Autophagy and the unfolded protein response shape the non-alcoholic fatty liver landscape: decoding the labyrinth

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise, mirroring a global surge in diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as its major leading causes. NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver disorders, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can potentially progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mechanistically, we know the unfolded protein response (UPR) as a protective cellular mechanism, being triggered under circumstances of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The hepatic UPR is turned on in a broad spectrum of liver diseases, including NAFLD. Recent data also defines molecular mechanisms that may underlie the existing correlation between UPR activation and NAFLD. More interestingly, subsequent studies have demonstrated an additional mechanism, i.e. autophagy, to be involved in hepatic steatosis, and thus NAFLD pathogenesis, principally by regulating the insulin sensitivity, hepatocellular injury, innate immunity, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. All these findings suggest possible mechanistic roles for autophagy in the progression of NAFLD and its complications. Both UPR and autophagy are dynamic and interconnected fluxes that act as protective responses to minimize the harmful effects of hepatic lipid accumulation, as well as the ER stress during NAFLD. The functions of UPR and autophagy in the liver, together with findings of decreased hepatic autophagy in correlation with conditions that predispose to NAFLD, such as obesity and aging, suggest that autophagy and UPR, alone or combined, may be novel therapeutic targets against the disease. In this review, we discuss the current evidence on the interplay between autophagy and the UPR in connection to the NAFLD pathogenesis.

Adipose triglyceride lipase gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with obesity and its association with insulin resistance, inflammation and lipid accumulation in liver

Introduction

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is a crucial enzyme responsible for the release of fatty acids from various tissues. The expression of ATGL is regulated by insulin and this enzyme is linked to Insulin resistance (IR). On the other hand, ATGL-mediated lipolysis is connected to macrophage function and thus, ATGL is involved in inflammation and the pathogenesis of lipid-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ATGL, obesity, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), and inflammation.

Methods

A total of 100 participants, including 50 individuals with obesity and 50 healthy participants, were recruited for this study and underwent comprehensive clinical evaluations. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma lipid profiles, glycemic indices, and liver function tests. Additionally, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and used for the assessment of the gene expression of ATGL, using real-time PCR. Furthermore, PBMCs were cultured and exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with simultaneous ATGL inhibition, and the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, along with the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), were measured.

Results

The gene expression of ATGL was significantly elevated in PBMCs obtained from participants with obesity and was particularly higher in those diagnosed with MetS. It exhibited a correlation with insulin levels and Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR (HOMA-IR), and it was associated with lipid accumulation in the liver. Stimulation with LPS increased ATGL expression in PBMCs, while inhibition of ATGL attenuated the inflammatory responses induced by LPS.

Conclusions

Obesity and MetS were associated with dysregulation of ATGL. ATGL might play a role in the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and act as a significant contributor to the development of metabolic abnormalities related to obesity.

Effect of Processing Temperature on Storage Quality of In-Shell Hazelnut

Background: Drying is the one of the oldest methods for increasing the shelf life of food products. The objective of the present study was evaluation of effect of different drying temperatures on drying time and storage quality parameters of in-shell hazelnut. Methods: Hazelnuts were dried as a thin layer at three temperatures (40, 50, and 60 °C). The time required for drying and quality parameters (lipid and protein content, acidity, and peroxide value) were evaluated. Besides, sensory and oxidation evaluations were performed in order to evaluate the effect of the drying temperatures on quality of hazelnuts before and after 6-month storage. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (V. 16.0). Results: The mean drying times at 40, 50, and 60 °C were 29.75, 25, and 20.25 h, respectively. In fact, an inverse significant (p<0.05) relationship was observed between temperature and time of the hazelnuts drying process. The mean protein content of the hazelnuts dried at 40, 50, and 60 °C were 13.06, 12.83, and 13.62 (% dry basis), respectively. Lipid content of the samples were significantly (p<0.05) increased with drying temperature. The lowest acidity and peroxide values were recorded for the samples dried at 60 °C with the values of 0.15% oleic acid and 1.3 meq/kg, respectively. Sensory results showed that all of the treated hazelnuts were acceptable after six months storage. Conclusion: The evidences of the present study point that in-shell hazelnuts drying at temperature of 60 °C can lead to production of good quality products.

MicroRNA-494 induces breast cancer cell apoptosis and reduces cell viability by inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase expression and activity

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. BC is frequently associated with elevated levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in blood and tumor tissue. MicroRNA-494 (miR-494) has been described to play key anti-tumor roles in human cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-494 on NAMPT-mediated viability of BC cells. In this experimental study, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured and then transfected with miR-494 mimic, miR-494 inhibitor and their negative controls. The mRNA and protein expression of NAMPT were assessed using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Subsequently, intracellular NAD levels were determined by a colorimetric method. Finally, cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics evaluations predicted NAMPT as a miR-494 target gene which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Our results showed an inverse relationship between the expression of miR-494 and NAMPT in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. miR-494 significantly down-regulated NAMPT mRNA and protein expression and was also able to reduce the cellular NAD content. Cell viability was decreased following miR-494 up-regulation. In addition, apoptosis was induced in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by miR-494 mimic. Our findings indicate that miR-494 acts as a tumor suppressor and has an important effect in suppressing the growth of BC cells through NAMPT. Therefore, miR-494 might be considered as a novel therapeutic target for the management of human breast cancer.

microRNA-141 is associated with hepatic steatosis by downregulating the sirtuin1/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in hepatocytes

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is a crucial regulator of metabolism and it is implicated in the metabolic pathophysiology of several disorders inclusive of Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-141 in hepatic steatosis via regulation of SIRT1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in hepatocytes. Liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) were treated with high concentration of glucose to be subsequently used for the assessment of miR-141 and SIRT1 levels in a model of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, cells were transfected with miR-141 to investigate its effect on hepatocyte steatosis and viability as well as SIRT1 expression and activity along with AMPK phosphorylation. Targeting of SIRT1 by miR-141 was evaluated by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Following the intracellular accumulation of lipids in HepG2 cells, the level of miR-141 was increased while SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels, as well as AMPK phosphorylation, was decreased. Transfection with miR-141 mimic significantly downregulated SIRT1 expression and activity while miR-141 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Additionally, modulation of miR-141 levels significantly influenced AMPK phosphorylation status. The results of luciferase reporter assay verified SIRT1 to be directly targeted by miR-141. miR-141 could effectively suppress SIRT1 and lead to decreased AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Thus, miR-141/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway may be considered a potential target for the therapeutic management of NAFLD.

Inhibition of sirtuin 1 deacetylase by miR-211-5p provides a mechanism for the induction of cell death in breast cancer cells

Sirtuin 1 is one of the regulators of cell growth and survival and its inhibition is suggested as a suitable mechanism to overcome breast cancer development. In this study we explored the role of miR-211-5p in SIRT1/p53 pathway and its influence on breast cancer cell viability and apoptosis. Cells were transfected with miR-211-5p mimic and inhibitor to modulate cellular miR-211-5p levels in breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. Gene expression of miR-211-5p and SIRT1 were measured with real-time PCR. SIRT1 protein level and the acetylation of p53 as well as SIRT1 activity were evaluated by Western blotting and fluorometry, respectively. In order to explore the direct attachment of miR-211-5p to the 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA, luciferase reporter assay was applied. Cell viability in response to miR-211-5p was studied by MTT assay and apoptosis was assessed by annexin V labeling followed by flow cytometry. Results showed that SIRT1 gene and protein expression were inhibited by miR-211-5p and the 3'-UTR of SIRT1 was found to be directly targeted by miR-211-5p. Inhibition of SIRT1 expression resulted in its reduced activity. Up-regulation of miR-211-5p was also followed by a significant decline in the acetylation status of p53 which was associated with remarkable decreased cell viability and induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Antisense oligonucleotide of miR-211-5p acted as its inhibitor and exerted opposite effects both on SIRT1 expression and cell apoptosis. In conclusion, inhibition of SIRT1 by miR-211-5p could effectively reduce breast cancer cell survival and cause cell death and therefore might be considered a seemly mechanism for designing anticancer therapies.

MicroRNA-590-3P suppresses cell survival and triggers breast cancer cell apoptosis via targeting sirtuin-1 and deacetylation of p53

Downregulation of microRNA-590-3p (miR-590-3p) is a frequently occurring, nonphysiological event which is observed in several human cancers, especially breast cancer. However, the significance of miR-590-3p still remain unclear in the progression of this disease. This study explored the role of miR-590-3p in apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Gene expression of miR-590-3p, Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX), and p21 was evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and SIRT1 protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis in breast cancer cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to evaluate targeting of SIRT1 messenger RNA (mRNA) by miR-590-3p. Cells were transfected with miR-590-3p mimic and inhibitor and their effects on the expression and activity of SIRT1 were evaluated. The effects of miR-590-3p upregulation on the acetylation of p53 as well as cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by Western blot analysis, WST-1 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. miR-590-3p expression was considerably downregulated in breast cancer cells which was accompanied by upregulation of SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 was recognized as a direct target for miR-590-3p in breast cancer cells and its protein expression and activity was dramatically inhibited by the miR-590-3p. In addition, there was an increase in p53 and its acetylated form that ultimately led to upregulation of BAX and p21 expression, suppression of cell survival, and considerable induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that miR-590-3p exerts tumor-suppressing effects through targeting SIRT1 in breast cancer cells, which makes it a potential therapeutic target for developing more efficient treatments for breast cancer.

Down-Regulation of SIRT1 Expression by mir-23b Contributes to Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Cells

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease and therefore is currently considered a major public health problem. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is an NAD-dependent deacetylase enzyme that contributes in the regulation of metabolic processes and protects against lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Its expression is potentially regulated by microRNAs which attach to the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of their target mRNA. HepG2 cells were incubated by glucose to induce lipid accumulation and were subsequently transfected with mir-23b mimic and inhibitor. Real-time PCR was used for measuring the expression of mir-23b and SIRT1 mRNA. Cell survival assay and intracellular triglyceride measurement were performed using colorimetric methods. Determination of SIRT1 protein level and activity were done by western blot and fluorometric analysis, respectively. The interaction of miR-23b with 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA was confirmed by dual luciferase. miR-23b mimic inhibited gene and protein expression of SIRT1, while the inhibitor of miR-23b significantly elevated the expression levels of SIRT1 mRNA and protein. The results showed that the 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA is a direct target for miR-23b. The intracellular triglyceride level was increased following the inhibition of SIRT1 in transfected HepG2 cell by miR-23b mimic. Cell viability was decreased in response to miR-23b upregulation compared to control cells. miR-23b reduces the expression and activity of SIRT1 and therefore may be a causative factor in the enhancement of lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.

Effect of cadmium on morphometric traits, antioxidant enzyme activity and phytochelatin synthase gene expression (SoPCS) of Saccharum officinarum var. cp48-103 in vitro

Cadmium is an important environmental pollutant which genetically, physiologically and biochemically affects the cell. Phytochelatins (PC) are involved in one of the phytoremediation mechanisms, in which they are able to bind heavy metals, such as cadmium. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphometric, antioxidant enzyme activity, and SoPCS gene expression in sugarcane growing under cadmium stress. After propagation, samples were cultured in triplicate for 14 days in modified MS medium containing CdCl₂ (100, 250, 500 µmol). The morphometric traits, pigments, quantity and antioxidant enzyme activity were studied in treated plantlets. SoPCS gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Growth traits decreased following cadmium treatment. The amount of Chl_a, Chl_b and ChlT decreased in treated samples, whereas carotenoids increased significantly. A rapid increase in antioxidant enzyme activity was detected. Enhanced SoPCS gene expression was observed in treated roots, whereas gene expression pattern in leaves was irregular. In conclusion, cadmium decreases the photosynthetic mechanism and growth rate in sugarcane. Antioxidative enzymes and SoPCS gene expression were significantly unregulated in sugarcane roots compared to the leaves. Cadmium concentration in shoots and roots of sugarcane significantly increased. The management of cadmium bioaccumulation in non-edible tissues of sugarcane such as leaves and roots that are sometimes burned after harvest can be applied for environmental protection.

Down-regulation of NAMPT expression by mir-206 reduces cell survival of breast cancer cells

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a critical coenzyme for all living cells. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) functions as a key enzyme in the salvage pathway of NAD biosynthesis. Cancer cells have higher rate of NAD consumption and therefore NAMPT is essential for their survival. Thus, we investigated the effect of NAMPT inhibition by miR-206 on breast cancer cell survival. Breast cancer cells were transfected with miR-206 mimic, inhibitor and their negative controls. NAMPT levels were assessed by real-time PCR as well as western blotting. Cell survival assay and quantification of NAD level were performed by using colorimetric methods. Apoptosis assay was performed by labeling cells with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide followed by the flow cytometric analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was done to assess whether NAMPT 3'-UTR is a direct target of miR-206 and the results were confirmed by the luciferase reporter assay. NAMPT 3'-UTR was shown to be a direct target of miR-206. miR-206 reduced NAMPT expression at the protein level, leading to a significant decrease in the intracellular NAD level and subsequent decline in cell survival and induction of apoptosis. Targeting of NAMPT-mediated NAD salvage pathway by miR-206 might provide a new insight in the possible molecular mechanism of breast cancer cell growth regulation. This pathway might provide a new approach for breast cancer therapy.

Comparison of vermicompost characteristics produced from sewage sludge of wood and paper industry and household solid wastes

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of produced compost from the sludge of wastewater treatment plant using earthworms and compare it with the vermicompost produced from household solid waste.

METHODS

In the current study, three treatments with the same conditions in terms of organic wastes type were prepared to produce vermicompost from household solid waste and sewage sludges using earthworms. The standard methods were used to determine the physical and chemical parameters in the different produced vermicomposts.

RESULTS

The mean of C/N in the household solid waste, raw biological and chemical sludges was 32, 22.5, and 26.5, respectively. These levels were 16.5, 14.5, and 15 in the vermicomposts. The mean of nitrogen and phosphorus percentages in the vermicompost of solid waste, biological and chemical sludges was 2.2%, 2.6%, 2.3% and 0.72%, 0.54%, and 0.56%, respectively. The mean percentages of organic matters in the initial substrates and vermicomposts of solid waste, biological and chemical sludges were 97.2%, 90%, 80.5% and 65.8%, 67.8% and 63% respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals decreased in all vermicomposts. The EC levels in solid waste, biological and chemical sludges were 1459, 1041, and 1487 μs/cm, respectively. These levels were 544, 385 and 635 μs/cm in the produced compost.

CONCLUSION

Eisenia fetida can convert household solid waste, and biological and chemical sludges produced from wastewater treatment plant into a high-quality and acceptable compost.

Sentinel node biopsy for lymph nodal staging of uterine cervix cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the pertinent literature

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the available literature on the accuracy of sentinel node mapping in the lymph nodal staging of uterine cervical cancers.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Scopus were searched by using "sentinel AND (cervix OR cervical)" as key words. Studies evaluating the accuracy of sentinel node mapping in the lymph nodal staging of uterine cervical cancers were included if enough data could be extracted for calculation of detection rate and/or sensitivity.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies were included in the systematic review. Pooled detection rate was 89.2% [95% CI: 86.3-91.6]. Pooled sensitivity was 90% [95% CI: 88-92]. Sentinel node detection rate and sensitivity were related to mapping method (blue dye, radiotracer, or both) and history of pre-operative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Sensitivity was higher in patients with bilaterally detected pelvic sentinel nodes compared to those with unilateral sentinel nodes. Lymphatic mapping could identify sentinel nodes outside the routine lymphadenectomy limits.

CONCLUSION

Sentinel node mapping is an accurate method for the assessment of lymph nodal involvement in uterine cervical cancers. Selection of a population with small tumor size and lower stage will ensure the lowest false negative rate. Lymphatic mapping can also detect sentinel nodes outside of routine lymphadenectomy areas providing additional histological information which can improve the staging. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of sentinel node mapping in fertility sparing surgery and in patients with history of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

PURPOSE

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a fairly new approach for staging of gynecological malignancies. In the current study, the authors comprehensively reviewed the available reports on sentinel node biopsy of endometrial cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors searched Medline, SCOPUS, ISI web of knowledge, Science Direct, Springer, OVID SP, and Google Scholar with the following search terms: "endometrium OR endometrial OR uterine OR uterus AND sentinel". The outcomes of interest were detection rate and sensitivity.

RESULTS

Overall, 35 studies had enough information for false negative rate evaluation and 51 studies (including the sub-groups of individual studies) for detection rate evaluation (2,071 patients overall). Pooled detection rate was 77.8% (95% CI: 73.5-81.5%) and pooled sensitivity was 89% (95% CI: 83-93%). Cervical injection, as well as using both blue dye and radiotracer, results in higher detection rate and sensitivity. New techniques such as fluorescent dye injection and robotic-assisted surgery showed high detection rate and sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Sentinel node mapping is feasible in endometrial cancer. Using both blue dye and radiotracer and cervical injection of the mapping material can optimize the sensitivity and detection rate of this technique. Larger studies are still needed to evaluate the false negative rate and the factors influencing the sensitivity before considering this method safe.

Bis(9-aminoacridinium) bis(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)zincate(II) trihydrate

In the title compound, (C13H11N2)2[Zn(C7H3NO4)2]·3H2O, the ZnIIion is six-coordinated with the N4O2donor set being a distorted octahedron through two almost perpendicular (r.m.s. deviation of ligand atoms from the mean plane is 0.057 Å) tridentate pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ligands [dihedral angle between the ligands = 86.06 (4)°]. The charge is compensated by two 9-aminoacridinium cations protonated on the ring N atom. A variety of intermolecular contacts, such as ion–ion, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and π–π stacking [centroid–centroid distances = 3.4907 (9)–4.1128 (8) Å], between cations and between anions, play important roles in the formation of the three-dimensional network.

Role of appropriate surgery in survival of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients is largely based on appropriate surgery. The principle treatment of early stage is competence of surgical staging surgery and surgical management of all patients with advance EOC is approach in a similar manner with cytoreduction surgery. We decided to evaluate the impact of appropriate surgery as a scale on 2 and 5-year survival in EOC patients.

METHODS

In a descriptive analytic study a total 186 patients were divided into 62 with early stage of EOC equivocal FIGO stage I and 124 with advanced disease at Vali-e-Asr Hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran, from 1998 to 2008. Two and 5-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival rates were determined and compared between the two groups using chi-squared test' Kaplan Meier and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Five-year DFS in patients with early stage of disease was 85% for the surgical staging group and 38% for non-surgical staging group (P = 0.037). Two-year DFS and overall survival did not differ between the groups. Also 5-year survival rates in subjects with surgical staging surgery were 42% and 40% for non staging group. For patients assigned to advanced disease group, 5-year DFS in subjects with cytoreductive surgery was 73% and the figure for the remainder was 58%. Five-year overall survival rate in cytoreductive surgery group was 43% in comparison to 38% in the second group.

CONCLUSION

Maximal effort for appropriate surgery appears to be a corner stone for optimal survival.

Occurrence of coliphages in urban stormwater and their fate in stormwater management systems

AIMS

To investigate the occurrence of coliphages in, and their removal from, urban stormwater.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Inflow and outflow concentrations of somatic and f-specific RNA coliphages to two stormwater treatment systems were determined on 21 occasions over a period of 5 months. Somatic coliphages were detected in 19 (90%) of the constructed wetland inlet samples, 13 (62%) of the pond inlet samples, and less frequently at the outlets of the two systems. F-specific RNA coliphages were detected at the inlets but only occasionally at the pond outlet. Somatic coliphages were found to attach preferentially to particles <5 microm in size and persisted in the sediments of the two systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment systems providing conditions that are conducive to the settlement of fine particles may effectively remove sediment-bound coliphages and, therefore, possibly enteric viruses from stormwater.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results will aid the design of systems for effective removal of viral contaminants from urban stormwater.