Analysis of mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA differential expression in prediabetes/type 2 diabetes mellitus patients as potential players in insulin resistance

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern. It usually develops gradually and is frequently preceded by undetectable pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM) stage. The purpose of this study was to identify a novel set of seven candidate genes associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) and pre-DM, followed by their experimental validation in patients' serum samples.

Methods

We used the bioinformatics tools and through a two-step process, we first identified and verified two mRNA candidate genes linked to insulin resistance molecular pathogenesis. Second, we identified a non-coding RNAs related to the selected mRNAs and implicated in the insulin resistance molecular pathways followed by pilot study for the RNA panel differential expression in 66 patients with T2DM, 49 individuals with prediabetes and 45 matched controls using real time PCR.

Results

The levels of expression of TMEM173 and CHUK mRNAs, hsa-miR (-611, -5192, and -1976) miRNAs gradually increased from the healthy control group to the prediabetic group, reaching their maximum levels in the T2DM group (p <10-3), whereas the levels of expression of RP4-605O3.4 and AC074117.2 lncRNAs declined gradually from the healthy control group to the prediabetic group, reaching their lowest levels in the T2DM group (p <10-3). TMEM173, CHUK mRNAs, hsa_miR (-611 & -1976) and RP4-605O3.4 lncRNA were useful in distinguishing insulin resistant from insulin sensitive groups. miR_611 together with RP4-605O3.4 exhibited significant difference in good versus poor glycemic control groups.

Discussion

The presented study provides an insight about this RNA based STING/NOD/IR associated panel that could be used for PreDM-T2DM diagnosis and also as a therapeutic target based on the differences of its expression level in the pre-DM and T2DM stages.

The extent of involvement of ouabain, hippocampal expression of Na+/K+-ATPase, and corticosterone/melatonin receptors ratio in modifying stress-induced behavior differs according to the stressor in context

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two types of stressors, regarding the extent of involvement of ouabain (OUA), hippocampal sodium/potassium ATPase (NKA) expression, and the hippocampal corticosterone receptors (CR)/melatonin receptors (MR) expression ratio, on the behavioral and cardiovascular responses and on the hippocampal cornu ammonis zone 3 (CA3) and dentate gyrus (DG). Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats aged 7-8 months were exposed to either chronic immobilization or a disturbed dark/light cycle and treated with either ouabain or vehicle. In the immobilized group, in the absence of hippocampal corticosterone (CORT) changes, rats were non-responsive to stress, despite experiencing increased pulse rate, downregulated hippocampal sodium/potassium pump, and enhanced hippocampal CR/MR expression ratio. Prolonged darkness precipitated a reduced upright attack posture, with elevated CORT against hippocampal MR downregulation. Both immobilization and, to a lesser extent, prolonged darkness stress resulted in histopathological and ultrastructural neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus. OUA administration did not change the behavioral resilience in restrained rats, despite persistence of the underlying biochemical derangements, added to decreased CORT. On the contrary, with exposure to short photoperiods, OUA reverted the behavior towards a combative reduction of inactivity, with unvaried CR/MR and CORT, while ameliorating hippocampal neuro-regeneration, with co-existing NKA and MR repressions. Therefore, the extent of OUA, hippocampal NKA expression, and CR/MR expression, and subsequent behavioral and cardiac responses and hippocampal histopathology, differ according to the type of stressor, whether immobilization or prolonged darkness.

Identification of Novel Insulin Resistance Related ceRNA Network in T2DM and Its Potential Editing by CRISPR/Cas9

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is derived from an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes. In this study, we aimed to construct Insilco, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network linked to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance followed by its experimental validation in patients’, matched control and cell line samples, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9 as a potential therapeutic strategy to modulate the expression of this deregulated network. By applying bioinformatics tools through a two-step process, we identified and verified a ceRNA network panel of mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNA related to insulin resistance, Then validated the expression in clinical samples (123 patients and 106 controls) and some of matched cell line samples using real time PCR. Next, two guide RNAs were designed to target the sequence flanking LncRNA/miRNAs interaction by CRISPER/Cas9 in cell culture. Gene editing tool efficacy was assessed by measuring the network downstream proteins GLUT4 and mTOR via immunofluorescence. Results: LncRNA-RP11-773H22.4, together with RET, IGF1R and mTOR mRNAs, showed significant upregulation in T2DM compared with matched controls, while miRNA (i.e., miR-3163 and miR-1) and mRNA (i.e., GLUT4 and AKT2) expression displayed marked downregulation in diabetic samples. CRISPR/Cas9 successfully knocked out LncRNA-RP11-773H22.4, as evidenced by the reversal of the gene expression of the identified network at RNA and protein levels to the normal expression pattern after gene editing. Conclusions: The present study provides the significance of this ceRNA based network and its related target genes panel both in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and as a therapeutic target for gene editing in T2DM.

Association between Interferon-Lambda-3 rs12979860, TLL1 rs17047200 and DDR1 rs4618569 Variant Polymorphisms with the Course and Outcome of SARS-CoV-2 Patients

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection provides a critical host-immunological challenge.

AIM

We explore the effect of host-genetic variation in interferon-lambda-3 rs12979860, Tolloid Like-1 (TLL1) rs17047200 and Discoidin domain receptor 1(DDR1) rs4618569 on host response to respiratory viral infections and disease severity that may probe the mechanistic approach of allelic variation in virus-induced inflammatory responses.

METHODS

141 COVID-19 positive patients and 100 healthy controls were tested for interferon-lambda-3 rs12979860, TLL1 rs17047200 and DDR1 rs4618569 polymorphism by TaqMan probe-based genotyping. Different genotypes were assessed regarding the COVID-19 severity and prognosis.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the studied cases and control group with regard to the presence of comorbidities, total leucocytic count, lymphocytic count, CRP, serum LDH, ferritin and D-dimer (p < 0.01). The CC genotype of rs12979860 cytokine, the AA genotype of TLL1 rs17047200 and the AA genotype of the rs4618569 variant of DDR1 showed a higher incidence of COVID-19 compared to the others. There were significant differences between the rs4618569 variant of DDR and the outcome of the disease, with the highest mortality in AG genotype 29 (60.4%) in comparison to 16 (33.3%) and 3 (6.2%) in the AA and GG genotypes, respectively (p = 0.007*), suggesting that the A allele is associated with a poor outcome in the disease.

CONCLUSION

Among people who carry C and A alleles of SNPs IFN-λ rs12979860 and TLL1 rs17047200, respectively, the AG genotype of the DDR1 rs4618569 variant is correlated with a COVID-19 poor outcome. In those patients, the use of anti-IFN-λ 3, TLL1 and DDR1 therapy may be promising for personalized translational clinical practice.

Ultrasonic assisted dyeing: dyeing of acrylic fabrics C.I. Astrazon Basic Red 5BL 200%

The dyeing of acrylic fabrics using C.I. Astrazon Basic Red 5BL 200% has been studied with both conventional and ultrasonic techniques. The effect of dye concentration, dye bath pH, ultrasonic power, dyeing time and temperature were studied and the resulting shades obtained by dyeing with both techniques were compared. Colour strength values obtained were found to be higher with ultrasonic than with conventional heating. The results of fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were studied. X-ray and Scanning Electron Microscope SEM were carried out on dyed samples using both methods of dyeing to find out an explanation for the better dyeability of acrylic fabrics with (US) method. Dyeing kinetics of acrylic fabrics using C.I. Astrazon Basic Red 5BL 200% using conventional and ultrasonic conditions were compared. The time/dye-uptake isotherms are revealing the enhanced dye-uptake in the second phase of dyeing. The values of dyeing rate constant, half-time of dyeing and standard affinity and ultrasonic efficiency have been calculated and discussed.

Ultrasonic dyeing of cationized cotton fabric with natural dye. Part 1: cationization of cotton using Solfix E

The dyeing of cationized cotton fabric with Solfix E using colouring matter extracted from Cochineal dye has been studied using both conventional and ultrasonic techniques. Factors affecting dye extraction such as ultrasound power, particle size, extraction temperature and time were studied. The results indicated that the extraction by ultrasound at 300 W was more effective at lower temperature and time than conventional extraction. The effect of various factors of dye bath such as pH, salt concentration, ultrasound power, dyeing time and temperature were investigated. The colour strength values obtained were found to be higher with ultrasound than with conventional techniques. The results of fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were fair to good. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the morphological and X-ray analyzes were measured for cationized cotton fabrics dyed with both conventional and ultrasound methods, thus showing the sonicator efficiency.

Removal of azo and anthraquinone dyes from aqueous solutions by Eichhornia Crassipes

The rate of adsorption of two azo and four anthraquinone anionic dyes on Eichhornia Crassipes (E.C.) has been studied. Raw E.C. and three aminated derivatives of E.C. with different nitrogen percent were used as dye adsorbents. The parameters studied include the amount of substrate, shaking time, chemical structure, concentration of dyestuff and pH of dyeing bath. Simple kinetic adsorption models of dynamics and adsorption parameters for the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were determined. A higher nitrogen percent of aminated E.C. showed a higher adsorption capacity than other derivatives. The kinetic adsorption models indicate that the decolourization was complete in a relatively short time (10 min) and the reaction taking place is of the first order. The equilibrium data fit well with the Freundlich model of adsorption for the six dyes. Only dye IV (C.I.A Acid Blue 25) conform both Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms.

Effect of cyclophosphamide-mediated immunodeficiency on murine Schistosomiasis mansoni

Four groups of female C57BL/6 mice were used. The first group was infected with 500 unattenuated cercariae. The second group was immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide (Cy) before infection with the same dose of cercariae. The third group was exposed to 500 partially attenuated cercariae while the fourth group was immunosuppressed with (Cy) before exposure to 500 partially attenuated cercariae. In response to infection with either unattenuated or partially attenuated cercariae, the total worm burden was significantly reduced. In the meantime, the level of serum specific anti-SWAP IgG1 was significantly higher and a specific band at 32 kDa was recognized in the infected groups (first and third) compared to that in the immunosuppressed groups (second and fourth). Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed severe damage and deformities on the tegument of worms of the third group compared to less damage detected on the tegument of worms in the fourth group. No obvious changes could be detected on the tegument of worms developed from the second group compared to the first group (controls). These observations taken together indicate that the high level of anti-SWAP IgG1 may have a role in the elimination of schistosomes after primary infection of mice with either unattenuated or partially attenuated S. mansoni cercariae. Moreover, this immunoglobulin together with UV-induced attenuation produce severe damage on the tegument of worms developed from mice exposed to partially attenuated cercariae.

Ultrastructural observations in Darier's disease

Two patients with Darier's disease--diagnosed clinically by the presence of characteristic keratotic papules in seborrheic areas--were biopsied for light- and electron-microscopic studies. Light microscopy revealed typical histologic features of Darier's disease. Ultrastructural studies showed the presence of cytoplasmic processes projecting from the basal keratinocytes (basal keratinocyte herniations) into the underlying dermis through small defects in the basal lamina, which was intact in some areas but in other locations showed thickening, irregularity, and replication. Widening of the lamina lucida with partial or complete disappearance of hemidesmosomes were noted in many areas.

Effects of a lengthy period of undernutrition from birth and subsequent nutritional rehabilitation on the synapse: granule cell neuron ratio in the rat dentate gyrus

Recent evidence showing alterations in spatial memory due to a period of undernutrition during early life has implicated the hippocampus as one of the brain centres that may be particularly adversely affected. However, there are very few quantitative morphological studies that have examined the neuronal and synaptic populations of the hippocampi from undernourished animals. We decided to carry out such experiments, paying particular attention to the granule cell of the dentate gyrus. Male rats were undernourished from the 18th day of gestation until 21, 75, or 150 days of age. Some of these previously undernourished rats were nutritionally rehabilitated between 150 and 250 days of age. Groups of well-fed control and experimental rats were killed by intracardiac perfusion with 2.5% sodium-cacodylate-buffered glutaraldehyde. The right hippocampus from each rat was dissected out and processed for electron microscopy. Stereological procedures at the light and electron microscopical levels were used to estimate the numerical densities of granular cell neurons and molecular layer synapses in the dorsal lip of the dentate gyrus. These estimates were used to calculate synapse: neuron ratios. There were 5,056 +/- 347 (mean +/- SE) and 5,002 +/- 190 synapses per neuron in 21-day-old control and undernourished rats, respectively. By 75 days these values had increased to 9,215 +/- 588 and 6,683 +/- 237. The difference was statistically significant. By 150 days of age the value for control animals had fallen once again to 6,518 +/- 209 whereas undernourished rats had increased slightly to 7,689 +/- 288 (P less than .01); 250-day-old rats, previously undernourished from birth to 150 days of age, showed a substantial increase in the synapse: neuron ratio during the period of nutritional rehabilitation. Thus these nutritionally rehabilitated rats had 9,407 +/- 365 synapses per neuron whereas age-matched controls had only 6,323 +/- 239 (P less than .01). These results indicate that the rat dentate gyrus is vulnerable to undernutrition even during the postweaning period and that a lengthy period of undernutrition can alter the developmental growth curve for synapse: neuron ratios.

Effect of praziquantel on certain immune responses of schistosomal Egyptian patients. I. Changes of specific immunoglobulins

Specific antischistosomal IgG, IgM, and IgE were estimated by ELISA in 117 rural school students before specific treatment with praziquantel monthly for 3-4 months thereafter. IgG and IgM were estimated as percentage of bound antibodies. IgE was estimated by avidin-biotin ELISA (AB-ELISA) as IU/ml using a panel of known IgE standards. Soluble surface Schistosoma mansoni adult worm antigen was used for all estimates. Total IgE was estimated in a smaller group by an ELISA kit. The percentage of specific IgE was calculated. A group of endemic controls (22 students) and non-endemic controls (17 cases) were included. Statistical analysis of results showed the specific immunoglobulins to be significantly reduced 2 months after treatment of the schistosomal cases. These reduced levels, however, were still significantly higher than those of controls. The presence of early hepatosplenomegaly and the co-existence of other parasites had no significant influence on the results. No correlation could be established between the levels of specific antischistosomal IgG, M and E and the intensity of infection. The significance of these results is discussed.

Synthesis of quinoline-Mannich bases of possible antimalarial activity

For possible antimalarial activity, a series of some 4-substituted aminoquinoline Mannich bases (5a-e) was synthesized. The antimalarial evaluation showed that compound 5b was active against Plasmodium berghei in mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg.

Multiple choice questions for assessment of primary FFARCS course students

Multiple choice questions have been used to assess the progress of 105 postgraduate anaesthetic students over three successive academic years, at the University of Liverpool. Analysis of the results of these tests had revealed a good correlation existing between the MCQ scores obtained and success or failure in the Colleges' Primary FFARCS examinations. Both retrospective and prospective analyses are presented. The value of serial MCQ tests is discussed in relation to encouraging and discouraging students in sitting postgraduate examinations. Analyses of these tests are also of value in planning teaching programmes, assessment of teaching and predicting overall successes and failure of students.

A comparison of buprenorphine and pethidine for immediate postoperative pain relief by the i.v. route

A comparison was made of the relief of pain after operation, obtained following the i.v. administration of buprenophrine and pethidine in 60 patients with lower abdominal incisions. No difference could be detected between the maximum analgesia produced by eigher drug, but analgesia following buprenorphine appeared to last about four times as long as that following pethidine. When the drugs were compared on a "dose per body weight" basis the results supported a ratio of potency in the order of 1 : 200 in favour of buprenorphine. Vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness were less frequent following buprenorphine, but a similar frequency of nausea was observed with both agents. Marked miosis occurred 5--10 min after the i.v. injection of buprenorphine, but no serious side-effects were observed with either drug. The i.v. injection of buprenorphine, but no serious side-effects were observed with either drug. The i.v. administration of buprenorphine appeared to be effective in the management of pain after operation in patients with lower abdominal incisions.