Active smoking causes oxidative stress and decreases blood melatonin levels

Melatonin in Human Breast Milk and Its Potential Role in Circadian Entrainment: A Nod towards Chrononutrition?

Breastfeeding is the most appropriate source of a newborn's nutrition; among the plethora of its benefits, its modulation of circadian rhythmicity with melatonin as a potential neuroendocrine transducer has gained increasing interest. Transplacental transfer assures melatonin provision for the fetus, who is devoid of melatonin secretion. Even after birth, the neonatal pineal gland is not able to produce melatonin rhythmically for several months (with an even more prolonged deficiency following preterm birth). In this context, human breast milk constitutes the main natural source of melatonin: diurnal dynamic changes, an acrophase early after midnight, and changes in melatonin concentrations according to gestational age and during the different stages of lactation have been reported. Understudied thus far are the factors impacting on (changes in) melatonin content in human breast milk and their clinical significance in chronobiological adherence in the neonate: maternal as well as environmental aspects have to be investigated in more detail to guide nursing mothers in optimal feeding schedules which probably means a synchronized instead of mistimed feeding practice. This review aims to be thought-provoking regarding the critical role of melatonin in chrononutrition during breastfeeding, highlighting its potential in circadian entrainment and therefore optimizing (neuro)developmental outcomes in the neonatal setting.

Gut microbiota crosstalk mechanisms are key in pulmonary hypertension: The involvement of melatonin is instrumental too

The microbiota refers to a plethora of microorganisms with a gene pool of approximately three million, which inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract or gut. The latter, not only promotes the transport of nutrients, ions, and fluids from the lumen to the internal environment but is linked with the development of diseases including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and lung diseases. The exact mechanism of how the microbiota achieves crosstalk between itself and distant organs/tissues is not clear, but factors released to other organs may play a role, like inflammatory and genetic factors, and now we highlight melatonin as a novel mediator of the gut-lung crosstalk. Melatonin is present in high concentrations in the gut and the lung and has recently been linked to the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this comprehensive review of the literature, we suggest that melatonin is an important link between the gut microbiota and the development of PH (where suppressed melatonin-crosstalk between the gut and lungs could promote the development of PH). More studies are needed to investigate the link between the gut microbiota, melatonin and PH. Studies could also investigate whether microbiota genes play a role in the epigenetic aspects of PH. This is relevant because, for example, dysbiosis (caused by epigenetic factors) could reduce melatonin signaling between the gut and lungs, reduce subcellular melatonin concentrations in the gut/lungs, or reduce melatonin serum levels secondary to epigenetic factors. This area of research is largely unexplored and further studies are warranted.

Cross-sectional analysis of potential risk factors of the pineal gland calcification

The Pineal gland (PG) is the site of production of melatonin as an important central hormone in the body. It is not known yet whether PG calcification (PGC) is an age-associated physiological process or a pathologic condition caused by lifestyle-factors and metabolic-dysregulations.Here, we performed a cross-sectional analysis on 586 patients referred to have Computed Tomographic (CT) scans (above 15 years old), in the Ali Ebne Abi Taleb hospital radiology center in 2017-2018. Based on the CT-scans of the brain, the presence of PGC was recorded and a score of scale 0 to 6 (PGC_score) was calculated for its intensity based on the volume and the Hounsfield units of the calcified pineal. Logistic and ordered logistic regression tests were employed to determine potential risk factor of PGC and higher PGC_score, respectively, testing the factors age, sex, history of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, smoking and opioid use. We found male sex (OR: 2.30 (95% CI:1.39-3.82) and smoking cigarettes (OR: 4.47 (95% CI:1.01-19.78)) as the main potential risk factors for the pineal gland calcification. For PGC_score, we found age to be dose-dependently associated with PGC_score only in patients aged below 63 (p-trend < 0.001). Stratifying for age, in patients < 63 years old, we found age, male sex (positive association) and dyslipidemia (negative association) as the main significantly associated factors of PGC_score. On the contrary, in patients aged >  = 63, cigarette smoking was the only significantly associated factor of higher PGC_score.In conclusion, our results indicate that at ages below 63, age, male sex and blood lipid are the main associated factors of higher PGC, but at ages above that, the lifestyle factor smoking is significantly associated with higher pineal gland calcification.

Rheumatoid arthritis: advances in treatment strategies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by severe joint and bone damage due to heightened autoimmune response at the articular sites. Worldwide annual incidence and prevalence rate of RA is 3 cases per 10,000 population and 1%, respectively. Several genetic and environmental (microbiota, smoking, infectious agents) factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Although convention treatment strategies, predominantly Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and Glucocorticoids (GC), are unchanged as the primary line of treatment; novel strategies consisting of biological DMARDs, are being developed and explored. Personalized approaches using biologicals targetspecific pathways associated with disease progression. However, considering the economic burden and side-effects associated with these, there is an unmet need on strategies for early stratification of the inadequate responders with cDMARDs. As RA is a complex disease with a variable remission rate, it is important not only to evaluate the current status of drugs in clinical practice but also those with the potential of personalised therapeutics. Here, we provide comprehensive data on the treatment strategies in RA, including studies exploring various combination strategies in clinical trials. Our systematic analysis of current literature found that conventional DMARDs along with glucocorticoid may be best suited for early RA cases and a combination of conventional and targeted DMARDs could be effective for treating seronegative patients with moderate to high RA activity. Clinical trials with insufficient responders to Methotrexate suggest that adding biologicals may help in such cases. However, certain adverse events associated with the current therapy advocate exploring novel therapeutic approaches such as gene therapy, mesenchymal stem cell therapy in future.

Comparison of aqueous humor ascorbic acid level in smokers and non-smokers

In this study, we studied effect of smoking on ascorbic acid level in aqueous humor. A cohort of 112 individuals undergoing cataract surgery for senile cataract (mean ± SD age-65 ± 8 years) was sub-grouped as smoker (n = 56) and non-smoker (n = 56) based on smoking habit. The aqueous humor sample was collected in beginning of the surgery and quantitative ascorbic acid estimation was done by colorimetric method (spectrophotometry at λ = 578 nm) using commercially available assay kits using the auto-analyzer assay procedure. The mean (±SD) aqueous humor ascorbic acid level was 1396 ± 629 μmol/L among non-smokers and 774 ± 436 μmol/L among smokers (p < 0.0001). The aqueous humor ascorbic acid concentration is significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. The aqueous humor ascorbic acid concentration is affected by gender but not by age or morphology of cataract.

Potential role of melatonin in prevention and treatment of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the most lethal cancer worldwide. Melatonin, an indoleamine produced in the pineal gland, shows anticancer effects on a variety of cancers, especially lung cancer. Herein, we clarify the pathophysiology of lung cancer, the association of circadian rhythm with lung, and the relationship between shift work and the incidence of lung cancer. Special focus is placed on the role of melatonin receptors in lung cancer, the relationship between inflammation and lung cancer, control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and immunomodulation in lung cancer by melatonin. A review of the drug synergy of melatonin with other anticancer drugs suggests its usefulness in combination therapy. In summary, the information compiled may serve as a comprehensive reference for the various mechanisms of action of melatonin against lung cancer, as a guide for the design of future experimental research and for advancing melatonin as a therapeutic agent for lung cancer.

Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia among Royal Thai Army personnel and its related cardiometabolic risk factors, from 2017 to 2021

Background

Hypertriglyceridemia is a common health problem independently associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), including ischemic heart disease and stroke. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia among Royal Thai Army (RTA) personnel and its behavioral and cardiometabolic risk factors using the RTA personnel database of the physical health examination from 2017 to 2021.

Methods

A serial cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. A total of 257,683 active-duty RTA personnel aged 35–60 years were included in the study. We defined hypertriglyceridemia as fasting triglyceride ≥150 mg/dL. Moreover, we performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate behavioral and cardiometabolic risk factors for the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia. The magnitude of the association was presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The hypertriglyceridemia prevalence among RTA personnel was 43.4% (95% CI: 42.9–43.8%) in 2017. It then continuously decreased to 40.3% (95% CI: 39.9–40.7%) in 2020 and slightly rose to 41.0% (95% CI: 40.6–41.4%) in 2021 (p for trend < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was higher for males than females (AOR 2.15; 95% CI: 2.07–2.23); RTA personnel aged 40–44 years compared with those aged 35–39 years (AOR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08); and RTA personnel residing in the northeast (AOR; 1.15 95% CI: 1.11–1.18) and the north (AOR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) compared with those residing in Bangkok. The independent behavioral factors associated with hypertriglyceridemia included alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary behavior. Moreover, cardiometabolic risk factors, including higher body mass index, high fasting plasma glucose (≥ 100 mg/dL), high blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg), and hypercholesterolemia (≥ 200 mg/dL), were significantly related to hypertriglyceridemia.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that hypertriglyceridemia is a frequent health issue, especially among males, participants aged 40–44 years, and RTA personnel residing in the northeast and the north. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia in this population was greatly influenced by alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and sedentary behavior. Both behavioral and cardiometabolic risk factors are potential targets for intervention to enhance the primary prevention of sequelae of hypertriglyceridemia, including ASCVD.

Pathway analysis of smoking-induced changes in buccal mucosal gene expression

Background

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, and it is the most common cause of oral cancers. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways in the oral cavity that are altered by exposure to cigarette smoke.

Methods

The gene expression dataset (accession number GSE8987, GPL96) of buccal mucosa samples from smokers (n = 5) and never smokers (n = 5) was downloaded from The National Center for Biotechnology Information's (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. Differential expression was ascertained via NCBI's GEO2R software, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software was used to perform a pathway analysis.

Results

A total of 459 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed in smoker buccal mucosa (p  < 0.05). A total of 261 genes were over-expressed while 198 genes were under-expressed. The top canonical pathways predicted by IPA were nitric oxide and reactive oxygen production at macrophages, macrophages/fibroblasts and endothelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid cancer pathways. The IPA upstream analysis predicted that the TP53, APP, SMAD3, and TNF proteins as well as dexamethasone drug would be top transcriptional regulators.

Conclusions

IPA highlighted critical pathways of carcinogenesis, mainly nitric oxide and reactive oxygen production at macrophages, and confirmed widespread injury in the buccal mucosa due to exposure to cigarette smoke. Our findings suggest that cigarette smoking significantly impacts gene pathways in the buccal mucosa and may highlight potential targets for treating the effects of cigarette smoking.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43042-022-00268-y.

Oxidative Stress in Takotsubo Syndrome-Is It Essential for an Acute Attack? Indirect Evidences Support Multisite Impact Including the Calcium Overload-Energy Failure Hypothesis

Indirect evidences in reviews and case reports on Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) support the fact that the existence of oxidative stress (OS) might be its common feature in the pre-acute stage. The sources of OS are exogenous (environmental factors including pharmacological and toxic influences) and endogenous, the combination of both may be present, and they are being discussed in detail. OS is associated with several pathological conditions representing TTS comorbidities and triggers. The dominant source of OS electrones are mitochondria. Our analysis of drug therapy related to acute TTS shows many interactions, e.g., cytostatics and glucocorticoids with mitochondrial cytochrome P450 and other enzymes important for OS. One of the most frequently discussed mechanisms in TTS is the effect of catecholamines on myocardium. Yet, their metabolic influence is neglected. OS is associated with the oxidation of catecholamines leading to the synthesis of their oxidized forms - aminochromes. Under pathological conditions, this pathway may dominate. There are evidences of interference between OS, catecholamine/aminochrome effects, their metabolism and antioxidant protection. The OS offensive may cause fast depletion of antioxidant protection including the homocystein-methionine system, whose activity decreases with age. The alteration of effector subcellular structures (mitochondria, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum) and subsequent changes in cellular energetics and calcium turnover may also occur and lead to the disruption of cellular function, including neurons and cardiomyocytes. On the organ level (nervous system and heart), neurocardiogenic stunning may occur. The effects of OS correspond to the effect of high doses of catecholamines in the experiment. Intensive OS might represent "conditio sine qua non" for this acute clinical condition. TTS might be significantly more complex pathology than currently perceived so far.

Healthy Behaviors Associated with Changes in Mental and Physical Strength in Urban African American and White Adults

Over time, adherence to healthy behaviors may improve physical and mental strength which is essential for successful aging. A plausible mechanism is the reduction of inflammation. Research on the association of risky health behaviors on change in strength with age is limited. This study examined changes in the inflammatory potential of the diet, smoking, illicit drug use with changes in strength in a racially and socioeconomically diverse adult sample from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span study. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated from 35 food components derived from multiple 24-h dietary recalls. Strength was evaluated by handgrip strength (HGS), SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS (physical and mental component scores). Repeated measures analyses were used to examine associations. At baseline, mean age was 48.4 ± 0.25 years, 56% of the sample were women, and 58% African American. Significant 4-way interactions were found between age, race, socioeconomic status, and DII for women, on change in HGS (p < 0.05) and in SF-12 PCS (p < 0.05) and for men, in change in SF-12 PCS (p < 0.05). Improvements in SF-12 MCS were associated with all three health behaviors as main effects. This study provided evidence that changes towards improving healthy behaviors, diet with anti-inflammatory potential, not smoking cigarettes and not using illicit drugs, were associated with improved strength. Health professionals, especially registered dietitians and health coaches, should create lifestyle interventions to reduce inflammation targeting change in more than one risky health behavior.

Dietary Diversity and Healthy Aging: A Prospective Study

Population aging is a global phenomenon. The present study determined the effects of dietary diversity score (DDS) and food consumption on healthy aging. A subset of the data of the China Health and Nutrition Survey was utilized in this study. DDSs were calculated using the dietary data collected in the years 2009 and 2011. A healthy aging score (HAS) was calculated by summing the standardized scores on physical functional limitation, comorbidity, cognitive function, and psychological stress based on the data collected in the year 2015, with a lower HAS indicating a healthier aging process. Life quality was self-reported in the year 2015. This study found that DDS was inversely associated with HAS (T3 vs. T1: β −0.16, 95%CI −0.20 to −0.11, p-trend <0.001). The consumption of meat and poultry, aquatic products, and fruits was inversely associated with HAS, and participants in the highest tertile of staple foods consumption had a higher HAS than those in the lowest tertile. HAS was inversely associated with good self-reported life quality and positively associated with bad life quality. In conclusion, food consumption may influence the aging process, and adherence to a diverse diet is associated with a healthier aging process in elderly people.

Third-hand smoke exposure is associated with abnormal serum melatonin level via hypomethylation of CYP1A2 promoter: Evidence from human and animal studies

This study aimed to examine whether and how third-hand smoke (THS) exposure would influence serum melatonin level. 1083 participants with or without exposure to THS were enrolled. Serum ROS, SOD, GSH-Px, and melatonin were measured by ELISA. Methylation microarrays detection and WGCNA were performed to identify hub methylated-sites. The methylation levels of hub-sites were validated in addtional samples. Moreover, mice were exposed to THS for 6 months mimicking exposure of human and the serum, liver, and pineal were collected. Oxidative stress-related indicators in serum, pineal, and liver were measured by ELISA. The expressions of mRNA and protein and methylation levels of hub-gene discovered in human data were further explored by RT-PCR, western-blot, and TBS. The results showed the participants exposed to THS had lower melatonin-level. 820 differentially methylated sites associated with THS were identified. And the hub-site located on the CYP1A2 promoter was identified, which mediated the association between THS and decreased melatonin-level. Decreased peak of serum melatonin, increased ROS and reduced SOD and GSH-Px in pineal and liver, and elevated CYP1A2 expression in liver was also found in the THS-exposed mice. Hypo-methylation of 7 CPG sites on the CYP1A2 promoter was identified, which accelerated the catabolism of melatonin. Overall, THS exposure is associated with abnormal melatonin catabolism through hypo-methylation of CYP1A2-promoter.

Telomere Length and Oxidative Stress and Its Relation with Metabolic Syndrome Components in the Aging

Simple Summary

A link between telomere length and some age-related diseases has been identified, including metabolic syndrome. So far, there is no mechanism to explain the origin or cause of telomere shortening in this syndrome; however, oxidative stress is a constant factor. Therefore, we reviewed scientific evidence that supported the association between oxidative stress and telomere length dynamics, also examining how each of the metabolic syndrome components individually affects the length. In this regard, there is strong scientific evidence that an increase in the number of metabolic syndrome components is associated with a shorter telomere length, oxidative damage at the lipid and DNA level, and inflammation, as well as its other components, such as obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, while for dyslipidemia, there is a little more discrepancy. The difficulty for the correct treatment of metabolic syndrome lies in its multifactorial nature. Hence, there is a need to carry out more studies on healthy lifestyles during aging to prevent and reduce oxidative damage and telomere wear during aging, and consequently the progression of chronic degenerative diseases, thus improving the living conditions of older people.

Abstract

A great amount of scientific evidence supports that Oxidative Stress (OxS) can contribute to telomeric attrition and also plays an important role in the development of certain age-related diseases, among them the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which is characterised by clinical and biochemical alterations such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are considered as risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases, which are associated in turn with an increase of OxS. In this sense, we review scientific evidence that supports the association between OxS with telomere length (TL) dynamics and the relationship with MetS components in aging. It was analysed whether each MetS component affects the telomere length separately or if they all affect it together. Likewise, this review provides a summary of the structure and function of telomeres and telomerase, the mechanisms of telomeric DNA repair, how telomere length may influence the fate of cells or be linked to inflammation and the development of age-related diseases, and finally, how the lifestyles can affect telomere length.

Potential Role of Melatonin as an Adjuvant for Atherosclerotic Carotid Arterial Stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is an atherosclerotic disease characterized by a narrowing of the artery lumen and a high risk of ischemic stroke. Risk factors of atherosclerosis, including smoking, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, aging, and disrupted circadian rhythm, may potentiate atherosclerosis in the carotid artery and further reduce the arterial lumen. Ischemic stroke due to severe CAS and cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury after the revascularization of CAS also adversely affect clinical outcomes. Melatonin is a pluripotent agent with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective properties. Although there is a shortage of direct clinical evidence demonstrating the benefits of melatonin in CAS patients, previous studies have shown that melatonin may be beneficial for patients with CAS in terms of reducing endothelial damage, stabilizing arterial plaque, mitigating the harm from CAS-related ischemic stroke and cerebral I/R injury, and alleviating the adverse effects of the related risk factors. Additional pre-clinical and clinical are required to confirm this speculation.

Skeletal Muscle Health and Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review

Sarcopenia is the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function with advancing age. It involves both complex genetic and modifiable risk factors, such as lack of exercise, malnutrition and reduced neurological drive. Cognitive decline refers to diminished or impaired mental and/or intellectual functioning. Contracting skeletal muscle is a major source of neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which regulate synapses in the brain. Furthermore, skeletal muscle activity has important immune and redox effects that modify brain function and reduce muscle catabolism. The identification of common risk factors and underlying mechanisms for sarcopenia and cognition may allow the development of targeted interventions that slow or reverse sarcopenia and also certain forms of cognitive decline. However, the links between cognition and skeletal muscle have not been elucidated fully. This review provides a critical appraisal of the literature on the relationship between skeletal muscle health and cognition. The literature suggests that sarcopenia and cognitive decline share pathophysiological pathways. Ageing plays a role in both skeletal muscle deterioration and cognitive decline. Furthermore, lifestyle risk factors, such as physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking, are common to both disorders, so their potential role in the muscle-brain relationship warrants investigation.

Effect of Air Pollution on Glutathione S-Transferase Activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity: Cross Sectional Study in Kuwait

BACKGROUND

Air pollution poses a significant threat to human health worldwide. Investigating potential health impacts is essential to the development of regulations and legislation to minimize health risks.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potentially hazardous effect of air pollution on the Ali Sabah Al Salem residential area in Kuwait by comparing the pollution level to a control area (Al-Qirawan) by assessing two biomarkers: erythrocyte glutathione S-transferases (e-GST) and total blood antioxidant, and then correlating the activity to pollution-related oxidative stress.

METHODS

The average concentrations of several airborne gases were measured at Ali Sabah Al Salem and Al-Qirawan, including ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter less than 10 μm (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and non-methane hydrocarbon. A total of fifty-eight participants were sampled from two different areas and divided into two groups. The study group was composed of 40 residents exposed to polluted ambient air in the Ali Sabah Al Salem residential area. A reference group composed of 18 residents in the Al-Qairawan area living far from major pollution sources was also tested.

RESULTS

All measured gases were higher in concentration at Ali Sabah Al Salem compared to the Al-Qirawan area. Furthermore, PM₁₀ and sulfur dioxide were higher than World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The e-GST activity was lower among participants of the Ali Sabah Al Salem residential area compared to participants living in the Al-Qairawan area. The total antioxidant capacity in whole blood of Ali Sabah Al Salem residents was significantly (p<0.0001) higher than in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Residents in Ali Sabah Al Salem are exposed to a high level of air pollution that has a serious impact on glutathione S-transferases levels. Subsequently, regulations on pollution sources are needed to lower current health risks. Furthermore, the present study provides evidence that finger-prick blood sampling is a quick, non-invasive method suitable for screening e-GST activity and total antioxidants which may be applied for surveillance purposes.

PARTICIPANT CONSENT

Obtained.

ETHICS APPROVAL

The study was approved by the Scientific Research Committee of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Kuwait.

COMPETING INTERESTS

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Melatonin Plays a Critical Protective Role in Nicotine-Related Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Aim: Smoking is a major risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Among the components of smoke, nicotine is known to exert pro-atherosclerotic, prothrombotic, and proangiogenic effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The current study was designed to investigate the mechanisms through which nicotine induces vascular wall dysfunction and to examine whether melatonin protects against nicotine-related AAA. Methods: In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure melatonin and TNF-α levels, as well as total antioxidant status (TAS), in patients with AAA. We established a nicotine-related AAA model and explored the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of melatonin. Tissue histopathology was used to assess vascular function, while western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect protein expression. Results: We observed melatonin insufficiency in the serum from patients with AAA, particularly smokers. Moreover, melatonin level was positively correlated with antioxidant capacity. In the in vivo model, nicotine accelerated AAA expansion and destroyed vascular structure. Furthermore, OPN, LC3II, p62, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), NF-κB p65, TNF-α, phosphorylated AKT, and phosphorylated mTOR levels were increased, in vivo, following nicotine treatment, while SM22α and α-SMA levels were reduced. Additionally, melatonin attenuated the effects of nicotine on AAA and reversed changes in protein expression. Moreover, melatonin lost its protective effects following bafilomycin A1-mediated inhibition of autophagy. Conclusion: Based on our data, melatonin exerts a beneficial effect on rats with nicotine-related AAA by downregulating the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, improving autophagy dysfunction, and restoring the VSMC phenotype.

Exercise as a protective mechanism against the negative effects of oxidative stress in first-episode psychosis: a biomarker-led study

First-episode psychosis (FEP) is a psychiatric disorder, characterised by positive and negative symptoms, usually emerging during adolescence and early adulthood. FEP represents an early intervention opportunity for intervention in psychosis. Redox disturbance and subsequent oxidative stress have been linked to the pathophysiology of FEP. Exercise training can perturb oxidative stress and rebalance the antioxidant system and thus represents an intervention with the potential to interact with a mechanism of disease. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of exercise on markers of redox status in FEP. Twenty-two young men were recruited from Birmingham Early Intervention services and randomised to either a 12-week exercise programme or treatment as usual (control). Measures of blood and brain glutathione (GSH), markers of oxidative damage, inflammation, neuronal health, symptomology and habitual physical activity were assessed. Exercise training was protective against changes related to continued psychosis. Symptomatically, those in the exercise group showed reductions in positive and general psychopathology, and stable negative symptoms (compared to increased negative symptoms in the control group). Peripheral GSH was increased by 5.6% in the exercise group, compared to a significant decrease (24.4%) (p = 0.04) in the control group. Exercise attenuated negative changes in markers of neuronal function (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), lipid damage (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and total antioxidant capacity. C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor-α also decreased in the exercise group, although protein and DNA oxidation were unchanged. Moderate-intensity exercise training has the ability to elicit changes in markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant concentration, with subsequent improvements in symptoms of psychosis.

Healthy behaviors at age 50 years and frailty at older ages in a 20-year follow-up of the UK Whitehall II cohort: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is associated with increased risk of various health conditions, disability, and death. Health behaviors are thought to be a potential target for frailty prevention, but the evidence from previous studies is based on older populations with short follow-ups, making results susceptible to reverse causation bias. We examined the associations of healthy behaviors at age 50, singly and in combination, as well as 10-year change in the number of healthy behaviors over midlife with future risk of frailty.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In this prospective cohort study of 6,357 (29.2% women; 91.7% white) participants from the British Whitehall II cohort, healthy behaviors-nonsmoking, moderate alcohol consumption, ≥2.5 hours per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and consumption of fruits or vegetables at least twice a day-were measured at age 50, and change in behaviors was measured between 1985 (mean age = 44.4) and 1997 (mean age = 54.8). Fried's frailty phenotype was assessed in clinical examinations in 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2015. Participants were classified as frail if they had ≥3 of the following criteria: slow walking speed, low grip strength, weight loss, exhaustion, and low physical activity. An illness-death model accounting for both competing risk of death and interval censoring was used to examine the association between healthy behaviors and risk of frailty. Over an average follow-up of 20.4 years (standard deviation, 5.9), 445 participants developed frailty. Each healthy behavior at age 50 was associated with lower risk of incident frailty: hazard ratio (HR) after adjustment for other health behaviors and baseline characteristics 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.71; p < 0.001) in nonsmokers, 0.73 (95% CI 0.61-0.88; p < 0.001) for moderate alcohol consumption, 0.66 (95% CI 0.54-0.81; p < 0.001) for ≥2.5 hours of physical activity per week, and 0.76 (95% CI 0.59-0.98; p = 0.03) for consumption of fruits or vegetables at least twice a day. A greater number of healthy behaviors was associated with reduced risk of frailty, with the HR for each additional healthy behavior being 0.69 (95% CI 0.62-0.76; p < 0.001) and the HR for having all versus no healthy behaviors at age 50 being 0.28 (95% CI 0.15-0.52; p < 0.001). Among participants with no or 1 healthy behavior in 1985, those who increased the number of healthy behaviors by 1997 were at a lower risk of frailty (mean follow-up = 16 years) compared with those with no such increase: the HR was 0.64 (95% CI 0.44-0.94; p = 0.02) for change to 2 healthy behaviors and 0.57 (95% CI 0.38-0.87; p < 0.001) for change to 3-4 healthy behaviors in 1997. The primary limitation of this study is potential selection bias during the follow-up due to missing data on frailty components.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that healthy behaviors at age 50, as well as improvements in behaviors over midlife, are associated with a lower risk of frailty later in life. Their benefit accumulates so that risk of frailty decreases with greater number of healthy behaviors. These results suggest that healthy behaviors in midlife are a good target for frailty prevention.

Outdoor light at night and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the NIH-AARP diet and health study

Circadian disruption may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Previous studies reported relationships between outdoor light at night (LAN) and the breast cancer risk, but their findings are mixed. There is also a need to examine LAN and breast cancer incidence according to different individual and environmental characteristics to identify subpopulations at greater risk associated with LAN exposure. We studied residential outdoor LAN estimated from satellite imagery at baseline (1996) in relation to postmenopausal breast cancer incidence over ~16 years of follow-up in 186 981 postmenopausal women including 12 318 incident postmenopausal breast cancer cases in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and two-sided 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the relationship between quintiles of LAN and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, overall and by hormone receptor status and cancer stage. We found that when compared to women in the lowest quintile of baseline LAN, those in the highest quintile had a 10% increase in postmenopausal breast cancer risk (HR (95% CI), 1.10 (1.02, 1.18), P-trend, .002). The association appeared to be stronger for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer (1.12 [1.02, 1.24], .007) than for ER-negative cancer (1.07 [0.85, 1.34], .66). Our findings also suggested that the relationship between LAN and breast cancer risk may differ by individual characteristics, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, sleep duration and BMI, and neighborhood environment. In conclusion, our study suggests that higher outdoor LAN exposure may be a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer.

Pineal gland protects against chemically induced oral carcinogenesis and inhibits tumor progression in rats

Clinical investigations suggest that melatonin suppression and circadian dysfunction may be related to cancer development in shift workers. Studies also show that melatonin suppression after pinealectomy increases cancer incidence in preclinical models. However, no study evaluated the influence of pinealectomy on oral cancer development. In the current study, we investigated the effects of pinealectomy on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurrence and progression in rats. Rats submitted to sham surgery were used as control. Pinealectomy promoted an increase of 140% in OSCC occurrence when compared to sham animals. Tumors from pinealectomized rats displayed a higher volume and thickness than the tumors from sham-operated animals. Pinealectomy induced atrophy of the epithelium adjacent to the oral lesions. Pinealectomized rats showed higher mean number of tumor-associated macrophages and eosinophils in the invasive front of OSCC. In addition, nuclear overexpression of ERK1/2 and p53 was also observed in the front of carcinomas from pinealectomized rats. These results reveal that pineal gland plays a protective role against oral carcinogenesis. The melatonin suppression caused by the pinealectomy might contribute to oral cancer development by acting on ERK1/2 and p53 pathways and regulating tumor inflammation.

Oxidative Stress Is Associated With Diastolic Dysfunction in Women With Ischemia With No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Background Women with signs and symptoms of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease often have evidence of diastolic dysfunction. Oxidative stress (OS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and adverse outcomes. The relationship between systemic OS and diastolic dysfunction is unknown. Methods and Results A subgroup of women (n=75) with suspected ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease who had both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and OS measurements were enrolled in the WISE-CVD (Women Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation-Coronary Vascular Dysfunction) study. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was measured invasively. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume and peak filling rate were assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Aminothiol levels of plasma cystine and glutathione were measured as markers of OS. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted. The group mean age was 54±11 years, and 61% had a resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure >12 mm Hg. Cystine levels correlated negatively with the peak filling rate (r=-0.31, P=0.007) and positively with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r=0.25; P=0.038), indicating that increased OS was associated with diastolic dysfunction. After multivariate adjustment including multiple known risk factors for diastolic dysfunction and cardiovascular medications, cystine levels continued to be associated with peak filling rate (β=-0.27, P=0.049) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (β=0.25; P=0.035). Glutathione levels were not associated with indices of diastolic function. Conclusions OS, measured by elevated levels of cystine, is associated with diastolic dysfunction in women with evidence of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease, indicating the role of OS in patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease. Its role in the progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction should be explored further.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate induces IPEC-J2 cells cytotoxicity and apoptosis via S-G2/M phase arrest and mitochondria-mediated Bax/Bcl-2 pathway

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is one of the glucosinolates (GLs) present in cruciferous vegetables. Although there are many reports of livestock and poultry poisoning caused by plants containing GLs, the actual dosage that causes poisoning and the characteristics of GLs and their metabolites are unclear. Herein, we investigated the inhibitory effects of PEITC on IPEC-J2 cells and examined the mechanisms of PEITC-induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay, and the levels of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ), intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, and cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. IPEC-J2 cells were collected to assess the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde, H₂O₂, ATP, and lactate dehydrogenase, using biochemical methods. The levels of cytochrome c, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, caspase-9, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, p53, CDC25C, and cyclin A2 were analyzed by western blotting. We found that PEITC effectively inhibited the growth of IPEC-J2 cells, causing apoptosis. PEITC suppressed the level of mitochondrial membrane potential; released cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm; reduced ATP levels; inhibited Bcl-2 expression; increased Bax expression; and activated caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP-1, leading to apoptosis. PEITC also induced G₂/M and S phase arrest by affecting cell cycle-associated proteins such as p53, CDC25C, and cyclin A2. We conclude that PEITC causes oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells via a mitochondrial-dependent Bax/Bcl-2 pathway.

Towards a comprehensive etiopathogenetic and pathophysiological theory of multiple sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by dysfunction of the immune system that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by demyelination, chronic inflammation, neuronal and oligodendrocyte loss and reactive astrogliosis. It can result in physical disability and acute neurological and cognitive problems. Despite the gains in knowledge of immunology, cell biology, and genetics in the last five decades, the ultimate etiology or specific elements that trigger MS remain unknown. The objective of this review is to propose a theoretical basis for MS etiopathogenesis.Methods: Search was done by accessing PubMed/Medline, EBSCO, and PsycINFO databases. The search string used was "(multiple sclerosis* OR EAE) AND (pathophysiology* OR etiopathogenesis)". The electronic databases were searched for titles or abstracts containing these terms in all published articles between January 1, 1960, and June 30, 2019. The search was filtered down to 362 articles which were included in this review.Results: A framework to better understand the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of MS can be derived from four essential factors; mitochondria dysfunction (MtD) & oxidative stress (OS), vitamin D (VD), sex hormones and thyroid hormones. These factors play a direct role in MS etiopathogenesis and have a modulatory effect on many other factors involved in the disease.Conclusions: For better MS prevention and treatment outcomes, efforts should be geared towards treating thyroid problems, sex hormone alterations, VD deficiency, sleep problems and melatonin alterations. MS patients should be encouraged to engage in activities that boost total antioxidant capacity (TAC) including diet and regular exercise and discouraged from activities that promote OS including smoking and alcohol consumption.

Associations of electronic and conventional cigarette use with periodontal disease in South Korean adults

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the association of conventional cigarette smoking and electronic cigarette vaping with periodontal disease in South Korean adults.

METHODS

For this study, data from 13,551 participants, a subset derived from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2015, were examined. Participants were divided into four categories: electronic cigarettes vapers, conventional cigarettes smokers, ex-users, and non-users. Periodontal status was measured by the Community Periodontal Index. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association of periodontal disease with smoking and vaping individually.

RESULTS

Out of 187 men and 35 women who vape electronic cigarette, 67 (35.8%) men and 10 (28.6%) women had periodontal diseases. Out of 1,957 men and 363 women who smoke conventional cigarettes, 861 (44.0%) men and 121 (35.3%) women had periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease was more prevalent in each vapers and smokers than non-users in men (electronic cigarettes: odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52 to 3.59, conventional cigarettes: OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.76 to 2.68). Furthermore, both vaping and smoking had significant relation to dental caries, toothache, and dental damages.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic and conventional cigarette use was each significantly associated with increased periodontal disease rates. After adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics, both vaping and smoking each had significant association with periodontal diseases. Therefore, this study suggests that vaping may not be a safe alternative to smoking. Cessation of both types of cigarettes is necessary for maintaining oral health.

Neuropsychological Function Response to Nocturnal Blue Light Blockage in Individuals With Symptoms of Insomnia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

OBJECTIVES

Insomnia is associated with neuropsychological dysfunction. Evidence points to the role of nocturnal light exposure in disrupted sleep patterns, particularly blue light emitted through smartphones and computers used before bedtime. This study aimed to test whether blocking nocturnal blue light improves neuropsychological function in individuals with insomnia symptoms.

METHODS

This study used a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design. Participants were randomly assigned to a 1-week intervention with amber lenses worn in wrap-around frames (to block blue light) or a 1-week intervention with clear lenses (control) and switched conditions after a 4-week washout period. Neuropsychological function was evaluated with tests from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery at three time points: (1) baseline (BL), (2) following the amber lenses intervention, and (3) following the clear lenses intervention. Within-subjects general linear models contrasted neuropsychological test performance following the amber lenses and clear lenses conditions with BL performance.

RESULTS

Fourteen participants (mean(standard deviation, SD): age = 46.5(11.4)) with symptoms of insomnia completed the protocol. Compared with BL, individuals performed better on the List Sorting Working Memory task after the amber lenses intervention, but similarly after the clear lenses intervention (F = 5.16; p = .014; η2 = 0.301). A similar pattern emerged on the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed test (F = 7.65; p = 0.002; η2 = 0.370). Consideration of intellectual ability indicated that treatment with amber lenses "normalized" performance on each test from approximately 1 SD below expected performance to expected performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design, we demonstrated improvement in processing speed and working memory with a nocturnal blue light blocking intervention among individuals with insomnia symptoms. (JINS, 2019, 25, 668-677).

Prognostic Impact of Melatonin Receptors MT1 and MT2 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Background: Several studies have investigated the inhibitory effect of melatonin on lung cancer cells. There are no data available on the prognostic impact of melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical studies of MT1 and MT2 were conducted on NSCLC (N = 786) and non-malignant lung tissue (NMLT) (N = 120) using tissue microarrays. Molecular studies were performed on frozen fragments of NSCLC (N = 62; real time PCR), NMLT (N = 24) and lung cancer cell lines NCI-H1703, A549 and IMR-90 (real time PCR, western blot). Results: The expression of both receptors was higher in NSCLC than in NMLT. Higher MT1 and MT2 expression levels (at protein and mRNA) were noted in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) compared to adenocarcinomas (AC). MT1 immunoexpression decreased as both the tumour size and the cancer stage increased in the whole cohort, while MT2 decreased as the cancer stage increased, with lymph node involvement (in the whole study group) and increasing malignancy grade (in SCC). Higher expression of MT2 was associated with a favorable prognosis. MT2 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in all analyzed NSCLC and in smoking patients. Conclusions: Our observations may point to the potential prognostic significance of MT2 in NSCLC.

The moderating effect of childhood disadvantage on the associations between smoking and occupational exposure and lung function; a cross sectional analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS)

Background

Lung function is lower in people with disadvantaged socio-economic position (SEP) and is associated with hazardous health behaviours and exposures. The associations are likely to be interactive, for example, exposure to socially patterned environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in childhood is associated with an increased effect of smoking in adulthood. We hypothesise that disadvantaged childhood SEP increases susceptibility to the effects of hazards in adulthood for lung function. We test whether disadvantaged childhood SEP moderates smoking, physical activity, obesity, occupational exposures, ETS and air pollution’s associations with lung function.

Methods

Data are from the Nurse Health Assessment (NHA) in waves two and three of the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). Analysis is restricted to English residents aged at least 20 for women and 25 for men, producing a study population of 16,339. Lung function is measured with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁) and standardised to the percentage of expected FEV₁ for a healthy non-smoker of equivalent age, gender, height and ethnicity (FEV₁%). Using STATA 14, a mixed linear model was fitted with interaction terms between childhood SEP and health behaviours and occupational exposures. Cross level interactions tested whether childhood SEP moderated household ETS and neighbourhood air pollution’s associations with FEV₁%.

Results

SEP, smoking, physical activity, obesity, occupational exposures and air pollution were associated with lung function. Interaction terms indicated a significantly stronger negative association between disadvantaged childhood SEP and currently smoking (coefficient -6.47 %, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 9.51 %, 3.42 %) as well as with formerly smoking and occupational exposures. Significant interactions were not found with physical activity, obesity, ETS and air pollution.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that disadvantaged SEP in childhood may make people’s lung function more susceptible to the negative effects of smoking and occupational exposures in adulthood. This is important as those most likely to encounter these exposures are at greater risk to their effects. Policy to alleviate this inequality requires intervention in health behaviours through public health campaigns and in occupational health via health and safety legislation.

Autophagy and Apoptosis Interact to Modulate T-2 Toxin-Induced Toxicity in Liver Cells

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin generated by Fusarium species which has been shown to be highly toxic to human and animals. T-2 toxin induces apoptosis in various tissues/organs. Apoptosis and autophagy are two closely interconnected processes, which are important for maintaining physiological homeostasis as well as pathogenesis. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that T-2 toxins induce autophagy in human liver cells (L02). We demonstrated that T-2 toxin induce acidic vesicular organelles formation, concomitant with the alterations in p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II) and the enhancement of the autophagic flux. Using mRFP-GFP-LC3 by lentiviral transduction, we showed T-2 toxin-mediated lysosomal fusion and the formation of autophagosomes in L02 cells. The formation of autophagosomes was further confirmed by transmission electron microcopy. While T-2 toxin induced both autophagy and apoptosis, autophagy appears to be a leading event in the response to T-2 toxin treatment, reflecting its protective role in cells against cellular damage. Activating autophagy by rapamycin (RAPA) inhibited apoptosis, while suppressing autophagy by chloroquine greatly enhanced the T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis, suggesting the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that autophagy plays a role in protecting cells from T-2 toxin-induced apoptosis suggesting that autophagy may be manipulated for the alleviation of toxic responses induced by T-2 toxin.

On the Neurobiological Role of Oxidative Stress in Alcohol-Induced Impulsive, Aggressive and Suicidal Behavior

Objectives: Alcohol abuse is known to result in behavioral impairments (such as increased impulsivity, aggressive, and suicidal behavior), but the neurobiological basis for these behavioral impairments remains unknown. The objective of this review is to propose a neurobiological basis for alcohol-induced aggression, impulsivity, and suicidal behavior. Methods: Search was done by accessing PubMed/Medline, EBSCO, and PsycINFO databases. The search string used was "(Alcohol OR Alcoholism* OR Alcohol Abuse) AND (Behavior* OR Behavioral Impairment or Disorder) AND (Oxidative Stress OR Reactive Oxygen Species)." The electronic databases were searched for titles or abstracts containing these terms in all published articles between January 1, 1960, and May 31, 2019. The search was limited to studies published in English and other languages involving both animal and human subjects. Articles selected included randomized clinical trials (RCTs), observational studies, meta-analyses, and both systemic and narrative reviews, providing both quantitative and qualitative information with a measure of alcohol abuse or alcoholism as an outcome. Exclusion criteria were unpublished data of any form, including conference proceedings and dissertation. New key terms were identified (new term included: "Antioxidants, Neurotransmitters, Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate. Aggression, Impulsivity, Suicidal Behavior, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, limbic system, psychiatric disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression. These new terms were searched with Alcohol or Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse and Oxidative Stress separately resulting in the identification of over 3000 articles. 196 were included in this article. Results: Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical underlying role in alcohol toxicity and behavioral impairments. Conclusions/Importance: People diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and those with a personality high in psychoticism as measured by the P Scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, with comorbid alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD), may display increased impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior because of the potentiating effect of alcohol-induced OS on their elevated brain oxidative status. Antioxidant therapy should be an integral part of acute alcohol intoxication and AUD treatment. Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between OS and alcohol-induced behavioral impairments.

[Disturbances in melatonin secretion and the efficacy of replacement therapy in sleep disorders]

The review presents data on the dependence of endogenous melatonin synthesis on the time of day, age, pineal gland size, lighting conditions, administration of beta-blockers and a number of other medications. The results of studies on parasecretion and efficacy of exogenous melatonin use in sleep-wake cycle disturbances, insomnia, neurodegeneration, diabetes mellitus and oncological diseases are discussed.

Exploring the Neuroplastic Effects of Biofeedback Training on Smokers

Smoking and stress cooccur in different stages of a nicotine addiction cycle, affecting brain function and showing additive impact on different physiological responses. Resting-state functional connectivity has shown potential in identifying these alterations. Nicotine addiction has been associated with detrimental effects on functional integrity of the central nervous system, including the organization of resting-state networks. Prolonged stress may result in enhanced activation of the default mode network (DMN). Considering that biofeedback has shown promise in alleviating physiological manifestations of stress, we aimed to explore the possible neuroplastic effects of biofeedback training on smokers. Clinical, behavioral, and neurophysiological (resting-state EEG) data were collected from twenty-seven subjects before and after five sessions of skin temperature training. DMN functional cortical connectivity was investigated. While clinical status remained unaltered, the degree of nicotine dependence and psychiatric symptoms were significantly improved. Significant changes in DMN organization and network properties were not observed, except for a significant increase of information flow from the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right temporal pole cortex towards other DMN components. Biofeedback aiming at stress alleviation in smokers could play a protective role against maladaptive plasticity of connectivity. Multiple sessions, individualized interventions and more suitable methods to promote brain plasticity, such as neurofeedback training, should be considered.

Long-Term Melatonin Therapy for Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Sleep Onset Insomnia and Late Melatonin Onset: Evaluation of Sleep Quality, Chronotype, and Lifestyle Factors Compared to Age-Related Randomly Selected Population Cohorts

The extent of continuance of melatonin therapy initiated in pre-pubertal children with chronic sleep onset insomnia (CSOI) was investigated in young adult life. Sleep timing, sleep quality, adverse events, reasons for cessation of therapy, and patient characteristics with regard to therapy regimen, chronotype and lifestyle factors possibly influencing sleeping behavior were assessed. With an online survey using questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, and Munich Chronotype Questionnaire), outcomes were measured and compared with age-related controls. These controls were extracted from published epidemiological research programs applying the same questionnaires. At the moment of the survey, melatonin was still continued by 27.3% of the patients, with a mean treatment duration of 10.8 years. The overall average treatment duration was 7.1 years. Sleep quality of both discontinued and persistent melatonin users did not deviate from controls. Sleep timing and chronotype scores indicated evening type preference in all responders. Adverse events were scarce but the perceived timing of pubertal development suggested a tendency towards delayed puberty in former and current users of melatonin. This study may underestimate the number of children that are able to stop using melatonin due to the response rate (47.8%) and appeal for continuing users. Sleep timing parameters were based on self-reported estimates. Control populations were predominantly students and were of varying nationalities. The statistical power of this study is low due to the limited sample size. Melatonin therapy sustained for 7.1 years does not result in substantial deviations of sleep quality as compared to controls and appears to be safe. The evening type preference suggests a causal relation with CSOI. This study shows that ten years after initiation of treatment with melatonin for CSOI, approximately 75% of the patients will have normal sleep quality without medication.

Melatonin as a potential anticarcinogen for non-small-cell lung cancer

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. Melatonin, an indoleamine discovered in the pineal gland, exerts pleiotropic anticancer effects against a variety of cancer types. In particular, melatonin may be an important anticancer drug in the treatment of NSCLC. Herein, we review the correlation between the disruption of the melatonin rhythm and NSCLC incidence; we also evaluate the evidence related to the effects of melatonin in inhibiting lung carcinogenesis. Special focus is placed on the oncostatic effects of melatonin, including anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of invasion and metastasis, and enhancement of immunomodulation. We suggest the drug synergy of melatonin with radio- or chemotherapy for NSCLC could prove to be useful. Taken together, the information complied herein may serve as a comprehensive reference for the anticancer mechanisms of melatonin against NSCLC, and may be helpful for the design of future experimental research and for advancing melatonin as a therapeutic agent for NSCLC.

Contribution of DNA repair xeroderma pigmentosum group D genotypes to pancreatic cancer risk in the Chinese Han population

This study aimed to determine the association between the polymorphisms and haplotypes in the xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) gene and the risk of pancreatic cancer in the Chinese Han population. SNaPshot was used for genotyping six SNP sites of the XPD gene. Comparisons of the correlations between different genotypes in combination with smoking and the susceptibility to pancreatic cancer were performed. Individual pancreatic cancer risk in patients who carry mutant C alleles (AC, CC, and AC+CC) at rs13181 increased (p < 0.05). Taking non-smoking individuals who carry the AA genotype as a reference, and non-smoking individuals who carry mutant allele C (AC+CC), the risk of pancreatic cancer increased by 3.343 times in individuals who smoked ≥ 20 cigarettes daily, 3.309 times in individuals who smoked ≥ 14 packs per year, 5.011 times in individuals who smoked ≥ 24 packs per year, and 4.013 times in the individuals who smoked ≥ 37 packs per year (P < 0.05). In addition, haplotype analysis revealed that haplotype AGG, which comprised rs13181, rs3916874 and rs238415, was associated with a 1.401-fold increase in pancreatic cancer risk (p < 0.05). We conclude that the polymorphism of XPD Lys751Gln (rs13181) in combination with smoking contributes to increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the Chinese Han population. Haplotype AGG might be a susceptibility haplotype for pancreatic cancer.

Histological study on the effect of nicotine on adult male guinea pig thin skin

Tobacco smoking has been identified as an important factor in premature skin aging to detect the histological changes occurred in adult male guinea pig thin skin under the influence of low and high doses of nicotine; which constitutes approximately 0.6%–3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco. Fifteen adult male pigmented guinea pigs were equally divided into three groups: group I, control; group IIA, low dose nicotine treated; 3 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 weeks; and group IIB, high dose nicotine treated; 6 mg/kg subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Specimens from the back thin skin were processed for light and electron microscopy. Nicotine administration revealed flattened dermo-epidermal junction and reduced rete ridges formation. Collagen bundles were disorganized with increased spaces between them. A reduction in the amount of elastic fibers in the dermis were also observed compared to group I. Ultrastructurally, keratinocytes had hyperchromatic nuclei, intracytoplasmic vacuoles, disruption of desmosomal junctions, irregular tonofilaments distribution, and increased inter-cellular spaces. These changes were more pronounced with high dose nicotine administration. The epidermal thickness was reduced in low dose nicotine administration. But, high dose nicotine administration revealed increased epidermal thickness compared to the control group. Nicotine induced structural changes of adult male guinea pig thin skin. These changes were more pronounced with high dose nicotine administration.

Passive smoking and influenza-like illness in housewives: A perspective of gene susceptibility

Relation between influenza-like illness (ILI) and passive smoking remains a debate of subject. We aimed to determine an association of passive smoking with ILI risk of housewives in North China, and the modification effects of gene polymorphisms related to the metabolisms of smoking pollutants. We included 379 housewives for a cross-sectional study in Shanxi Province, China, including 118 with ILI frequency of "≥1 times per year" as the case group and 261 with ILI frequency of "<1 time per year" in the past 10 years as the control group. We collected their information on frequencies of passive smoking and ILI by questionnaires, as well as their single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes related to Phase I and Phase II metabolisms of smoking pollutants. Our results revealed a significant Spearman correlation between frequencies of ILI and passive smoking (r = 0.406, p < 0.001). Frequency of passive smoking was associated with an increased risk of ILI with adjusted OR [6.75 (95% confidence interval: 3.98-11.4)]. Dose-response association between the passive smoking and ILI risk was observed with or without adjusting for confounders. Mutant types of rs1041983 (N-acetyltransferase 2 gene, NAT2) had a synergetic effect with passive smoking on ILI frequency, while mutant types of rs1695 (glutathione S-transferase P1 gene, GSTP1) had an antagonistic effect. Overall, our study results supported the hypothesis that passive smoking was positively associated with ILI frequency in housewives and this effect was modified by gene polymorphisms of Phase II metabolism genes (NAT2 and GSTP1).

Estimation of dietary total antioxidant capacity of Korean adults

PURPOSE

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has been reported to be inversely associated with the risk of chronic diseases. However, little is known about dietary TAC among the Korean population. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the dietary TAC of Korean adults and to document the major food sources.

METHODS

We studied 33,581 Korean adults aged ≥19 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012. Dietary TAC was estimated from 1-day 24-h dietary recall data using a TAC database comprising antioxidant capacities of 42 dietary antioxidants, developed for common Korean foods.

RESULTS

The average dietary TAC of Korean adults was 384.7 mg VCE/d, and the major contributors were flavonoids, followed by vitamin C and E. The energy-adjusted daily TAC level was higher in women, middle-aged adults, non-regular alcohol consumers, current non-smokers, supplement users, and in those with a higher income and education level than in their counterparts (P < 0.001). Fruits (47.3%), vegetables (28.4%), beverages and alcohols (11.2%), and legumes and legume products (5.5%), in particular, grapes, persimmons, mandarins, apples, and green tea, were major food sources of dietary TAC. In addition, the consumption of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables, increased, whereas the intake of energy and fat decreased across quartiles of energy-adjusted dietary TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study documented the baseline dietary TAC of Korean adults and the major food sources thereof using nationally representative data. Further research on the health effects of dietary TAC among Korean adults is warranted.

Pineal calcification is associated with pediatric primary brain tumor

AIM

Melatonin has been associated with various tumors, including brain tumor, and shown to inhibit growth of neuroblastoma cells and gliomas in animal models. Likewise, patients with glioblastoma receiving melatonin reported better survival than controls. Pineal calcification may lead to a decreased production of melatonin by calcified glands. This study assessed association between pineal calcification and primary brain tumor in pediatric/adolescent patients.

METHODS

Medical chart review was conducted in 181 patients <15 years old who had undergone brain computed tomography (CT) during 2008-2012. Pineal calcification was identified using brain CT scan by an experienced neurosurgeon. Primary brain tumor was confirmed by CT scan and histology, and association with pineal calcification was estimated using multiple logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender.

RESULTS

Primary brain tumor was detected in 51 patients (mean age 9.0, standard deviation 4.0 years), with medulloblastoma being the most common (11 patients). Pineal calcification was detected in 12 patients (23.5%) with primary brain tumor, while only 11 patients (8.5%) without tumor had pineal calcification. Adjusted for patients' ages and genders, pineal calcification was associated with an increase in primary brain tumor of 2.82-fold (odds ratio 2.82; 95% confidence interval 1.12-7.08, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Pineal calcification appears to be associated with primary brain tumor. Further studies to explore this link are discussed and warranted.

Antioxidant responses following active and passive smoking of tobacco and electronic cigarettes

CONTEXT

It has been indicated that acute active and passive tobacco cigarette smoking may cause changes on redox status balance that may result in significant pathologies. However, no study has evaluated the effects of active and passive e-cigarette smoking on redox status of consumers.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the acute effects of active and passive e-cigarette and tobacco cigarette smoking on selected redox status markers.

METHODS

Using a randomized single-blind crossover design, 30 participants (15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers) were exposed to three different experimental conditions. Smokers underwent a control session, an active tobacco cigarette smoking session (smoked 2 cigarettes within 30-min) and an active e-cigarette smoking session (smoked a pre-determined number of puffs within 30-min using a liquid with 11 ng/ml nicotine). Similarly, nonsmokers underwent a control session, a passive tobacco cigarette smoking session (exposure of 1 h to 23 ± 1 ppm of CO in a 60 m(3) environmental chamber) and a passive e-cigarette smoking session (exposure of 1 h to air enriched with pre- determined number of puffs in a 60 m(3) environmental chamber). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase activity (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were assessed in participants' blood prior to, immediately after, and 1-h post-exposure.

RESULTS

TAC, CAT and GSH remained similar to baseline levels immediately after and 1-h-post exposure (p > 0.05) in all trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco and e-cigarette smoking exposure do not acutely alter the response of the antioxidant system, neither under active nor passive smoking conditions. Overall, there is not distinction between tobacco and e-cigarette active and passive smoking effects on specific redox status indices.

An Efficient Approach to Screening Epigenome-Wide Data

Screening cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) DNA methylation sites in association with some covariate(s) is desired due to high dimensionality. We incorporate surrogate variable analyses (SVAs) into (ordinary or robust) linear regressions and utilize training and testing samples for nested validation to screen CpG sites. SVA is to account for variations in the methylation not explained by the specified covariate(s) and adjust for confounding effects. To make it easier to users, this screening method is built into a user-friendly R package, ttScreening, with efficient algorithms implemented. Various simulations were implemented to examine the robustness and sensitivity of the method compared to the classical approaches controlling for multiple testing: the false discovery rates-based (FDR-based) and the Bonferroni-based methods. The proposed approach in general performs better and has the potential to control both types I and II errors. We applied ttScreening to 383,998 CpG sites in association with maternal smoking, one of the leading factors for cancer risk.

T-2 toxin-induced cytotoxicity and damage on TM3 Leydig cells

T-2 toxin is a highly toxic mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium species, mainly, Fusarium sporotrichoides, and has been reported to have toxic effects on reproductive system of adult male animals. This study investigated the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of T-2 toxin on reproductive cells using TM3 Leydig cells. Specifically, the cytotoxic effect of T-2 toxin was assessed by measuring cell viability; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); malondialdehyde (MDA); antioxidant activity by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and DNA damage; and cell apoptosis. Results showed that T-2 toxin is highly cytotoxic on TM3 Leydig cells. However, Trolox-treated TM3 Leydig cells showed significantly reduced oxidative damage, DNA damage, and apoptosis induced by T-2 toxin. This study proves that T-2 toxin can damage the testes and thus affects the reproductive capacity of animals and humans. Furthermore, oxidative stress plays an important role in the cytotoxic effect of T-2 toxin.

The Co-Induced Effects of Molybdenum and Cadmium on the Trace Elements and the mRNA Expression Levels of CP and MT in Duck Testicles

To investigate the chronic toxicity of molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) on the trace elements and the mRNA expression levels of ceruloplasmin (CP) and metallothionein (MT) in duck testicles, 120 healthy 11-day-old male ducks were randomly divided into six groups with 20 ducks in each group. Ducks were treated with the diet containing different dosages of Mo or Cd. The source of Mo and Cd was hexaammonium molybdate ([(NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O]) and cadmium sulfate (3CdSO4·8H2O), respectively, in this study. After being treated for 60 and 120 days, ten male birds in each group were randomly selected and euthanized and then testicles were aseptically collected for determining the mRNA expression levels of MT and CP, antioxidant indexes, and contents of trace elements in the testicle. In addition, testicle tissues at 120 days were subjected to histopathological analysis with the optical microscope. The results showed that co-exposure to Mo and Cd resulted in an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level while decrease in xanthine oxidase (XOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. The mRNA expression level of MT gene was upregulated while CP was decreased in combination groups. Contents of Mo, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) decreased in combined groups while Cd increased in Cd and combined groups at 120 days. Furthermore, severe congestion, low sperm count, and malformation were observed in low dietary of Mo combined with Cd group and high dietary of Mo combined with Cd group. Our results suggested that Mo and Cd might aggravate testicular degeneration synergistically through altering the mRNA expression levels of MT and CP, increasing lipid peroxidation through inhibiting related enzyme activities and disturbing homeostasis of trace elements in testicles. Interaction of Mo and Cd may have a synergistic effect on the testicular toxicity.