How can environmental degradation and income disparities influence national health: an eye bird view on China's provinces

Growing socio-economic disparity is a global issue that could disturb community health. Numerous case studies have examined the health influences of income disparities as well as the patterns that implicate those disparities. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the core determinants of mortality rate, which are environmental degradation, green energy, health expenditures, and technology (ICT) for the 25 provinces of China over the period of 2005-2020. This study uses a series of estimators to investigate the preferred objectives in which CS-ARDL and common correlated effect mean group (CCE-MG). Estimated results show the significant contribution of environmental deterioration and income inequality to the mortality rate. Furthermore, health expenditures, ICT, and green energy significantly reduce the mortality rate. Similarly, the moderate effect of income inequality on health expenditure, green energy, and ICT significantly reduces the mortality rate in selected provinces of China. More interestingly, the current study suggests policy implications to reduce the rising trend of mortality rate.

The influence and mechanism of health expenditures on investment of financial assets decisions: A case study of China's economy

Policymakers worldwide have been actively involved in the past few decades to ensure that human diseases are kept to a minimum. A new econometric technique, dynamic ARDL simulations, was used in this study to estimate and model the influence of health expenditures on investment in non-financial assets in China from 1990 to 2019. An economic growth framework, gross capital formation, information and communication technologies, foreign direct investment, and carbon emissions are all considered in the empirical model-the analysis produced interesting results. First, the estimates show that health expenditures and foreign direct investment have a significant long-run decreasing impact on non-financial assets in China by 0.451 and 0.234%. Second, economic growth and gross capital formation significantly affect the economy's non-financial assets. Likewise, ICT and carbon emissions also positively correlate with an explained variable in China. The findings show that the economy is becoming less investment-intensive as health spending and foreign direct investment rise. The study develops important policy implications for the selected country to achieve desired targets based on the empirical results.

[Association of skin lesion severity with clinical features of psoriatic arthritis]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between psoriasis severity and clinical features in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Patients were recruited from the Chinese REgistry of Psoriatic ARthritis (CREPAR) between December 2018 and June 2021, and data were collected including the baseline demographic characteristics, various clinical manifestations (including arthritis, nail disease, comorbidities), laboratory tests[including erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)], health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Body surface area (BSA) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were selected for the tools of assessment of cutaneous psoriasis. Patients were divided to two groups, including the severe psoriasis group (BSA>10%) and the non-severe psoriasis group (BSA≤10%). Disease assessment included ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA). Results: 1 074 eligible patients with PsA were recruited, and 106 (9.9%) had severe psoriasis. Compared with non-severe psoriasis group, the severe psoriasis group had more peripheral joint involvement (including patients with ever or current peripheral arthritis, 94.3% vs. 85.6%), more polyarticular joint involvement (including patients with current peripheral arthritis, 74.0% vs. 58.2%), more axial joint involvement (51.4% vs. 39.9%), more nail disease (72.6% vs. 61.4%), more frequency of smoking (20.2% vs. 18.7%), and higher proportion of hypertension (23.4% vs. 14.4%). In addition, the severe psoriasis group had higher level of ESR [33(10, 70) mm/1h vs. 20(9, 38) mm/1h] and CRP [18.6(5.0, 60.8) mg/L vs. 7.0(2.4, 18.1) mg/L], higher values of DAS28-ESR (4.5±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.5), DAS28-CRP (4.2±1.5 vs. 3.4±1.4), ASDAS-ESR (3.5±1.4 vs. 2.6±1.2), and ASDAS-CRP(3.4±1.6 vs. 2.5±1.2), higher scores of HAQ [0.6(0.1, 1.0) vs. 0.3(0.0, 0.8)]. Conclusion: Patients with PsA with severe psoriasis bore a heavier disease burden. Therefore, clinicians were supposed to pay more attention to them. In addition to skin lesions, they should also focus on examination of other clinical manifestations, such as joints and nails.

The hexokinase Gene Family in Cotton: Genome-Wide Characterization and Bioinformatics Analysis

Hexokinase (HXK) is involved in hexose phosphorylation, sugar sensing, and signal transduction, all of which regulate plant growth and adaptation to stresses. Gossypium hirsutum L. is one of the most important fiber crops in the world, however, little is known about the HXKs gene family in G. hirsutum L. We identified 17 GhHXKs from the allotetraploid G. hirsutum L. genome (AADD). G. raimondii (DD) and G. arboreum (AA) are the diploid progenitors of G. hirsutum L. and contributed equally to the At_genome and Dt_genome GhHXKs genes. The chromosomal locations and exon-intron structures of GhHXK genes among cotton species are conservative. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the HXK proteins into four and three groups based on whether they were monocotyledons and dicotyledons, respectively. Duplication event analysis demonstrated that HXKs in G. hirsutum L. primarily originated from segmental duplication, which prior to diploid hybridization. Experiments of qRT-PCR, transcriptome and promoter cis-elements demonstrated that GhHXKs' promoters have auxin and GA responsive elements that are highly expressed in the fiber initiation and elongation stages, while the promoters contain ABA-, MeJA-, and SA-responsive elements that are highly expressed during the synthesis of the secondary cell wall. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the GhHXK gene family is a vital fiber crop, which lays the foundation for future studies assessing its role in fiber development.

Erratum: GhPIPLC2D promotes cotton fiber elongation by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102199.].

GhPIPLC2D promotes cotton fiber elongation by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) is an important second messenger and one of the products of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC)-mediated phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP₂) hydrolysis. However, the function of IP₃ in cotton is unknown. Here, we characterized the function of GhPIPLC2D in cotton fiber elongation. GhPIPLC2D was preferentially expressed in elongating fibers. Suppression of GhPIPLC2D transcripts resulted in shorter fibers and decreased IP₃ accumulation and ethylene biosynthesis. Exogenous application of linolenic acid (C18:3) and phosphatidylinositol (PI), the precursor of IP₃, improved IP₃ and myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (IP₆) accumulation, as well as ethylene biosynthesis. Moreover, fiber length in GhPIPLC2D-silenced plant was reduced after exogenous application of IP₆ and ethylene. These results indicate that GhPIPLC2D positively regulates fiber elongation and IP₃ promotes fiber elongation by enhancing ethylene biosynthesis. Our study broadens our understanding of the function of IP₃ in cotton fiber elongation and highlights the possibility of cultivating better cotton varieties by manipulating GhPIPLC2D in the future.

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GhPIPLC2D positively regulates cotton fiber elongation

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GhPIPLC2D cleaves PIP₂ into IP₃, which could be phosphorylated to IP₆

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IP₆ enhances fiber elongation via improving ethylene biosynthesis

LncRNA NEAT1 promotes cardiac hypertrophy through microRNA-19a-3p/SMYD2 axis

OBJECTIVE

The role of NEAT1 in cancers has been demonstrated. But the role of NEAT1 in cardiac hypertrophy still remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the specific function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in cardiac hypertrophy and its underlying mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, the in vivo and in vitro cardiac hypertrophy models were constructed by transverse aortic coarctation (TAC) procedure in rats and phenylephrine (PE) induction in primary cardiomyocytes, respectively. The expression levels of NEAT1, microRNA-19a-3p, SMYD2, and cardiac hypertrophic markers were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated as calculating the surface area of hypertrophic cardiomyocyte by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Phalloidin staining. Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay was conducted to detect the binding of NEAT1, SMYD2, and microRNA-19a-3p.

RESULTS

The results showed that NEAT1 and SMYD2 were highly expressed in myocardium of rats with cardiac hypertrophy and PE-induced primary cardiomyocytes, whereas microRNA-19a-3p was lowly expressed. Besides, NEAT1 overexpression markedly upregulated levels of the cardiac hypertrophic markers. Moreover, FITC-Phalloidin staining also revealed hypertrophic cardiomyocytes overexpressing NEAT1. On the contrary, microRNA-19a-3p overexpression reduced the cardiomyocyte surface area and downregulated the levels of the cardiac hypertrophic markers. As luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated, NEAT1 and SMYD2 could bind to microRNA-19a-3p. Finally, the gain-of-function experiments were designed to verify whether NEAT1 exerted its functions in cardiac hypertrophy by modulating SMYD2 and microRNA-19a-3p. Furthermore, both microRNA-19a-3p overexpression or SMYD2 knockdown could inhibit and reduce the cardiomyocyte surface area, and downregulate the levels of the cardiac hypertrophic markers.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, NEAT1 promotes the occurrence and progression of cardiac hypertrophy by upregulating SMYD2 by binding to microRNA-19a-3p.

Transcriptomic analyses show that 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) promotes cold tolerance in cotton seedlings

In plants, brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroidal hormones that are involved in numerous physiological responses. However, the function of BRs in cold tolerance in cotton has not been explored. In this study, cotton seedlings were treated with five concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L) of 24-Epibrassinolide (EBR) at 4°C. We measured the electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, proline content, and net photosynthesis rate (Pn) of the seedlings, which showed that EBR treatment increased cold tolerance in cotton in a dose-dependent manner, and that 0.2 mg/L is an optimum concentration for enhancing cold tolerance. The function of EBR in cotton cotyledons was investigated in the control 0 mg/L (Cold+water) and 0.2 mg/L (Cold+EBR) treatments using RNA-Seq. A total of 4,001 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 2,591 up-regulated genes and 1,409 down-regulated genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and biochemical pathway enrichment analyses showed that EBR is involved in the genetic information process, secondary metabolism, and also inhibits abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ETH) signal transduction. In this study, physiological experiments showed that EBR can increase cold tolerance in cotton seedlings, and the comprehensive RNA-seq data shed light on the mechanisms through which EBR increases cold tolerance in cotton seedlings.

Genome-wide characterization of the WAK gene family and expression analysis under plant hormone treatment in cotton

BACKGROUND

Wall-associated kinases (WAK), one of the receptor-like kinases (RLK), function directly in the connection and communication between the plant cell wall and the cytoplasm. WAK genes are highly conserved and have been identified in plants, such as rice, but there is little research on the WAK gene family in cotton.

RESULTS

In the present study, we identified 29 GhWAK genes in Gossypium hirsutum. Phylogenetic analysis showed that cotton WAK proteins can be divided into five clades. The results of synteny and Ka/Ks analysis showed that the GhWAK genes mainly originated from whole genome duplication (WGD) and were then mainly under purifying selection. Transcriptome data and real-time PCR showed that 97% of GhWAK genes highly expressed in cotton fibers and ovules. β-glucuronidase (GUS) staining assays showed that GhWAK5 and GhWAK16 expressed in Arabidopsis leaf trichomes. Fourteen GhWAK genes were found to possess putative gibberellin (GA) response elements in the promoter regions, 13 of which were significantly induced by GA treatment. Ten GhWAK genes contained auxin (IAA) response elements and the expression level of nine GhWAKs significantly increased under auxin treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide a preliminary analysis of the WAK gene family in G. hirsutum, which sheds light on the potantial roles of GhWAK genes in cotton fiber cell development. Our data also provides a useful resource for future studies on the functional roles of GhWAK genes.

Transcriptomic Characterization of the Effects of Selenium on Maize Seedling Growth

Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral element in soils that can be beneficial to plants in small amounts. Although maize is among the most economically important crops, there are few reports on the effects of Se on maize seedling growth at the molecular level. In this study, the growth of maize seedlings treated with different concentrations of Na₂SeO₃ was investigated, and the physiological characteristics were measured. Compared with the control, a low Se concentration promoted seedling growth, whereas a high Se concentration inhibited it. To illustrate the transcriptional effects of Se on maize seedling growth, samples from control plants and those treated with low or high concentrations of Se were subjected to RNA sequencing. The differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis revealed that there were 239 upregulated and 106 downregulated genes in the low Se treatment groups, while there were 845 upregulated and 1,686 downregulated DEGs in the high Se treatment groups. Both the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation analyses showed a low concentration of the Se-stimulated expression of "DNA replication" and "glutathione (GSH) metabolism"-related genes. A high concentration of Se repressed the expression of auxin signal transduction and lignin biosynthesis-related genes. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that in the low Se treatment, "auxin signal transduction," "DNA replication," and lignin biosynthesis-related genes were upregulated 1.4- to 57.68-fold compared to the control, while, in the high Se concentration treatment, auxin signal transduction and lignin biosynthesis-related genes were downregulated 1.6- to 16.23-fold compared to the control. Based on these transcriptional differences and qRT-PCR validation, it was found that a low dosage of Se may promote maize seedling growth but becomes inhibitory to growth at higher concentrations. This study lays a foundation for the mechanisms underlying the effects of Se on maize seedling growth.

MicroRNA-494-3p alleviates inflammatory response in sepsis by targeting TLR6

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether microRNA-494-3p could exert an anti-inflammation effect by suppressing the expression of toll-like receptor 6 (TLR6), thus inhibiting the development of sepsis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Plasma levels of microRNA-494-3p and TLR6 in sepsis patients and healthy controls were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Diagnostic potential of microRNA-494-3p in sepsis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In vitro macrophage inflammation model was established by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induction in RAW264.7 cells. Expression levels of microRNA-494-3p, TLR6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were observed. After transfection of microRNA-494-3p mimics in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, mRNA and protein levels of TNF-α were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Meanwhile, cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 were respectively extracted for evaluating nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 by Western blot analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the binding between microRNA-494-3p and TLR6. Finally, rescue experiments were carried out to elucidate whether microRNA-494-3p attenuated sepsis-induced inflammation through degrading TLR6.

RESULTS

Plasma level of microRNA-494-3p in sepsis patients was markedly lower than healthy controls, while plasma level of TLR6 was conversely higher in sepsis patients. With the prolongation of LPS induction in RAW264.7 cells, expression levels of TLR6 and TNF-α gradually increased, whereas microRNA-494-3p expression decreased. Transfection of microRNA-494-3p mimics in RAW264.7 cells reduced TNF-α level, and inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. TLR6 was found to be a target gene of microRNA-494-3p, and its expression was markedly downregulated by microRNA-494-3p overexpression. Finally, we proved that the inhibitory effects of microRNA-494-3p on TNF-α level and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 were reversed by TLR6.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of microRNA-494-3p attenuated sepsis-induced inflammatory response by degrading TLR6.

Influences of up-regulation of miR-126 on septic inflammation and prognosis through AKT/Rac1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influences of the up-regulation of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-126 on septic inflammation and prognosis through the AKT/Rac1 signaling pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were cultured and transfected with miR-126 mimics. The HMVECs in the logarithmic growth phase in different groups were incubated with thrombin. The transmembrane resistivity of HMVECs was detected as the permeability via Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) system. The endothelial cell space was observed via immunofluorescence. The mouse model of sepsis was then established and the serum was extracted to detect interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The survival curve was plotted based on the death time. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 22.0 was used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 suggested that the difference was statistically significant.

RESULTS

Thrombin could significantly increase the permeability of HMVECs, while the overexpression of miR-126 markedly inhibited the increased permeability. The overexpression of miR-126 also reduced the endothelial cell space induced by thrombin. In addition, the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels of sepsis mice in miR-126 overexpression group were significantly decreased compared to those in the control group. Moreover, the death rate of mice exogenously expressing miR-126 was lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The up-regulation of miR-126 inhibited the septic inflammation and improved the prognosis of sepsis mice through the AKT/Rac1 signaling pathway.

The WRKY transcription factor GhWRKY27 coordinates the senescence regulatory pathway in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

BACKGROUND

Premature senescence can reduce the yield and quality of crops. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play important roles during leaf senescence, but little is known about their ageing mechanisms in cotton.

RESULTS

In this study, a group III WRKY TF, GhWRKY27, was isolated and characterized. The expression of GhWRKY27 was induced by leaf senescence and was higher in an early-ageing cotton variety than in a non-early-ageing cotton variety. Overexpression of GhWRKY27 in Arabidopsis promoted leaf senescence, as determined by reduced chlorophyll content and elevated expression of senescence-associated genes (SAGs). Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that GhWRKY27 interacted with an MYB TF, GhTT2. Putative target genes of GhWRKY27 were identified via chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq). Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that GhWRKY27 binds directly to the promoters of cytochrome P450 94C1 (GhCYP94C1) and ripening-related protein 2 (GhRipen2-2). In addition, the expression patterns of GhTT2, GhCYP94C1 and GhRipen2-2 were identified during leaf senescence. Transient dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that GhWRKY27 could activate the expression of GhCYP94C1 and GhRipen2-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work lays the foundation for further study of the functional roles of WRKY genes during leaf senescence in cotton. In addition, our data provide new insights into the senescence-associated mechanisms of WRKY genes in cotton.

Global analysis of DNA methylation in young (J1) and senescent (J2) Gossypium hirsutum L. cotyledons by MeDIP-Seq

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification regulating gene expression, genomic imprinting, transposon silencing and chromatin structure in plants and plays an important role in leaf senescence. However, the DNA methylation pattern during Gossypium hirsutum L. cotyledon senescence is poorly understood. In this study, global DNA methylation patterns were compared between two cotyledon development stages, young (J1) and senescence (J2), using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP-Seq). Methylated cytosine occurred mostly in repeat elements, especially LTR/Gypsy in both J1 and J2. When comparing J1 against J2, there were 1222 down-methylated genes and 623 up-methylated genes. Methylated genes were significantly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites and amino acid metabolism pathways. The global DNA methylation level decreased from J1 to J2, especially in gene promoters, transcriptional termination regions and regions around CpG islands. We further investigated the expression patterns of 9 DNA methyltransferase-associated genes and 2 DNA demethyltransferase-associated genes from young to senescent cotyledons, which were down-regulated during cotyledon development. In this paper, we first reported that senescent cotton cotyledons exhibited lower DNA methylation levels, primarily due to decreased DNA methyltransferase activity and which also play important role in regulating secondary metabolite process.

An NAM Domain Gene, GhNAC79, Improves Resistance to Drought Stress in Upland Cotton

Plant-specific NAC proteins comprise one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and play important roles in plant development and the stress response. Gossypium hirsutum L. is a major source of fiber, but its growth and productivity are limited by many biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the NAC domain gene GhNAC79 was functionally characterized in detail, and according to information about the cotton genome sequences, it was located on scaffold42.1, containing three exons and two introns. Promoter analysis indicated that the GhNAC79 promoter contained both basic and stress-related elements, and it was especially expressed in the cotyledon of Arabidopsis. A transactivation assay in yeast demonstrated that GhNAC79 was a transcription activator, and its activation domain was located at its C-terminus. The results of qRT-PCR proved that GhNAC79 was preferentially expressed at later stages of cotyledon and fiber development, and it showed high sensitivity to ethylene and meJA treatments. Overexpression of GhNAC79 resulted in an early flowering phenotype in Arabidopsis, and it also improved drought tolerance in both Arabidopsis and cotton. Furthermore, VIGS-induced silencing of GhNAC79 in cotton led to a drought-sensitive phenotype. In summary, GhNAC79 positively regulates drought stress, and it also responds to ethylene and meJA treatments, making it a candidate gene for stress studies in cotton.

Roles of ERα and ERβ in estrogen-induced DDP chemoresistance in non-small cell lung cancer

The role of estrogen in inducing chemoresistance is not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to observe the relationship between estrogen levels and cellular response to chemotherapeutic drugs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to reveal the potential mechanisms involved. Cell viability was analyzed after pre-treating NSCLC cells with different levels of estrogen (E2), followed by treatment with an anti-tumor drug for 48 h. The roles of various estrogen receptors (ERs) were examined in vitro by blocking the activity of each ER individually. The ER pathway was further confirmed in NSCLC tissues. It was found that 10-1000 nM E2 resulted in a decreased cellular response to DDP in H1650 cells compared to the use of cisplatin alone (P < 0.05). However, this result was not demonstrated in H1299 cells, which lack p53. Both ERa and ERb were associated with E2-induced cisplatin chemoresistance, though they had opposite functions. p53 expression did not correlate with the expression of ERa or ERb individually. However, a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and ERa to ERb mRNA ratio was observed (P < 0.001, R = -0.676). These findings suggest that E2-induced DDP chemoresistance depends on the balance between ERa and ERb expression and the p53 pathway.

Genome-wide characterization and comparative analysis of the MLO gene family in cotton

In plants, MLO (Mildew Locus O) gene encodes a plant-specific seven transmembrane (TM) domain protein involved in several cellular processes, including susceptibility to powdery mildew (PM). In this study, a genome-wide characterization of the MLO gene family in G. raimondii L., G. arboreum L. and G. hirsutum L. was performed. In total, 22, 17 and 38 homologous sequences were identified for each species, respectively. Gene organization, including chromosomal location, gene clustering and gene duplication, was investigated. Homologues related to PM susceptibility in upland cotton were inferred by phylogenetic relationships with functionally characterized MLO proteins. To conduct a comparative analysis between MLO candidate genes from G. raimondii L., G. arboreum L. and G. hirsutum L., orthologous relationships and conserved synteny blocks were constructed. The transcriptional variation of 38 GhMLO genes in response to exogenous application of salt, mannitol (Man), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) was monitored. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the functions of MLO genes in PM susceptibility and phytohormone signalling pathways.

Hepatoprotective effects of selenium during diabetes in rats

The present study investigated the hepatoprotective role of selenium during alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, normal control, selenium treated, diabetic, and selenium-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the animals by injecting alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose rate of 150 mg/kg body weight. Selenium in the form of sodium selenite was supplemented to rats at a dose level of 1 ppm in drinking water, ad libitum for two time durations of 2 and 4 weeks. The effects of different treatments were studied on various parameters in rat liver, which included serum glucose levels, serum insulin levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione reduced (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, metallothionein (MT), and histoarchitecture. A significant increase in the serum glucose levels, LPO levels, and in enzyme activities of ALP, ALT, and AST was observed in diabetic rats which, however, got decreased significantly upon supplementation with selenium. On the contrary, decreased enzyme activities of GSSG, SOD, and CAT and depressed levels of GSH as well as serum insulin levels were observed in diabetic rats which got improved following selenium supplementation. Interestingly, MT levels were increased both in diabetic and selenium-treated diabetic rats. Further, marked alterations in histoarchitecture were seen in diabetic rats with the prominent features being congestion in sinusoids, lipid accumulation, and centrilobular hepatocyte degeneration. However, selenium treatment to diabetic rats showed overall improvement in the hepatic histoarchitecture.

DAP12 deficiency in liver allografts results in enhanced donor DC migration, augmented effector T cell responses and abrogation of transplant tolerance

Liver interstitial dendritic cells (DC) have been implicated in immune regulation and tolerance induction. We found that the transmembrane immuno-adaptor DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) negatively regulated conventional liver myeloid (m) DC maturation and their in vivo migratory and T cell allostimulatory ability. Livers were transplanted from C57BL/6(H2(b) ) (B6) WT or DAP12(-/-) mice into WT C3H (H2(k) ) recipients. Donor mDC (H2-K(b+) CD11c(+) ) were quantified in spleens by flow cytometry. Anti-donor T cell reactivity was evaluated by ex vivo carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester-mixed leukocyte reaction and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, while T effector and regulatory T cells were determined by flow analysis. A threefold to fourfold increase in donor-derived DC was detected in spleens of DAP12(-/-) liver recipients compared with those given WT grafts. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the graft, interferon gamma (IFNγ) production by graft-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells and systemic levels of IFNγ were all elevated significantly in DAP12(-/-) liver recipients. DAP12(-/-) grafts also exhibited reduced incidences of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) cells and enhanced CD8(+) T cell IFNγ secretion in response to donor antigen challenge. Unlike WT grafts, DAP12(-/-) livers failed to induce tolerance and were rejected acutely. Thus, DAP12 expression in liver grafts regulates donor mDC migration to host lymphoid tissue, alloreactive T cell responses and transplant tolerance.

Prospective feasibility study on the use of multiband mucosectomy for endoscopic resection of early squamous neoplasia in the esophagus

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic resection for esophageal squamous high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or intramucosal cancer (esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [ESCC]) with the endoscopic resection cap technique is technically difficult, and requires submucosal lifting and multiple snares for piecemeal resections. Multiband mucosectomy (MBM) is an easy-to-use endoscopic resection technique and may be the modality of choice in China, where ESCC is extremely prevalent. The aim of the current study was to prospectively evaluate MBM for piecemeal endoscopic resection of squamous neoplasia of the esophagus.

METHODS

Patients with HGIN/ESCC and no signs of submucosal invasion or metastatic disease were included in the study. Lesions were delineated using electrocoagulation and resected using the MBM technique. Endpoints were procedure time, endoscopic radicality, complications, histology of the endoscopic resection specimens, and absence of HGIN/ESCC at the endoscopic resection scar during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients (26 male; mean age 61 years) underwent MBM; all lesions were visible with white light endoscopy (median length 5 cm, interquartile range [IQR] 4 - 6 cm; median circumferential extent 42 %, IQR 25 - 50 %). Median procedure time was 12 minutes (IQR 8 - 24 minutes). Median number of resections was 5 (IQR 3 - 6). Endoscopic complete resection was achieved in all lesions. There was one perforation, which was treated by application of clips. No other complications were observed. The worst histology was ESCC (n = 19), HGIN (n = 17), middle grade intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 4), and normal squamous epithelium (n = 1). Endoscopic follow-up at 3 months showed HGIN at the endoscopic resection scar in two patients, which was effectively treated endoscopically, and showed normal squamous epithelium in all patients at final follow-up (median 15 months, IQR 12 - 24 months).

CONCLUSION

This first prospective study on MBM for piecemeal endoscopic resection of early esophageal squamous neoplasia showed that MBM was effective for the complete removal of lesions with short procedure time, few complications, effective histological assessment of resected specimens, and durable treatment effect.

Randomized clinical trial comparing infrahepatic inferior vena cava clamping with low central venous pressure in complex liver resections involving the Pringle manoeuvre

BACKGROUND

Control of bleeding remains key to successful hepatic resection. The present randomized clinical trial compared infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping with low central venous pressure (CVP) during complex hepatectomy using portal triad clamping (PTC).

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing complex hepatectomy were allocated randomly to PTC combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping or to PTC with low CVP. Primary outcome was blood loss during parenchymal transection. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative surgical and haemodynamic parameters, postoperative recovery of liver and renal function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Between January 2008 and September 2010, 192 patients were randomized. Compared with low CVP, infrahepatic IVC clamping significantly decreased blood loss during parenchymal transection (mean(s.e.m.) 243(158) versus 372(197) ml; P < 0·001), was associated with faster recovery of liver function, and caused less impairment in renal function and fewer haemodynamic changes. The degree of cirrhosis correlated positively with CVP (R(2) = 0·963, P = 0·019) and with infrahepatic IVC pressure (R(2) = 0·950, P = 0·025). For patients with moderate or severe cirrhosis, infrahepatic IVC clamping was more efficacious in controlling blood loss during parenchymal transection (mean(s.e.m.) 2·9(1·8) versus 6·1(2·4) ml/cm(2); P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

PTC combined with infrahepatic IVC clamping is more efficacious in controlling bleeding during complex hepatectomy than PTC with low CVP, especially in patients with moderate to severe cirrhosis.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01355887 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Hierarchical architectures TiO2: pollen-inducted synthesis, remarkable crystalline-phase stability, tunable size, and reused photo-catalysis

TiO(2) with hierarchical architectures, tunable crystalline phase and thermal stability is successfully fabricated on a large scale through a facile hydrolysis process of TiCl(4) combining with inducing of pollen. The structure of the as-prepared TiO(2) is characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results indicate that different phases (anatase, rutile or mixed crystallite) of TiO(2) can be synthesized by controlling the experimental conditions. The pure phase of rutile or anatase can be obtained at 100°C, while the pure phase of anatase can be retained after being annealed at 900°C. The hierarchical structures TiO(2) are constitute through self-assembly of nanoparticles or nanorods TiO(2), which exhibit high and reused photo-catalytic properties for degradation of methylene blue.

Levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells are related to uremic toxins and vascular injury in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) exhibit cardiovascular diseases and profound endothelial dysfunction. CKD patients have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, but little is known about the factors influencing these numbers.

OBJECTIVES

Among these factors, we hypothesized that uremic toxins and vascular injury affect endothelial progenitor cells.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Thirty-eight hemodialysis patients were investigated and compared with 21 healthy controls. CD34+CD133+ immature progenitors, CD34+KDR+ endothelial progenitors cells (EPC) and myeloid EPC (mEPC) were counted in peripheral blood. Levels of uremic toxins beta(2)-microglobulin, indole-3 acetic acid, indoxylsulfate, p-cresylsulfate and homocysteine were measured. Vascular injury was assessed in hemodialysis (HD) patients by measuring aortic pulse wave velocity and plasma levels of endothelial microparticles. In vitro experiments were performed to study the effect of uremic toxins on apoptosis of progenitor cells.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

CD34+CD133+ immature progenitor cell number was negatively correlated with the levels of uremic toxins beta(2)-microglobulin and indole-3 acetic acid. In vitro, indole-3 acetic acid induced apoptosis of CD133+ cells. These data indicate uremic toxins have a deleterious role on progenitor cells, early in the differentiation process. Moreover, mEPC number was positively correlated with markers of vascular injury-pulse wave velocity and endothelial microparticle levels. This suggests that vascular lesions could stimulate progenitor cell mobilization, even in a context of reduced EPC induced by CKD. In conclusion, uremic toxins and vascular injury appear to affect endothelial progenitor cell biology in CKD.

The uremic solute indoxyl sulfate induces oxidative stress in endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress are matters of concern in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Uremic solutes retained in these patients could be involved in these processes. Notably, the protein-bound uremic solute indoxyl sulfate induces endothelial dysfunction in vitro, and has shown pro-oxidant effects.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that indoxyl sulfate is a potential mediator of oxidative stress in endothelial cells in vitro.

METHODS

Indoxyl sulfate-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was studied by measuring reactive oxygen specie (ROS) production by cytofluorimetry, by analyzing the involvement of the pro-oxidative enzymes NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and NO synthase, and by measuring the levels of the non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione.

RESULTS

We showed that indoxyl sulfate induced a significant production of ROS in HUVEC, with or without human serum albumin. We then investigated the role of pro-oxidative enzymes and measured the levels of the antioxidant glutathione. The NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, DPI, and apocynin, inhibited ROS production, whereas inhibitors of xanthine oxidase, NO synthase, and mitochondrial ROS had no effect. Interestingly, indoxyl sulfate strongly decreased the levels of glutathione, one of the most active antioxidant systems of the cell. In addition, the ROS production mediated by indoxyl sulfate was inhibited by the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and NAC.

CONCLUSION

The uremic solute indoxyl sulfate enhances ROS production, increases NAD(P)H oxidase activity, and decreases glutathione levels in endothelial cells. Thus, indoxyl sulfate induces oxidative stress by modifying the balance between pro- and antioxidant mechanisms in endothelial cells.

Elevation of circulating endothelial microparticles in patients with chronic renal failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic renal failure patients are at high risk of cardiovascular events and display endothelial dysfunction, a critical element in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Upon activation, the endothelium sheds microparticles, considered as markers of endothelial dysfunction that also behave as vectors of bioactive molecules.

AIM

To measure plasma levels of endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in chronic renal failure patients (CRF), either undialyzed or hemodialyzed (HD), and to investigate the ability of uremic toxins to induce EMP release in vitro.

METHODS

Circulating EMPs were numerated by flow cytometry, after staining of platelet-free plasma with phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated anti-CD144 (CD144+ EMP) or anti-CD146 (CD146+ EMP) monoclonal antibodies. Platelet MP (CD41+ PMP), leukocyte MP (CD45+ leukocyte microparticles (LMP)), and annexin-V+ MPs were also counted. In parallel, MPs were counted in supernatant of human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated with uremic toxins [oxalate, indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol, and homocysteine (Hcy)], at concentrations found in patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

CD144+ EMP and CD146+ EMP levels were significantly higher in CRF and HD patients than in healthy subjects. Furthermore, annexin-V+ MPs were elevated in both groups of uremic patients, and CD41+ PMP and CD45+ LMP were increased in CRF and HD patients, respectively. In vitro, p-cresol and indoxyl sulfate significantly increased both CD146+ and annexin-V+ EMP release. Increased levels of circulating EMP in CRF and HD patients represent a new marker of endothelial dysfunction in uremia. The ability of p-cresol and indoxyl sulfate to increase EMP release in vitro suggests that specific uremic factors may be involved in EMP elevation in patients.