mtDNA depletion-like syndrome in Wilson disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by mutations in the copper transporter ATP7B, with its main pathology attributed to copper-mediated oxidative damage. The limited therapeutic effect of copper chelators and the early occurrence of mitochondrial deficits, however, undermine the prevalence of this mechanism.

METHODS

We characterized mitochondrial DNA copy number and mutations as well as bioenergetic deficits in blood from patients with WD and in livers of tx-j mice, a mouse model of hepatic copper accumulation. In vitro experiments with hepatocytes treated with CuSO₄ were conducted to validate in vivo studies.

RESULTS

Here, for the first time, we characterized the bioenergetic deficits in WD as consistent with a mitochondrial DNA depletion-like syndrome. This is evidenced by enriched DNA synthesis/replication pathways in serum metabolomics and decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number in blood of WD patients as well as decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number, increased citrate synthase activity, and selective Complex IV deficit in livers of the tx-j mouse model of WD. Tx-j mice treated with the copper chelator penicillamine, methyl donor choline or both ameliorated mitochondrial DNA damage but further decreased mitochondrial DNA copy number. Experiments with copper-loaded HepG2 cells validated the concept of a direct copper-mitochondrial DNA interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underlines the relevance of targeting the copper-mitochondrial DNA pool in the treatment of WD separate from the established copper-induced oxidative stress-mediated damage.

The relevance of kinin B1 receptor upregulation in a mouse model of colitis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Kinins are implicated in many pathophysiological conditions, and recent evidence has suggested their involvement in colitis. This study assessed the role of the kinin B1 receptors in a mouse model of colitis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Colitis was induced in mice by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), and tissue damage and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed. B1 receptor induction was analysed by organ bath studies, binding assay and reverse transcription PCR.

KEY RESULTS

TNBS-induced colitis was associated with tissue damage, neutrophil infiltration and time-dependent increase of colon B1 receptor-mediated contraction, with the maximal response observed at 72 h. The upregulation of the B1 receptor at this time point was also confirmed by means of binding studies. B1 receptor mRNA levels were elevated as early as 6 h after colitis induction and remained high for up to 48 h. TNBS-evoked tissue damage and neutrophil influx were reduced by the selective B1 receptor antagonist SSR240612, and in B1 receptor knockout mice. In vivo treatment with inhibitors of protein synthesis, nuclear factor-kappaB activation, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) significantly reduced B1 receptor agonist-induced contraction. Similar results were observed in iNOS and TNF receptor 1-knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results provide convincing evidence on the role of B1 receptors in the pathogenesis of colitis. Therefore, the blockade of kinin B1 receptors might represent a new therapeutic option for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

River water quality improvement by natural and constructed wetland systems in the tropical semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil

The efficiencies of a natural Typha spp wetland (Wn) formed on a river bed and its effluent treatment in a constructed wetland (Wc, subsurface horizontal flow) were investigated in northeastern Brazil (Paraiba State). The Wc system (12 tanks with stone gravel, 4.13 m2, 0.22 m3, 20 Typha spp rhizomes, m(-2) each, with 38, 29, and 19 mm x d(-1) hydraulic loadings, and 5, 7, and 10 days HRT) was fed daily with effluent from a Wn. Wn removal presented the highest values after Typha spp were cut during the 5th week. Removal values were (1st and 2nd periods or before and after cutting): 75% and 81% BOD5; 10-53% total phosphorus; 13%-55% ammonia; 89%-91% FC; 90-96% coliphages and bacteriophages. Wc removals increased with time with best results on 10 d HRT. Removals were also higher in the 2nd period: 74%-78% BOD5; 58%-82% ammonia; 90% FC; 94-98% FS; and 92%-96% coliphages and bacteriophages. Despite the high remaining values of FC (1.4 x 10(4) CFU/100 ml) and FX (4 x 10(3) CFU/100 ml), the removals were satisfactory and HRT dependent, suggesting a gradual optimization of the system with time. The Wc exhibited good efficiency for improving water quality from polluted river.