QSAR classification of estrogen receptor binders and pre-screening of potential pleiotropic EDCs

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are suspected of posing serious threats to human and wildlife health through a variety of mechanisms, these being mainly receptor-mediated modes of action. It is reported that some EDCs exhibit dual activities as estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) binders. Indeed, such compounds can affect the normal endocrine system through a dual complex mechanism, so steps should be taken not only to identify them a priori from their chemical structure, but also to prioritize them for experimental tests in order to reduce and even forbid their usage. To date, very few EDCs with dual activities have been identified. The present research uses QSARs, to investigate what, so far, is the largest and most heterogeneous ER binder data set (combined METI and EDKB databases). New predictive classification models were derived using different modelling methods and a consensus approach, and these were used to virtually screen a large AR binder data set after strict validation. As a result, 46 AR antagonists were predicted from their chemical structure to also have potential ER binding activities, i.e. pleiotropic EDCs. In addition, 48 not yet recognized ER binders were in silico identified, which increases the number of potential EDCs that are substances of very high concern (SVHC) in REACH. Thus, the proposed screening models, based only on structure information, have the main aim to prioritize experimental tests for the highlighted compounds with potential estrogenic activities and also to design safer alternatives.

Development and implementation of guidelines in allergic rhinitis – an ARIA-GA2LEN paper

The links between asthma and rhinitis are well characterized. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines stress the importance of these links and provide guidance for their prevention and treatment. Despite effective treatments being available, too few patients receive appropriate medical care for both diseases. Most patients with rhinitis and asthma consult primary care physicians and therefore these physicians are encouraged to understand and use ARIA guidelines. Patients should also be informed about these guidelines to raise their awareness of optimal care and increase control of the two related diseases. To apply these guidelines, clinicians and patients need to understand how and why the recommendations were made. The goal of the ARIA guidelines is to provide recommendations about the best management options for most patients in most situations. These recommendations should be based on the best available evidence. Making recommendations requires the assessment of the quality of available evidence, deciding on the balance between benefits and downsides, consideration of patients’ values and preferences, and, if applicable, resource implications. Guidelines must be updated as new management options become available or important new evidence emerges. Transparent reporting of guidelines facilitates understanding and acceptance, but implementation strategies need to be improved.

Dissection of corticotropin-releasing factor system involvement in locomotor sensitivity to methamphetamine

Sensitivity to the euphoric and locomotor-activating effects of drugs of abuse may contribute to risk for excessive use and addiction. Repeated administration of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine (MA) can result in neuroadaptive consequences that manifest behaviorally as a progressive escalation of locomotor activation, termed psychomotor sensitization. The present studies addressed the involvement of specific components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in locomotor activation and psychomotor sensitization induced by MA (1, 2 mg/kg) by utilizing pharmacological approaches, as well as a series of genetic knockout (KO) mice, each deficient for a single component of the CRF system: CRF-R1, CRF-R2, CRF, or the CRF-related peptide Urocortin 1 (Ucn1). CRF-R1 KO mice did not differ from wild-type mice in sensitization to MA, and pharmacological blockade of CRF-R1 with CP-154,526 (15, 30 mg/kg) in DBA/2J mice did not selectively attenuate either the acquisition or expression of MA-induced sensitization. Deletion of either of the endogenous ligands of CRF-R1 (CRF, Ucn1) either enhanced or had no effect on MA-induced sensitization, providing further evidence against a role for CRF-R1 signaling. Interestingly, deletion of CRF-R2 attenuated MA-induced locomotor activation, elucidating a novel contribution of the CRF system to MA sensitivity, and suggesting the participation of the endogenous urocortin peptides Ucn2 and Ucn3. Immunohistochemistry for Fos was used to visualize neural activation underlying CRF-R2-dependent sensitivity to MA, identifying the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala as neural substrates involved in this response. Our results support further examination of CRF-R2 involvement in neural processes associated with MA addiction.

Genetic correlation of blood pressure responses to dietary sodium and potassium intervention and cold pressor test in Chinese population

We examined the genetic association between blood pressure (BP) responses to dietary sodium and potassium intervention and to cold pressor test (CPT) in a large family-based dietary feeding study. The dietary intervention and CPT were conducted among 1906 participants in rural China. The dietary intervention included three 7-day periods of low-sodium feeding (51.3 mmol per day), high-sodium feeding (307.8 mmol per day) and high-sodium feeding plus potassium supplementation (60 mmol per day). BP responses to high-sodium intervention had strong genetic correlations (ρ(G)) with both BP responses to low sodium (ρ(G)=-0.43 to -0.54, P-values=0.0005 to 0.03) and to potassium supplementation (ρ(G)=-0.41 to -0.49, P-values=0.001 to 0.005) interventions. Most environmental correlations between BP responses to various dietary interventions were significant. The ρ(G) between BP responses to CPT and to high-sodium intervention and potassium supplementation were statistically significant. For example, the ρ(G) between maximum BP responses to CPT and BP responses to high-sodium intervention was 0.37 (P=0.006) for systolic BP (SBP) and 0.41 (P=0.002) for diastolic BP (DBP). The ρ(G) between maximum BP responses to CPT and BP responses to potassium intervention was -0.42 (P=0.001) for SBP and -0.46 (P=0.001) for SBP. Our study suggests that there are common genetic determinants that influence BP responses to dietary sodium and potassium interventions and to CPT.

A randomized, controlled comparative study of the wrinkle reduction benefits of a cosmetic niacinamide/peptide/retinyl propionate product regimen vs. a prescription 0.02% tretinoin product regimen

Background

Tretinoin is considered the benchmark prescription topical therapy for improving fine facial wrinkles, but skin tolerance issues can affect patient compliance. In contrast, cosmetic antiwrinkle products are well tolerated but are generally presumed to be less efficacious than tretinoin.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy of a cosmetic moisturizer regimen vs. a prescription regimen with 0·02% tretinoin for improving the appearance of facial wrinkles.

Methods

An 8-week, randomized, parallel-group study was conducted in 196 women with moderate to moderately severe periorbital wrinkles. Following 2 weeks washout, subjects on the cosmetic regimen (n=99) used a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 moisturizing lotion containing 5% niacinamide, peptides and antioxidants, a moisturizing cream containing niacinamide and peptides, and a targeted wrinkle product containing niacinamide, peptides and 0·3% retinyl propionate. Subjects on the prescription regimen (n=97) used 0·02% tretinoin plus moisturizing SPF 30 sunscreen. Subject cohorts (n=25) continued treatment for an additional 16 weeks. Changes in facial wrinkling were assessed by both expert grading and image analysis of digital images of subjects’ faces and by self-assessment questionnaire. Product tolerance was assessed via clinical erythema and dryness grading, subject self-assessment, and determinations of skin barrier integrity (transepidermal water loss) and stratum corneum protein changes.

Results

The cosmetic regimen significantly improved wrinkle appearance after 8 weeks relative to tretinoin, with comparable benefits after 24 weeks. The cosmetic regimen was significantly better tolerated than tretinoin through 8 weeks by all measures.

Conclusions

An appropriately designed cosmetic regimen can improve facial wrinkle appearance comparably with the benchmark prescription treatment, with improved tolerability.

A rare case of Gerbode defect associated with double orifice mitral valve

Gerbode defect is an unusual cardiac defect; its association with a double orifice mitral valve has not been previously reported. We present a case of a 45-year-old woman who complained of palpitation and dyspnea on exertion. Echocardiography revealed an abnormal communication between the left ventricle and the right atrium, but misinterpreted a double orifice mitral valve as fusion of the anterolateral commissure. The Gerbode defect was closed during cardiopulmonary bypass, while the double orifice mitral valve was left untouched. The patient was discharged 16 days postoperatively.

Molecular characterization of Ramie mosaic virus isolates detected in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, China

Virus isolates were obtained from three ramie samples (Boehmeria nivea L.) showing yellow mosaic symptoms collected in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, China. Comparison of partial DNA-A fragments amplified with begomovirus universal primers PA/PB revealed that these viral isolates shared a high sequence identity. The complete DNA-A sequences of two isolates J4 and Z1 were determined to be 2736 and 2737 nts, respectively, sharing 94.7% nucleotide sequence identity with each other. Also, the DNA-B components were identified for J4 and Z1 isolates and comprised 2717 and 2719 nts, respectively, sharing 88.6% nucleotide sequence identity with each other. Furthermore, sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that J4 and Z1 isolates had the highest sequence identities (93.6-94.7%) with isolates of Ramie mosaic virus (RamMV) for DNA-A. These molecular data suggested that J4 and Z1 may be two different isolates of RamMV. This is the first report about the occurrence of a bipartite begomovirus in these regions of China.

The dendritic cell mannose receptor mediates allergen internalization and maturation involving notch 1 signalling

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been shown recently to play a key role in inducing and mediating T helper type 2 (Th2) responses associated with atopic disease. These responses are mediated in part by ligation to different Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectins, e.g. the mannose receptor (MR), depending upon the DC subset involved and the respective microenvironments. Because ovalbumin (OVA) (which is structurally related to various allergens) can engage the MR, we can use OVA stimulation as a model for understanding the roles of both TLRs and the MR in allergic inflammatory responses. We examined TLR- and MR-mediated responses from mouse bone marrow-derived DCs in the context of antigen recognition and presentation in addition to examining the relationship between notch 1, TLRs and MR signalling pathways. This work demonstrated that OVA-mediated signalling up-regulated both TLR-2 and MR and that MR RNA interference (RNAi) but not TLR2 RNAi inhibited DC internalization of fluorescein isothiocyanate-OVA. Furthermore, MR RNAi inhibited OVA- and house dust mite allergen extract-induced DC maturation and MR RNAi and TLR2 RNAi influenced DC interleukin-12 production independently. Finally, we demonstrated that blocking notch 1 signalling inhibited both notch 1 and TLR-2 expression but not MR expression levels. However, MR RNAi inhibited the expression of MR, TLR-2 and notch 1. These results indicate that MR is the primary receptor mediating the internalization of environmental allergen glycoproteins. In addition, TLR-2 and notch 1 play important roles in DC maturation and antigen presentation and signals originating from the MR and TLR-2 receptors converge with the notch 1 signalling pathway.

Search for a low mass particle decaying into μ+ μ- in B0 → K*0 X and B0 → ρ0 X at Belle

We search for dimuon decays of a low mass particle in the decays B0→K*0 X and B0→ρ0 X using a data sample of 657×10(6)BB events collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. We find no evidence for such a particle in the mass range from 212  MeV/c2 to 300  MeV/c2 for lifetimes below 10(-12)  s, and set upper limits on its branching fractions. In particular, we search for a particle with a mass of 214.3  MeV/c2 reported by the HyperCP experiment, and obtain upper limits on the products B(B0→K*0 X)×B(X→μ+ μ- )<2.26(2.27)×10(-8) and B(B0→ρ0 X)×B(X→μ+ μ-)<1.73(1.73)×10(-8) at 90% C.L. for a scalar (vector) X particle.

Two polymorphisms in the TIM-4 gene are associated with asthma in a Chinese Han population

The gene family of the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) proteins encodes cell surface receptors that are involved in the regulation of Th1- and Th2-cell-mediated immunity. TIM-1 gene has been found to be associated with asthma in several populations. TIM-4, the natural ligand for TIM-1, may influence the susceptility to asthma.To investigate the association of the TIM-4 gene polymorphisms with asthma in a Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TIM-4 gene, rs6882076, rs12658558 and rs4702747, were genotyped in 551 unrelated asthma patients and 549 healthy controls. We found that two SNPs of the TIM-4 gene, rs6882076 and rs4702747, were associated with asthma susceptibility in our study population (with P-values = 0.009 and 0.005 respectively). No association was observed between asthma and rs12658558. Our results suggest that TIM-4 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma in a Chinese Han population.

The relationship between the TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism and tubulointerstitial damage resulting from primary nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism and the susceptibility to primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS), and in particular to the severe degree of tubulointerstitial damage (TID) seen in Chinese.

METHODS

Ninety-eight PNS patients and 128 normal controls were studied. The extent of tubulointerstitial changes was evaluated and patients were divided into two groups according to the severe or mild degree of TID. The TGF-beta1gene -509C/T polymorphism was detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, and the serum level of TGF-beta1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

No statistical differences in genotype or allele frequency of the TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T were found between PNS and normal subjects. However, T allele and CT + T T genotype frequency were higher in the PNS with severe TID than the mild TID and controls. Additionally, the serum concentration of TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in the PNS with severe TID group than the other two groups and in the T T genotype individuals than the CC and CT genotype individuals. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T genotype was the risk factor of TID in PNS patients [OR (odd ratio) 2.34, confidence interval (CI) 0.98-3.46, p = 0.012]. CONCLUSION. TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism was associated with severe TID. The higher value in serum concentration of TGF-beta1 was also associated with severe TID and the T T genotype/T allele. T allele gene might be the important risk factor for susceptibility.

Brain death disrupts structure and function of pig liver

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of brain death on hepatic structure and function in pigs and to assess the role of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve healthy pigs were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 6 each: a control group with Foley balloon catheter placement intracalvarium only, and a group with brain death established for 24 hours. Serum and hepatic tissue were obtained at 6, 12, and 24 hours after initial confirmation of brain death. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were determined using automated biochemistry analysis. Interleukin-1beta was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The NF-kappaB messenger RNA was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and NF-kappaB p65 using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and interleukin-1beta in serum, and NF-kappaB messenger RNA and NF-kappaB p65 in hepatic tissue were higher in the brain-dead group compared with the control group, and all increased over time (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

The NF-kappaB activated by brain death promotes synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators, resulting in hepatic dysfunction.

Pregnancies and piglets from large white sow recipients after two transfer methods of cloned and transgenic embryos of different pig breeds

The aim of this study was to report from a larger study with pregnancy and delivery results after transfer of cloned transgenic/non-transgenic Large White or minipig embryos to Large White sow recipients. The effect of both total numbers of transferred embryos as well as site of their deposition (uni- vs. bi-lateral) was studied. Four to five days after natural heat, 85 Large White (LW) sows received Day 5 or 6 handmade cloned embryos. Large White embryos were non-transgenic and were transferred to 36 recipients, while 49 recipients each received Minipig embryos, either non-transgenic or with 1 of 4 types of transgenes. Furthermore, the number of embryos transferred was in two categories, as 46 recipients received 40-60 embryos while 39 received 60-120 embryos. Finally, in 59 of the recipients embryos were transferred to one of the uterine horns (unicornual) while 26 other recipients had embryos transferred to both uterine horns (bicornual). The overall pregnancy rate was 55% with an abortion rate of 26% resulting in 41% deliveries with no difference between LW and Minipig embryos and no difference between transgenic and non-transgenic Minipig embryos. Transfer of 60-120 embryos resulted in more pregnancies and deliveries (62%) than <60 embryos (24%). The mean litter size was 5.1 ± 0.5 and after transfer of 60-120 embryos significantly higher (6.0 ± 0.5) than after transfer of <60 embryos (3.5 ± 0.8). Also, the bicornual transfer resulted in significantly higher delivery rate (74% vs. 44%) and mean litter size (6.1 ± 0.7 vs. 4.2 ± 0.6) than the unicornual. The mean rate of piglets/transferred embryos was 7.3 ± 0.6% while the mean rate of piglets/reconstructed embryos was 179/18,000 = 1% with no difference between breeds or number of embryos transferred. The overall perinatal mortality rate was 49%, and it was significantly lower in LW piglets (20/59 = 34%) than in Minipiglets (67/120 = 56%) (vs. 10-15% in normal piglets at the farm) and the total rate of piglets with one or more malformation was 22%, and lower in LW (12%) than in Minipiglets (28%). This study demonstrate that although the perinatal mortality was rather high, an acceptable birth rate can be achieved after transfer to LW recipients of cloned LW embryos as well as cloned, transgenic/non-transgenic Minipig embryos. Furthermore, the pregnancy rate and litter size were correlated to the number of embryos transferred and to bicornual transfer.

Changes in RNA, DNA, protein contents and growth of turbot Scophthalmus maximus larvae and juveniles

The growth potential of turbot Scophthalmus maximus larvae and juveniles was studied using nucleic acid-based indices and protein variables. The experiment was carried out from 4 to 60 days post hatching (dph). A significant increase in instantaneous growth rate during metamorphosis and retarded growth rate during post-metamorphic phase were observed. Ontogenetic patterns of DNA, RNA and protein all showed developmental stage-specific traits. The RNA:DNA ratio decreased up to 12 dph, then increased rapidly till 19 dph and fluctuated until 35 dph followed by a decline to the end. The RNA:DNA ratio was positively correlated with growth rate of juveniles during the post-metamorphic phase, whereas this ratio was not a sensitive indicator of growth during the pre-metamorphic phase and metamorphosis. The protein:DNA ratio showed a similar tendency to the RNA:DNA ratio. Changes of DNA content and protein:DNA ratio revealed that growth of S. maximus performed mainly by hyperplasia from 4 to 12 dph and hypertrophy until 21 dph during the pre-metamorphic larval phase. Growth was dominantly hypertrophical from the early- to mid-metamorphosing phase and hyperplastic thereafter. The results show that the DNA content and protein:DNA ratio can evaluate growth rates of larval and juvenile S. maximus on a cellular level.

Role of neurocrine somatostatin on sphincter of Oddi contractility and intestinal ischemia reperfusion-induced acute pancreatitis in macaques

BACKGROUND

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study investigates the impact of neurocrine somatostatin (SST) on the contraction of sphincter of Oddi (SO) during IIR.

METHODS

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion model in macaques was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreatitis was confirmed by pancreatic histology and serum levels of amylase and lipase. SST and its receptors (SSTRs) in SO were visualized by immunohistochemistry. Effects of SST on the contraction of the isolated SO were recorded in vitro.

KEY RESULTS

Inflammatory scores of the pancreas and serum levels of amylase or lipase in the macaques that underwent IIR were significantly higher than those in the control group. The frequency and amplitude of phasic contraction of the circular muscle in SO was increased by SST in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with the control group, SST innervation or SSTR2 expression in SO of macaques treated with IIR was increased 5.2 fold or 5.6 fold respectively. Prophylactic infusion of SST before IIR significantly reduced SST immunoreactive fibers in SO as compared to those in the IIR group and remarkably alleviated the pathophysiologic changes due to IIR.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Increased SST innervation in SO during the early phase of IIR associated with the contraction of circular muscle of SO, which might be one of the promoting factors associated with the development of SAP. Prevention of IIR or intervention of SO contraction after occurrence of acute pancreatitis might be beneficial for preventing SAP.

Roasted licorice extracts dampen high glucose-induced mesangial hyperplasia and matrix deposition through blocking Akt activation and TGF-beta signaling

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) characterized as nephrotic syndrome and diffuse glomerulosclerosis can cause renal failure and end-stage kidney disease. Expansion of mesangial matrix around capillaries in the kidney glomeruli is a prominent feature of DN. This study investigated whether licorice extracts inhibited mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and matrix accumulation induced by high glucose (HG). Human renal MC were cultured in media containing 5.5 mM glucose plus 27.5 mM mannitol as an osmotic control or 33 mM glucose for 3 d in the presence of water or ethanol extracts from raw licorice (LW, LE) or roasted licorice (RLW, RLE). Non-polar components including glycyrrhetic acid were elevated during licorice roasting, whereas polar components soluble in water extracts were diminished. Exposure of cells to HG caused significant increases in collagen IV secretion and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, which was appeased by RLW and RLE at transcriptional levels. The inhibitory potency was high in the order of RLE > or = RLW > or = LE > > LW. Non-polar glycyrrhetic acid but not glycyrrhizin retarded HG-stimulated mesangial matrix deposition through diminishing CTGF expression. In addition, RLW and RLE but not LW modulated membrane type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT-1 MMP) expression, MMP-2 activity and tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), which facilitated the degradation of mesangial matrix. Furthermore, the augmented expression of CTGF and TIMP-2 in HG-exposed cells was mediated by Akt activation and TGF-beta/Smad signaling through PKCbeta2-responsive signaling pathways. However, HG-down-regulated MT-1 MMP expression was independent of activation of ERK1/2 and Akt when using their inhibitors of DB98059 (ERK1/2) and LY294002 (Akt) alone or in combination. These results demonstrate that extracts from roasted licorice may be highly potent therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of mesangial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis leading to diabetes nephropathy due to longstanding diabetes mellitus.

Plasma Cathepsin L and Its Related Pro/Antiangiogenic Factors Play Useful Roles in Predicting Rich Coronary Collaterals in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Cathepsin L enhances angiogenesis by increasing extracellular matrix degradation and remodelling. This study investigated whether plasma cathepsin L could be used as a biomarker to predict collateral formation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Patients with CHD ( n = 218; aged 67 ± 11 years) underwent coronary angiography and were categorized as having either ‘poor’ or ‘rich’ collaterals. Plasma cathepsin L, the proangiogenic placenta growth factor (PLGF) and the antiangiogenic factors, cystatin C and endostatin, were measured. Elevated cathepsin L and PLGF levels were independently and significantly associated with enhanced collateral formation in patients with CHD; subgroup analyses also showed a significant correlation in patients with diabetes and acute coronary syndrome. Plasma endostatin and cystatin C levels were not significantly correlated with coronary collateral formation. Plasma cathepsin L and PLGF, acting as important modulators of angiogenesis, could be used as biomarkers to predict coronary collateral formation in patients with CHD.