Inhibition of kupffer cell activity improves transplantation of human adipose-derived stem cells and liver functions

Numerous approaches to cell transplantation of the hepatic or the extrahepatic origin into liver tissue have been developed; however, the efficiency of cell transplantation remains low and liver functions are not well corrected. The liver is a highly immunoreactive organ that contains many resident macrophages known as Kupffer cells. Here, we show that the inhibition of Kupffer cell activity improves stem cell transplantation into liver tissue and corrects some of the liver functions under conditions of liver injury. We found that, when Kupffer cells were inhibited by glycine, numerous adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) were successfully transplanted into livers, and these transplanted cells showed hepatoprotective effects, including decrease of liver injury factors, increase of liver regeneration, and albumin production. On the contrary, injected ASCs without glycine recruited numerous Kupffer cells, not lymphocytes, and showed low transplantation efficiency. Intriguingly, successfully transplanted ASCs in liver tissue modulated Kupffer cell activity to inhibit tumor necrosis factor-α secretion. Thus, our data show that Kupffer cell inactivation is an important step in order to improve ASC transplantation efficiency and therapeutic potential in liver injuries. In addition, the hepatoprotective function of glycine has synergic effects on liver protection and the engraftment of ASCs.

Effect of precursor ratio on the structural properties of ZnO thin films deposited by low pressure MOCVD

The effect of precursor ratio (H2O/DEZ) on the texture orientation, surface morphology, optical transparency and electrical resistivity of ZnO thin films deposited by MOCVD was investigated. Deposition temperature and pressure were fixed at 120 degrees C and 0.67 torr, respectively. The precursor ratio was varied between 0.1 and 4. It was found that the texture orientation changed from (0002) to (1120) with increase of the precursor ratio. (1120) textured film shows well facetted tetrapod like rough surface morphology, which scatters the incident light very effectively. The electrical resistivity was in the range of about 0.1 omega cm in the undoped state, which was found to decrease with increase of the film thickness and decrease of the precursor ratio.

Ascorbic acid deficiency accelerates aging of hepatic stellate cells with up-regulation of PPARγ

Senescent cells have been observed in certain aged or damaged tissues. However, the information about the effects of aging on liver cells is limited. In the present study, we have examined age-related histological changes in the livers of senescence marker protein knockout (SMP30-/-) mice, which are considered as a murine aging model due to the more sensitive response to apoptotic reagents and due to their shorter life span. In livers of old SMP30-/- mice, numerous hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were hypertrophic and contained abundant microvesicular lipid droplets in cytoplasm. We have found that the expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which is a protein related to lipid metabolism and HSC quiescence, was increased in hypertrophic HSCs by aging and vitamin C (VC) deficiency, whereas these phenomena were dramatically reduced by antioxidant treatment. Therefore, these prominent phenotypic changes can be considered as aging markers in the livers of animals which are subjected to antioxidant property evaluation.

A weekly administered sustained-release growth hormone reduces visceral fat and waist circumference in abdominal obesity

Administration of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in obesity has been known to lead to a decrease in visceral adiposity and an increase in lean body mass. Most studies have used supraphysiological doses of rhGH, which were administered daily or every other day. We aimed to evaluate whether weekly administered low dose of sustained-release rhGH (SR-rhGH) could play a therapeutic role in the treatment of abdominal obesity. Prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicenter pilot study was carried out. Participants were 26 adults aged 40-65 years old with abdominal obesity (male: waist circumference >90 cm, female: waist circumference >85 cm). The subjects were given 3 mg of SR-rhGH, administered subcutaneously, weekly for 26 weeks. SR-rhGH treatment for 26 weeks increased the IGF-1 level by 56.53±76.09 μg/l (SDS 0.77±1.12) compared to the baseline (p=0.0022). After 26 weeks, SR-rhGH treatment reduced abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) (140.35±75.97 to 128.43±73.85 cm2, p=0.0038). Average waist circumference decreased from 96.25±6.41 to 91.93±6.13 cm (p<0.0001) after treatment. However, body weight or lean body mass did not show any significant change. In conclusion, SR-rhGH treatment for 26 weeks reduced abdominal visceral fat and waist circumference without severe adverse events. Further studies may be considered on the role of weekly administered SR-rhGH as a treatment for abdominal obesity.

Premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction prevalence and attitudes in the Asia-Pacific region

INTRODUCTION

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of PE in the Asia-Pacific region has not been comprehensively studied.

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate PE prevalence in nine Asia-Pacific countries and the impact of PE on sufferers.

METHODS

A random sample of heterosexual males aged 18-65 years in a stable sexual relationship currently or in the past 2 years completed a 48-question survey by computer-assisted interviewing, online, or in-person; the survey and recruitment methodologies varied by location. The survey included demographic questions, the five-question Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the five-question Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and the 10-question Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE). Separately, men self-reported having PE (lifelong or acquired) or erectile dysfunction (ED).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The PEDT was used to diagnose PE or probable PE; the SHIM was used to diagnose ED; and the IPE was used to assess respondent's attitudes toward PE.

RESULTS

Of the 4,997 men who completed the survey, the prevalences of PEDT-diagnosed PE, PEDT-diagnosed probable PE, and self-reported PE were 16%, 15%, and 13%, respectively. Less than half of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE (N = 816) or probable PE (N = 738) self-reported the condition (40% and 19%, respectively), and 6% of men with a PEDT diagnosis of no PE self-reported PE. In contrast, more respondents self-reported ED (8%) than had SHIM-diagnosed moderate or severe ED (5%). IPE responses indicated that 45%, 46%, and 23% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the length of intercourse before ejaculation, their control over ejaculation, and with sexual intercourse, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, PE was more prevalent than ED in the Asia-Pacific countries surveyed, but only 40% of men with PEDT-diagnosed PE self-reported PE.

Predictable factors for dural tears in lumbar burst fractures with vertical laminar fractures

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of dural tears and predictable factors suggesting dural tears in patients who had lumbar burst fractures with vertical laminar fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective review was done on thirty-one patients who underwent operative treatment for lumbar burst fractures with vertical laminar fractures between January 2003 and December 2008. All patients were divided into two groups according to existence of dural tears, which were surgically confirmed; 21 patients with dural tears and 10 patients without dural tears. Clinical and radiographic findings were analyzed for their association with dural tears.

RESULTS

Among a total of 31 patients, dural tears were detected in 21 (67%) patients. A preoperative neurological deficits and mean separation distances of the edges in laminar fractures were found to be the reliable factors of dural tears (p=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Decreased ratio of the central canal diameter and interpedicular distance were also the reliable factors suggesting dural tears (p=0.006 and 0.015, respectively). However, dural tears showed no significant association with age, sex, level of injury, absence of a posterior fat pad signal, the angle of retropulsed segment, or site of laminar fracture.

CONCLUSION

Our study of lumbar burst fracture combined laminar fracture revealed that dural tears should be ruled out in cases of a preoperative neurological deficits, wide separation of the laminar fracture, severe canal encroachment, and wider interpedicular distance.

High-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging of neck lymph nodes using 2D-single-shot interleaved multiple inner volume imaging diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging at 3T

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

2D-ss-IMIV-DWEPI is an ss-DWEPI with greatly reduced geometric distortion. The purposes of this paper are to 1) evaluate of the utility of 2D-ss-IMIV-DWEPI for high-resolution neck LN imaging; 2) determine whether 2D-ss-IMIV-DWEPI can depict normal LN hilum; and 3) evaluate whether the inclusion of LN hilum within ROIs affects the measured LN ADC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HR-DWI was acquired with 1-mm² in-plane resolution and 2-mm section thickness by using 2D-ss-IMIV-DWEPI. In total, 58 LNs from 18 subjects were evaluated. The ADC map was calculated by using DWI with b = 10 and 300 s/mm². In those LNs where the LN hilum could be recognized, the LN ADC was measured with and without inclusion of the hilum, and the mean difference of the resulting ADC values was determined.

RESULTS

The hilar structure was identified by DWI in 15 LNs. The ADC of the hilum was 1.981 ± 0.331 × 10⁻³ mm²/s. In these 15 LNs, the ADC value excluding hilar structure was significantly lower than the ADC value including hilar structure (0.983 ± 0.169 versus 1.206 ± 0.244 × 10⁻³ mm²/s; P < .0001). The mean ADC in a total of 58 LNs excluding the hilar structure was significantly lower than the value obtained including the hilar structure (1.034 ± 0.183 versus 1.095 ± 0.213 × 10⁻³ mm²/s; P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS

HR-DWI of neck LNs obtained by using 2D-ss-IMIV-DWEPI could identify the hilar structure. The ADC of normal neck LNs seemed significantly different when the hilum was included. The results suggest that HR-DWI may be helpful to aid selection of proper ROIs within LNs for accurate and reliable ADC measurements.

Variations in the course of the cervical vagus nerve on thyroid ultrasonography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Only 1 ultrasonography study that described the variation of the VN had been published at the time our research was begun. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and type of variation in the course of the cervical VN on thyroid ultrasonography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From August 2009 to September 2010, 163 consecutive patients were evaluated by sonography for the screening and characterization of thyroid nodules (mean age, 49.0 ± 14.4 years, male:female, 20:143). Two types of variation were defined as follows: 1) anterior variation, when the course of the VNs changed from the typical location to an anterior location in front of the CCA; and 2) medial variation, when the course of the VNs changed from the typical location to a location medial to the CCA (between CCA and thyroid gland). The incidence of the each variation was studied.

RESULTS

Variation in the course of the VN occurred in 5.5% (18/326) of cases. The anterior variation was observed in 4.3% (14/326, right:left = 4:10), and the medial variation was observed in 1.2% (4/326, right:left = 3:1). For both variations, the VN was close to or nearly abutted the thyroid gland after it changed course.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in the course of the cervical VN could be assessed by ultrasonography. Two variations were observed in 5.5% of cases. The anterior variation was more common than the medial variation.

The roles of ER stress and P450 2E1 in CCl(4)-induced steatosis

The role of ER stress on hepatic steatosis was investigated in a rat model. We injected CCl(4) into rats and found that CCl(4) could induce hepatic lipid accumulation, confirmed by Oil Red O staining and by measurement of triglyceride and cholesterol. The expression of ApoB, an apolipoprotein, was decreased in plasma and increased in the liver of CCl(4)-treated animals. The ER stress response was also significantly increased by CCl(4). P450 2E1 expression and activity were increased through interactions of P450 2E1 with NADPH-dependent P450 reductase (NPR) under CCl(4)-treated conditions. In HepG2 cells, intracellular lipid accumulation and its signaling were comparable to in vivo results. In order to elucidate the effect of the ER stress response itself, tunicamycin, an N-acetyl-glycosylation inhibitor, was injected into rats, followed by Oil Red O staining, lipid/triglyceride/cholesterol accumulation analysis, and examination of ApoB expression. Additionally, the ER stress response and upregulation of P450 2E1 were also confirmed in the tunicamycin-treated rats. All of the responses were similar to those seen with CCl(4). The P450 2E1 inhibitor diallyl sulphide (DAS), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and reduced glutathione (GSH) antioxidants also regulated processes, including ApoB expression and lipid accumulation in CCl(4)-treated animals. In the presence of tunicamycin, DAS or NAC/GSH regulated all of the pathological phenomena with the exception of the ER stress response. In summary, CCl(4) induces liver steatosis, a process involving ER stress-induced P450 2E1 activation and ROS production.

The protective effect of ENA Actimineral resource A on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

ENA Actimineral Resource A (ENA-A) is alkaline water that is composed of refined edible cuttlefish bone and two different species of seaweed, Phymatolithon calcareum and Lithothamnion corallioides. In the present study, ENA-A was investigated as an antioxidant to protect against CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver injury was induced by either subacute or chronic CCl(4) administration, and the rats had free access to tap water mixed with 0% (control group) or 10% (v/v) ENA-A for 5 or 8 weeks. The results of histological examination and measurement of antioxidant activity showed that the reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, induction of CYP2E1 were decreased and the antioxidant activity, including glutathione and catalase production, was increased in the ENA-A groups as compared with the control group. On 2-DE gel analysis of the proteomes, 13 differentially expressed proteins were obtained in the ENA-A groups as compared with the control group. Antioxidant proteins, including glutathione S-transferase, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, and peroxiredoxin 1, were increased with hepatocyte nuclear factor 3-beta and serum albumin precursor, and kininogen precursor decreased more in the ENA-A groups than compared to the control group. In conclusion, our results suggest that ENA-A does indeed have some protective capabilities against CCl(4)-induced liver injury through its antioxidant function.

Long-term outcome of tamsulosin for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms according to the treatment response defined by lower urinary tract symptom outcomes score

IMS: To evaluate long-term outcome of tamsuolsin 0.2 mg for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients using a new subjective assessment of patient-reported outcomes and the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) outcome score (LOS) over a 48-week period.

METHODS

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of either well-responded or poorly responded patient group as defined by LOS at the period of 12 weeks after BPH treatment. Outcome parameters used in this study were the most bothersome symptoms, BPH K1-short form as well as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and postvoiding residual urine volume at 24-, 36- and 48-week follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 414 patients recruited initially, 310 (75.2%) were defined as the responders and 39 (9.5%) as the non-responders to the treatment at 12 weeks, which was stratified by LOS. In this long-term study, the differences in improvement rates of clinical parameters between responder and non-responder groups at 12 weeks of treatment were maintained over the period of 48 weeks. Among the responder patients, most (75.6%) chose continuous administrations of tamsulosin. Improvements in clinical parameters were maintained in this subgroup. It is noteworthy that the improvements in clinical parameters of the non-responder group were dismal despite switching to the other treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term tamsulosin 0.2 mg for BPH patients is an effective treatment, both subjectively and objectively. Considering its integrative nature, LOS seemed to be one of the useful tools to predict the outcome after the management of LUTS.

Morphological abnormalities, impaired fetal development and decrease in myostatin expression following somatic cell nuclear transfer in dogs

Several mammals, including dogs, have been successfully cloned using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), but the efficiency of generating normal, live offspring is relatively low. Although the high failure rate has been attributed to incomplete reprogramming of the somatic nuclei during the cloning process, the exact cause is not fully known. To elucidate the cause of death in cloned offspring, 12 deceased offspring cloned by SCNT were necropsied. The clones were either stillborn just prior to delivery or died with dyspnea shortly after birth. On gross examination, defects in the anterior abdominal wall and increased heart and liver sizes were found. Notably, a significant increase in muscle mass and macroglossia lesions were observed in deceased SCNT-cloned dogs. Interestingly, the expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth during embryogenesis, was down-regulated at the mRNA level in tongues and skeletal muscles of SCNT-cloned dogs compared with a normal dog. Results of the present study suggest that decreased expression of myostatin in SCNT-cloned dogs may be involved in morphological abnormalities such as increased muscle mass and macroglossia, which may contribute to impaired fetal development and poor survival rates.

Molecular basis for age-related changes in ileum: involvement of Bax/caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic signaling

Previous studies indicate that in the elderly, a morphological change in the small intestine is accompanied by apoptosis. However, currently little information is available on the molecular events leading up to the apoptotic process in aged ileum. Our current study assessed mitochondrial apoptotic signaling along with key factors known to be involved in mitochondrial permeabilization in rat ileum. Experimentations were carried out utilizing Sprague-Dawley rats at 6 and 24 months of age. The histological analysis showed a significant loss in thickness of the intestinal mucosa during aging, which was accompanied by higher reactive species. Molecular analysis revealed the mitochondrial translocation of Bax showed a significant increase with aging. However, the expression of cyclophilin D, adenine nucleotide translocator, and the voltage-dependent anion channel that regulates the mitochondria permeability transition pore decreased or remained unchanged. Furthermore, the expression of caspase 3 was enhanced in aged ileum with increased DNA fragmentation, while nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G were decreased with aging. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the mitochondrial translocation of Bax by increased oxidative stress may result in cell death through caspase-dependent apoptosis in aged ileum, thereby leading to a decrease in intestinal mucosal thickness during aging.

Feasibility of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for intracoronal bleaching

AIM

To investigate the effect of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma on intracoronal tooth bleaching in blood stained human teeth.

METHODOLOGY

Forty extracted single-root and blood stained human teeth were used. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n=20): group 1 received 30% HP activated by nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma in the pulp chamber for 30 min, whilst group 2 received 30% HP alone in the pulp chamber for 30 min. The overall colour changes (ΔE) were assessed using the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) Lab Colour System. The data were analysed using Student's t-test to determine the significant differences.

RESULTS

The temperature of all teeth was maintained at approximately 37 °C during plasma bleaching. The plasma treatment with 30% HP resulted in significantly higher bleaching efficacy compared to 30% HP alone in discoloured teeth (P<0.05). The average ΔE values of group 1 and group 2 were 9.24 (0.37) and 4.47 (1.62), respectively, at 30 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma to intracoronal bleaching could be a novel and efficient therapy in the bleaching of haemorrhagically stained teeth.

Vitamin C deficiency increases the binucleation of hepatocytes in SMP30 knock-out mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The binucleation of hepatocytes, which was known as an important feature of liver growth and physiology, has been reported to be increased during the chronic oxidative injury stage and has been regarded as an age-related change of hepatic structures. Therefore, we investigated the binuclearity pattern in the livers of senescence marker proteins-30 (SMP30) knock-out (KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice and vitamin C-treated KO (KO + VC) mice.

METHODS

The WT, KO and KO + VC mice were fed a vitamin C free diet and VC(+) group mice were given vitamin C water containing 1.5 g/L of vitamin C, whereas VC(-) group was given normal drinking water without vitamin C, for 16 weeks.

RESULTS

In microscopic examination, the livers of KO mice showed a significantly increased number of binuclear hepatocytes compared with that of WT mice and KO + VC mice. KO mice also showed the most increased expression level of CYP2E1 and PCNA determined by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. Moreover, KO mice indicated the highest level of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase level in serum biochemical analysis. Accordingly, significantly decreased levels of reactive oxygen species, MDA (malondialdehyde) and HAE (4-hydroxyalkenals) were detected in KO + VC mice compared with KO mice.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, it is concluded that vitamin C deficiency induces an increase of CYP2E1 expression and elevated ROS production, which causes oxidative liver injury and the elevation of hepatocyte binucleation in SMP30 KO mice.

In vitro inhibition of Helicobacter pylori growth and of adherence of cagA-positive strains to gastric epithelial cells by Lactobacillus paraplantarum KNUC25 isolated from kimchi

Lactobacillus paraplantarum KNUC25 strain was isolated from overfermented kimchi, a Korean traditional food. The strain had a broad antimicrobial activity spectrum, from gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of L. paraplantarum KNUC25 against Helicobacter pylori strains. Judged by a disc agar diffusion method, the anti-H. pylori activity existed in the cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of KNUC25. The mean diameters of growth inhibition by 10, 30, and 60 microL of a 15-fold concentrated CFS per disc were 11.2, 17.7, and 23.7 mm, respectively. The neutralized CFS lost its anti-H. pylori activity, suggesting that acidic pH in CFS may be responsible for the anti-H. pylori activity. Adherence was determined by urease activity of H. pylori adhered to gastric epithelial cell line AGS cells after co-incubation of AGS cells with CFS and H. pylori strain ATCC43504 (s1m1vacA/cagA(+)), ATCC51932 (s2m2vacA/cagA(-)), or SS1 (s2m2vacA/cagA(+)) in vitro followed by three washes by means of centrifugation with saline. Adherence of ATCC43504 or SS1 to AGS cells was reduced by about 70% after a 30-minute incubation with 30 microL of a 15-fold concentrated KNUC25 CFS, whereas that of ATCC51932 to AGS cells was not. The results show KNUC25 CFS is effective in inhibiting the growth of H. pylori, which is related to pH and the adherence of cagA-positive H. pylori to gastric cells.

Fibroma with osseous metaplasia of external auditory canal in a dog

The present report describes a case of fibroma with osseous metaplasia of the external auditory canal in a 7-year-old male Pomeranian dog. Upon otoscopic examination, the right external auditory canal was almost completely obstructed by a well-circumscribed mass adjacent to the eardrum. The mass was surgically excised. Grossly, it was well demarcated, firm when cut, pink, and measured 0.3 cm x 0.2 cm x 0.7 cm. The cut surface of the mass exhibited a central portion of homogeneously white osseous components surrounded by brown to pink soft tissue. Microscopically, the resected external auditory canal mass mainly consisted of fibroblastic spindle cells showing differentiation to metaplastic osteoblast-like cells. Metaplastic osteoblasts and osteoclasts lining the osteoid bony trabeculae were also observed. Bony trabeculae and spicules were separated by abundant collagen and neoplastic fibroblastic cells. Fibromatous components, irregular formation of woven bone spicules, and the presence of osteoblasts lining bony trabeculae led to a diagnosis of fibroma with osseous metaplasia.

A new biosensor for specific determination of glucose or fructose using an oxidoreductase of Zymomonas mobilis

Cells of Zymomonas mobilis were permeabilized with toluene in order to utilize the enzymes, glucose-fructose oxidoreductase and gluconolactonase, inside the intact cells. Permeabilized cells were immobilized in a gelatin membrane, and a whole cell enzyme electrode was constructed by fixing the membrane on pH electrode. The biosensor developed was used for specific determination of glucose or fructose by detecting the production rate of hydrogen ion. Optimum conditions for biosensor response were pH 6.2 and temperature of 39 degrees C. The biosensor was highly specific and reproducible, and calibration curves for glucose and fructose were excellent, being linear up to 5 and 50 g/L, respectively.

Helicobacter pylori accelerates hepatic fibrosis by sensitizing transforming growth factor-β1-induced inflammatory signaling

Our earlier report has shown that Helicobacter pylori promoted hepatic fibrosis in a murine model. Herein, in order to elucidate the mechanism by which H. pylori accelerate liver fibrosis, the authors investigated the changes in expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), p53-related proteins, antioxidants, and proinflammatory cytokines in liver samples. H. pylori infection enhanced CCl4-induced MAP kinase activation and p53 signaling pathway as well as Bax- and proliferating-cell nuclear antigen expressions, whereas H. pylori alone induced neither of these expressions nor hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines, glutathione peroxidase expression, and the proliferative index were strongly augmented in livers of the H. pylori with CCl4 treatment group compared with those of the CCl4-alone treatment group, whereas there was no difference in apoptotic index between the two groups. Interestingly, H. pylori treatment increased the number of α-fetoprotein-expressing hepatocytes independently of CCl4 intoxication. In vitro analyses, using an immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line, revealed that H. pylori lysates increased the proliferation of HSCs, which was boosted by the addition of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Furthermore, the treatment of H. pylori lysates promoted the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) into the nucleus based on an increase in the degradation of NF-κB inhibitor alpha, in the presence of TGF-β1, as did H2O2 treatment. In conclusion, H. pylori infection along with an elevated TGF-β1 may accelerate hepatic fibrosis through increased TGF-β1-induced pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in HSCs. Moreover, H. pylori infection might increase the risk of TGF-β1-mediated tumorigenesis by disturbing the balance between apoptosis and proliferation of hepatocytes.

Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway suppresses sFlt1 expression in human placental hypoxia models in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Although elevated expression of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, it is unclear how hypoxia regulates placental sFlt1 expression. Thus, we investigated sFlt1 expression in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies and in human placental hypoxia models in vitro to examine the role of the PI3K-Akt pathway in regulating the expression of this molecule.

METHODS

We examined the expression of VEGF, PlGF, sFlt1, PI3K, Akt, and HIF-1 in placental samples from ten women with pre-eclampsia and ten normotensive control patients and in human choriocarcinoma trophoblast cells treated with 600muM CoCl(2) by Western blotting. Using models of placental hypoxia, we also determined whether inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway plays a direct role in regulating the expression of sFlt1.

RESULTS

The VEGF, PlGF, sFlt1, PI3K, Akt, and HIF-1 levels were significantly higher in the preeclamptic placentas than the normal placentas. In the placental hypoxia models, the expression of VEGF and PlGF increased in a time-dependent manner, whereas the expression of sFlt1 plateaued after 3h of CoCl(2) treatment. The expression levels of p-Akt and PI3K were maximal after 6 and 12h of CoCl(2) treatment, respectively. The expression of HIF-1alpha increased in a time-dependent manner with CoCl(2) treatment. Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway with the PI3K-specific inhibitor LY294002 leads to decreased sFlt1 levels and unchanged or increased VEGF and PlGF levels.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway may be a useful therapeutic approach, if it were to decrease sFlt1 secretion without inhibiting VEGF or PlGF secretion. This pathway provides a potential target for a new treatment strategy in patients with pre-eclampsia.

Vitamin C deficiency attenuates liver fibrosis by way of up-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma expression in senescence marker protein 30 knockout mice

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30), an important aging marker molecule that is highly expressed in the liver, has been known to protect hepatocytes from apoptosis by the synthesis of vitamin C. To explore the function of SMP30 in liver fibrosis, the effect of SMP30 deficiency on liver fibrosis was investigated in SMP30 knockout (KO) mice. Moreover, the in vivo results were further confirmed by way of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) isolation. We demonstrated that carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis and the nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3, the immediate downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), were significantly inhibited in the liver of SMP30 KO mice compared with wildtype (WT) mice. We also confirmed that both WT and SMP30 KO HSCs did not express SMP30. Finally, we further confirmed that up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) caused by a lack of vitamin C was the pivotal factor in the mechanisms for attenuated liver fibrosis of SMP30 KO mice, and feeding with vitamin C restored CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in SMP30 KO mice.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin C deficiency by SMP30 depletion attenuated liver fibrosis by way of up-regulated PPAR-gamma expression in SMP30 KO mice. Our results provide, for the first time, the possible mechanisms underlying inhibition of HSC activation associated with vitamin C and PPAR-gamma up-regulation in liver fibrosis of SMP30 KO mice.