Disturbed Vitamin A Metabolism in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Vitamin A is required for important physiological processes, including embryogenesis, vision, cell proliferation and differentiation, immune regulation, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Many of vitamin A’s functions are executed through retinoic acids that activate transcriptional networks controlled by retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs).The liver plays a central role in vitamin A metabolism: (1) it produces bile supporting efficient intestinal absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A; (2) it produces retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) that distributes vitamin A, as retinol, to peripheral tissues; and (3) it harbors the largest body supply of vitamin A, mostly as retinyl esters, in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In times of inadequate dietary intake, the liver maintains stable circulating retinol levels of approximately 2 μmol/L, sufficient to provide the body with this vitamin for months. Liver diseases, in particular those leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis, are associated with impaired vitamin A homeostasis and may lead to vitamin A deficiency. Liver injury triggers HSCs to transdifferentiate to myofibroblasts that produce excessive amounts of extracellular matrix, leading to fibrosis. HSCs lose the retinyl ester stores in this process, ultimately leading to vitamin A deficiency. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is a spectrum of conditions ranging from benign hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); it may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. NASH is projected to be the main cause of liver failure in the near future. Retinoic acids are key regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue, but it is unknown whether impaired vitamin A homeostasis contributes to or suppresses the development of NAFLD. A genetic variant of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3-I148M) is the most prominent heritable factor associated with NAFLD. Interestingly, PNPLA3 harbors retinyl ester hydrolase activity and PNPLA3-I148M is associated with low serum retinol level, but enhanced retinyl esters in the liver of NAFLD patients. Low circulating retinol in NAFLD may therefore not reflect true “vitamin A deficiency”, but rather disturbed vitamin A metabolism. Here, we summarize current knowledge about vitamin A metabolism in NAFLD and its putative role in the progression of liver disease, as well as the therapeutic potential of vitamin A metabolites.

Attitudes and Beliefs of Primary Care Providers in New Mexico About Lung Cancer Screening Using Low-Dose Computed Tomography

INTRODUCTION

On the basis of results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), national guidelines now recommend using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to screen high-risk smokers for lung cancer. Our study objective was to characterize the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of primary care providers about implementing LDCT screening.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with primary care providers practicing in New Mexico clinics for underserved minority populations. The interviews, conducted from February through September 2014, focused on providers' tobacco cessation efforts, lung cancer screening practices, perceptions of NLST and screening guidelines, and attitudes about informed decision making for cancer screening. Investigators iteratively reviewed transcripts to create a coding structure.

RESULTS

We reached thematic saturation after interviewing 10 providers practicing in 6 urban and 4 rural settings; 8 practiced at federally qualified health centers. All 10 providers promoted smoking cessation, some screened with chest x-rays, and none screened with LDCT. Not all were aware of NLST results or current guideline recommendations. Providers viewed study results skeptically, particularly the 95% false-positive rate, the need to screen 320 patients to prevent 1 lung cancer death, and the small proportion of minority participants. Providers were uncertain whether New Mexico had the necessary infrastructure to support high-quality screening, and worried about access barriers and financial burdens for rural, underinsured populations. Providers noted the complexity of discussing benefits and harms of screening and surveillance with their patient population.

CONCLUSION

Providers have several concerns about the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing LDCT screening. Effective lung cancer screening programs will need to educate providers and patients to support informed decision making and to ensure that high-quality screening can be efficiently delivered in community practice.

The interrelationship between bile acid and vitamin A homeostasis

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin important for vision, reproduction, embryonic development, cell differentiation, epithelial barrier function and adequate immune responses. Efficient absorption of dietary vitamin A depends on the fat-solubilizing properties of bile acids. Bile acids are synthesized in the liver and maintained in an enterohepatic circulation. The liver is also the main storage site for vitamin A in the mammalian body, where an intimate collaboration between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells leads to the accumulation of retinyl esters in large cytoplasmic lipid droplet hepatic stellate cells. Chronic liver diseases are often characterized by disturbed bile acid and vitamin A homeostasis, where bile production is impaired and hepatic stellate cells lose their vitamin A in a transdifferentiation process to myofibroblasts, cells that produce excessive extracellular matrix proteins leading to fibrosis. Chronic liver diseases thus may lead to vitamin A deficiency. Recent data reveal an intricate crosstalk between vitamin A metabolites and bile acids, in part via the Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR), Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) and the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), in maintaining vitamin A and bile acid homeostasis. Here, we provide an overview of the various levels of "communication" between vitamin A metabolites and bile acids and its relevance for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Impaired Hepatic Vitamin A Metabolism in NAFLD Mice Leading to Vitamin A Accumulation in Hepatocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Systemic retinol (vitamin A) homeostasis is controlled by the liver, involving close collaboration between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Genetic variants in retinol metabolism (PNPLA3 and HSD17B13) are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and disease progression. Still, little mechanistic details are known about hepatic vitamin A metabolism in NAFLD, which may affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and the development of fibrosis and cancer, e.g. all risk factors of NAFLD.

METHODS

Here, we analyzed vitamin A metabolism in 2 mouse models of NAFLD; mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFC) diet and Leptinob mutant (ob/ob) mice.

RESULTS

Hepatic retinol and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels were significantly reduced in both mouse models of NAFLD. In contrast, hepatic retinyl palmitate levels (the vitamin A storage form) were significantly elevated in these mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed a hyperdynamic state of hepatic vitamin A metabolism, with enhanced retinol storage and metabolism (upregulated Lrat, Dgat1, Pnpla3, Raldh's and RAR/RXR-target genes) in fatty livers, in conjunction with induced hepatic inflammation (upregulated Cd68, Tnfα, Nos2, Il1β, Il-6) and fibrosis (upregulated Col1a1, Acta2, Tgfβ, Timp1). Autofluorescence analyses revealed prominent vitamin A accumulation in hepatocytes rather than HSC in HFC-fed mice. Palmitic acid exposure increased Lrat mRNA levels in primary rat hepatocytes and promoted retinyl palmitate accumulation when co-treated with retinol, which was not detected for similarly-treated primary rat HSCs.

CONCLUSION

NAFLD leads to cell type-specific rearrangements in retinol metabolism leading to vitamin A accumulation in hepatocytes. This may promote disease progression and/or affect therapeutic approaches targeting nuclear receptors.

Tropomyosin as a regulator of cancer cell transformation

Tropomyosins (Tms) are among the most studied structural proteins of the actin cytoskeleton that are implicated in neoplastic-specific alterations in actin filament organization. Decreased expression of specific nonmuscle Tm isoforms is commonly associated with the transformed phenotype. These changes in Tm expression appear to contribute to the rearrangement of microfilament bundles and morphological alterations, increased cell motility and oncogenic signaling properties of transformed cells. Below we review aspects of Tm biology as it specifically relates to transformation and cancer including its expression in culture models of transformed cells and human tumors, mechanisms that regulate Tm expression and the role of Tm in oncogenic signaling.

Rat liver low M(r) phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase isoenzymes: purification and amino acid sequences

Two low M(r) phosphotyrosine protein phosphatases have been isolated from rat liver. The enzymes were previously known as low M(r) acid phosphatases, but several recent studies have demonstrated that this family of enzymes possesses specific phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase activity. We determined the complete amino acid sequences of the two isoenzymes and named them AcP1 and AcP2. Both consist of 157 amino acid residues, are acetylated at the NH2-terminus, and have His as the COOH-terminus. The molecular weights calculated from the sequences are 18,062 for AcP1 and 17,848 for AcP2. They are homologous except in the 40-73 zone, where about 50% of residues are different. This fact suggests that the two isoenzymes are produced by an alternative splicing mechanism. There is no homology between these two isoenzymes and the receptor-like phosphotyrosine protein phosphatases LAR, CD45, human placenta PTPase 1B, and rat brain PTPase-1. AcP1 and AcP2 are also distinct from rat liver PTPase-1 and PTPase-2, since these last enzymes have higher molecular weights. AcP1 differs from AcP2 with respect to (1) substrate affinity and (2) its sensitivity to activators and inhibitors, thus suggesting a their different physiological function.

Structure-activity relationship of antiestrogens. Studies on 2,3-diaryl-1-benzopyrans

A series of 2,3-diaryl-1-benzopyran analogues substituted at position 4 of 2-phenyl with a hydroxy or pyrrolidinoethoxy residue were synthesized as models for (E)-triarylpropenones constrained in the s-trans conformation. The prototypes, belonging to five chemical series, were evaluated for their estrogen receptor affinity and for estrogen agonist-antagonist activities. The 4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, the 2,3-dihydro-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, the 4H-1-benzopyran, and the 2,3-dihydro-1-benzopyran derivatives were found to be inactive or only marginally activate as receptor ligands or estrogen agonists-antagonists. In the 2H-1-benzopyran category the parent phenol was also inactive whereas the basic ethers 16 and 26 were modest receptor ligands while being quite active as antiestrogens. In a comparative study the benzopyran 16 was found to be more effective antiestrogen than tamoxifen while being as effective as LY-117018. The benzopyrans have thus emerged as a new class of potent antiestrogens.

Structure-activity relationship of antiestrogens. Effect of the side chain and its position on the activity of 2,3-diaryl-2H-1-benzopyrans

A series of 2,3-diaryl-2H-1-benzopyrans carrying a tertiary aminoethoxy chain at the ortho, meta, or para position of 2-phenyl or an alkyl at position 4 of the pyran ring were synthesized and evaluated for their affinity for estrogen receptor (ER) and for microsomal antiestrogen specific binding site and for their uterotrophic-antiuterotrophic activities in rodents. The analogues bearing the side chain at the para position of 2-phenyl were found to be active while those substituted at the meta and ortho positions were inactive as ER ligands as well as estrogen agonists-antagonists. Among para-substituted ethers, the 2-piperidinoethoxy analogue 5 was found to be a more effective antiestrogen than the corresponding pyrrolidino, dimethylamino, and related analogues. Incorporation of a methyl or an ethyl at C4 in the pyran nucleus was found to increase receptor affinity of the prototypes. The ethyl was also found to potentiate agonist activity of the prototype while abolishing its antagonist activity. The piperidino analogue 5 was found to be a better antiestrogen than tamoxifen as well as LY-117018 in rats as well as mice. The prototypes were also found to have high affinity for the microsomal antiestrogen specific binding sites. The benzopyrans have thus emerged as a new group of potent antiestrogens.

Racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes exist despite comparable Elixhauser comorbidity indices between Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Whites

Factors contributing to racial inequities in outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain poorly understood. We compared by race the risk of 4 COVID-19 health outcomes--maximum length of hospital stay (LOS), invasive ventilation, hospitalization exceeding 24 h, and death--stratified by Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) ranking. Outcomes and ECI scores were constructed from retrospective data obtained from the Cerner COVID-19 De-Identified Data cohort. We hypothesized that racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes would exist despite comparable ECI scores among non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), and NH Whites. Compared with NH Whites, NH Blacks had longer hospital LOS, higher rates of ventilator dependence, and a higher mortality rate; AI/ANs, higher odds of hospitalization for ECI = 0 but lower for ECI ≥ 5, longer LOS for ECI = 0, a higher risk of death across all ECI categories except ECI ≥ 5, and higher odds of ventilator dependence; Hispanics, a lower risk of death across all ECI categories except ECI = 0, lower odds of hospitalization, shorter LOS for ECI ≥ 5, and higher odds of ventilator dependence for ECI = 0 but lower for ECI = 1-4. Our findings contest arguments that higher comorbidity levels explain elevated COVID-19 death rates among NH Blacks and AI/ANs compared with Hispanics and NH Whites.

Structure-activity relationship of antiestrogens. Phenolic analogues of 2,3-diaryl-2H-1-benzopyrans

Phenolic analogues of 2-[4-(2-piperidinoethoxy)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2H-1-benzopyran (1), a novel antiestrogen, were synthesized and evaluated for their structure-activity relationship. Incorporation of OH at position 7 was found to improve receptor affinity of the benzopyran while having no effect on its action as an antagonist. Similar substitution of 2-phenyl as well potentiated receptor affinity as well as antagonist activity of the prototype. The monophenol 19 and the diphenol 25 were thus found to be good receptor ligands, devoid of estrogen agonist activity and associated with marked antiestrogenic activity of comparable order. Both caused nearly complete inhibition of the estradiol stimulated uterine growth in rats as well as mice and were thus found to be better antiestrogens than tamoxifen, trioxifen, and LY-117018. A binding-site model for estrogen receptor rationalizing the structure-activity relationship of benzopyrans in relation to that of the triarylethylene and the triarylpropenone antiestrogens has been discussed.

Graphene Oxide-Doped MgO Nanostructures for Highly Efficient Dye Degradation and Bactericidal Action

Various concentrations (0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 wt ratios) of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were doped into magnesium oxide (MgO) nanostructures using chemical precipitation technique. The objective was to study the effect of GO dopant concentrations on the catalytic and antibacterial behavior of fixed amount of MgO. XRD technique revealed cubic phase of MgO, while its crystalline nature was confirmed through SAED profiles. Functional groups presence and Mg-O (443 cm-1) in fingerprint region was evident with FTIR spectroscopy. Optical properties were recorded via UV-visible spectroscopy with redshift pointing to a decrease in band gap energy from 5.0 to 4.8 eV upon doping. Electron-hole recombination behavior was examined through photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Raman spectra exhibited D band (1338 cm-1) and G band (1598 cm-1) evident to GO doping. Formation of nanostructure with cubic and hexagon morphology was confirmed with TEM, whereas interlayer average d-spacing of 0.23 nm was assessed using HR-TEM. Dopants existence and evaluation of elemental constitution Mg, O were corroborated using EDS technique. Catalytic activity against methyl blue ciprofloxacin (MBCF) was significantly reduced (45%) for higher GO dopant concentration (0.05), whereas bactericidal activity of MgO against E. coli was improved significantly (4.85 mm inhibition zone) upon doping with higher concentration (0.05) of GO, owing to the formation of nanorods.

Petiolar felt-sheath of palm: a new biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water

Biosorption of heavy metals such as Pb2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Cr3+ and Zn2+ by petiolar felt-sheath of palm (PFP) from contaminated water was examined. PFP was found to efficiently remove all the toxic metal ions with selectivity order of Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Cr3+. The uptake was rapid, with more than 70% completed within 15 min. The bound metal ions were successfully desorbed and the PFP fibrous-biomass remained effective after several adsorption-desorption cycles.

Total synthesis of (-)-callystatin A

[reaction: see text] The enantioselective synthesis of callystatin A is described. The pivotal step in the synthesis is the stereoselective aldol reaction that generates the beta-hydroxy ketone moiety. Utilizing the allylic strain within the ethyl ketone precursor, we were able to generate the all-syn configuration of callystatin A. For the construction of the two diene moieties, both a Heck coupling and a Wittig reaction were employed.

Patient Perspectives on Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening, New Mexico, 2014

INTRODUCTION

National guidelines call for annual lung cancer screening for high-risk smokers using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The objective of our study was to characterize patient knowledge and attitudes about lung cancer screening, smoking cessation, and shared decision making by patient and health care provider.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with patients with histories of heavy smoking who received care at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC Clinic) and at a comprehensive cancer center-affiliated chest clinic (Chest Clinic) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The interviews, conducted from February through September 2014, focused on perceptions about health screening, knowledge and attitudes about LDCT screening, and preferences regarding decision aids. We used a systematic iterative analytic process to identify preliminary and emergent themes and to create a coding structure.

RESULTS

We reached thematic saturation after 22 interviews (10 at the FQHC Clinic, 12 at the Chest Clinic). Most patients were unaware of LDCT screening for lung cancer but were receptive to the test. Some smokers said they would consider quitting smoking if their screening result were positive. Concerns regarding screening were cost, radiation exposure, and transportation issues. To support decision making, most patients said they preferred one-on-one discussions with a provider. They also valued decision support tools (print materials, videos), but raised concerns about readability and Internet access.

CONCLUSION

Implementing lung cancer screening in sociodemographically diverse populations poses significant challenges. The value of tobacco cessation counseling cannot be overemphasized. Effective interventions for shared decision making to undergo lung cancer screening will need the active engagement of health care providers and will require the use of accessible decision aids designed for people with low health literacy.

Structure-activity relationship of antiestrogens: a study using triarylbutenone, benzofuran, and triarylfuran analogues as models for triarylethylenes and triarylpropenones

In a study of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of antiestrogens use has been made of certain 1,2,3-triarylbutenones, of 2-arylbenzofurans carrying aryl or aroyl substituents at C3, and of 2,3,4-triarylfurans as conformationally constrained models for triarylethylene (TAE) and triarylpropenone (TAP) prototypes. The position-specific contributions of substituents to receptor affinity and to agonist-antagonist profiles were used as aids in characterizing the relative binding orientation of the prototypes. Although most compounds were found to be weak receptor ligands and poorly active in vivo, the following conclusions could be drawn about their SAR: (i) (Z)-TAPs and TAEs interact with the receptor in an analogous manner using the trans-stilbene core, with their agonist-antagonist profiles depending on the nature of other substructures. (ii) Incorporation into the benzofuran framework introduces a stereoelectronic constraint that compromises the normal binding interactions of TAE, as well as TAP, prototypes, resulting in their poor affinities and weak biological activities. (iii) (E)-TAPs can interact with the receptor through their S-cis conformation, but such a binding mode is unlikely to account for their behavior as antagonists.

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of peste des petits ruminants virus isolated from outbreaks in Punjab, Pakistan

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an important viral disease of small ruminants and is endemic in Pakistan. In the following study, samples from two outbreaks of PPR in goats have been subjected to laboratory investigations. The Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) genome was detected using both conventional and real-time PCR. Genetic characterization of the local PPRV field isolates was conducted by sequencing 322 bp of the fusion (F) gene and 255 bp of the nucleoprotein (N) gene. The phylogenetic tree based on the F gene clustered samples from both outbreaks into lineage 4 along with other Asian isolates, specifically into subcluster 1 along with isolates from Middle East. Analysis of N gene revealed a different pattern. In this case, the Pakistani samples clustered with Chinese, Tajikistani and Iranian isolates, which probably represents the true geographical pattern of virus circulation. This is the first report presenting the phylogenetic tree based on N gene as well as performing a parallel comparison of the trees of F and N gene together from Pakistani isolates. The results of this study shed light on the PPRV population in Pakistan and emphasize the importance of using molecular methods to understand the epidemiology. Such understanding is essential in any efforts to control the number and impact of outbreaks that are occurring in endemic countries such as Pakistan, especially in the current scenario where OIE and FAO are eager to control and subsequently eradicate PPR from the globe, as has been achieved for Rinderpest.

Novel method for cell immobilization and its application for production of organic acid

AIMS

The aim was to develop a novel and simple technique for the entrapment of fungal hyphae.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A novel immobilization technique was developed by using a structural fibrous network (SFN) of papaya wood as an immobilizing matrix. The technique is simple and a stable entrapment was achieved simply by inoculating the Aspergillus terreus hyphae within culture medium containing SFN pieces for 3 days, without any prior chemical treatment. Results show that SFN has no detrimental effect both on growth and bioactivity of fungi. A 23.5% increase in the itaconic acid production by SFN-immobilized A. terreus was noted when compared with free biomass. SFN-immobilized fungal biomass retained 95% itaconic acid productivity for five repeated batch cycles, 7 days each, without any disintegration/release of hyphae in the production medium.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report on the use of SFN, a structural material, as an immobilizing matrix for the entrapment of any kind of microbial biomass and its application in organic acid.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The low cost of SFN and simplicity of the technique applied for immobilization of fungal hyphae within/onto SFN make its use ideal for the immobilization of fungal biomass to produce commercially valuable products.

Targeted case finding for hepatitis B using dry blood spot testing in the British-Chinese and South Asian populations of the North-East of England

Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a frequent cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Targeted HBV screening is recommended by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention for subjects born in countries with >2% HBV prevalence. However, there are no UK guidelines. Here, we applied the (CDC) recommendations to the British-Chinese and British-South Asian community of North-East (NE) England. British-Chinese and South Asian subjects were invited to attend for HBV education and screening sessions held in community centres. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core total antibody (HBcAb) were tested with dry blood spot tests. South Asians were also tested for hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb). A total of 1126 subjects (606 Chinese and 520 South Asian) were screened. Sixty-two (5.5%) were HBsAg positive. Ten of these reported a previous diagnosis of HBV. The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was 4.6% when previously diagnosed individuals were excluded. The HBsAg prevalence was significantly higher in the Chinese subjects compared with South Asians (8.7% VS. 1.7% P < 0.001). In Chinese subjects, HBsAg positivity was highest in subjects born in Vietnam (17.4%), followed by China (11%), Hong Kong (7.8%) and the UK (6.7%). Subjects from Pakistan had the highest HBsAg and HCV Ab prevalence in the South Asians (3.1% and 1.8%, respectively). Ten percentage of HBsAg positive patients who had follow-up assessment had active disease requiring antiviral treatment. Undiagnosed HBV infection was above the 2% threshold for screening suggested by the CDC in the British-Chinese and Pakistani community of NE England, which provides evidence for a UK HBV-targeted screening programme.

Gestational Exposure to Sidestream (Secondhand) Cigarette Smoke Promotes Transgenerational Epigenetic Transmission of Exacerbated Allergic Asthma and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Embryonic development is highly sensitive to xenobiotic toxicity and in utero exposure to environmental toxins affects physiological responses of the progeny. In the United States, the prevalence of allergic asthma (AA) is inexplicably rising and in utero exposure to cigarette smoke increases the risk of AA and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in children and animal models. We reported that gestational exposure to sidestream cigarette smoke (SS), or secondhand smoke, promoted nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-dependent exacerbation of AA and BPD in mice. Recently, perinatal nicotine injections in rats were reported to induce peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-dependent transgenerational transmission of asthma. Herein, we show that first generation and second generation progeny from gestationally SS-exposed mice exhibit exacerbated AA and BPD that is not dependent on the decrease in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ levels. Lungs from these mice show strong eosinophilic infiltration, excessive Th2 polarization, marked airway hyperresponsiveness, alveolar simplification, decreased lung compliance, and decreased lung angiogenesis. At the molecular level, these changes are associated with increased RUNX3 expression, alveolar cell apoptosis, and the antiangiogenic factor GAX, and decreased expression of HIF-1α and proangiogenic factors NF-κB and VEGFR2 in the 7-d first generation and second generation lungs. Moreover, the lungs from these mice exhibit lower levels of microRNA (miR)-130a and increased levels of miR-16 and miR-221. These miRs regulate HIF-1α-regulated apoptotic, angiogenic, and immune pathways. Thus the intergenerational effects of gestational SS involve epigenetic regulation of HIF-1α through specific miRs contributing to increased incidence of AA and BPD in the progenies.

Smoking habits of King Saud University students in Riyadh

The smoking habits of 2264 students at King Saud University were investigated. Thirty-seven percent of the students smoked, and over a half smoked more than 15 cigarettes per day. Cigarettes were the main form of smoking. Most of the smokers knew about the hazards of smoking through the media and wished to stop smoking. Nonsmokers cited religious consideration and nonsmoking parents as the most important reasons for not smoking. A public health campaign is strongly recommended to reduce the prevalence of smoking.

Detection of Babesia bovis in blood samples and its effect on the hematological and serum biochemical profile in large ruminants from Southern Punjab

OBJECTIVE

To determine the presence of Babesia bovis (B. bovis) in large ruminants in southern Punjab and its effect on hematological and serum biochemical profile of host animals.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 144 large ruminants, including 105 cattle and 39 buffaloes, from six districts in southern Punjab including Multan, Layyah, Muzaffar Garh, Bhakar, Bahawalnagar and Vehari. Data on the characteristics of animals and herds were collected through questionnaires. Different blood (hemoglobin, glucose) and serum (ALT, AST, LDH, cholesterol) parameters of calves and cattle were measured and compared between parasite positive and negative samples to demonstrate the effect of B. bovis on the blood and serological profile of infected animals.

RESULTS

27 out of 144 animals, from 5 out of 6 sampling districts, produced the 541-bp fragment specific for B. bovis. Age of animals (P=0.02), presence of ticks on animals (P=0.04) and presence of ticks on dogs associated with herds (P=0.5) were among the major risk factors involved in the spread of bovine babesiosis in the study area. ALT concentrations were the only serum biochemical values that significantly varied between parasite positive and negative cattle.

CONCLUSIONS

: This study has reported for the first time the presence of B. bovis in large ruminant and the results can lead to the prevention of babesiosis in the region to increase the livestock output.