Targeting ERRα promotes cytotoxic effects against acute myeloid leukemia through suppressing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with poor clinical outcomes. Emerging data suggest that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) plays a significant role in AML tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to chemotherapies. However, how the mtOXPHOS is regulated in AML cells is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the oncogenic functions of ERRα in AML by combining in silico, in vitro, and in vivo analyses and showed ERRα is a key regulator of mtOXPHOS in AML cells. The increased ERRα level was associated with worse clinical outcomes of AML patients. Single cell RNA-Seq analysis of human primary AML cells indicated that ERRα-expressing cancer cells had significantly higher mtOXPHOS enrichment scores. Blockade of ERRα by pharmacologic inhibitor (XCT-790) or gene silencing suppressed mtOXPHOS and increased anti-leukemic effects in vitro and in xenograft mouse models.

A Systems Approach to Remediating Human Exposure to Arsenic and Fluoride From Overexploited Aquifers

In semiarid agricultural regions, aquifers have watered widespread economic development. Falling water tables, however, drive up energy costs and can make the water toxic for human consumption. The study area is located in central Mexico, where arsenic and fluoride are widely present at toxic concentrations in well water. We simulated the holistic outcomes from three pumping scenarios over 100 years (2020-2120); (S1) pumping rates increase at a similar rate to the past 40 years, (S2) remain constant, or (S3) decrease. Under scenario S1, by 2120, the depth to water table increased to 426 m and energy consumption for irrigation increased to 4 × 10⁹ kWh/yr. Arsenic and fluoride concentrations increased from 14 to 46 μg/L and 1.0 to 3.6 mg/L, respectively. The combined estimated IQ point decrements from drinking untreated well water lowered expected incomes in 2120 by 27% compared to what they would be with negligible exposure levels. We calculated the 100-year Net Present Value (NPV) of each scenario assuming the 2020 average crop value to water footprint ratio of 0.12 USD/m³. Without drinking water mitigation, S1 and S3 yielded relative NPVs of -5.96 × 10⁹ and 1.51 × 10⁹ USD, respectively, compared to the base case (S2). The relative NPV of providing blanket reverse osmosis treatment, while keeping pumping constant (S2), was 11.55 × 10⁹ USD and this gain increased when combined with decreased pumping (S3). If a high value, low water footprint crop was substituted (broccoli, 1.51 USD/m³), the net gains from increasing pumping were similar in size to those of implementing blanket drinking water treatment.

Genistein induces apoptosis by down-regulating thioredoxin-1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma SNU-449 cells

Genistein (GEN), a natural isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, has anti-cancer activity against various types of cancers. However, GEN has not been thoroughly investigated in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects of GEN on SNU-449 cells. GEN inhibited the proliferation of SNU-449 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed the typical characteristics of apoptosis, such as DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. To identify proteins related to GEN-induced apoptosis, we performed two-dimensional electrophoresis and identified differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic analysis showed that the antioxidant protein thioredoxin-1 was associated with GEN-induced apoptosis. GEN treatment decreased thioredoxin-1 levels and increased intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, GEN activated apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38. We also observed that pretreatment with the JNK and p38 inhibitors (SP600125 and SB203580) decreased GEN-induced cell death. These results indicate that GEN has potential antitumor effects against SNU-449 cells through the down-regulation of thioredoxin-1.

Investigation of sulfhydryl groups in cabbage phospholipase D by combination of derivatization methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

All eight cysteine residues in 92 kDa cabbage phospholipase D (PLD), deduced from the cDNA sequence, were shown to have free sulfhydryl groups by analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) of tryptic peptides of PLD derivatized with p-chloromercurybenzoate, iodoacetic acid, and N-ethylmaleimide, as well as of underivatized PLD. Assignment of sulfhydryl groups by any one method was not conclusive. However, complementary information derived from tryptic peptides derivatized with different reagents made full assignment of sulfhydryl groups possible.

Button-down procedure for correction of cleft earlobe malformation

The button-down procedure for correction of a tag and cleft type of cleft earlobe malformation has been presented. The method is simple and easy to perform. We were able to add relative fullness with a natural look to several malformed earlobes that satisfactorily matched the contralateral earlobe in size and shape. The patients and their parents were pleased with our results.

[Total liver failure in the scintigram of alcoholic liver cirrhosis]

Case reports are given of 3 female patients suffering from advanced, hypertrophic alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension. The livers of these patients were not demonstrable by scintigraphy. The patients died a few months afterwards from liver failure. This syndrome - failure of the liver to show up in scintigraphy - may have diagnostic and prognostic implications; it may be caused by deficient blood circulation and by reduced phagocytic capacity of the kupfer cell system.