Cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) as a source of bioactive compounds in dairy products

Recently, the interest in improving livestock product nutraceutical profiles through sustainable feeding systems has increased. In this context, the overall quality and nutraceutical profiles were examined in dairy products obtained from 16 lactating Cinisara cows given an integrated feed in dry season with Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes. Two homogeneous groups of cows (milk yield: 6.3 ± 1.5 kg; body weight: 213 ± 55 kg) were fed with 2 different diets (CON: pasture and wheat bran; OFI: pasture, wheat bran, and cladodes), according to a 2 × 2 Latin square design. The bulk milk produced during the study was used to make Caciotta cheese and was analyzed at 0, 15, and 30 storage days. Milk and cheese samples were analyzed for chemical, physical, and microbiological traits. The nutraceutical and sensorial profiles, as well as the antioxidant capacity, were also determined in the final products. For milk, the urea content in individual samples was reduced in OFI but not in CON. In the cheese, integration of cladodes did not influence the starter cultures development with 2 strains of Streptococcus thermophilus, but it caused a higher content of polyphenols and a consequent greater antioxidant capacity and a change in the fatty acids profile. In particular, the caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, and palmitic fatty acids were higher, as were the petroselinic, vaccenic, rumenic, and α-linolenic fatty acids. In contrast, the oleic and the γ-linolenic fatty acids were lower for OFI. The cheese from the OFI group showed better overall acceptability, and a higher yellow color, odor intensity, and butter flavor. The multivariate analysis well distinguished the cheeses belonging to the 2 groups. Further investigations should be conducted to formulate well-balanced diets that include cladodes for Cinisara lactating cows, but also to determine the content of other important bioactive compounds in fresh and treated cladodes, as well as their effects on animal welfare and production.

Spatial variations in feeding habits and trophic levels of two small pelagic fish species in the central Mediterranean Sea

Trophic ecology of adults of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was examined and compared among various regions of central Mediterranean Sea. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) were adopted as a tool to determine changes in feeding behaviour of adults of sardines and anchovies. In the study period (summer) a clear geographical pattern was recognized in the isotopic composition of both species, with an increasing trend northward. The highest variations in isotopic signal were linked to the geographical positions of the samples and, especially, between pairs of areas: South Sicily/South Campania and Gulf of Gaeta/South Elba. Higher isotope values were found in the anchovies and sardines caught in northern Tyrrhenian Sea, while lower values were mostly estimated in the southern region. Higher carbon and nitrogen isotopes may reflect a more coastal behaviour of both species, being (13)C-enriched source from benthic primary producers in addition to phytoplankton. Variations in the nitrogen isotope ratio may reflect not only differences in the trophic level of prey species, but also variations in the baseline level of food webs. Our results support the hypothesis that feeding behaviour of both species is directly or indirectly influenced by local factors, or by resource partitioning based on zooplankton size. Findings can supply knowledge needed for improving fish stock management and promoting plans able to take into account also local ecosystem analysis.

Effects of Sulla forage (Sulla coronarium L.) on the oxidative status and milk polyphenol content in goats

Twelve milking Girgentana goats were allocated into 3 groups and fed 3 diets ad libitum in a 3×3 Latin square design with 3 periods. The diets were Sulla fresh forage ad libitum (SUL), Sulla fresh forage ad libitum and 800g/d of barley meal (SULB), and mixed hay ad libitum and 800g/d of barley meal (HB). Changes were observed in total polyphenol intake, plasma oxidative status, plasma polyphenol content, metabolic status, milk polyphenol content, and total antioxidant capacity. The fresh forage diets (SUL and SULB) increased dry matter, total polyphenol, nontannic polyphenol and tannin intakes, and the milk total protein, casein, milk total polyphenols, and milk free polyphenols compared with the HB diet. The intake of condensed tannins was higher in the SUL than in the HB group, and an intermediate value was recorded for the SULB group. Plasma from the SUL- and SULB-fed goats exhibited greater total antioxidant capacity and greater total polyphenol and free polyphenol levels compared with the plasma from the HB group. Positive correlations between plasma total antioxidant capacity and condensed tannins intake (r=0.43), plasma total polyphenol and total polyphenol intake (r=0.61), and plasma free polyphenol and milk total polyphenols (r=0.38) were observed. The correlation between milk free polyphenols and whey total antioxidant capacity (r=0.42) highlights the role of free polyphenols in the determination of the antioxidant activity of milk. These results indicate that Sulla fresh forage exerts an antioxidant activity due to its secondary compounds that provide additional antioxidant value and that Sulla forage appears to be a promising strategy for improving product quality.

The role of transforming growth factor-β1 in airway inflammation of childhood asthma

TGF-beta-targeting structural and inflammatory cells has been implicated in the mechanisms leading to the inflammatory and restructuring processes in asthma, suggesting an impact of TGF-beta1 signaling on the development and persistency of this disease. We investigated the potential early involvement of TGF-beta1 activity in the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying progression of inflammation in childhood asthma. We evaluated the levels of TGF-beta1 in induced sputum supernatants (ISSs) and the expression of small mother cell against decapentaplegic (Smad) 2 and Smad7 proteins in induced sputum cells (ISCs) from children with intermittent asthma (IA), moderate asthma (MA) and control subjects (C). Furthermore, we investigated the regulatory role of TGF-beta1 activity on eosinophil and neutrophil adhesion to epithelial cells using adhesion assay, and on the granulocyte expression of adhesion molecule CD11b/CD18 Macrophage-1 antigen (MAC-1), by flow cytometry. We found that the levels of TGF-beta1 are increased in ISSs of IA and MA in comparison to C, concomitantly to the activation of intracellular signaling TGFbeta/Smads pathway in ISCs. In MA, TGF-beta1 levels correlated with the number of sputum eosinophils and neutrophils. Furthermore, we showed the ability of sputum TGF-beta1 to promote eosinophil and neutrophil adhesion to epithelial cells, and to increase the expression of MAC-1 on the granulocyte surface. This study shows the activation of TGFbeta/Smad signaling pathway in the airways of children with IA and, despite the regular ICS treatment, in children with MA, and provides evidence for the contribution of TGF-beta1 in the regulation of granulocyte activation and trafficking.

Plasma leptin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in normal subjects at high altitude (5050 m)

CONTEXT

High altitude (HA) is a model of severe hypoxia exposure in humans. We hypothesized that nocturnal hypoxemia or acute maximal exercise at HA might affect plasma leptin and VEGF levels.

OBJECTIVES

Plasma leptin, VEGF and other metabolic variables were studied after nocturnal pulse oximetry and after maximal exercise in healthy lowlanders on the 3rd-4th day of stay in Lobuche (5050 m, HA) and after return to sea level (SL).

RESULTS

Leptin was similar at SL or HA in both pre- and post-exercise conditions. Pre-exercise VEGF at HA was lower, and cortisol was higher, than at SL, suggesting that nocturnal intermittent hypoxia associated with periodic breathing at HA might affect these variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin levels appear unaffected at HA, whereas nocturnal hypoxic stress may affect plasma VEGF. Future HA studies should investigate the possible role of nocturnal intermittent hypoxemia on metabolism.

Influence of fresh forage-based diets and αs₁-casein (CSN1S1) genotype on nutrient intake and productive, metabolic, and hormonal responses in milking goats

Polymorphism at the αS1-casein locus (CSN1S1) in goats influences several milk production traits. Milk from goats carrying strong alleles, which are associated with high αS1-casein (αS1-CN) synthesis, has higher fat and casein contents, longer coagulation time and higher curd firmness than milk from goats with weak alleles linked to low αS1-CN content. Nutrition also affects these milk properties; therefore, it is important to better understand the interaction between dietary characteristics and the CSN1S1 genotype in goats. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fresh forage based diet or energy supplement on feeding behavior, milk production, and metabolic and hormonal parameters of Girgentana goats with different genotypes at CSN1S1 loci. From a group of goats genotyped by PCR at the DNA level, 12 were selected because they had the same genotype for αS2-CN, β-CN, and κ-CN but a different genotype for αS1-CN: 6 were homozygous for strong alleles at the CSN1S1 loci (AA) and 6 were heterozygous for a weak allele (AF). Goats of each genotype were allocated to 3 subgroups and fed 3 diets ad libitum in a 3×3 Latin square design. The diets were sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.) fresh forage, sulla fresh forage plus 800 g/d of barley meal (SFB), and mixed hay plus 800 g/d of barley meal (MHB). Diet had a stronger effect than CSN1S1 genotype. The SFB diet led to the highest energy intake, dry matter (DM) digestibility, and milk yield. The fresh forage diets (SFF and SFB) increased DM and crude protein (CP) intake, CP digestibility, and milk CN compared with the MHB diet. The diets supplemented with energy (SFB, MHB) reduced milk fat and urea, improved CP utilization for casein synthesis, and limited body fat mobilization, in accordance with a lower level of nonesterified fatty acids and higher levels of glucose and IGF-1. With regard to CSN1S1 genotype, AA goats showed higher CP digestibility and lower free thyroxine hormone and cholesterol levels than AF goats. Significant diet × genotype interactions indicated how AA goats, compared with AF goats, showed higher DM digestibility and milk yield when fed the SFB diet, which had more energy. A reduction in free triiodothyronine hormone occurred in AF goats fed the MHB diet, whereas no differences were observed in AA goats. These results demonstrate how goats with a higher capacity for αS1-CN synthesis exhibit more efficient energy and protein utilization, evident at the digestive level, and better productive responses to high-nutrition diets.

Transport properties of alkali-doped multi walled carbon nanotubes

In this work we propose a study on electrical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) doped with the most commonly used alkali metals. We report resistivity measurements of MWCNT exposed to doping with Li, Na, K and Cs. Our results show that, increasing the alkali exposure, the resistance of the doped sample decreases denoting a progressive sample metallization. The changes in resistivity, contrary to that observed for single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in our previous work, are independent upon the alkali properties but appear related to alkali intercalation effects in the MWCNT random network. The doping effects have been also controlled by X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS). The spectra confirm the absence of chemical bonds between carbon nanotubes and alkali, validating the hypothesis of intercalation of alkali in the interstitial channels between the tubes. Our results are also confirmed by comparison between SEM images of single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

A new purification technique for single-walled carbon nanotubes by interaction with alkali and oxygen

In this work we present a purification technique for oxygen removal from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at relatively low temperature monitored by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and electrical characterization (change in resistance). We dope the sample with alkali metal (Na, K and Cs), which successively bind with the residual impurities of oxygen. The removal of the so formed oxides occur by heating the sample at relatively low temperatures (500-600 degrees C) without collateral damage to CNTs mat. In particular we investigate the in situ intercalation of alkali in SWNT followed by oxygen adsorption monitored by DC resistance measurements and X-ray photo-spectroscopy (XPS), demonstrating that the alkali intercalation in the samples trigger the oxygen adsorption. A subsequent sample heating at 500 degrees C removes both oxygen and alkali. Furthermore, the amount of the oxygen removal depends upon the deposited alkali species: in effect only with Na and K we obtain a complete oxygen removal, while other alkalis probably do not intercalate properly inside the nanotube walls. We hypothesize that the atomic radius of alkali can affect the intercalation properties of them inside the CNT structure.

Cathode-luminescence from extrinsic impurities in bundles of carbon nanotubes: a possible role

Luminescence spectra obtained by electron bombardment of carbon nanotubes bundles show an UV signal centered at about 380 nm. We show that these transitions are extrinsic to nanotubes, in the sense that they are not linked to any carbon compound or structure, but are caused by the residual catalyst material used in the growth process. A possible role of such luminescence attributable to impurities is also discussed. In fact our luminescence measurements, in association with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), permit us to assign these spectral bands to Zn and Al oxides. Our conclusions, supported by data in literature, and the comparison with the quantitative results obtained by LA-ICP-MS spectrometry (which detects ppm) allows us to define cathode-luminescence analysis as a good technique to control cleanness and purity of carbon nanotube samples.

Role of many body shake-up in core-valence-valence electron emission from single wall carbon nanotubes

Auger core-valence-valence transitions from single wall Carbon nanotubes are studied using a tight-binding calculational scheme with nearest neighbor overlap, hopping interactions, and a double-zeta basis set. The resulting Hamiltonian approximates the unperturbed pi and sigma bands of the nanomaterials coupled with the free electron states outside the solid and the core-hole. As a first step, the Fermi's golden rule is applied to determine the so called one-electron spectrum of emitted electrons from different tubes, in which either the neutralizing or the ejected electrons, in the initial state, lie within nearest neighboring atomic sites to the core-hole. Many-body corrections are effectively modeled using a broadening function, which accounts for dynamic screening effects involving the initial and final states. Particular attention is paid to the asymmetric component of the broadening function, responsible for the shake-up of pi electrons. Finally, the Cini-Sawatzky distortion function is used to describe the final state effect of the hole-hole interaction. A quantitative estimation of the interplay of shake-up processes is proposed by adjusting the asymmetric parameters of the broadening function to reproduce measurements of Auger electrons ejected from bundles of single wall Carbon nanotubes.

Novel perspectives in the detection of oral and nasal oxidative stress and inflammation in pediatric united airway diseases

United airway disease (UAD) concept proposed that asthma and rhinitis are both different clinical manifestation of a single inflammatory process. The aim of this study is to assess in upper and lower airways the level of inflammation and oxidative stress and to investigate the relationship between biomarkers in persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) and in concomitant asthma with PER. By a crosssectional study we measured oral and nasal (FENO) and oral and nasal EBC 8-isoprostane, LTB4 and PGE2 in children with PER (n=14) and with PER and concomitant intermittent asthma (IA; n=25), mild persistent asthma (mA; n=28), moderate persistent asthma (MA; n=13) and in Healthy Controls (HCs; n=13). Oral and nasal FENO concentrations were increased in children with PER, IA, mA and MA when compared with HCs. Nasal 8-isoprostane was higher in EBC of children with PER and asthma than in HCs. Oral and nasal LTB4 were higher in EBC of children with PER and mA than in HCs. Oral and nasal PGE2 concentrations were higher in EBC of children with PER than in HCs. Positive correlations between oral and nasal biomarkers were found in IA for LTB4 and PGE2, in mA for FENO, 8-isoprostane, LTB4 and PGE2, and in MA for PGE2. No correlations were observed in children with PER and HCs. Our results suggest that non-invasive markers of inflammation and oxidative stress might be useful to study the relationships between oral and nasal compartments in allergic children with PER and concomitant asthma with the aim of defining the UAD.

Social interaction and stigmatization of cancer patients with orbitofacial disfigurement

e20659

Background: Advances in cancer treatment extend the survival of orbitofacial cancer patients who undergo orbital exenteration. Survivorship creates social problems as facial deformities potentially engender social stigma (a mark of social disgrace). Stigmatization is created through social interaction and depends on reactions of “others” to disfigured patients and patients’ postures toward others. In this qualitative study, we investigated a) patterns of stigmatization in interaction with acquaintances and friends in small and large groups and b) whether interactions with family members is always positive and non-stigmatizing and interaction with strangers is always stigmatizing. Methods: In-depth interviews with 12 patients and 12 family members (8 spouses, 4 offspring and siblings) were carried out with an open-ended questionnaire. Cancer diagnoses included lacrimal gland adenoid cystic ca. (n=3), conjunctival SCCA(n=3), and 1 each of conjunctival melanoma, eyelid sebaceous gland ca., lacrimal sac transitional cell ca., orbital adenoca., orbital neuroendocrine ca., and eyelid basal cell ca. The median time from orbital exenteration to interview was 44 months. None were receiving active cancer therapy and none had cancer recurrence at interview time. Results: Patients were comfortable in interactions with friends and family members as they respond in supportive and non-stigmatizing ways. Interaction with acquaintances and strangers engender varying outcomes. In large groups, actions toward patients characterized by “benign neglect” (n=3) - kind indifference toward patients - generate non-stigmatizing outcomes. Actions characterized by sympathy (n=5) - overt support for patients - generate inconsistent patterns of interaction. “Intrusion” - unsolicited attention paid to patients - (n=4) leads to feelings of stigmatization. In small groups, intrusion creates stigmatization. Sympathy creates positive outcomes, while interaction characterized by benign neglect generates varying patterns. Conclusions: Patients should be warned about possible difficulties interacting in large and small groups. Health care professionals should be trained to address these problems through programs of social intervention for head and neck cancer survivors.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Reticulocytes in untreated obstructive sleep apnoea

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The short, repetitive hypoxaemic episodes observed in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may determine small augmentations in mature red blood cells. It is unknown whether they affect reticulocyte release. This study explored whether the number and degree of maturation of circulating reticulocytes may be altered in OSA, possibly through the effect of erythropoietin.

METHODS

Fifty male adult patients with suspected OSA, normoxic during wakefulness, were studied. After nocturnal polysomnography, a blood sample was withdrawn for blood cells count, erythropoietin, iron and transferrin determination. Reticulocyte concentration and degree of immaturity [high (H), medium (M), or low (L)] were also determined. Immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) was calculated as (M+H) percentage of reticulocytes.

RESULTS

A wide range of OSA severity was found [apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI): 44.3 +/- 30.4, range 0.3-105; sleep time spent at oxyhaemoglobin saturation <90%: 18.1 +/- 22.2%, range 0-81%]. Both reticulocyte count and IRF slightly exceeded the normal range. Patients with a reticulocyte concentration > 2% had higher EPO levels (p < 0.05), but not worse nocturnal desaturations, than those with values < 2%. By contrast, subjects with IRF < 15% showed worse desaturations (p < 0.05), but similar EPO concentrations, when compared to subjects whose IRF was < 10%. At univariate analysis, reticulocyte count correlated to erythropoietin, while IRF to transferrin saturation, BMI and OSA severity. At multiple regression, only lowest nocturnal oxygen saturation remained a significant contributor to IRF (r2 0.223, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This data suggests that hypoxaemia due to OSA could influence the release of immature reticulocytes, but this effect is not mediated by erythropoietin.

Estimation of biogas produced by the landfill of Palermo, applying a Gaussian model

In this work, a procedure is suggested to assess the rate of biogas emitted by the Bellolampo landfill (Palermo, Italy), starting from the data acquired by two of the stations for monitoring meteorological parameters and polluting gases. The data used refer to the period November 2005-July 2006. The methane concentration, measured in the CEP suburb of Palermo, has been analysed together with the meteorological data collected by the station situated inside the landfill area. In the present study, the methane has been chosen as a tracer of the atmospheric pollutants produced by the dump. The data used for assessing the biogas emission refer to night time periods characterized by weak wind blowing from the hill toward the city. The methane rate emitted by the Bellolampo dump has been evaluated using a Gaussian model and considering the landfill both as a single point source and as a multiple point one. The comparison of the results shows that for a first approximation it is sufficient to consider the landfill of Palermo as a single point source. Starting from the monthly percentage composition of the biogas, estimated for the study period, the rate of biogas produced by the dump was evaluated. The total biogas produced by the landfill, obtained as the sum of the emitted component and the recovered one, ranged from 7519.97 to 10,153.7m3/h. For the study period the average monthly estimations of biogas emissions into the atmosphere amount to about 60% of the total biogas produced by the landfill, a little higher than the one estimated by the company responsible for the biogas recovery plant at the landfill.

Endocrine and ovarian response after a 2-day controlled suckling and eCG treatment in lactating rabbit does

Synchronization methods are used to obtain higher fertility when artificial insemination (AI) is applied to lactating rabbit does. The most common methods are eCG administration or temporary doe-litter separation. Nevertheless, drawbacks have been reported, such as negative side effects of hormonal treatment in the doe and low litter growth due to absence of suckling, respectively. Recently, improved reproductive performance (without visible consequences on young rabbit growth), has been obtained by applying a 2-day controlled nursing method before AI, by allowing for a 10 min nursing of the litter 24 h of separation. The present study was undertaken to examine the pituitary (PRL, LH, FSH) and the ovarian response (follicle size and number) to those methods. A total of 442 lactating does inseminated on day 11 post-partum were distributed in three experimental groups: 2CN (closing of nest box on day 9, controlled nursing on days 10 and 11), eCG (20 IU administered on day 9 post-partum) and CONTROL (untreated). Blood samples were obtained from 10 does per group at 48, 24 and 0 h before AI, and 1h after AI. Both 2CN and eCG treatments similarly improved sexual receptivity (76.3, 77.5 and 58.2%, respectively; P<0.001) and fertility (63.1, 64.1 and 48.4%, respectively; P<0.05) in lactating does, compared to the CONTROL group. Similar plasma FSH levels in all groups of does and sampling times were observed. Due to the absence of suckling, plasma concentration of PRL on day 10 post-partum in the 2CN group was lower than in the CONTROL group (P<0.05); this endocrine change in PRL levels could explain the better reproductive performances obtained with 2CN treatment. At 1h after exogenous administration of GnRH (at the moment of AI) a high LH response was observed in all groups (P<0.001). Ovaries from 20 rabbits treated in the same way but uninseminated (2CN, n=10; eCG, n=5; CONTROL, n=5 does) were obtained on day 11 post-partum in order to check the morphometric status (weight, width and height) and to make histological and immunohistochemical studies to detect growth hormone receptor (GH-R). As a result, synchronization methods did not show any significant difference in relation to the CONTROL group. However, a small increase in the number of primary follicles was evidenced in the 2CN group with respect to the eCG group, similarly to the CONTROL group (23.0+/-3.7, 9.4+/-4.9 and 14.8+/-4.92 primary follicles, respectively; P=0.1). GH-R immunostaining-presence was more evident in the 2CN and the eCG groups, including primordial follicles and oocytes themselves. Thus, there could have been some direct effects of GH on follicular development, as described in other species. Some ovarian parameters described open new ways to study intra-ovarian mechanism of follicular development in the post-partum period of rabbit does.

A giant planet orbiting the ‘extreme horizontal branch’ star V 391 Pegasi

After the initial discoveries fifteen years ago, over 200 extrasolar planets have now been detected. Most of them orbit main-sequence stars similar to our Sun, although a few planets orbiting red giant stars have been recently found. When the hydrogen in their cores runs out, main-sequence stars undergo an expansion into red-giant stars. This expansion can modify the orbits of planets and can easily reach and engulf the inner planets. The same will happen to the planets of our Solar System in about five billion years and the fate of the Earth is matter of debate. Here we report the discovery of a planetary-mass body (Msini = 3.2M(Jupiter)) orbiting the star V 391 Pegasi at a distance of about 1.7 astronomical units (au), with a period of 3.2 years. This star is on the extreme horizontal branch of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, burning helium in its core and pulsating. The maximum radius of the red-giant precursor of V 391 Pegasi may have reached 0.7 au, while the orbital distance of the planet during the stellar main-sequence phase is estimated to be about 1 au. This detection of a planet orbiting a post-red-giant star demonstrates that planets with orbital distances of less than 2 au can survive the red-giant expansion of their parent stars.

Hydromagnetic instability in differentially rotating flows

We study the stability of compressible differentially rotating flows in the presence of the magnetic field, and we show that the compressibility profoundly alters the previous results for a magnetized incompressible flow. The necessary condition of newly found instability can be easily satisfied in various flows in laboratory and astrophysical conditions and reads BsBphiOmega' not equal to 0, where Bs and Bphi are the radial and azimuthal components of the magnetic field, Omega' = d Omega/ds with s being the cylindrical radius. Contrary to the well-known magnetorotational instability that occurs only if omega decreases with s, the instability considered in this paper may occur at any sign of Omega'. The instability can operate even in a very strong magnetic field that entirely suppresses the standard magnetorotational instability. The growth time of instability can be as short as a few rotation periods.

Muscarinic receptors, leukotriene B4 production and neutrophilic inflammation in COPD patients

BACKGROUND

Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction and in the development of airway narrowing; preliminary evidences led us to hypothesize that ACh might also play a role in the development of airways inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

We evaluated the concentrations of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in induced sputum, and the expression of Ach M1, M2, and M3 receptors in sputum cells (SC) obtained from 16 patients with COPD, 11 smokers, and 14 control subjects. The SC were also treated with ACh and the production of LTB4 assessed in the presence or absence of a muscarinic antagonist (oxitropium). In blood monocytes, we evaluated LTB4 release and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after treatment with Ach.

RESULTS

The LTB4 concentrations were higher in COPD than in controls (P < 0.01) and correlated with the number of neutrophil (P < 0.01). The M3 receptors expression was increased in COPD subjects when compared to smokers and control (P < 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively), while M2 expression resulted decreased (P < 0.05 and 0.01). The ACh-induced LTB(4) production was observed in peripheral blood monocytes, and was sensitive to ERK inhibition. Similarly, ACh significantly increased neutrophil chemotactic activity and LTB4 released from SC of COPD patients only, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with the inhibitor of ERK pathway PD98059.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained show that muscarinic receptors may be involved in airway inflammation in COPD subjects through ACh-induced, ERK1/2-dependent LTB4 release. Muscarinic antagonism may contribute to reduce neutrophil infiltration and activation in COPD.

In vitro effects of flunisolide on MMP-9, TIMP-1, fibronectin, TGF-beta1 release and apoptosis in sputum cells freshly isolated from mild to moderate asthmatics

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroids play an important role in inflammation and remodelling of airways and are considered an important therapeutic target in asthma. Inflammation in asthma is characterized by a dysregulation of eosinophil apoptosis and of markers of airways remodelling. We evaluated the ability of flunisolide to inhibit in vitro the release of metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) and fibronectin by sputum cells (SC) as well as to induce sputum eosinophil apoptosis.

METHODS

The SC, isolated from induced sputum samples of 12 mild-to-moderate asthmatics, were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of flunisolide (1, 10 and 100 microM). The release of mediators was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) whereas apoptosis was studied by TUNEL technique.

RESULTS

Flunisolide (10 microM) significantly reduced MMP-9 and TIMP-1 (P = 0.0011 and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio (P = 0.004). In addition, flunisolide decreased TGF-beta and fibronectin release by SC (P = 0.006; and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased eosinophil apoptosis (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that flunisolide may play an important role in the inhibition of airway inflammation and remodelling, by promoting the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation and by inhibiting the release of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-beta and fibronectin.

LTB4 is present in exudative pleural effusions and contributes actively to neutrophil recruitment in the inflamed pleural space

The pleural space is a virtual compartment between the lung and chest wall that becomes filled with fluid and inflammatory cells during a variety of respiratory diseases. Here, we study the potential role of the eicosanoid metabolite leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in disparate diseases leading to acute (pneumonia) or chronic (tuberculosis, cancer) inflammation of the pleural space. LTB4 concentrations were significantly higher in pleural fluid due to pneumonia, tuberculosis and cancer with respect to congestive heart failure and correlated with neutrophil elastase, which is used as an indication of state of activation of neutrophils in the pleural space. Moreover, pleural LTB4 was biologically active, as an anti-LTB4 antibody partially neutralized the chemotactic activity of parapneumonic, tuberculous and cancer effusions. Macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, mesothelial cells and cancer cells all expressed mRNA for 5-lipoxygenase, the enzyme that initiates leukotriene synthesis leading to the production of LTB4, in exudative pleural effusions. Upon stimulation in transudative pleural effusions, pleural macrophages produced, in a time-dependent fashion, a significantly higher concentration of LTB4 than mesothelial cells. These studies demonstrate that different cell types are capable of producing LTB4 in the inflamed pleural space and that this mediator may play a crucial role in the recruitment of neutrophils into the pleural space.

Effect of age and asthma duration upon elastase and alpha1-antitrypsin levels in adult asthmatics

In asthmatic subjects an imbalance between elastase and alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-PI) exists. This study aims to evaluate whether ageing per se affects the levels of elastase. Both young and elderly asthmatics with comparable severity and duration of disease, as well as young and elderly healthy subjects, underwent an induced sputum procedure to measure levels of elastase and alpha1-PI. The percentage of sputum neutrophils and eosinophils was higher in young and elderly asthmatics than in young and elderly controls. The levels of both total and active elastase were significantly higher in young and elderly asthmatics than in young and elderly controls, and directly correlated with the percentage of neutrophils. In addition, in both young and elderly asthmatics the levels of total and active elastase were negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in one second values, but positively correlated with the duration of the disease. This study indicates that ageing per se does not necessarily lead to a progressive elastase/alpha1-antitrypsin imbalance in asthma, and suggests that an important variable in the development of airway remodelling in both young and elderly asthmatics is represented by the duration of the disease.

Increased airway inflammatory cells in endurance athletes: what do they mean?

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory cells are increased in the airways of endurance athletes, but their role in causing exercise-induced respiratory symptoms and bronchoconstriction, or their possible long-term consequences, are uncertain.

AIM

To put the results of athlete studies in perspective, by analysing the pathogenesis of airway cell changes and their impact on respiratory function.

RESULTS

Athletes of different endurance sports at rest showed increased airway neutrophils. Elite swimmers and skiers also showed large increases in airway eosinophils and lymphocytes, possibly related to chronic, exercise-related exposure to irritants or cold and dry air, respectively. Post-exercise studies reported variable responses of airway cells to exercise, but found no evidence of inflammatory cell activation in the airways, at variance with exercise-induced neutrophil activation in peripheral blood. The increase in airway inflammatory cells in athletes can result from hyperventilation-induced increase in airway osmolarity stimulating bronchial epithelial cells to release chemotactic factors. Hyperosmolarity may also inhibit activation of inflammatory cells by causing shedding of adhesion molecules, possibly explaining why airway inflammation appears 'frustrated' in athletes. Data on exhaled nitric oxide are few and variable, not allowing conclusions about its usefulness as a marker of airway inflammation in athletes, or its role in modulating bronchial responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The acute and long-term effects of exercise on airway cells need further study. Airway inflammatory cells are increased but not activated in athletes, both at rest and after exercise, and airway inflammation appears to regress in athletes quitting competitions. Altogether, these findings do not clearly indicate that habitual intense exercise may be detrimental for respiratory health. Rather, airway changes may represent chronic adaptive responses to exercise hyperventilation. An improved understanding of the effects of exercise on the airways will likely have a clinical impact on sports medicine, and on the current approach to exercise-based rehabilitation in respiratory disease.

Airway inflammation in nonasthmatic amateur runners

Elite athletes show a high prevalence of symptoms and signs of asthma, but no study has assessed the acute effects of endurance exercise on airway cells in nonasthmatic athletes. We measured exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and collected samples of induced sputum after 3% NaCl aerosol administration for 20 min in nonasthmatic middle-aged amateur runners after the Fourth Palermo International Marathon and 6--9 wk later (habitual training period) at baseline. After the marathon, exhaled NO (n = 9 subjects) was higher [27 +/- 9 parts/billion (ppb)] than at baseline (12 +/- 4 ppb; P < 0.0005). Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts in induced sputum were much higher in runners (91.2 +/- 3.6% of total cells postmarathon and 78.7 +/- 9.1% at baseline) than in sedentary control subjects (9.9 +/- 5.9%; P < 0.001). Expression of L-selectin and CD11b/CD18 in sputum PMNs was lower after the race than at baseline and inversely related to the amount of exhaled NO (r = -0.66 and -0.69, respectively; P < 0.05). Our data indicate that sputum PMNs are increased in nonasthmatic runners both after a marathon and at baseline and suggest that NO may modulate exercise-associated inflammatory airway changes.

15-Lipoxygenase expression and 15(S)-hydroxyeicoisatetraenoic acid release and reincorporation in induced sputum of asthmatic subjects

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence shows that 15(S)-hydroxy-eicoisatetraenoic acid (15[S]-HETE) can be released and rapidly reincorporated into cellular lipids. These mechanisms exert several immunoregulatory functions that may be relevant in airway inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to evaluate the levels of both soluble and cell-associated 15(S)-HETE and to examine 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in sputum samples obtained from 10 control and 18 asthmatic subjects.

METHODS

Levels of 15(S)-HETE were measured by reverse-phase HPLC separation followed by RIA in supernatants and in cell membrane-extracted phospholipids after acid hydrolysis. 15-LO mRNA was evaluated by primed in situ hybridization (PRINS). Combined immunocytochemistry and PRINS was used to identify the phenotype of cells bearing 15-LO transcripts.

RESULTS

Levels of both soluble and cell-associated 15(S)-HETE were higher in asthmatic than in control subjects (P <.0001). The percentage of cells expressing 15-LO mRNA was higher in asthmatic than in control subjects (P <.01). On double staining for specific cell-type markers and 15-LO mRNA, macrophages were the major source for 15-LO.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the induced sputum technique allows the evaluation of 15-LO activity and that soluble, cell-associated 15(S)-HETE and 15-LO levels are higher in asthmatic than in control subjects. In addition, this study indicates that, in induced sputum, airway macrophages are the major source of 15(S)-HETE in asthma.

Angular studies of potential electron emission in the interaction of slow ions with Al surfaces

We report energy distributions of electrons emitted from Al surfaces under impact by 1 keV Ar+ and 1-5 keV Ne+ ions. The variation of the energy distributions with the angle of incidence is different for both ions and provides information on the mechanism responsible for electron emission. For Ar+ electron emission results mainly from Auger neutralization, while for Ne+ an important emission mechanism is the decay of plasmon excitations. We find a transition between surface and bulk plasmon excitations as the energy of the ion is increased.

Effect of methacholine challenge on cellular composition of sputum induction

BACKGROUND

Induced sputum and methacholine inhalation challenge are routinely used for the assessment of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, respectively. This study investigates whether a methacholine challenge performed one hour before sputum induction alters the cellular and biochemical constituents of sputum.

METHODS

Sixteen stable asthmatic patients with lung function within the normal range underwent two sputum inductions within one week. One hour before one of the sputum inductions a methacholine challenge was performed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in total cell count, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, ECP, and albumin between the two challenges. The repeatability of cell counts was good for all cells, ECP and albumin, but poor for total cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable asthma a methacholine challenge carried out one hour before sputum induction does not significantly alter the cellular and biochemical constituents of sputum.

Increased levels of elastase and alpha1-antitrypsin in sputum of asthmatic patients

Asthma and chronic bronchitis are inflammatory diseases associated with remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Elastin, a major component of the ECM in the airways, has been previously found to be disrupted in asthma and chronic bronchitis. This study was aimed at evaluating whether elastin disruption might be associated with an imbalance between elastase (active and total) and alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha1-PI), the main inhibitor of elastase. We measured elastase and alpha1-PI in induced sputum obtained from 16 control subjects, 10 healthy smokers, 19 asthmatic patients, and 10 chronic bronchitis patients. We also assessed the possible origin of elastase, evaluating its levels in sputum with reference to differential cell counts. We found that in induced sputum obtained from asthmatic and chronic bronchitis patients, the levels of both total and active elastase were significantly increased as compared with those of control subjects and healthy smokers and were significantly correlated with the percentage of neutrophils. In addition, in asthma and chronic bronchitis patients, the levels of active and total elastase were inversely correlated with the degree of airway obstruction as assessed from FEV1 values. This study shows that airway inflammation in asthma and chronic bronchitis is associated with high levels of active elastase, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling.