Optimising total RNA quality and quantity by phenol-chloroform extraction method from human visceral adipose tissue: A standardisation study

The Protective Effect of Taurine and Curcumin on Autophagy-Related Genes in the Oocytes of the Mouse Treated with Acrylamide

Background

Autophagy is also essential for both male and female infertility since it controls the development of germ cells and reproductive organs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of taurine and curcumin on the expression of genes related to autophagy in acrylamide-treated mice.

Methods

In 2022, this experimental study was conducted at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Stem Cells Technology Research Centre. Forty-eight mice were randomly assigned to eight groups (control, curcumin 200 mg/Kg, taurine 150 mg/Kg, acrylamide 50 mg/Kg, acrylamide+curcumin 100 mg/Kg, acrylamide+curcumin 200, acrylamide+taurine 75 mg/Kg, acrylamide+taurine 150 mg/Kg). Finally, oocyte characteristics and gene expression were determined in each group using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS 25 and GraphPad 9, respectively. P<0.05 was conducted statistically significant.

Results

A significant decrease was observed in several oocytes in the acrylamide group compared to the control group (P<0.001). The expression levels of light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related gene (ATG)12, ATG5, and Beclin1 significantly increased in the acrylamide compared to the control group. A significant increase in the number of oocytes was observed in the taurine group compared to the control. The expression levels of LC3, ATG12, ATG5, and Beclin1 significantly decreased in the acrylamide+taurine (150 mg/Kg) compared to the acrylamide group.

Conclusion

The acrylamide negatively impacts oocyte viability and causes the higher expression of autophagy-related genes. Taurine may encourage the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes by removing autophagic obstruction, potentially accelerating autophagy and protecting against oxidative stress. Taurine is more effective than curcumin at reducing the harmful effects of acrylamide. As a result, taurine can be proposed as a potential treatment drug for acrylamide-induced infertility.

The effect of combined oral contraceptive pills on angiogenesis in endometriotic lesions

PURPOSE

Neoangiogenesis is necessary for adhesion and invasion of endometriotic lesions. We hypothesize that by blocking angiogenetic pathways we can suppress endometriosis. Oral contraceptive pills (OCs) are routinely used in endometriosis to suppress symptoms of the disease. In the current study, we attempt to evaluate the effects of OCs on various angiogenetic factors in women with endometriosis.

METHODS

Sixty women with endometriosis were randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 30 women who received OCs in a cyclical manner for 3 months before surgery and group B of 30 women who did not. Biopsy specimens of ovarian endometrioma were collected. We used qRT-PCR to study the mRNA expression levels of VEGF, TF, PAR-2, SP1, and FGF1.

RESULTS

The levels of mRNA of all angiogenic factors were found to be elevated in women who received OCs compared with women who did not. This difference was statistically significant for VEGF, TF, FGF1, SP1 (p < 0.001), and PAR-2 (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

OC administration does not inhibit neoangiogenesis in endometriotic lesions; on the contrary, angiogenetic pathways might be upregulated.

Isolation of native microorganisms from Shengli lignite and study on their ability to dissolve lignite

To more greenly and efficiently utilize the abundant lignite resources and explore the microbial degradation and transformation potential of lignite for its environmentally friendly and resourceful utilization, Shengli lignite from the Hulunbuir region of Inner Mongolia, China, was selected as the research subject. Through the dilution plating method and streaking method, 31 native microorganisms were successfully isolated from the Shengli lignite, including 16 bacteria and 15 fungi. After microbial coal dissolution experiments, it was found that certain microorganisms have a significant dissolving effect on lignite, with some bacterial and fungal strains showing strong dissolution capabilities. In particular, the bacterium SH10 Lysinibacillus fusiformis and the fungus L1W Paecilomyces lilacinus demonstrated the best coal-dissolving abilities, with dissolution rates both reaching 60%. The products of microbial dissolution of lignite were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology, identifying a variety of small molecular organic compounds, including alkanes, alcohols, esters, and phenols. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the biodegradation of lignite and lay the foundation for the development of new lignite treatment and utilization technologies.

Effect of the LIF gene on the cell cycle and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in white Muscovy ducks

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, is a multifunctional cytokine. The maturation-to-ovulation process of poultry follicles is determined by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation. Granulosa cell apoptosis and degeneration lead to follicular atresia, which reduces the number of normally developing follicles and leads to a decrease in the poultry egg production rate, thus affecting the large-scale development of poultry breeding. In this study, the LIF gene overexpression vector pCDH-CMV-LIF and a siRNA that inhibits LIF gene expression were transfected into primary granulosa cells from white Muscovy duck ovaries for functional study. Compared with that in the control group, LIF gene expression was confirmed to be significantly decreased or increased in the transfection groups (P < 0.01). After LIF overexpression, the expression of the cell cycle-related genes CCND1, CDK-1 and PCNA was decreased (P < 0.05); apoptosis was promoted; the proapoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.01); and the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01). After LIF interference, the expression of the cell cycle-related genes CCND1, CCNE1, CDK-1 and PCNA and the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 significantly increased (P < 0.01), whereas the expression of the proapoptotic genes Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 significantly decreased (P < 0.01). In summary, the LIF gene is involved in regulating the biological function of ovarian granulosa cells in white Muscovy ducks. LIF gene expression promotes granulosa cell apoptosis and inhibits cell cycle progression. These experimental results provide insights into the follicular development mechanism of white Muscovy ducks.

The effect of GnRH-a on the angiogenesis of endometriosis

PURPOSE

Neoangiogenesis is necessary for adhesion and invasiveness of endometriotic lesions in women affected by endometriosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the main components of angiogenesis and is part of the major pathway tissue factor (TF)-protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)-VEGF that leads to neoangiogenesis. Specificity protein 1 (SP1) is a transcriptional factor that has recently been studied for its crucial role in angiogenesis via a specific pathway. We hypothesize that by blocking angiogenetic pathways we can suppress endometriotic lesions. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-agonists (GnRH-a) are routinely used, especially preoperatively, in endometriosis. It would be of great interest to clarify which angiogenetic pathways are affected and, thereby, pave the way for further research into antiangiogenetic effects on endometriosis.

METHODS

We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to study mRNA expression levels of TF, PAR-2, VEGF, and SP1 in endometriotic tissues of women who underwent surgery for endometriosis and received GnRH-a (leuprolide acetate) preoperatively.

RESULTS

VEGF, TF, and PAR-2 expression is significantly lower in patients who received treatment (p < 0,001) compared to those who did not, whereas SP1 expression is not altered (p = 0.779).

CONCLUSIONS

GnRH-a administration does affect some pathways of angiogenesis in endometriotic lesions, but not all of them. Therefore, supplementary treatments that affect the SP1 pathway of angiogenesis should be developed to enhance the antiangiogenetic effect of GnRH-a in patients with endometriosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrial.gov ID: NCT06106932.

Wound fluid sampling methods and analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in ulcers from patients with diabetes mellitus

The development of diabetic foot ulcers is a common and severe complication of diabetes that can significantly affect quality of life. The physiological healing cascade does not progress tissue repair in diabetic foot ulcerations in a timely manner. Serum markers from foot ulcers have been used to characterize the healing process of the diabetic foot using various collection techniques. This study aimed to compare the use of cervical brushes and the Levine technique to collect wound fluid from foot ulcers of people with diabetes in order to determine the presence of cytokines. The collected material was used for gene expression analysis of macrophage/monocyte-associated cytokines IL1-β, IL-6, TNF-α, regulatory cytokine IL-10 and growth factor TGFβ, via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both collection methods produced sufficient amounts of RNA, but significantly more RNA was collected using a cervical brush (brush 224.82 ng/μL vs. Levine 80.90 ng/μL p = 0.0001). Significantly higher levels of expression of the following cytokine genes were detected in samples collected using a cervical brush: IL1-β (p = 0.0001), IL-6 (p = 0.0106), IL-10 (p = 0.0277) and TGFβ (p = 0.0002). Understanding why some wounds are difficult to heal is important for developing more effective treatments, and biomarkers may be useful for predicting the healing trajectory. These results demonstrate that it is possible to collect material from the wound bed for RT-qPCR analysis, and the cervical brush proved to be a simple and rapid method for monitoring cytokine gene expression.

A comparison of five methods to maximize RNA and DNA isolation yield from adipose tissue

Adipose tissue in the human body occurs in various forms with different functions. It is an energy store, a complex endocrine organ, and a source of cells used in medicine. Many molecular analyses require the isolation of nucleic acids, which can cause some difficulties connected with the large amount of lipids in adipocytes. Ribonucleic acid isolation is particularly challenging due to its low stability and easy degradation by ribonucleases. The study aimed to compare and evaluate five RNA and DNA isolation methods from adipose tissue. The tested material was subcutaneous porcine adipose tissue subjected to different homogenization methods and RNA or DNA purification. A mortar and liquid nitrogen or ceramic beads were used for homogenization. The organic extraction (TriPure Reagent), spin columns with silica-membrane (RNeasy Mini Kit or High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit), and the automatic MagNA Pure system were used for the purification. Five combinations were compared for RNA and DNA isolation. Obtained samples were evaluated for quantity and quality. The methods were compared in terms of yield (according to tissue mass), purity (A260/280 and A260/230), and nucleic acid degradation (RNA Integrity Number, RIN; DNA Integrity Number, DIN). The results were analyzed statistically. The average RNA yield was highest in method I, which used homogenization with ceramic beads and organic extraction. Low RNA concentration didn't allow us to measure degradation for all samples in method III (homogenization with ceramic beads and spin-column purification). The highest RNA quality was achieved with method IV using homogenization in liquid nitrogen and spin column purification, which makes it the most effective for RNA isolation from adipose tissue. Required values of DNA yield, purity, and integrity were achieved only with spin column-based methods (III and IV). The most effective method for DNA isolation from adipose tissue is method III, using spin-columns without additional homogenization.

Effects of short-term exposure to simulated microgravity on the physiology of Bacillus subtilis and multiomic analysis

In our study, Bacillus subtilis was disposed to a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment in high-aspect ratio rotating-wall vessel bioreactors for 14 days, while the control group was disposed to the same bioreactors in a normal gravity (NG) environment for 14 days. The B. subtilis strain exposed to the SMG (labeled BSS) showed an enhanced growth ability, increased biofilm formation ability, increased sensitivity to ampicillin sulbactam and cefotaxime, and some metabolic alterations compared with the B. subtilis strain under NG conditions (labeled BSN) and the original strain of B. subtilis (labeled BSO). The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with an increased growth rate, such as DNA strand exchange activity, oxidoreductase activity, proton-transporting ATP synthase complex, and biosynthetic process, were significantly upregulated in BSS. The enhanced biofilm formation ability may be related with the DEPs of spore germination and protein processing in BSS, and differentially expressed genes involved in protein localization and peptide secretion were also significantly enriched. The results revealed that SMG may increase the level of related functional proteins by upregulating or downregulating affiliated genes to change physiological characteristics and modulate growth ability, biofilm formation ability (epsB, epsC, epsN), antibiotic sensitivity (penP) and metabolism. Our experiment may gives new ideas for the study of space microbiology.

Fabrication of Injectable Kartogenin-Conjugated Composite Hydrogel with a Sustained Drug Release for Cartilage Repair

Cartilage tissue engineering has attracted great attention in defect repair and regeneration. The utilization of bioactive scaffolds to effectively regulate the phenotype and proliferation of chondrocytes has become an elemental means for cartilage tissue regeneration. On account of the simultaneous requirement of mechanical and biological performances for tissue-engineered scaffolds, in this work we prepared a naturally derived hydrogel composed of a bioactive kartogenin (KGN)-linked chitosan (CS-KGN) and an aldehyde-modified oxidized alginate (OSA) via the highly efficient Schiff base reaction and multifarious physical interactions in mild conditions. On the basis of the rigid backbones and excellent biocompatibility of these two natural polysaccharides, the composite hydrogel demonstrated favorable morphology, easy injectability, good mechanical strength and tissue adhesiveness, low swelling ratio, long-term sustainable KGN release, and facilitated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell activity, which could simultaneously provide the mechanical and biological supports to promote chondrogenic differentiation and repair the articular cartilage defects. Therefore, we believe this work can offer a designable consideration and potential alternative candidate for cartilage and other soft tissue implants.

Comparison of Four Methods of RNA Extraction and cDNA Synthesis from The Venom of Peruvian Snakes of the Genus Bothrops of Clinical Importance

RNA purification and cDNA synthesis represents the starting point for molecular analyses of snake venom proteins-enzymes. Usually, the sacrifice of snakes is necessary for venom gland extraction to identify protein-coding transcripts; however, the venom can be used as a source of transcripts. Although there are methods for obtaining RNA from venom, no comparative analysis has been conducted in the Bothrops genus. In the present study, we compared four commercial methods for RNA purification and cDNA synthesis from venom (liquid, lyophilized, or long-term storage) of four clinically relevant species of Peruvian Bothrops. Our results show that the TRIzol method presents the highest yield of RNA purified from venom (59 ± 11 ng/100 µL or 10 mg). The SuperScript First-Strand Synthesis System kit produced high amounts of cDNA (3.2 ± 1.2 ng cDNA/ng RNA), and the highest value was from combination with the Dynabeads mRNA DIRECT kit (4.8 ± 2.0 ng cDNA/ng RNA). The utility of cDNA was demonstrated with the amplification of six relevant toxins: thrombin-like enzymes, P-I and P-III metalloproteinases, acid and basic phospholipases A2, and disintegrins. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study of RNA purification and cDNA synthesis methodologies from Bothrops genus venom.

The Caenorhabditis elegans anchor cell transcriptome: ribosome biogenesis drives cell invasion through basement membrane

Cell invasion through basement membrane (BM) barriers is important in development, immune function and cancer progression. As invasion through BM is often stochastic, capturing gene expression profiles of actively invading cells in vivo remains elusive. Using the stereotyped timing of Caenorhabditis elegans anchor cell (AC) invasion, we generated an AC transcriptome during BM breaching. Through a focused RNAi screen of transcriptionally enriched genes, we identified new invasion regulators, including translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP). We also discovered gene enrichment of ribosomal proteins. AC-specific RNAi, endogenous ribosome labeling and ribosome biogenesis analysis revealed that a burst of ribosome production occurs shortly after AC specification, which drives the translation of proteins mediating BM removal. Ribosomes also enrich near the AC endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Sec61 translocon and the endomembrane system expands before invasion. We show that AC invasion is sensitive to ER stress, indicating a heightened requirement for translation of ER-trafficked proteins. These studies reveal key roles for ribosome biogenesis and endomembrane expansion in cell invasion through BM and establish the AC transcriptome as a resource to identify mechanisms underlying BM transmigration.

Analyzing the Association of Visceral Adipose Tissue Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and MicroRNA in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is involved in insulin resistance and diabetes. In this study, we determine the associations of GDF-15 with miR-181b-5p, miR-330-3p, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7), and insulin resistance in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

Sixty patients, equally divided into those with T2DM and non-diabetic controls, were recruited for gene expression analysis. Protein-protein interaction (STRING), target prediction (miRNet), and functional enrichment were conducted accordingly.

Results

Our study showed that VAT and PBMCs had similar expression profiles, where GDF-15 and miR-181b-5p were upregulated, whereas SMAD7 and miR-330-3p were downregulated. Serum GDF-15 could differentiate between T2DM and non-diabetic patients (P<0.001). Target prediction revealed a microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA regulatory network, transcription factors, and functional enrichment for the miRNA that suggested involvement in T2DM pathogenesis.

Conclusion

VAT GDF-15 is associated with insulin resistance and is possibly regulated by miR-181b-5p, miR-330-3p, and SMAD7 in T2DM.

CD40LG and GZMB were correlated with adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and involved in obstructive sleep apnea related metabolic dysregulation: Evidence from bioinformatics analysis

Both obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to metabolic dysregulation and systemic inflammation. Similar to obesity, increasing evidence has revealed that immune infiltration in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with obstructive sleep apnea-related morbidity. However, the pathological changes and potential molecular mechanisms in visceral adipose tissue of obstructive sleep apnea patients need to be further studied. Herein, by bioinformatics analysis and clinical validation methods, including the immune-related differentially expressed genes (IRDEGs) analysis, protein-protein interaction network (PPI), functional enrichment analysis, a devolution algorithm (CIBERSORT), spearman's correlation analysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), we identified and validated 10 hub IRDEGs, the relative mRNA expression of four hub genes (CRP, CD40LG, CCL20, and GZMB), and the protein expression level of two hub genes (CD40LG and GZMB) were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results. Immune infiltration results further revealed that obstructive sleep apnea patients contained a higher proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and a lower proportion of M2 macrophages. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that CD40LG was positively correlated with M1 macrophages and GZMB was negatively correlated with M2 macrophages. CD40LG and GZMB might play a vital role in the visceral adipose tissue homeostasis of obstructive sleep apnea patients. Their interaction with macrophages and involved pathways not only provides new insights for understanding molecular mechanisms but also be of great significance in discovering novel small molecules or other promising candidates as immunotherapies of OSA-associated metabolic complications.

Physical Activity and Exercise Promote Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Expression in Adipose Tissues of Obese Adults

Background

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has recently been studied for its potential influence on the functional response of the human body to exercise. We aimed to investigate the association of habitual physical activity (PA) with PPARγ mRNA level in the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT) in non-obese and obese non-diabetic adults.

Methods

VAT and SAT were obtained from 95 individuals, including 40 non-obese (BMI<30kg/m²) and 55 obese (BMI≥30kg/m²) who underwent elective abdominal surgery (Tehran, Iran, 2012-2015). The assessment of habitual PA was performed by a valid and reliable International PA Questionnaire-long form, and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) was evaluated. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR evaluated the PPARγ expression in VAT and SAT.

Results

PPARγ expression in both VAT (1.18 vs. 0.37 fold change, P<0.001) and SAT (2.07 vs. 0.29 fold change, P=0.004) among obese subjects was higher than the non-obese group. After controlling for age, sex, and total energy in-take, a positive association was found between total METs and PPARγ expression in both VAT and SAT among obese participants (β=0.22, P=0.007 and β=0.12, P<0.001, respectively). Among obese participants, there was a direct association between leisure time-related METs with VAT PPARγ expression (β=0.05, P=0.026). Moreover, in this group, an association was observed between occupation-related METs with PPARγ in both fat tissues (β=0.11, P=0.002 and β=0.17, P=0.013, respectively), and household work-related METs with SAT PPARγ (β=0.21, P=0.011).

Conclusion

High PA as an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle may exert its beneficial effect by regulating PPARγ expression.

The Effect of Tropical Temperatures on the Quality of RNA Extracted from Stabilized Whole-Blood Samples

Whole-blood-derived transcriptional profiling is widely used in biomarker discovery, immunological research, and therapeutic development. Traditional molecular and high-throughput transcriptomic platforms, including molecular assays with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), are dependent upon high-quality and intact RNA. However, collecting high-quality RNA from field studies in remote tropical locations can be challenging due to resource restrictions and logistics of post-collection processing. The current study tested the relative performance of the two most widely used whole-blood RNA collection systems, PAXgene^® and Tempus™, in optimal laboratory conditions as well as suboptimal conditions in tropical field sites, including the effects of extended storage times and high storage temperatures. We found that Tempus™ tubes maintained a slightly higher RNA quantity and integrity relative to PAXgene^® tubes at suboptimal tropical conditions. Both PAXgene^® and Tempus™ tubes gave similar RNA purity (A260/A280). Additionally, Tempus^™ tubes preferentially maintained the stability of mRNA transcripts for two reference genes tested, Succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A (SDHA) and TATA-box-binding protein (TBP), even when RNA quality decreased with storage length and temperature. Both tube types preserved the rRNA transcript 18S ribosomal RNA (18S) equally. Our results suggest that Tempus^™ blood RNA collection tubes are preferable to PAXgene^® for whole-blood collection in suboptimal tropical conditions for RNA-based studies in resource-limited settings.

Isoandrographolide from Andrographis paniculata ameliorates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in ureteral obstruction-induced mice, associated with negatively regulating AKT/GSK-3β/β-cat signaling pathway

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a prominent pathological manifestation for the progression of almost all chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) to end-stage renal failure. However, there exist few efficient therapies to cure TIF. Our recent results showed that (8R, 12S)-isoandrographolide (ISA), a diterpenoid lactone ingredient of traditional Chinese herbal Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, exhibited anti-pulmonary fibrosis in silica-induced mice. Herein, we investigated the therapeutic effect of ISA on TIF, using mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and human kidney proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The pathological changes and collagen deposition results displayed that ISA administration significantly attenuated inflammatory response, ameliorated TIF, and protected the kidney injury. Interestingly, ISA revealed much lower cytotoxicity on HK-2 cells, but exhibited stronger inhibitory effect on tubular epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and inflammation, as compared to andrographolide (AD), the major ingredient of A. paniculata extract that has been reported to ameliorate TIF in diabetic nephropathy mice. It was further clarified that the amelioration of TIF by ISA was associated with suppressing the aberrant activation of AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway through network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Taken together, these findings indicate that ISA is a promising lead compound for development of anti-TIF, and even broad-spectrum anti-fibrotic drugs.

Prevalence, Diversity, and Risk Factors for Cervical HPV Infection in Women Screened for Cervical Cancer in Belém, Pará, Northern Brazil

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection of the reproductive tract, and cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related disease. This study estimated the prevalence, diversity of HPV genotypes, and associated risk factors in women screened for cervical cancer in northern Brazil. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Belém, Pará, in the Amazon region of Brazil, and it included 162 women who were spontaneously undergoing a Pap-smear routine. Epidemiological, sexual, and health-related information was collected by interviews, and cervical samples were collected for cytological examination and HPV-DNA detection. HPV genotypes were classified as low risk (LR) and high risk (HR) by nucleotide sequencing. Results: In total, 17.3% (28/162) of the participants had HPV-DNA, and LR-HPV was the most prevalent (71.4%). Among the 13 different types of HPV detected, HPV-11 was found most frequently (12/28; 42.9%), followed by HPV-31 (3/28; 10.7%). Of the participants with cytological alterations, HPV infection was detected in only four: two were diagnosed with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (15.4%), one with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (7.7%), and one with atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (7.7%). Of the 61 women who presented a normal cytology, 13 (21.3%) had positive tests for HPV infection, 4 (8.2%) of which were positive for a high-risk genotype. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV was high in Belém, Pará, and especially in women who had normal cytology results, which suggests the need for greater screening for HPV infection in women’s primary health care.

Association of miR-155, miR-187 and Inflammatory Cytokines IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in Chronic Opium Abusers

Substance use disorders are known to be associated with inflammation. However, the dynamics of inflammatory cytokines and microRNA in chronic opium use is yet unexplored. The current study determined the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and immune-regulatory miR-155 and miR-187 expressions in chronic opioid use disorder. Adults (n = 48) meeting the 5th Edition of the DSM criteria regarding opioid use disorder and healthy controls (n = 46) were included in the study. Inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α were analyzed from serum samples, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells processed for miRNA expression. Cases showed significantly raised IL-10 and TNF-α and reduced IL-6. Dose-dependent upregulation of miR-155-5p and miR-187-5p was evident at opium dose >1500 g/month, with a corresponding increase of TNF-α and IL-10. MiR-155 showed a significant positive correlation with IL-6 and TNF-α levels, while miR-187 showed a significant negative association with TNF-α at ≥1000 g/month consumption. Therefore, increasing consumption of opium probably enhances inflammation leading to immunomodulation and aberrant expression of hsa-miR-155-5p and hsa-miR-187-5p in opioid use disorder.

FOXM1 mediates GDF-15 dependent stemness and intrinsic drug resistance in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Stemness, a key component of breast cancer (BC) heterogeneity, is responsible for chemoresistance. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) induces drug resistance and stemness in BC cells. In this study, the expressions and interactions of GDF-15, FOXM1, and stemness (OCT4 and SOX2), and drug resistance (ABCC5) markers were evaluated in BC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

40 diagnosed BC patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum GDF-15 was significantly raised (p < 0.001) in BC patients. Expressions of GDF-15, OCT4, SOX2, and FOXM1 in BC tissue and cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) were determined by RT-PCR, while phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) was analyzed by Western blot. Not only were the fold change expressions higher in cancer tissue as compared to surrounding control tissue, but a higher expression was observed for all the genes along with p-AKT in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF-7. Tissue GDF-15 was significantly associated with ABCC5 (p < 0.001), OCT4 (p = 0.002), SOX2 (p < 0.001), and FOXM1 (p < 0.001). To further analyze the signaling pathway involved in stemness and drug resistance in BC, GDF-15 knockdown was performed, which reduced the expression of p-AKT, FOXM1, OCT4 and SOX2, and ABCC5, whereas recombinant GDF-15 treatment reversed the same. In silico analyses in UALCAN revealed a similar picture for these genes to that of BC tissue expression.

CONCLUSIONS

GDF-15 promotes stemness and intrinsic drug resistance in BC, possibly mediated by the p-AKT/FOXM1 axis.

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 as a Biomarker of Obese Pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Indian Subjects: A Case-control Study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an ever-growing epidemic in India and poses significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden.

INTRODUCTION

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) is a stress-responsive cytokine, increased in T2DM patients compared to control subjects without the disease. We aimed to assess whether serum GDF15 and adipose tissue GDF15 expression can differentiate between obese pre-diabetes and T2DM and control populations.

METHODOLOGY

We recruited 156 individuals including 73 type 2 diabetes, 30 pre-diabetes, and 53 healthy controls. Clinical history, anthropometric measurements and biochemical profiling were taken. Insulin resistance indices were calculated following HOMA models. Serum GDF15 was measured by sandwich ELISA. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) expression of GDF15 was observed in 17 T2DM patients and 29 controls using SYBR Green chemistry in RT-PCR using GAPDH as the housekeeping gene. The data were analyzed on R programming platform using RStudio.

RESULTS

Serum GDF15 was significantly higher (p<0.001) in T2DM subjects (median 1445.47 pg/mL) compared to pre-diabetes (627.85 pg/mL) and healthy controls (609.01 pg/mL). Using the ΔΔCt method, the VAT GDF15 expression was 1.54 fold and 1.57 fold upregulated in T2DM (n=17) compared to control subjects (n=29), and obese (n=12) compared to non-obese (n=34)subjects, respectively. The optimal cut-off point following Youden's index method was found to be 868.09 pg/mL. ROC curve analysis revealed that serum GDF15 had a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of 90.41%, 79.52%, and 0.892 respectively. GDF15 levels were significantly associated with age, BMI, HbA1c, fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance indices.

CONCLUSION

Hence, serum GDF15 is a biomarker for T2DM patients in our study population from Western India. However, larger prospective cohorts are necessary to validate this claim.

Elevated CTSL Gene Expression Correlated with Proinflammatory Cytokines in Omental Adipose Tissue of Patients with Obesity

PURPOSE

Cathepsin L (CTSL) and B (CTSB) were lysosomal proteases, and their expression and activity contribute to the progression of inflammation in obese rodents. Our aim was to investigate CTSB and CTSL expression in omental adipose tissue (AT) of patients with obesity and to correlate CTSB and CTSL expression with proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2, IL-6 and IL-1β).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 12 patients without obesity (NOB) and 51 patients with obesity (OB) were involved in this study. Omental AT was collected from all the participants for RNA extraction. Expressions of CTSB, CTSL and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2, IL-6 and IL-1β) were qualified with qRT-PCR. BMI (body mass index) and metabolic parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression levels of both CTSB and CTSL were upregulated in the OB group (t = 2.693, P < 0.05; t = 2.849, P<0.01) and were related to TC levels (Std.β=0.443, P<0.05; Std.β=0.439, P<0.05). However, only the CTSB level was related to BMI (Std.β=0.261, P<0.05). In multiple regression analysis, CTSL was independently associated with CCL-2, IL-6 and IL-1β levels (Std.β=0.352-0.462, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CTSB and CTSL gene expressions were elevated in the omental AT of OB group. CTSL, but not CTSB, was positively correlated with proinflammatory cytokines independently, suggesting that the dysregulation of CTSL may play a significant role in the inflammatory process.

The effects of L-carnitine on renal function and gene expression of caspase-9 and Bcl-2 in monosodium glutamate-induced rats

BACKGROUND

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is frequently consumed as a flavor enhancer or food additive. Possible damages induced by MSG effects on some organs have been stated in experimental animal models. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of L-carnitine (L-ca) on the renal tissue in MSG-Induced Rats.

METHODS

In this regard, 60 male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10/each): 1 (Control); 2 (sham); 3 (L-carnitine 200 mg/kg b.w); 4 (MSG 3 g/kg b.w); 5 (MSG + L-carnitine 100 mg/kg); and 6 (MSG + L-carnitine 200 mg/kg). After 6 months, the rats were sacrificed, the blood sample collected and the kidneys harvested for evaluation of biochemical analytes, genes expression, and histopathological changes.

RESULTS

MSG significantly increased the serum level of MDA, BUN, creatinine, uric acid and renal Caspase-9, NGAL and KIM-1 expression, but it decreased the serum activity also renal expression of SOD, catalase, GPX, and Bcl-2 expression compared to the control group. Treatment with L-ca significantly reduced the serum BUN, creatinine, uric acid and MDA level and increased catalase, GPX and SOD compared to the MSG group. However, only administration of L-ca 200 significantly decreased the caspase-9, NGAL and KIM-1; also, it increased the Bcl-2 expression in the kidney compared to the MSG group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that L-carnitine had a major impact on the cell protection and might be an effective therapy in ameliorating the complications of the kidney induced by MSG via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Overcoming the Challenges of High Quality RNA Extraction from Core Needle Biopsy

The use of gene expression profiling (GEP) in cancer management is rising, as GEP can be used for disease classification and diagnosis, tailoring treatment to underlying genetic determinants of pharmacological response, monitoring of therapy response, and prognosis. However, the reliability of GEP heavily depends on the input of RNA in sufficient quantity and quality. This highlights the need for standard procedures to ensure best practices for RNA extraction from often small tumor biopsies with variable tissue handling. We optimized an RNA extraction protocol from fresh-frozen (FF) core needle biopsies (CNB) from breast cancer patients and from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue when FF CNB did not yield sufficient RNA. Methods to avoid ribonucleases andto homogenize or to deparaffinize tissues and the impact of tissue composition on RNA extraction were studied. Additionally, RNA’s compatibility with the nanoString nCounter^® technology was studied. This technology platform enables GEP using small RNA fragments. After optimization of the protocol, RNA of high quality and sufficient quantity was obtained from FF CNB in 92% of samples. For the remaining 8% of cases, FFPE material prepared by the pathology department was used for RNA extraction. Both resulting RNA end products are compatible with the nanoString nCounter^® technology.