Life cycle assessment of hepatotoxicity induced by cyhalofop-butyl in environmental concentrations on zebrafish in light of gut-liver axis

Cyhalofop-butyl (CB) poses a significant threat to aquatic organisms, but there is a discrepancy in evidence about hepatotoxicity after prolonged exposure to environmental levels. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term hepatotoxicity and its effects on the gut-liver axis through the exposure of zebrafish to environmental concentrations of CB (0.1,1,10 μg/L) throughout their life cycle. Zebrafish experienced abnormal obesity symptoms and organ index after a prolonged exposure of 120 days. The gut-liver axis was found to be damaged both morphologically and functionally through an analysis of histology, electron microscopy subcellular structure, and liver function. The disruption of the gut-liver axis inflammatory process by CB is suggested by the rise in inflammatory factors and the alteration of inflammatory genes. Furthermore, there was a noticeable alteration in the blood and gut-liver axis biochemical parameters as well as gene expression linked to lipid metabolism, which may led to an imbalance in the gut flora. In conclusion, the connection between the gut-liver axis, intestinal microbiota, and liver leads to the metabolic dysfunction of zebrafish exposed to long-term ambient concentrations of CB, and damaged immune system and liver lipid metabolism. This study gives another knowledge into the hepatotoxicity component of long haul openness to ecological centralization of CB, and might be useful to assess the potential natural and wellbeing dangers of aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides.

Environmental levels of azoxystrobin disturb male zebrafish behavior: Possible roles of oxidative stress, cholinergic system, and dopaminergic system

A widely applied pesticide of azoxystrobin, is increasingly detected in the water environment. Concern has been raised against its potential detriment to aquatic ecosystems. It has been shown that exposure to azoxystrobin interfere with the locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae. This study aims to investigate whether exposure to environmental levels of azoxystrobin (2 μg/L, 20 μg/L, and 200 μg/L) changes the behavior of male adult zebrafish. Herein, we evaluated behavioral response (locomotor, anxiety-like, and exploratory behaviors), histopathology, biochemical indicators, and gene expression in male adult zebrafish upon azoxystrobin exposure. The study showed that exposure to azoxystrobin for 42 days remarkably increased the locomotor ability of male zebrafish, resulted in anxiety-like behavior, and inhibited exploratory behavior. After treatment with 200 μg/L azoxystrobin, vasodilatation, and congestion were observed in male zebrafish brains. Exposure to 200 μg/L azoxystrobin notably elevated ROS level, MDA concentration, CAT activity, and AChE activity, while inhibiting SOD activity, GPx activity, ACh concentration, and DA concentration in male zebrafish brains. Moreover, the expression levels of genes related to the antioxidant, cholinergic, and dopaminergic systems were significantly changed. This suggests that azoxystrobin may interfere with the homeostasis of neurotransmitters by causing oxidative stress in male zebrafish brains, thus affecting the behavioral response of male zebrafish.

Neural System Impairment and Involved Microglia-Neuron Regulation of Broflanilide in Zebrafish Larvae

Broflanilide is widely used to control pests and has attracted attention due to its adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Our previous study showed that broflanilide has a negative impact on the central nervous system (CNS) at lethal dosages; however, its neural effects under practical situations and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To elucidate how broflanilide affects the CNS, we exposed zebrafish larvae to broflanilide at 16.9 and 88.0 μg/L (the environmentally relevant concentrations) for 120 h. Zebrafish locomotion was significantly disturbed at 88.0 μg/L, with a decreased moving distance and velocity accompanied by an inhibited neurotransmitter level. In vivo neuroimaging analysis indicated that the nerves of zebrafish larvae, including the axons, myelin sheaths, and neurons, were impaired. The number of neurons was significantly reduced after exposure, with an impaired morphological structure. These changes were accompanied by the abnormal transcription of genes involved in early CNS development. In addition, an increased total number of microglia and an elevated proportion of amoeboid microglia were observed after 88.0 μg/L broflanilide exposure, pointing out to an upstream role of microglia activation in mediating broflanilide neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, increased inflammatory cytokine levels and brain neutrophil numbers were observed, implicating significant inflammatory response and immune toxicity. Our findings indicate that broflanilide interferes with microglia-neuron regulation and induces neurodevelopmental disorders.

Effects of Broflanilide on Oxidative Stress and Expression of Apoptotic Genes in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Gill

Broflanilide exerted negative impacts on the gill of zebrafish. Thus, in this study, zebrafish gill was used to assess the apoptosis toxicity of broflanilide by determining the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis-related genes. The results found that the minimum threshold for the content and time of broflanilide affecting enzyme content and gene expression was 0.26 mg/L after 24 h exposure. After 96 h exposure, broflanilide could cause apoptosis and exerted significantly increased contents of ROS and MDA, while inhibiting the activities of SOD, CAT, and GPx at 0.26 and 0.57 mg/L. Broflanilide also had adverse effects on apoptosis-related genes, such as tumor protein p53 (p53), associated × (Bax), B-cell lymphama-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, caspase-9, and apoptotic protease activating factor-1(apaf-1), at 0.26 mg/L and 0.57 mg/L after 96 h exposure, respectively. These results provide new insight into the potential toxicity mechanisms of broflanilide in zebrafish gills.

Chronic toxicity of broflanilide in Daphnia magna: changes in molting, behavior, and gene expression

Broflanilide is a novel pesticide used in agriculture that binds to unique receptors on pests; however, the widespread use of broflanilide has led to toxicity in Daphnia magna. At present, little information on the potential threats broflanilide imposes on D. magna is available. Therefore, the present study examined the chronic toxicity of broflanilide in D. magna by comparing changes in molting, neurotransmitter function, and behavior. The results showed that broflanilide caused chronic toxicity in D. magna at a concentration of 8.45 μg/L, and growth, development, reproduction, and the development of offspring were affected. In addition, broflanilide affected the molting of D. magna by significantly inhibiting the expression of chitinase, ecdysteroid, and related genes. Broflanilide also affected the expression of γ-glutamic acid, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, dopa, and dopamine. Furthermore, the swimming distance and speed of D. magna were reduced. Taken together, the results demonstrate the chronic toxicity and exposure risk of broflanilide in D. magna.

Transcriptome analysis reveals hepatotoxicity in zebrafish induced by cyhalofop‑butyl

Cyhalofop‑butyl is a highly effective aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicide and widely used for weed control in paddy fields. With the increasing residue of cyhalofop‑butyl, it poses a threat to the survival of aquatic organisms. Here, we investigated the effect of cyhalofop‑butyl on zebrafish to explore its potential hepatotoxic mechanism. The results showed that cyhalofop‑butyl induced hepatocyte degeneration, vacuolation and necrosis of larvae after embryonic exposure for 4 days and caused liver atrophy after 5 days. Meanwhile, the activities of enzymes related to liver function were significantly increased by 0.2 mg/L cyhalofop‑butyl and higher, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). And the contents of triglyceride (TG) involved in lipid metabolism were significantly decreased by 0.4 mg/L cyhalofop-buty. The expression of genes related to liver development was also significantly down-regulated. Furthermore, transcriptome results showed that the pathways involved in metabolism, immune system and endocrine system were significantly impacted, which may be related to hepatoxicity. To sum up, the present study demonstrated the hepatoxicity caused by cyhalofop-buty and its underlying mechanism. The results may provide new insights for the risk of cyhalofop‑butyl to aquatic organisms and new horizons for the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity.

Exposure to difenoconazole induces reproductive toxicity in zebrafish by interfering with gamete maturation and reproductive behavior

Difenoconazole (DCZ) is a triazole fungicide that negatively affects aquatic organisms and humans. However, data regarding the reproductive toxicity of DCZ are insufficient. In this study, we used zebrafish (from 2 h post-fertilization [hpf] to adulthood) as a model to evaluate whether DCZ at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 μg/L) induces reproductive toxicity. After exposure to DCZ, egg production and fertilization rates were reduced by 1.0 and 10.0 μg/L. A significant decrease in gamete frequency (late vitellogenic oocytes and spermatozoa) was observed at 10.0 μg/L. The concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and vitellogenin (VTG) were disrupted in females and males by 1.0 and 10.0 μg/L. Exposure to 10.0 μg/L DCZ significantly inhibited the contact time between female and male fish, which was mainly achieved by affecting male fish. The transcription of genes involved in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis was significantly changed after treatment with DCZ. Overall, these data show that the endocrine-disrupting effect of DCZ on the zebrafish HPG axis inhibited gamete maturation and disrupted reproductive behavior, reducing fertility.

Sub-lethal concentration of metamifop exposure impair gut health of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Previous studies have demonstrated that sublethal metamifop exposures induce hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in zebrafish. Whether metamifop will cause adverse effects in zebrafish gut is unknown. In the present study, effects of metamifop on gut heath of zebrafish were investigated after sublethal concentration (0.025, 0.10 and 0.40 mg/L) exposure. Histopathology analysis showed that metamifop induced inflammation and reduction of goblet cells in the gut, indicating that gut health may be impaired. Metamifop exposure could reduce activities of digestive enzymes (lipase and alkaline phosphatase), indicating the capacity of lipid absorption were impaired. Meanwhile, the content of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) and mRNA levels of related genes (apoa-1a, apoe-b, fatp4, lpl and fabp2) were reduced in zebrafish gut after exposure to metamifop, suggesting the lipid transportation were decreased. The transcripts of genes associated with inflammation (il-17c, tnf-α and nf-kb) were significantly increased in 0.40 mg/L metamifop treatment group, which were 1.90-, 1.53- and 2.77-fold of the control group, respectively, confirming that metamifop induced inflammatory response in zebrafish gut. Moreover, reduction of mRNA levels of cldn-15 and elevation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) content were observed in metamifop-treated groups, which suggested that metamifop exposure increased the intestinal permeability. Furthermore, metamifop exposure decreased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Psychrobacter and Aeromonas) and elevated the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Rhodobacter and Ralstonia) in zebrafish intestine. These results indicated that metamifop exposure at sublethal concentrations would impair zebrafish gut health, via reduction of lipids absorption, inflammatory response, elevation of permeability and microbiota disorder.

Life Cycle Exposure to Cyhalofop-Butyl Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Zebrafish

Cyhalofop-butyl (CyB) is a herbicide widely used in paddy fields that may transfer to aquatic ecosystems and cause harm to aquatic organisms. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to CyB at environmental concentrations (0.1, 1 and 10 µg/L) throughout their adult life cycle, from embryo to sexual maturity. The effects of CyB on zebrafish growth and reproduction were studied. It was found that female spawning was inhibited, and adult male fertility decreased. In addition, we examined the expression of sex steroid hormones and genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis. After 150 days of exposure, the hormone balance in zebrafish was disturbed, and the concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (VTG) were decreased. Changes in sex hormone were regulated by the expression of genes related to the HPGL axis. These results confirmed that long-term exposure to CyB at environmental concentrations can damage the reproductive capacity of zebrafish by disrupting the transcription of genes related to the HPGL axis. Overall, these data may provide a new understanding of the reproductive toxicity of long-term exposure to CyB in zebrafish parents and offspring.

Polystyrene Nanoplastics Toxicity to Zebrafish: Dysregulation of the Brain-Intestine-Microbiota Axis

In animal species, the brain-gut axis is a complex bidirectional network between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of numerous microbial, immune, neuronal, and hormonal pathways that profoundly impact organism development and health. Although nanoplastics (NPs) have been shown to cause intestinal and neural toxicity in fish, the role of the neurotransmitter and intestinal microbiota interactions in the underlying mechanism of toxicity, particularly at environmentally relevant contaminant concentrations, remains unknown. Here, the effect of 44 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on the brain-intestine-microbe axis and embryo-larval development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was investigated. Exposure to 1, 10, and 100 μg/L PS-NPs for 30 days inhibited growth and adversely affected inflammatory responses and intestinal permeability. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed an alteration of 42 metabolites involved in neurotransmission. The content of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC; dopamine metabolite formed by monoamine oxidase activity) was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner after PS-NP exposure. Changes in the 14 metabolites correlated with changes to 3 microbial groups, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, as compared to the control group. A significant relationship between Firmicutes and homovanillic acid (0.466, Pearson correlation coefficient) was evident. Eight altered metabolites (l-glutamine (Gln), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), l-cysteine (Cys), l-glutamic acid (Glu), norepinephrine (NE), and l-tryptophan (l-Trp)) had a negative relationship with Proteobacteria although histamine (His) and acetylcholine chloride (ACh chloride) levels were positively correlated with Proteobacteria. An Associated Network analysis showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were highly correlated (0.969). Furthermore, PS-NPs accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract of offspring and impaired development of F1 (2 h post-fertilization) embryos, including reduced spontaneous movements, hatching rate, and length. This demonstration of transgenerational deficits is of particular concern. These findings suggest that PS-NPs cause intestinal inflammation, growth inhibition, and restricted development of zebrafish, which are strongly linked to the disrupted regulation within the brain-intestine-microbiota axis. Our study provides insights into how xenobiotics can disrupt the regulation of brain-intestine-microbiota and suggests that these end points should be taken into account when assessing environmental health risks of PS-NPs to aquatic organisms.

Expression pattern of CRYAB and CTGF genes in two pig breeds at different altitudes

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C>T and g.39644132T>C) and CTGF (g.31671748A>G and g.31671773T>G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

Tralopyril affects locomotor activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) by impairing tail muscle tissue, the nervous system, and energy metabolism

Tralopyril (TP), an antifouling biocide, is widely used to prevent heavy biofouling, and can have potential risks to aquatic organisms. In this study, the effect of TP on locomotor activity and related mechanisms were evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. TP significantly reduced locomotor activity after 168 -h exposure. Adverse modifications in tail muscle tissue, the nervous system, and energy metabolism were also observed in larvae. TP caused thinning of the muscle bundle in the tail of larvae. In conjunction with the metabolomics results, changes in dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment, indicate that TP may disrupt the nervous system in zebrafish larvae. The change in metabolites (e.g., glucose 6-phosphate, cis-Aconitic acid, acetoacetyl-CoA, coenzyme-A and 3-Oxohexanoyl-CoA) involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indicates that TP may disrupt energy metabolism. TP exposure may inhibit the locomotor activity of zebrafish larvae by impairing tail muscle tissue, the nervous system, and energy metabolism.

Socio-economic disparities in self-reported, tested, and diagnosed COVID-19 status

Backgrounds

Studies in clinical settings showed a potential relationship between Socio-Economic Status (SES) and lifestyle factors with COVID-19, but it is still unknown whether this holds in the general population. In this study we investigated the associations of SES with self-reported, tested, and diagnosed COVID-19 status in the general population.

Methods

Participants were 49,474 men and women (46 ± 12 yrs) residing in the Northern Netherlands from the Lifelines cohort study. SES indicators and lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking status, physical activity, alcohol intake, diet quality, sleep time, and TV watching time) were assessed by questionnaire from the Lifelines Biobank. Self-reported, tested, and diagnosed COVID-19 status were obtained from the Lifelines COVID-19 questionnaire.

Results

There were 4,711 participants who self-reported having had a COVID-19 infection, 2,883 participants tested for COVID-19, and 123 positive cases diagnosed in this study population. After adjustment for age, sex, lifestyle factors, BMI, and ethnicity, we found that participants with low education or low income were less likely to self-report a COVID-19 infection (OR [95%CI]: low education 0.78 [0.71-0.86]; low income 0.86 [0.79-0.93]), and be tested for COVID-19 (OR [95%CI]: low education 0.58 [0.52-0.66]; low income 0.86 [0.78-0.95]) compared with high education or high income groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the low SES group was the most vulnerable population to COVID-19 infection and self-reported and tested COVID-19 status in the general population was better predicted by SES than by lifestyle factors.

Key messages

This study innovatively included a broader range of COVID-19 status, including self-reported and tested COVID-19 status, to better understand COVID-19 related socio-economic factors. This study added evidence to the socio-economically patterned COVID-19 status in a general population instead of in clinical settings.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of tralopyril affect carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism of zebrafish (Danio rerio) by disrupting mitochondrial function

Tralopyril (TP), an antifouling biocide, is widely used to prevent heavy biofouling, and can have potential risks to aquatic organisms. However, there is little information available on the toxicity of tralopyril to aquatic organisms. In this study, the effect of TP on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and related mechanisms were evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Adverse modifications in carbohydrate metabolism were observed in larvae: hexokinase (HK) activity, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were significantly decreased; and transcript expression of genes (GK, HK1, and PCK1) was also significantly changed. Changes of TG content, FAS activity and transcript expression of genes (ACO, ehhadh, and fas) indicate that TP disrupt lipid metabolism in zebrafish larvae. The change in expression of genes (ndufs4, Sdhα, and uqcrc2) involved in the mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and genes (polg1 and tk2) involved in the mitochondrial DNA replication and transcription indicates that these adverse effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism are caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.

Toxic effects of broflanilide exposure on development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and its potential cardiotoxicity mechanism

Diamide insecticides are a threat to aquatic organisms but the toxicity of broflanilide remains largely undefined. In this study, to clarify the risk of broflanilide to aquatic organisms and explore its possible mechanism, lethal and sub-lethal exposure of zebrafish embryos were performed. The acute toxicity LC₅₀ (50% lethal concentration) (96 h) of broflanilide to zebrafish embryos and larvae were 3.72 mg/L and 1.28 mg/L, respectively. It also caused toxic symptoms including reduced heart rate, pericardial edema, yolk sac edema and shortened larval body length at ≥ 0.2 mg/L. Understanding the cellular and molecular changes underlying developmental toxicity in early stages of zebrafish may be very important to further improvement of this study. Here, we found cell apoptosis in embryonic heart, significant up-regulation in expression of genes associated with apoptosis and increased activity of caspase-9. In particular, we detected the levels of genes and TBX5 (T-box protein 5) related to cardiac development, which were significantly increased in this study and may be contribution to the cardiotoxicity of embryos. In general, our results identified the aquatic toxicity of broflanilide to the early stage of zebrafish and provide insights into the underlying mechanism in developmental toxicity especially cardiotoxicity of embryos.

Effects of sublethal concentration of metamifop on hepatic lipid metabolism in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Metamifop (MET) is an effective herbicide that has been extensively used in paddy fields. Previous research demonstrated that MET was highly toxic to zebrafish embryos, and this threat has caused great concern; moreover, 0.40 mg/L MET elevated the hepatosomatic index (HSI) in adult zebrafish without lethal effect after 21 d of exposure. In this study, we further determined the detailed impacts of MET on adult zebrafish at sublethal concentrations (0.025, 0.10 and 0.40 mg/L). We found that 0.40 mg/L MET caused liver injury by increasing the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in plasma, the content of interleukin-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and mRNA expression level of genes associated with inflammatory response in liver of adult zebrafish. The hepatic triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid and fatty acid synthase levels were significantly elevated in 0.40 mg/L MET-treated group (1.55-, 2.20- and 2.30-fold, respectively), and the transcript of lipid accumulation-related genes (fabp10, fas, acc, chrebp, dagt2 and agpat4) were upregulated. Meanwhile, the total cholesterol content was decreased by 0.48-fold, bile acid level was increased by 2.44-fold, and levels of cholesterol metabolism-related genes (apoa-1a, hmgcra, cyp51, dhcr7 and cyp7a1) were increased, suggesting cholesterol metabolism disorder occurred in zebrafish. Furthermore, analysis of lipidomics revealed that 0.40 mg/L MET significantly increased the abundance of 91 lipids, which mainly belonged to TG lipid class and were enriched in pathways of glycerolipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, etc. These results suggested that MET exposure at sublethal concentrations would induce hepatic inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders in adult zebrafish.

Bioaccumulation, Metabolism and the Toxic Effects of Chlorfenapyr in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Chlorfenapyr is widely used as an insecticide/miticide. Tralopyril, the active metabolite of chlorfenapyr, is used as an antifouling biocide in antifouling systems, and negatively affects aquatic environments. However, it is unclear whether tralopyril is a metabolite of chlorfenapyr in aquatic vertebrates, and there is little data on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of chlorfenapyr to aquatic vertebrates. In this study, the bioaccumulation and elimination of chlorfenapyr in zebrafish were assessed, and tralopyril, the active metabolite of chlorfenapyr, was determined. The effects of chronic exposure to chlorfenapyr on zebrafish liver and brain oxidative damage, apoptosis, immune response, and metabolome were investigated. These results showed that chlorfenapyr has a high bioaccumulation in zebrafish, with bioaccumulation factors of 864.6 and 1321.9 after exposure to 1.0 and 10 μg/L chlorfenapyr for 21 days, respectively. Chlorfenapyr at these concentrations also rapidly accumulated in zebrafish, reaching 615.5 and 10336 μg/kg on the second and third days of exposure, respectively. Chlorfenapyr was degraded to tralopyril in zebrafish; therefore, both chlorfenapyr and tralopyril should be considered when evaluating the risk of chlorfenapyr to aquatic organisms. In addition, chronic exposure caused oxidative damage, apoptosis, and immune disorders in zebrafish liver. Chronic exposure also altered the levels of endogenous metabolites in liver and brain. After 9 days of depuration, some indicators of oxidative damage, apoptosis, and immunity returned to normal levels, but the concentration of endogenous metabolites in zebrafish liver was still altered. Overall, these results provide useful information for evaluating the toxicity and environmental fate of chlorfenapyr in aquatic vertebrates.

[Characteristics and predictors of postoperative outcome of Crohn disease patients requiring abdominal surgery: a series of 1 048 cases from a single inflammatory bowel disease centre]

Objective: To examine the clinical characteristics, the potential relative factors for postoperative abdominal septic complications, and prognosis factors of surgical recurrence of Crohn disease (CD) patients after the first surgery. Methods: All the CD patients from Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University who had undergone at least one abdominal surgery from January 2007 to December 2017 were included for retrospective analysis. Hospital records were reviewed for information on clinical characteristics. Relative factors of postoperative abdominal septic complications were accessed by Logistic regression models, and prognosis factors of surgical recurrence were accessed by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: There were 1 048 patients included (733 males and 315 females), accounting for 1 513 operations. The age was 31(17) years and the length of resected small bowel was 30.0(40.0) cm at the first resection, 20.0(35.0) cm at the second resection, and 20.0(23.5) cm at the third resection. The length of resected small bowel was 25.0(40.0) cm at any resection. At the first abdominal surgery, 70.99%(744/1 048) patients were aged between 17 and 40 years, 66.98%(702/1 048) patients had ileocolonic disease, and 60.40%(633/1 048) patients had penetrating behavior. Penetrating behavior (OR=8.594, 95%CI: 3.397 to 21.740, P<0.01) and current smoking status (OR=2.671, 95%CI: 1.044 to 6.832, P=0.040) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative septic complications, whereas staged operation (OR=0.360, 95%CI: 0.184 to 0.707, P=0.003) was associated with a decreased risk. Male gender (HR=1.500, 95%CI: 1.128 to 1.995, P=0.005), upper gastrointestinal disease (HR=1.526, 95%CI: 1.033 to 2.255, P=0.034), penetrating behavior (HR=1.506, 95%CI: 1.132 to 2.003, P=0.005) and emergency surgery (HR=1.812, 95%CI: 1.375 to 2.387, P<0.01) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative surgical recurrence, whereas staged operation (HR=0.361, 95%CI: 0.227 to 0.574, P<0.01) was significantly associated with a decreased risk. Conclusions: In this cohort of CD patients receiving abdominal surgery from an inflammatory bowel disease center, the median age was 31 years and the median length of resected small bowel was 30 cm, at first resection. Patients who have risk factors of adverse postoperative outcome may be benefited from staged surgical approach.

[Clinical characteristics of elderly and younger onset rheumatoid arthritis]

Objective: To compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and therapy methods of elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) and younger onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). Methods: The clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data of 481 RA patients in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2013 to December 2018 were collected and used to analyze the difference of characteristics between EORA group and YORA group, which might be useful for better diagnosis and treatment of EORA patients. Quantitative data of normal distribution were compared with t test between the two groups. Results: There were 481 patients in this cohort, of which 137(28.5%) were EORA, 344(71.5%) were YORA, with a mean age of (59±14) years (19-87 years). There were 358 females (74.4%) and 123 males (25.6%). The percentage of male patients was obviously higher in EORA group (36.5% vs 21.2%, χ(2)=12.012, P<0.01), and the average disease course was obviously shorter (Z=-7.985, P<0.01). Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) score was higher in EORA group (5.6±1.3 vs 5.2±1.6, t=2.549, P<0.05), meanwhile the incidences of pleural effusion and interstitial lung disease (ILD) were higher (6.6% vs 1.7%, 29.9% vs 18.3%, respectively; χ(2)=7.550, 7.797, both P<0.05). The incidences of venous thrombosis, primary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral atherosclerosis and cataract in EORA group were all significantly higher than those in YORA group (all P<0.05). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and D-Dimer in EORA group were all remarkably higher (both P<0.05). The rate of using glucocorticoid in EORA group was higher but the rate of using methotrexate and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents were lower (χ(2)=5.271, 8.407, 9.356, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared to YORA group, the percentage of male patients and disease activity of EORA group are higher. The occurrence of pleural effusion, ILD, venous thrombosis, primary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, CHD, peripheral atherosclerosis and cataract in EORA group are higher than those in YORA group.

Tralopyril induces developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryo (Danio rerio) by disrupting the thyroid system and metabolism

Tralopyril, an antifouling biocide, widely used in antifouling systems to prevent underwater equipment from biological contamination, which can pose a potential risk to aquatic organisms and human health. However, there is little information available on the toxicity of tralopyril to aquatic organisms. Herein, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to investigate the toxicity mechanisms of tralopyril and a series of developmental indicators, thyroid hormones, gene expression and metabolomics were measured. Results showed that tralopyril significantly decreased the heart-beat and body length of zebrafish embryos-larvae exposed to 4.20 μg/L or higher concentrations of tralopyril and also induced developmental defects including pericardial hemorrhage, spine deformation, pericardial edema, tail malformation and uninflated gas bladder. Tralopyril decreased the thyroid hormone concentrations in embryos and changed the transcriptions of the related genes (TRHR, TSHβ, TSHR, Nkx2.1, Dio1, TRα, TRβ, TTR and UGT1ab). Additionally, metabolomics analysis showed that tralopyril affected the metabolism of amino acids, energy and lipids, which was associated with regulation of thyroid system. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that alterations of endogenous metabolites induced the thyroid endocrine disruption in zebrafish following the tralopyril treatment. Therefore, the results showed that tralopyril can induce adverse developmental effects on zebrafish embryos by disrupting the thyroid system and metabolism.

Exposure to Boscalid Induces Reproductive Toxicity of Zebrafish by Gender-Specific Alterations in Steroidogenesis

Boscalid is a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide and is frequently detected in surface water. Due to the frequent detection of boscalid, we evaluated its impact on the reproduction of adult zebrafish following a 21 d exposure to 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L. Following exposure to boscalid, the fertility of female zebrafish and fertilization rate of spawning eggs were reduced in a concentration-dependent manner up to a respective 87% and 20% in the highest concentration. A significant 16% reduction in the percentage of late vitellogenic oocytes was noted in ovaries, and a significant 74% reduction in the percentage of spermatids in testis was also observed after treatment with 1.0 mg/L. 17β-Estradiol (E2) concentrations decreased significantly in females (34% decrease) but significantly increased in males (15% increase) following 1.0 mg/L boscalid treatment. The expression of genes (such as era, er2b, cyp19a, and cyp19b) related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad-liver (HPGL) axis was significantly altered and positively correlated with E2 concentrations in female and male zebrafish (p < 0.05). Molecular docking results revealed that the binding modes between boscalid and target proteins (ER and CYP19) of zebrafish were similar to that of the reference compounds and the target proteins. The binding energies indicate that boscalid may have a weak estrogen-like binding effect or CYP19 inhibition, potentially altering the HPGL axis, thereby reducing E2 concentrations and fecundity in females. In contrast, boscalid caused significant induction of E2 steroidogenesis and subsequent feminization of gonads in males, indicating gender-specific adverse outcome pathways.

UPLC-TOF-MS/MS metabolomics analysis of zebrafish metabolism by spirotetramat

Spirotetramat, a member of tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives, is a unique insecticide and acaricide. Although the effect on zebrafish embryos lipid biosynthesis of spirotetramat has been characterized, the energy metabolism and toxic effect mechanism warrant further investigation. To investigate the toxic mechanism of spirotetramat on energy metabolism, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 100, 500 and 1000 µg/L of spirotetramat for 4 days. Untargeted metabolomics showed the synthesis and degradation of ketone pathway metabolites (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid and Acetoacetate significantly decreased, as well as increasing the abundance of Anti-Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase protein (ACC1). Down-regulation of the genes related to ß-oxidation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle in the embryos show decreased energy metabolism. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT- I) significantly decreased while citrate synthase (CS) significantly increased. Additionally, mitochondrial lesions in embryos were found using electron microscopy. Our study provides novel and robust perspectives, which show that spirotetramat treatment in embryos leads to metabolic disturbances that adversely affect cellular energy homeostasis.

Characterization of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid in breastfed infants with or without breast milk jaundice

This study aims to investigate the gut microbiota and metabolites in breastfed infants with breast milk jaundice (BMJ) using gut microbiome-metabolomics. Breastfed newborns diagnosed with BMJ and those without BMJ (control group) were enrolled. Faecal samples were collected from the participants and subjected to high-throughput sequencing of the 16s rDNA V3 and V4 regions of the gut flora and metabolomics of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Proteobacteria, Fimicutes and Actinobacteria were the main bacteria at the phylum level. Eshcerichia-Shigella and Enterobacteriacea were the main bacteria at the genus level. The difference between the two groups was compared. Compared to the control group, the amount of Streptococcus was significantly increased while the amount of Enterococcus was significantly decreased in the faeces from infants with BMJ. Functional prediction analysis of 16S found that biosynthesis of penicillin and cephalosporin significantly increased in the BMJ group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection of SCFAs revealed that levels of acetic acid and propionic acid were significantly lower in the BMJ group than in the control group. The reduced levels of acetic acid and propionic acid may be related to the increase in Streptococcus and decrease in Enterococcus, both of which may contribute to BMJ.

Associations of ultra-processed food and its consumption patterns with incident type 2 diabetes

Background

To study the associations of the consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) and its underlying habitual consumption patterns with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a large population-based cohort.

Methods

In 70 421 participants (35-70 years, 58.6% women) from the Lifelines cohort study, dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to derive UPF consumption patterns. UPF was related to incident diabetes with adjustments for confounders, including overall diet quality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 41 months, the intake of UPF was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes (1128 cases, OR for a 10% increment in UPF intake 1.33 [95% CI 1.26, 1.41]), and remained significant after adjustment for confounders. PCA revealed four habitual UPF consumption patterns. A pattern high in cold savory snacks (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.09, 1.22]) and a pattern high in warm savory snacks (OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.08, 1.21]) were associated with an increased diabetes risk; a pattern high in traditional Dutch cuisine was not associated with diabetes risk (OR 1.05 [95% CI 0.97, 1.14]); while a pattern high in sweet snacks and pastries was inversely associated with diabetes risk (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.76, 0.89]). There was a clear inverse association between diabetes risk at baseline and the sweet snacks and pastries pattern (β = -0.104 [95% CI -0.113, -0.094]).

Conclusions

A higher consumption of UPF was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes. For consumption patterns, this association was most pronounced for the patterns that were high in savory snacks. Our findings emphasize that in addition to promoting the consumption of healthy food products, discouraging the consumption of UPF, specifically savory snacks, should be considered as part of future diabetes prevention strategies.

Key messages

Ultra-processed foods intake was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods should be the focus for future policies.

Using Structural Equation Modelling to Untangle Pathways of Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) are multi-facet and interrelated. We aimed to apply structural equation modelling to examine and quantify pathways of modifiable risk factors related to incident type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Analysis was based on 68 649 participants (35-80 years, without diabetes at baseline) from the Lifelines cohort study. We proposed a conceptual model that illustrates the pathways of risk factors related to incident type 2 diabetes: socio-economic status (income and education) → lifestyle behaviors (diet quality, physical activity, TV watching, and smoking) → clinical markers (blood lipids and obesity status) → incident type 2 diabetes. Structural equation modeling was performed to test this proposed model.

Results

After a median follow-up of 41 months, 1124 new cases of type 2 diabetes were identified. The best-fitting model indicated that among all modifiable risk factors included, waist circumference had the biggest direct effect on type 2 diabetes (β: 0.213 ), followed by HDL-cholesterol (β: -0.141). Less TV watching and more physical activity were found to play an important role in improving clinical markers that were directly associated with type 2 diabetes. Education had the biggest direct effects on all lifestyle behaviors.

Conclusions

Using this innovative approach, our analysis provides a more nuanced assessment of the interplay of type 2 diabetes risk factors, compared to traditional risk estimates. Our results indicated that reducing large waist circumference may be prioritized as the main target for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, and lifestyle interventions are urgently warranted with additional support for those with a low education.

Key messages

Our study elucidated the multiple causal pathways to type 2 diabetes in a prospective setting. Our results identified the most critical targets for future prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes.

[Clinical significance and mechanism of TBX5 gene in colorectal cancer]

Objective: To examine the expression of T-box5 (TBX5) in colorectal cancer tissues and its clinical significance, and explore the effects of TBX5 on the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells and its mechanism. Methods: The expressions of TBX5 in cancer and adjacent normal tissues were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the relationship between TBX5 and clinicopathological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer was analyzed. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the expressions of TBX5 in different colorectal cancer cell lines. TBX5 overexpression plasmid was constructed and transfected into human colorectal cancer cell line HT-29, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the activities of transfection HT-29 cells. Cell scratch test and Transwell assay were used to detect the migration and invasion abilities of cells, while RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of PCNA, p21, p16, p27, MMP-2, MMP-7 and TIMP-1. Results: The positive rate of TBX5 protein in colorectal cancer tissues was 24.44% (22/90), significantly lower than 65.56% of adjacent normal tissues (P<0.001). The expression of TBX5 was significantly related to lymph node metastasis, depth of invasion and nerve invasion (P<0.05). The survival period of 22 patients with positive TBX5 expression was (60.2±2.4) months, better than (44.3±2.8) months of 68 patients with negative TBX5 expression (P<0.05). Among human colon cancer cell lines of HT29, SW620, SW480, LOVO and HCT116, the expression of TBX5 in HT29 cells was the weakest. After transfection, the expression of TBX5 in transfection group was significantly higher than those in control group and blank group (P=0.043 and P<0.001). Cell viability in transfection group was significantly lower than those in control group and blank group (both P<0.001). The ratio of cells in G(0)/G(1) phase was increased (P=0.009), while in G(2)/M phase was decreased (P<0.001). Cells' abilities of migration and invasion in transfection group were also significantly decreased (both P<0.001). Overexpression of TBX5 downregulated the expressions of PCNA, MMP-2 and MMP-7, while upregulated the expressions of p21, p16, p27 (P<0.05 for all). TBX5 had marginal effect on the expression of TIMP-1 (P>0.05). Conclusions: Downregulation of TBX5 is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. TBX5 may inhibit the progression of colorectal cancer by inhibiting proliferation, invasion and metastasis related genes.

Dysregulation of endocrine disruption, apoptosis and the transgenerational toxicity induced by spirotetramat

Spirotetramat (SPT) is a new tetronic acid derivative insecticide used to control scales and aphids; the potential for endocrine disruptor effects in fish could not be finalized with the available data. In this study, zebrafish were selected to assess the endocrine-disrupting effects. Significant decrease of plasma estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) were observed in both male and female following the spirotetramat exposure; the vitellogenin (VTG) level in females significantly decreased. The expression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis genes fshr, lhr and esr1 showed significant increase in the gonads, which expression in males is higher than in females. In addition, the activities of capspase-3 and caspase-9 significantly decreased in both males and females liver, while the capspase-3 and caspase-9 were increased in male testis, the mRNA expression levels of genes expression related to the apoptosis pathway were also significantly altered after the spirotetramat exposure. Additionally, we found the parental zebrafish exposed to spirotetramat induced the development delay of its offspring. Above all, the adverse effects induced by spirotetramat suggesting that spirotetramat is a potential exogenous hazardous agent.

Selectivity of a QCM gas sensor modified by ZnSn(OH)6via analysis of adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics

In this paper, a novel analysis approach was employed to achieve the selectivity of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor.

CD11b immunophenotyping identifies inflammatory profiles in the mouse and human lungs

The development of easily accessible tools for human immunophenotyping to classify patients into discrete disease endotypes is advancing personalized therapy. However, no systematic approach has been developed for the study of inflammatory lung diseases with often complex and highly heterogeneous disease etiologies. We have devised an internally standardized flow cytometry approach that can identify parallel inflammatory alveolar macrophage phenotypes in both the mouse and human lungs. In mice, lung innate immune cell alterations during endotoxin challenge, influenza virus infection, and in two genetic models of chronic obstructive lung disease could be segregated based on the presence or absence of CD11b alveolar macrophage upregulation and lung eosinophilia. Additionally, heightened alveolar macrophage CD11b expression was a novel feature of acute lung exacerbations in the SHIP-1(-/-) model of chronic obstructive lung disease, and anti-CD11b antibody administration selectively blocked inflammatory CD11b(pos) but not homeostatic CD11b(neg) alveolar macrophages in vivo. The identification of analogous profiles in respiratory disease patients highlights this approach as a translational avenue for lung disease endotyping and suggests that heterogeneous innate immune cell phenotypes are an underappreciated component of the human lung disease microenvironment.

Efficiency of live attenuated and inactivated rabies viruses in prophylactic and post exposure vaccination against the street virus strain

Rabies remains an enigmatic and widely discussed global infectious disease and causes an increasing number of deaths. The currently used highly effective prophylactic and post exposure (p.e.) vaccination depends solely upon inexpensive, effective and safe vaccines to counteract the spread of the disease. In this study, the potential of an attenuated Chinese rabies vaccine (SRV9) strain in prophylactic and p.e. vaccination against the street strain of rabies virus (RV) was evaluated in mice. Prophylactic vaccination consisting of one intramuscular (i.m.) dose of SRV9 protected 100% of mice from intracerebral (i.c.) challenge with a lethal dose of the street virus. The latter was detected in the brain of mice at day 6 post challenge by RT-PCR. Post exposure vaccination was performed at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 post infection (p.i.) with either SRV9 or inactivated rabies vaccine. The survival rates after i.m. inoculation of SRV9 at the indicated days were 70%, 50%, 30%, 20%, 10%, and 0%, respectively; the corresponding survival rates for the inactivated rabies vaccine were 30%, 20%, 10%, 0%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. However, 100%, 90%, 70%, 50%, 20%, 10%, and 10% of mice survived after i.c. inoculation of SRV9 at the indicated days. The increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the infiltration of CD19+ B cells into the central nervous system after i.c. inoculation of SRV9 are regarded as prerequisites for the clearance of the street virus. The obtained data suggest that SRV9 is a promising candidate for prophylactic and p.e. vaccination against rabies infection and that it exhibits a potential for the control of rabies in China.

Alterations in microRNA expression profile in rabies virus-infected mouse neurons

Rabies virus (RABV) is known to cause a fatal infection in many mammalian species, yet its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. This study was performed to analyze the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in RABV-infected primary neurons of mice. A total of 53 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in RABV-infected samples compared with mock samples in a time-dependent manner. Among them, the expression of ten miRNAs was validated by real-time RT-PCR. Potential target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by TargetScan. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that these predicted targets were overrepresented in neuronal function-related Gene Ontology (GO) terms and biological pathways. The results of this study suggest that RABV may cause neuronal dysfunction by regulating cellular miRNA expression.

Risk-taking behaviour may explain high predation mortality of GH-transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio

The competitive ability and habitat selection of juvenile all-fish GH-transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio and their size-matched non-transgenic conspecifics, in the absence and presence of predation risk, under different food distributions, were compared. Unequal-competitor ideal-free-distribution analysis showed that a larger proportion of transgenic C. carpio fed within the system, although they were not overrepresented at a higher-quantity food source. Moreover, the analysis showed that transgenic C. carpio maintained a faster growth rate, and were more willing to risk exposure to a predator when foraging, thereby supporting the hypothesis that predation selects against maximal growth rates by removing individuals that display increased foraging effort. Without compensatory behaviours that could mitigate the effects of predation risk, the escaped or released transgenic C. carpio with high-gain and high-risk performance would grow well but probably suffer high predation mortality in nature.

Identification of cellular proteins interacting with influenza A virus PB1-F2 protein

The influenza A virus (IAV) protein PB1-F2, which is encoded by an alternative ORF of the PB1 polymerase gene, has been implicated as an important virulence factor and apoptosis inducer. However, the molecular mechanism of PB1-F2 function remains elusive. In this study, eight cellular proteins were identified as potential PB1-F2 interacting partners using the yeast two-hybrid system. Two positive candidate proteins, guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) beta polypeptide 2 (Gβ2) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), were selected to be further characterized. The interaction of MIF and Gβ2 with PB1-F2 was confirmed by both GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Confocal laser microscopy showed that the interaction between PB1-F2 and the two cellular proteins occurred in the cytoplasm. The novel interactions between PB1-F2 and host proteins provide further pieces of evidence in the investigation of the pathogenic mechanism of IAV.

KEYWORDS

influenza A virus; PB1-F2; yeast two-hybrid; protein-protein interaction.

Exosome-mediated shuttling of microRNA-29 regulates HIV Tat and morphine-mediated neuronal dysfunction

Neuronal damage is a hallmark feature of HIV-associated neurological disorders (HANDs). Opiate drug abuse accelerates the incidence and progression of HAND; however, the mechanisms underlying the potentiation of neuropathogenesis by these drugs remain elusive. Opiates such as morphine have been shown to enhance HIV transactivation protein Tat-mediated toxicity in both human neurons and neuroblastoma cells. In the present study, we demonstrate reduced expression of the tropic factor platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B with a concomitant increase in miR-29b in the basal ganglia region of the brains of morphine-dependent simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques compared with the SIV-infected controls. In vitro relevance of these findings was corroborated in cultures of astrocytes exposed to morphine and HIV Tat that led to increased release of miR-29b in exosomes. Subsequent treatment of neuronal SH-SY5Y cell line with exosomes from treated astrocytes resulted in decreased expression of PDGF-B, with a concomitant decrease in viability of neurons. Furthermore, it was shown that PDGF-B was a target for miR-29b as evidenced by the fact that binding of miR-29 to the 3′-untranslated region of PDGF-B mRNA resulted in its translational repression in SH-SY5Y cells. Understanding the regulation of PDGF-B expression may provide insights into the development of potential therapeutic targets for neuronal loss in HIV-1-infected opiate abusers.

Elevated ability to compete for limited food resources by 'all-fish' growth hormone transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio

Food consumption, number of movements and feeding hierarchy of juvenile transgenic common carp Cyprinus carpio and their size-matched non-transgenic conspecifics were measured under conditions of limited food supply. Transgenic fish exhibited 73.3% more movements as well as a higher feeding order, and consumed 1.86 times as many food pellets as their non-transgenic counterparts. After the 10 day experiment, transgenic C. carpio had still not realized their higher growth potential, which may be partly explained by the higher frequency of movements of transgenics and the 'sneaky' feeding strategy used by the non-transgenics. The results indicate that these transgenic fish possess an elevated ability to compete for limited food resources, which could be advantageous after an escape into the wild. It may be that other factors in the natural environment (i.e. predation risk and food distribution), however, would offset this advantage. Thus, these results need to be assessed with caution.

Influence of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 in pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and acute lung injury during polymicrobial sepsis in rats

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a progressive syndrome associated with significant mortality in sepsis patients. Neutrophils are key cells in the inflammatory response that characterizes ALI. This study was designed to explore the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 (a novel plasma substitute) on pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and associated ALI in a rat sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

METHODS

Animals were randomly assigned to six groups [saline control; CLP and saline; CLP and HES (7.5, 15 and 30 ml/kg); and HES control], subjected to CLP and infused with or without HES 130/0.4 4 h after CLP. Six hours later, the pulmonary capillary permeability (PCP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lung histological changes, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant levels, P-selectin mRNA expression and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation were measured.

RESULTS

Resuscitation with HES 130/0.4 significantly attenuated the CLP-induced increase in PCP, MPO activity, cytokine/chemokine levels, mRNA expression of P-selectin and NF-kappaB activation, all of which are involved in the recruitment of neutrophils. Groups receiving the higher doses of HES 130/0.4 (15 and 30 ml/kg) were more adequately resuscitated.

CONCLUSION

HES 130/0.4 can inhibit CLP-induced neutrophil recruitment and subsequent ALI by attenuating cytokines/chemokines, adhesion molecule-mediated inflammation and NF-kappaB activation.

Xenografted fetal dorsal root ganglion, embryonic stem cell and adult neural stem cell survival following implantation into the adult vestibulocochlear nerve

Sensorineural hearing loss is a disabling condition. In the post-embryonic and adult mammalian inner ear, the regeneration of auditory hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons or their axons does not occur naturally. This decrease in excitable neurons limits the success of auditory rehabilitation. Allografts and xenografts have shown promise in the treatment of a variety of neurological diseases. Fetal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons can extend functional connections in the rat spinal cord. Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and adult neural stem cells (ANSC) have the potential to differentiate into neurons. We have implanted embryonic days (E) 13-16 fetal mouse DRGs from transgenic mouse lines that express Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) or lacZ reporter genes, EGFP-expressing ES cells or lacZ-expressing ANSC into the injured vestibulocochlear nerve of adult rats and guinea pigs. Survival of the implants was assessed 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively. For further evaluation of the differentiation of the implanted ES-cells, we double labeled with the mouse-specific neuronal antibody Thy 1.2. The rats implanted with EGFP- or lacZ-expressing DRGs showed labeled DRGs after sacrifice. In addition, EGFP-positive nerve fibers were seen growing within the proximal nerve. The results from the EGFP ES cells and lacZ ANSC revealed reporter-expressing cells at the site of injection in the vestibulocochlear nerve of the host rats and guinea pigs but also within the brain stem. Thy 1.2 profiles were seen among the EGFP ES cells within the 8th cranial nerve. The findings of this study indicate that the vestibulocochlear nerve of adult rats and guinea pigs will support xenotransplants of embryonic DRG, ES cells and ANSC. This may have future clinical applicability in recreating a neuronal conduit following neuronal injury between the inner ear and the central nervous system (CNS).

Large dose ketamine inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is associated with the highest risk of progression to acute lung injury or the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Ketamine has been advocated for anesthesia in endotoxemic and other severely ill patients because it is a cardiovascular stimulant. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of ketamine on the endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: saline controls; rats challenged with endotoxin (5 mg/kg) and treated with saline; challenged with endotoxin (5 mg/kg) and treated with ketamine (0.5 mg/kg); challenged with endotoxin (5 mg/kg) and treated with ketamine (5 mg/kg); challenged with endotoxin (5 mg/kg) and treated with ketamine (50 mg/kg); saline injected and treated with ketamine (50 mg/kg). TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NF-kappa B were investigated in the tissues of the lung after 2 h. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and wet/dry weight ratio were investigated 6 h later.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that intravenous administration of endotoxin could provoke significant lung injury, which was characterized by increase of MPO activity and wet/dry weight ratio, TNF-alpha and IL-6 expression and NF-kappa B activation. Ketamine (5, 50 mg/kg) inhibited endotoxin-induced NF-kappa B activation. Ketamine only at a dose of 50 mg/kg inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-6 production, and decreased MPO activity and wet/dry weight ratio after endotoxin challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine, only at a supra-anesthetic dosage, could inhibit endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation in vivo.

Results of surgical treatment of congenital cystic lung disease

OBJECTIVE

To review the experience with surgical intervention for congenital cystic lung disease (CCLD).

METHODS

From April 1988 to December 2001, 68 patients were diagnosed and treated surgically for CCLD. There were 27 males and 41 females ranging in age from 2 to 65 years. The majority of the cases were diagnosed by history, clinical manifestations and chest radiography or computerized tomography (CT). There were 25 (36.8 %) right-sided and 43 (63.2 %) left-sided cystic lung lesions. Four patients had massive bleeding and needed urgent or emergency operation. Pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and/or segmentectomy were performed.

RESULTS

29 (42.6 %) patients underwent lobectomy, 25 (36.8 %) had total pneumonectomy, 9 (13.2 %) lobectomy plus segmentectomy, and 5 (7.4 %) bilobectomy. During the operation, left-sided pulmonary sequestration was confirmed in 3 patients. No death occurred in this series. Diagnoses were confirmed by pathology in all cases. Two patients had malignant lesions arising from multicystic lung lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of recurrent pneumonia, often with hemoptysis and subsequent dyspnea, should raise the suspicion of CCLD. The diagnosis can be confirmed by chest X-ray and CT preoperatively, and early surgical intervention may avoid the development of serious complications. Delayed diagnosis and surgical management usually result in significant morbidity and mortality.

Treatment of peripheral sensorineural hearing loss: gene therapy

Noise, chemicals and genetic defects are all common causes of irreversible hearing loss, which at present have no cure. Gene therapy may soon be utilized in both the protection and the treatment of these exogenous and endogenous sources of hearing loss. Gene therapy technology is rapidly developing and the inner ear is a particularly feasible model for gene therapy. This review outlines our current understanding of the mechanisms behind deafness and prospects for treatment, discusses the inner ear model in detail and reviews the efforts that have been made in inner ear gene therapy. Finally, the proposed next steps will be discussed. The viral mediated delivery of neurotrophins and antioxidants offers imminent promise in preventing and treating exogenous hearing loss and improving cochlear implant therapy.