NQO1 protects obese mice through improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism

Chronic nutrient excess leads to metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. Activation of stress-responsive pathways via Nrf2 activation contributes to energy metabolism regulation. Here, inducible activation of Nrf2 in mice and transgenesis of the Nrf2 target, NQO1, conferred protection from diet-induced metabolic defects through preservation of glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and lipid handling with improved physiological outcomes. NQO1-RNA interaction mediated the association with and inhibition of the translational machinery in skeletal muscle of NQO1 transgenic mice. NQO1-Tg mice on high-fat diet had lower adipose tissue macrophages and enhanced expression of lipogenic enzymes coincident with reduction in circulating and hepatic lipids. Metabolomics data revealed a systemic metabolic signature of improved glucose handling, cellular redox, and NAD+ metabolism while label-free quantitative mass spectrometry in skeletal muscle uncovered a distinct diet- and genotype-dependent acetylation pattern of SIRT3 targets across the core of intermediary metabolism. Thus, under nutritional excess, NQO1 transgenesis preserves healthful benefits.

Perceptions and experiences of bullying in younger pupils

A pictorial questionnaire was devised to explore definitions and experiences of bullying with Year 2 pupils (6-7 years). The questionnaire was given individually to 60 pupils from two schools, balanced by sex. Various indicators suggested that the children responded reasonably consistently to the questions; they had an understanding of what bullying meant, irrespective of questionnaire format, which included indirect as well as direct forms; and they had some understanding of the time frame of reference. The reports of being bullied were quite frequent, consistent with an extrapolation from the age trend reported by Whitney & Smith (1993), to younger pupils. However, despite evidence for general consistency in responses, many children extended their definition of bullying to include fighting behaviour and aggressive behaviour, which was not necessarily repeated, or qualified in other ways. The implications of this for possible age changes in definitions of bullying, and hence for interpretations of the apparent decline in experiences of bullying with age, are considered.