2 cytokines and inhibited normal T-cell proliferation. PCL- and rHuTGF-β-converted CD4+ T cells prevented OVA-induced asthma. PCL- and rHuTGF-β-modified T cells both significantly reduced expression levels of OVA-specific IgE and significantly inhibited the development of AHR, airway eosinophilia, and Th2 responses in mice.

CONCLUSION

S/D-treated PCL promotes Foxp3+ iTregs and exerts immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. This finding may help to understand the clinical properties of platelet lysates.

Regenerative potentials of platelet-rich plasma enhanced by collagen in retrieving pro-inflammatory cytokine-inhibited chondrogenesis

This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of collagen matrix to enhance platelet-rich plasma (PRP) effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced arthritic model. We have previously demonstrated the highly regenerative roles of PRP to restore disc degeneration and osteoporosis. In this study, PRP modulated by collagen matrix was used as a regenerative and anti-inflammatory mediator to rescue the chondrocyte degeneration induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (10 ng/ml)+TNF-α (20 ng/ml). First, the MTT result indicated that 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 in PRP showed an optimal dosage for chondrocytes proliferation. The chondrogenic-specific gene expressions were rescued by PRP from the inhibition of IL-1β+TNF-α, especially under the modulation of collagen matrix. The inflammatory molecules activated by IL-1β+TNF-α were also significantly diminished by PRP with collagen matrix. The membrane receptors integrin α1β1 and CD44 were strongly inhibited by IL-1β+TNF-α, while this inhibition was then recovered by PRP in collagen coating condition. In a 3D model encapsulated with collagen, PRP-induced chondrogenesis were highly enhanced, such as strong restoration of type II collagen and proteoglycan from the inhibition of IL-1β+TNF-α. The result indicated that collagen matrix enhances the effect of PRP on chondrogenesis in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. The combination of PRP and collagen matrix might facilitate a physiological microenvironment beneficial for maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis and represents an advanced osteoarthritis therapy for clinical applications.

Evaluation of the hepatic and renal-protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum in mice

The antioxidative effect of hot water extract of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum on ethanol-induced free radical generation had been studied. In order to further investigate the hepatic and renal protective mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum, rates of lipid peroxidation were determined. The hot water extract of Ganoderma lucidum dose-dependently exhibited antioxidative effect on mouse liver and kidney lipid peroxidation; our results indicated that hepatic and renal homogenates have a higher malonic dialdehyde level in an ethanol administered group than in the Ganoderma lucidum treated group. It was concluded that the hepatic and renal protective mechanism of Ganoderma lucidum, might be due at least in part to its prominent superoxide scavenging effect. Ganoderma extract could protect the liver and kidney from superoxide induced hepatic and renal damages.

Arterial blood pressure and blood lipids as cardiovascular risk factors and occupational stress in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

This study is to determine whether occupational stress (defined as high psychological demands and low decision latitude on the job) is associated with increased blood pressure and abnormal level of blood lipids as cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study at three work sites of 526 white-collar male workers aged 20 to 66 years without evidence of cardiovascular disease. Systolic, diastolic blood pressure, serum total, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglyceride were measured. Occupational stress index was derived from data collected in the job strain questionnaire.

RESULTS

In multiple linear regression models, occupational stress index was significantly related to diastolic blood pressure and plasma triglyceride, after adjusting for age, education, smoking, and alcohol consumption. A higher occupational stress index was directly associated with higher systolic, diastolic blood pressure and higher level of plasma triglyceride.

CONCLUSIONS

These data from a white-collar working population confirm independent relations between occupational stress defined in the job demand-control model and diastolic blood pressure observed in predominantly Western populations and extend the range of associations to plasma triglyceride than do previous studies.

Estimating stature from knee height for adults in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Many of the indices utilized in the assessment of nutritional status are dependent upon stature. Knee height has been used to predict stature in western countries when standing height cannot be measured, however, an adequate stature-knee height equation has not been established for the population in Taiwan.

METHODS

A total of 1179 healthy men (603) and women (576) were recruited from those who had undergone comprehensive check-ups at their own expense from March through August 1998 at Lin-Kou Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. The subjects were freely ambulatory without kyphosis or scoliosis noted on their chest X-ray or KUB films. The automatic supersonic system was used to measure stature and body weight. A Ross caliper was used to measure recumbent left knee height. Multiple linear regression was used to obtain equations to estimate stature using knee height and age.

RESULTS

Stature of adults highly correlated with their knee height (r = 0.73 with 95%CI between 0.69 and 0.77 for men, and r = 0.68 with 95%CI between 0.63 and 0.72 for women) but declined with age (men: r = -0.17 with 95%CI between -0.09 and -0.24; women: r = -0.22 with 95%CI between -0.14 and -0.29). Knee height changed very little with age in both genders. To predict stature, a linear regression model should include knee height and age as predictors to reach r2 as 0.61 and 0.58 for men and women, respectively. The stature-knee height equations were "stature = 85.10 + 1.73 x knee height -0.11 x age" for men, "stature = 91.45 + 1.53 x knee height -0.16 x age" for women.

CONCLUSION

Our stature-knee height equations provided good predictions on stature of adult population in Taiwan, and was superior when compared with equations developed from other populations.

Investigation on subclinical aspects related to intestinal parasitic infections among Thai laborers in Taipei

BACKGROUND

The migration of foreign workers from developing regions to developed countries may potentially lead to transmission of intestinal parasitic infections. In order to determine the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and the health status of foreign workers, 302 Thai laborers brought to Taiwan were examined in this study. Nine species of parasites were found in 64.9% of laborers; Opisthorchis viverrini, hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, Fasciolopsis buski, Taenia sp, Echinostoma sp, Entamoeba coli.

METHODS

From June 1992 to December 1993, a total of 302 Thai laborers, participating in the mandatory entry health examination at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Lin-Kou Medical Center were interviewed and examined. These subjects underwent a physical examination, chest roentgenography, and serological tests for human immunodeficiency virus antibody, syphilis (VDRL), and hepatitis B surface antigen.

RESULTS

Among the 302 Thai laborers examined, 196 (64.9%) were found to be infected with 1 to 5 species of parasites. All 193 infected Thai laborers were treated in Taiwan. Two or 3 courses of pyrantel pamoate, mebendazole, praziquantel, and metronidazole were administered to 119, 45, 24, and 5 infected patients respectively. After 1 week of treatment, all results of stool examinations were negative.

CONCLUSION

Acquisition of infection has been determined to be related to the consumption of koipla, a dish prepared from uncooked freshwater fish. Not unexpectedly, in the present study, it was found that this species was the most important intestinal parasite among Thai laborers and was significantly associated with the consumption of koipla.