Prenatal ethanol exposure enhances the susceptibility to metabolic syndrome in offspring rats by HPA axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programming

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to demonstrate that prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) could enhance the susceptibility of high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) in adult male offspring via a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programmed mechanism.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats were intragastricly administrated ethanol 4 g/kg·d from gestational day 11 until term delivery. All male offspring were fed with high-fat diet after weaning, exposed to an unpredictable chronic stress at postnatal week (PW) 17 and sacrificed at PW20.

RESULTS

In PEE group, body weight presented a "catch-up growth" pattern, and the HPA axis exhibited a lower basal activity but an enhanced sensitivity to chronic stress, leading to increased levels of serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistant index, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Furthermore, many lipid droplets and vacuolar degeneration were observed in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and liver.

CONCLUSIONS

PEE induces enhanced susceptibility to MS in adult offspring fed with high-fat diet, and the underlying mechanism involves a HPA axis-associated neuroendocrine metabolic programming alteration.

Identification of altered expression of ADP/ATP translocase during cellular senescence in vitro

In this study, we have used the mRNA differential display technique to investigate the changes in gene expression that occur in the process of cellular aging. A number of cDNAs whose corresponding mRNAs are either increasingly or decreasingly expressed in senescent cells were thereby isolated. Through DNA sequencing, one of these differentially displayed mRNAs was identified as mitochondrial ADP/ATP translocase. The altered expression of ADP/ATP translocase in different stages of senescent fibroblasts was further confirmed by Northern blots and semiquantitative RT-PCR. Our results demonstrate that expression of ADP/ATP translocase is progressively decreased during the process of in vitro cellular senescence. Further analyses with MTT assays indicate that the decreased expression of ADP/ATP translocase in senescent cells is in parallel with the decline of mitochondrial functions, suggesting that altered expression of this important mitochondrial enzyme might play an active role in the process of cellular senescence.

PRIMPOL competes with RAD51 to resolve G-quadruplex-induced replication stress via its interaction with RPA

<p indent="0mm">PRIMPOL (primase-polymerase) is a recently discovered DNA primase-polymerase involved in DNA damage tolerance and replication stress response in eukaryotic cells. However, the detailed mechanism of the PRIMPOL response to replication stress remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that replication-related factors, including replication protein A (RPA), regulate the accumulation of PRIMPOL in subnuclear foci in response to replication stress induced by replication inhibitors. Moreover, PRIMPOL works at G-quadruplexes (G4s) in human cells to resolve the replication stress induced by G4s. The formation of PRIMPOL foci persists throughout the cell cycle. We further demonstrate that PRIMPOL competes with RAD51 to resolve G4-induced replication stress. In conclusion, our results provide novel insight into the mechanism of PRIMPOL in G4s to resolve replication stress and competition between PRIMPOL (repriming)- and RAD51 (fork reversal)-mediated pathways, which indicates a new strategy to improve the tumor response to DNA-damaging chemotherapy by targeting the PRIMPOL pathway.</p>.

[Infectious complications following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for a hematologic malignancy within 28 days]

Objective: To explore the incidence, clinical and microbiological characteristics and risk factors of infection in patients with acute lymphoblastic (ALL) , non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) , and multiple myeloma (MM) within 28 days after CAR-T cell infusion. It provides data support for early identification of infection and the rational use of antibacterial drugs in these patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the baseline data of 170 patients with ALL, NHL and MM who received chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) -cell treatment in the Department of Hematology of Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020, and the clinical characteristics of infection within 28 days after infusion, including 72 patients with ALL, 56 patients with NHL, and 42 patients with MM; we used Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models to assess high-risk factors for infection before and after infusion, respectively. Results: Among 170 patients, 119 infections occurred in 99 patients within 28 days, with a cumulative infection rate of 58.2%. Seventy-eight patients had 98 bacterial infections and the cumulative incidence of bacterial infection was 45.9%. The infection density was 2.01, and the median time for the first infection was about 12 days after infusion. The adjusted baseline characteristic model showed that ALL patients, previous 30 days of infection history, refractory disease, absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <0.5×10(9)/L before infusion and ≥4 prior antitumor treatment regimens had a higher infection density within 28 days; grade 3 or 4 CRS was the only high-risk factor related to infection after infusion in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Infection is a common complication of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with hematologic malignancy. Bacterial infections occur in most patients regardless of the type of disease. ALL patients, previous 30 days of infection history, refractory disease, ANC<0.5×10(9)/L before infusion and grade 3 or 4 CRS are risk factors for infection. Chinese Clinical Trial Register:: ChiCTR-OIC-17011180, ChiCTR1800018143.

[Plasma levels of isosorbide dinitrate and its metabolites during intravenous infusion in surgical patients--effect of preoperative administration of isosorbide dinitrate]

Nineteen patients with ischemic heart disease were studied to determine plasma levels of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and its metabolites, isosorbide-2-mononitrate (2-ISMN) and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (5-ISMN) for 6 hrs during intravenous administration of ISDN, using gas chromatography. Differences in plasma levels of these substances were also evaluated in patients with or without preanesthetic medication of ISDN. These patients ranging in ages from 42 to 80 years were administered ISDN intravenously at a rate of 1 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1 during anesthesia and surgery. Preanesthetic administration of ISDN consisted of transdermal application of 40 mg dose. Surgery included gastrectomy, pneumonectomy, extended cholecystectomy, radical mastectomy and so on under either enflurane anesthesia or neuroleptanesthesia. Plasma ISDN levels increased and reached a plateau 3 hrs after the start of intravenous infusion of ISDN in patients of both groups. Plasma 2-ISMN levels increased gradually and reached a plateau 5 hrs after the commencement of intravenous administration of ISDN in patients of both groups. Plasma 5-ISMN levels increased gradually reaching the peak 6 hrs after the start of intravenous infusion of ISDN in both groups. Plasma ISDN, 2-ISMN and 5-ISMN levels were slightly higher in patients who received preanesthetic ISDN than in those who did not receive preanesthetic ISDN. However, there were no statistical differences in plasma ISDN or 2-ISMN levels between the groups except prior to the infusion. On the contrary, plasma 5-ISMN levels were significantly higher in patients who received preanesthetic ISDN than in those who did not receive preanesthetic ISDN for 3 hrs after the start of the infusion.

[A case of relapsed small cell lung cancer recognized by simple metastasis to the duodenum]

We describe a case of relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) recognized by a duodenal tumor, its probable metastasis. A 69-year-old man was admitted to Keio University Hospital complaining of persistent sputum production in September, 1996. A diagnosis of SCLC of the left lung invading the mediastinum was based on a transesophageal biopsy. Chemotherapy consisting of CDDP and VP-16 followed by thoracic irradiation at a total dose of 50 Gy was performed from October 1996 to August 1997, resulting in CR (Complete Response) of the tumor. In April of 1999, a mass surrounding the duodenum was found through an abdominal CT survey for tumor relapse, but no other tumors were detected in a series of CT scans or inbone scintigraphy. Subsequent fiberscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract revealed an ulcerative tumor extensively invading the mucosa of the duodenal bulb. Biopsy specimens obtained from the duodenal tumor showed small-cell carcinoma with features similar to those of SCLC found in 1996, suggesting that SCLC of the left lung metastasized to the duodenal wall. Chemoradiotherapy with 4 cycles of CDDP and VP-16 followed by abdominal irradiation at a dose of 30 Gy was given again from May to September 1999, producing good PR (Partial Response). Although metastasis of SCLC to the duodenum seldom occurs, this report indicates that its early detection and effective treatment may prevent serious symptoms caused by obstruction of the duodenum or the papilla Vater.

Observation of the ϒ(3S) Meson and Suppression of ϒ States in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The production of ϒ(2S) and ϒ(3S) mesons in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions is studied in their dimuon decay channel using the CMS detector at the LHC. The ϒ(3S) meson is observed for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, with a significance above 5 standard deviations. The ratios of yields measured in Pb-Pb and pp collisions are reported for both the ϒ(2S) and ϒ(3S) mesons, as functions of transverse momentum and Pb-Pb collision centrality. These ratios, when appropriately scaled, are significantly less than unity, indicating a suppression of ϒ yields in Pb-Pb collisions. This suppression increases from peripheral to central Pb-Pb collisions. Furthermore, the suppression is stronger for ϒ(3S) mesons compared to ϒ(2S) mesons, extending the pattern of sequential suppression of quarkonium states in nuclear collisions previously seen for the J/ψ, ψ(2S), ϒ(1S), and ϒ(2S) mesons.

[The changes in total body water in patients with prolonged anesthesia and surgery]

We studied the influence of prolonged anesthesia and surgery on total body water (TBW) with tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Eight patients who underwent prolonged anesthesia were selected as the subjects of the study and were compared with nine patients who underwent surgery of less than 3 hours. Plasma hormone concentrations were also examined. In the prolonged anesthesia patients, TBW increased significantly as compared with those of the patients who underwent short surgery (P less than 0.05). TBW showed the most remarkable increase on the first post operative day. Plasma ADH and aldosterone concentrations increased in the patients of both groups. However, we could not find a significant relationship between TBW and plasma hormone concentrations. BIA seems to be a useful method to estimate TBW during perioperative periods. However, further detailed investigation would be necessary to obtain a reliable technique in such an unstable condition.

Exploring the anti-aging effects of fisetin in telomerase-deficient progeria mouse model

Aging is a natural and complex process characterized by the gradual deterioration of tissue and physiological functions in the organism over time. Cell senescence, a hallmark of aging, refers to the permanent and irreversible cell cycle arrest of proliferating cells triggered by endogenous stimuli or environmental stresses. Eliminating senescent cells has been shown to extend the healthy lifespan. In this study, we established a progeria mouse model with telomerase deficiency and confirmed the presence of shortened telomere length and increased expression of aging markers p16INK4a and p21CIP1 in the organ tissues of G3 Tert-/- mice. We identified fisetin as a potent senolytic drug capable of reversing premature aging signs in telomerase-deficient mice. Fisetin treatment effectively suppressed the upregulation of aging markers p16INK4a and p21CIP1 and reduced collagen fiber deposition. Furthermore, we observed a significant elevation in the mRNA level of Stc1 in G3Tert-/- mice, which was reduced after fisetin treatment. Stc1 has been implicated in anti-apoptotic processes through the upregulation of the Akt signaling pathway. Our findings reveal that fisetin exerts its anti-aging effect by inhibiting the Akt signaling pathway through the suppression of Stc1 expression, leading to the apoptosis of senescent cells.

[A case of spontaneous rupture of renal leiomyosarcoma]

A 53-year-old female visited our out-patient department complaining of right flank pain. Ultrasonography revealed a solid mass lesion in the lower pole of the right kidney and further evaluation was scheduled. A few days later, she suddenly felt pain at the abdominal enlarged mass. Computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed a huge retroperitoneal mass with heterogenous density. Spontaneous rupture of renal tumor was suspected and emergency nephrectomy was performed. The ruptured tumor was pale, elastic firm and invaded directly to the duodenum. Histopathological findings revealed fibrous cells with frequent nuclear mitosis. Smooth muscle actin was identified immunohistochemically. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma. The patient died 2 months after operation due to perforation of the intestine.

[Increased promoter activity of human delta-globin gene with point mutation of C-T at site-64]

With PCR point mutation technique, the CCAAC box in the promoter region of delta-globin gene was changed into CCAAT which is required in the normal transcription of beta-globin gene at the corresponding site. The normal and mutant segments of the delta-globin promoter region obtained with each segment of about 300 bp (-280/+54 bp), a fragment sufficient for the requirement of its normal promoter function, were separately cloned into pUC19/Hinc II. After sequencing, it showed that the CCAAC box had been successfully changed into CCAAT without other mutations. The two segments were released by Nco I and BamH I, and were cloned into the corresponding site of plasmid pMG3 which has the firefly luciferase as its reporter gene. The positive clones were selected by Dot Blot and were comfirmed with restriction mapping. Then the two recombinant plasmids were transfected into HeLa cell line respectively and the promoter activities of the two fragments were identified by comparing the light intensity generated by the cell extracts when added with luciferase assay substrate. The results demonstrated that the luminescence of the mutant group is on average five times higher than that of the normal group, which indicate that the C-T mutation of the CCAAC box of delta-globin promoter region could increase its promoter activity. Our results have confirmed the hypothesis that the sequence of CCAAC box of human delta-globin gene is one of the main reasons which accounts for its low expression level. The author is now studying the specific DNA binding protein of the upstream promoter region of human delta-globin gene.

[Effect of succinylcholine on serum potassium concentration in children with chronic renal failure]

Serum potassium (K+) levels were measured after intravenous injection of succinylcholine (SCh) in 10 children with chronic renal failure, 10 normal children aged 1 to 10 years and 10 children with chronic renal failure after pretreatment with pancuronium prior to SCh. Arterial blood gas was maintained within normal ranges. The serum K+ level increased significantly during 10 minutes after SCh in normal children. There was no significant difference between serum K+ levels in normal children and those in children with chronic renal failure. Administration of pancuronium in small doses (20 micrograms.kg-1) prior to SCh (1 mg.kg-1) was not effective to prevent serum K+ elevation completely. Our results indicate that the administration of SCh in children with chronic renal failure might be possible without increasing serum potassium level.

[Effect of M1 blocker or H2 blocker on gastric secretion during anesthesia and surgery]

Effect of pirenzepine, famotidine or a combination of both agents on gastric secretion during anesthesia and surgery was evaluated in 42 surgical patients ranged in age from 17 y to 70 y. They underwent orthopedic, ophthalmic, ENT, plastic, oral or non-abdominal surgery under either neuroleptanesthesia or enflurane anesthesia. They received either pirenzepine 10 mg, famotidine 20 mg or the combination of both agents intravenously just before the induction of anesthesia. Volume and acidity of gastric juice were measured during 3 hours after the administration of these agents. A continued decrease in volume and acidity of gastric juice was observed 3 hrs after the administration of the agents both in the pirenzepine group and in the famotidine group. Efficacy of the combination of pirenzepine and famotidine on gastric secretion tended to be more prominent than that of either pirenzepine or famotidine alone.

LAP2α orchestrates alternative lengthening of telomeres suppression through telomeric heterochromatin regulation with HDAC1: unveiling a potential therapeutic target

In response to the challenge of telomere attrition during DNA replication, cancer cells predominantly employ telomerase or, in 10-15% of cases, the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The intricate details of ALT, however, remain elusive. In this study, we unveil that the knockdown of lamina-associated polypeptide 2 alpha (LAP2α) in ALT cells results in telomere dysfunction, triggering a notable increase in ALT-associated hallmarks, including high frequencies of PML bodies (APBs), C-rich extrachromosomal circles (C-circles), and telomere sister chromatid exchange (T-SCE). Furthermore, LAP2α emerges as a crucial player in break-induced telomere replication for telomerase-positive cells following telomeric double-strand breaks. Mechanistically, our investigation suggests that LAP2α may influence the regulation of the heterochromatic state of telomeres, thereby affecting telomeric accessibility. In line with our findings, LAP2α expression is markedly reduced in ALT-positive osteosarcoma. And the use of methotrexate (MTX) can restore the heterochromatin state altered by LAP2α depletion. This is evidenced by a significant inhibition of tumor proliferation in ALT-positive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models. These results indicate the important role of LAP2α in regulating ALT activity and offer insights into the interplay between lamina-associated proteins and telomeres in maintaining telomere length. Importantly, our findings may help identify a more appropriate target population for the osteosarcoma therapeutic drug, MTX.

[Effects of succinylcholine on serum levels of myoglobin and CK in children under halothane or enflurane anesthesia]

We studied the effects of succinylcholine (SCC) on serum levels of myoglobin (Mb) and CK in children under halothane or enflurane anesthesia. Forty-five children, aged 2 years 11 months to 12 years 6 months were subjected to this study. They were divided into four groups; the two groups were injected with SCC 1 mg.kg-1 intravenously to facilitate tracheal intubation and maintained with halothane (Group SH) or with enflurane (Group SE). The other two groups were intubated without the aid of SCC and maintained with halothane (Group H), or with enflurane (Group E). Mb was analyzed by an antibody radioimmunoassay technique and CK was analyzed by a modified Rosalki's method. While Mb increased in all four groups, the increase was pronounced in the SCC groups (60 min value of Group SH 2192 +/- 639 ng.ml-1, Group SE 1722 +/- 436 ng.ml-1, mean +/- SE), and the increase was significantly smaller in SCC free groups (Group H 40 +/- 12 ng.ml-1, Group E 43 +/- 9 ng.ml-1). The CK value increased only in the SCC groups to 174.1 +/- 32.8 IU.l-1 in Group SH, and to 193.6 +/- 35.7 IU.l-1 in Group SE at 60 min, respectively. These results indicate that increases in Mb and CK values were mainly induced by SCC injection and that SCC might play some roles in development of malignant hyperthermia.

Measurement of the differential tt¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass and extraction of the top quark mass in hadronic decays of boosted top quarks

A measurement of the jet mass distribution in hadronic decays of Lorentz-boosted top quarks is presented. The measurement is performed in the lepton + jets channel of top quark pair production (t t ¯ ) events, where the lepton is an electron or muon. The products of the hadronic top quark decay are reconstructed using a single large-radius jet with transverse momentum greater than 400Ge V . The data were collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138fb - 1 . The differential t t ¯ production cross section as a function of the jet mass is unfolded to the particle level and is used to extract the top quark mass. The jet mass scale is calibrated using the hadronic W boson decay within the large-radius jet. The uncertainties in the modelling of the final state radiation are reduced by studying angular correlations in the jet substructure. These developments lead to a significant increase in precision, and a top quark mass of 173.06 ± 0.84 Ge V .