Suppressive action of nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide on cortisol synthesis in human adrenal cortex cells

Nucleobindin-derived peptides, nesfatin-1 [NESF-1] and nesfatin-1-like-peptide [NLP] have diverse roles in endocrine and metabolic regulation. While both peptides showed a stimulatory effect on the synthesis of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) precursor in mouse corticotrophs, whether NESF-1 and NLP have any direct effect on glucocorticoid [GC] synthesis in the adrenal cortex remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if NESF-1 and/or NLP act directly on adrenal cortex cells to regulate cortisol synthesis in vitro. Whether NLP injection affects stress-hormone gene expression in the adrenal gland and pituitary in vivo in mice was also assessed. In addition, cortisol synthetic pathway in Nucb1 knockout mice was studied. Human adrenal cortical [H295R] cells showed immunoreactivity for both NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NESF-1. NLP and NESF-1 decreased the abundance of steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and cortisol synthesis and release through the AC/PKA/CREB pathway in H295R cells. Similarly, intraperitoneal injection of NLP in mice decreased the expression of enzymes involved in glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis in the adrenal gland while increasing the expression of Pomc, Pcsk1 and Crhr1 in the pituitary. Moreover, the melanocortin 2 receptor (Mc2r) mRNA level was enhanced in the adrenal gland samples of NLP injected mice. However, the global genetic disruption in Nucb1 did not affect most steroidogenic enzyme mRNAs, and Pomc, Pcsk2 and Crhr1 mRNAs in mice adrenal gland and pituitary gland, respectively. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence for a direct inhibition of cortisol synthesis and secretion by NLP and NESF-1. NUCB peptides might still elicit a net stimulatory effect on GC synthesis and secretion through their positive effects on ACTH-MC2R pathway in the pituitary.

Optineurin in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis associated to atypical Parkinsonism in Tunisian population

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous disorder and the phenotypic variability goes far beyond the used clinical stratification parameter. Evidence has emerged that ALS may coexist with distinct neurodegenerative diseases in single cases. We aim to study the clinical features of two familial cases of ALS carriers of two distinct variants harbored in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene. We included definite familial ALS followed up in the Department of Neurology of Razi University Hospital, Tunisia, and selected according to Byrne criteria. Preliminary screening for the four main ALS genes (SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS) was conducted. Given the negative results, we proceeded to NGS target-re-sequencing with a custom panel including genes associated with ALS-FTD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases. Both families are carriers of two different OPTN variants and they present very different ALS clinical features. The first family comprises two siblings diagnosed with ALS and Corticobasal syndrome (ALS-CBS) at an early age of onset and carriers of OPTN p.E135X in the homozygous state. The proband for the second family was diagnosed with ALS at an early age of onset presenting as progressive muscular atrophy with rapid progression. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of the homozygous variant p.R520H. Our findings highlight the peculiarity of genetic Tunisian drift. Indeed, genes with a recessive mode of inheritance may explain part of ALS diversity in clinical features. Therefore, the screening of the OPTN gene is highly recommended among inbreeding populations such as the Tunisian one.

Comparison of in vitro Toxicities of 8-Prenylnaringenin, Tartrazine and 17β-Estradiol, Representatives of Natural and Synthetic Estrogens, in Rat and Human Hepatoma Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

Phytoestrogens have been praised for their beneficial health effects, whereas synthetic xenoestrogens have been connected to ailments.

AIMS

To ascertain whether the toxicities of natural and synthetic estrogens differ, we examined the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), the common synthetic xenoestrogen tartrazine, and the physiological estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2).

METHODS

These three compounds were tested for cytotoxicity, cell proliferation and genotoxicity in human HepG2 and rat H4IIE hepatoma cells.

RESULTS

All three estrogens elicited cytotoxicity at high concentrations in both cell lines. They also inhibited cell proliferation, with E2 being the most effective. They all tended to increase micronuclei formation.

CONCLUSION

Natural estrogens were no less toxic than a synthetic one.

[Production of innervated bronchial epithelium from a blood sample]

Asthma is a frequent respiratory disease, with severe asthma occurring in 3 to 5% of cases. Chronic inflammation of the bronchial epithelium is essential to its pathophysiology. When activated by the bronchial environment, the peripheral sensory nervous system contributes to inflammation of the airways. However, due to a lack of reliable models, the mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Using induced pluripotent stem cells reprogrammed from blood cells, we have set up a model of bronchial epithelium innervated by sensory neurons. This model will ensure better understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying neurogenic inflammation.

Sensing Properties of g-C3N4/Au Nanocomposite for Organic Vapor Detection

Alleviating the increasingly critical environmental pollution problems entails the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a hazardous factor for human health wherein the development of gas sensor platforms offers an efficient strategy to detect such noxious gases. Nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based nanocomposites, are desired sensing compounds for gas detection owing to their unique properties, namely a facile and affordable synthesis process, high surface area, great selectivity, and possibility of working at room temperature. To achieve that objective, g-C₃N₄ (graphitic carbon nitride) was prepared from urea deploying simple heating. The ensuing porous nanosheets of g-C₃N₄ were utilized as a substrate for loading Au nanoparticles, which were synthesized by the laser ablation method. g-C₃N₄ presented a sensing sensitivity toward organic vapors, namely methanol, ethanol, and acetone vapor gases, which were significantly augmented in the presence of Au nanoparticles. Specifically, the as-prepared nanocomposite performed well with regard to the sensing of methanol vapor gas and offers a unique strategy and highly promising sensing compound for electronic and electrochemical applications.

Application of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques for detection of lung tissue in cooked sausage

Background

Using unauthorized tissues in sausage is a common food adulteration in some parts of the world.

Aims

This study was designed to compare the accuracy of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques for the detection of lung tissue in cooked sausage samples.

Methods

Samples with different levels of sheep lung tissues (1, 2.5, and 5%) and a control group were prepared and stained histochemically using H&E, Masson trichrome, and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stainings, and immunohistochemically using two different commercially-available antibodies of TTF1 Pan-cytokeratin.

Results

The highest positive results of lung tissue detection were achieved in sausage samples stained with anti-TTF1 immunohistochemical staining method. Both anti-TTF1 and anti-pan-cytokeratin immunohistochemical techniques detected all contaminated sausage samples treated with 50 g/kg lung tissues. Anti-TTF1 staining method had the highest odds ratio (7.4), followed by anti-pan-cytokeratin method (6.0). Reversely, PAS staining method had the lowest odds ratio (0.21), followed by Masson trichrome method (1.7). Additionally, anti-TTF1 method had the highest (1.8-31.0) confidence intervale (95%), while PAS had the lowest (0.02-2.1). Totally, the odds ratio of lung tissue detected by immunohistochemical methods were higher than those detected by histochemical staining.

Conclusion

This is the first report on the comparison of histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques for lung tissue detection in cooked sausage. Anti-TTF1 immunohistochemical staining proved to be the most useful technique for the detection of unauthorized lung tissue in cooked sausages.

Clinical predictors of disease progression in a cohort of Tunisian progressive Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is mainly based on Caucasian studies. In our North-African context, MS exhibits particular characteristics that are mainly related to a more severe phenotype. Given the limited data available, there is an imminent need to characterize progressive MS in our latitudes.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the specificities of progressive MS and identify the inherent clinical predictors of disability accrual with a Tunisian cohort.

METHODS

A retrospective, hospital-based study was conducted in the department of neurology of Razi hospital. Patients, who had been diagnosed with MS, were divided into relapsing MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical data were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Of the 504 patients, a progressive MS was described among 115 patients. This percentage of (22.8%) is divided into 13.9% SPMS and 8.9% PPMS. During the first clinical attack, motor symptoms have revealed to be predominant during PPMS (91.1%). For SPMS onset, the median time was 10 years, and was significantly delayed for patients with visual onset or full recovery from the first relapse. Patients with progressive MS exhibited a more rapid disability accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Compared to Caucasians, Tunisians exhibited a faster rate of conversion to SPMS. According to our natural progressive MS history, early clinical features are predictors of MS disability accrual.

Nesfatin-1 stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis hormones in goldfish

Stress in vertebrates is mediated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (in mammals)/interrenal (in fish) (HPA/I) axis, which produces the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosteroids, respectively. Nesfatin-1, a novel anorexigenic peptide encoded in the precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), is increasingly acknowledged as a peptide that influences the stress axis in mammals. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the putative effects of nesfatin-1 on the fish HPI axis, using goldfish (Carassius auratus) as an animal model. Our results demonstrated that nucb2/nesfatin-1 transcript abundance was detected in the HPI tissues of goldfish, with most abundant expression in the pituitary. NUCB2/nesfatin-1-like immunoreactivity was found in the goldfish hypothalamus, pituitary, and interrenal cells of the head kidney. GPCR12, a putative receptor for nesfatin-1, was also detected in the pituitary and interrenal cells. NUCB2/nesfatin-1-like immunoreactivity was observed in ACTH-expressing pituitary corticotrophs. Acute netting and restraint stress upregulated nucb2/nesfatin-1 mRNA levels in the forebrain, hypothalamus, and pituitary, as well as crf and crf-r1 expression in the forebrain and hypothalamus. Intraperitoneal and intracerebroventricular administration of nesfatin-1 increased cortisol release and hypothalamic crf mRNA levels, respectively. Finally, we found that nesfatin-1 significantly stimulated ACTH secretion from dispersed pituitary cells in vitro. Collectively, our data provide the first evidence showing that nesfatin-1 is a stress responsive peptide, which modulates the stress axis hormones in fish.

Nucleobindin-derived nesfatin-1 and nesfatin-1-like peptide stimulate pro-opiomelanocortin synthesis in murine AtT-20 corticotrophs through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

Nucleobindin (NUCB)-derived peptides, nesfatin-1 (NES-1) and nesfatin-1-like peptide (NLP) have several physiological roles in vertebrates. While NES-1 is implicated in stress, whether NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NES-1 have any effect on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) remains unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine if NES-1 and/or NLP affect POMC synthesis in mouse corticotrophs. Immunocytochemistry was employed to target NUCB colocalization with POMC in immortalized mouse tumoral corticotrophs (AtT-20 cells). The ability of NES-1 and NLP to modulate POMC mRNA and protein in AtT-20 cells was assessed by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Moreover, cell-signaling molecules mediating the effect of NES-1 and NLP on POMC synthesis in mouse tumoral corticotrophs were studied using pharmacological blockers. Mouse tumoral corticotrophs showed immunoreactivity for both NUCB1/NLP and NUCB2/NES-1. Both NES-1 and NLP exerted a stimulatory effect on POMC transcript abundance and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This effect was comparable to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF, positive control) stimulation of POMC. Incubation of mouse tumoral corticotrophs with NES-1 or NLP upregulated the phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). The stimulatory effect of these peptides on POMC transcript abundance and protein expression was blocked by the PKA inhibitor, H89, and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA). These pharmacological studies indicate that NES-1 and NLP act through the cAMP/PKA/CREB cellular pathway to stimulate POMC synthesis. Our results provide molecular evidence to support a stimulatory role for nucleobindin-derived peptides on POMC synthesis from corticotrophs. Collectively, this research indicates that corticotrophs produce NUCBs, and the encoded peptides NES-1 and NLP could elicit a direct action to stimulate the pituitary stress hormone. This stimulatory effect is mediated by an uncharacterized G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that utilizes the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway.

Nesfatin-1 and Nesfatin-1-like peptide suppress basal and TRH-Induced expression of prolactin and prolactin regulatory element-binding protein mRNAs in rat GH3 somatolactotrophs

Prolactin (PRL), mainly synthesized and secreted by the lactotrophs and somatolactotrophs of the anterior pituitary, is a pleiotropic hormone that regulates lactation. In the last decade, nesfatin-1 (NESF) and NESF-like peptide (NLP), encoded in nucleobindin 1 and 2 (NUCB1 and NUCB2), respectively, were characterized as metabolic factors with a potential role in the control of pituitary hormones. We hypothesized that NUCBs and their encoded peptides (NESF and NLP) suppress PRL transcription in the pituitary. The main objective of this research was to determine whether exogenous NESF and NLP, and/or endogenous NUCB1 and NUCB2 regulate the expression of prl and preb mRNAs. Using immortalized rat somatolactotrophs (GH3 cells), dose-response studies were performed to test whether NESF and NLP affect prl and preb. Moreover, the ability of these peptides to modulate the effects of the PRL stimulator thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was studied. Besides, the effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous NUCBs on prl and preb mRNAs were determined. NESF and NLP reduced the transcription of prl and preb in GH3 cells. Both NESF and NLP also prevented the stimulatory effects of TRH prl and preb expression. The knockdown of endogenous NUCB1 attenuates both basal prl and TRH-induced expression of prl and preb, while the silencing of NUCBs did not affect the actions of exogenous NESF or NLP. Overall, this work reveals that NUCBs and encoded-peptides are novel regulators of PRL. Future research should test whether the effects observed here in GH3 cells are preserved both in vivo and at the post-transcriptional level.

In vitro estrogenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic profiles of the xenoestrogens 8-prenylnaringenine, genistein and tartrazine

Phytoestrogens have been widely praised for their health-promoting effects, whereas synthetic environmental estrogens are considered a toxicological risk to human health. The aim of this study was therefore to compare in vitro the estrogenic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic profiles of three common estrogen-like endocrine-disrupting chemicals: the phytoestrogens 8-prenylnaringenine (8-PN) and genistein and the synthetic xenoestrogen tartrazine. As assessed by a yeast bioreporter assay and estrogen-dependent proliferative response in human mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7), 8-PN showed the highest estrogen-like activity of the three compounds, followed by tartrazine and genistein. After 24-h incubation on MCF-7 cells, all three compounds exhibited low cytotoxicity in the lactate dehydrogenase assay and no genotoxicity in the micronucleus assay. These results demonstrate that 8-PN, genistein and tartrazine possess variable estrogenic activity but display little cellular toxicity in short-term tests in vitro. No difference between phytoestrogens and a synthetic xenoestrogen could be established.

Biopolymer-derived (nano)catalysts for hydrogen evolution via hydrolysis of hydrides and electrochemical and photocatalytic techniques: A review

Over the course of a few decades, the concern of environmental damages of fossil fuels, an increase in CO₂ emission and a decrease of hydrogen have been growing more and more. Accordingly, hydrogen production is a crucial issue nowadays. Different polymers are applied to attain the purpose. Among all polymers, biodegradables polymers are the best choices to develop the main aim. Polysaccharides and proteins are biodegradable polymers with unique places and advantages with regards to their ecofriendly properties. There are different techniques to apply and achieve the foremost purpose. It is worthwhile to mention that green and facile methods are always attracting attention in different aspects and fields. The three non-polluting and economical techniques, that is, electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), photocatalytic technique, and hydrolysis of hydrides, are reviewed in this paper. This review helps researchers, who are environment supporters, to evaluate and choose the most ecological biopolymers and processes in their work.

Changes in the hearing threshold of workers in a steel industry: 5-year follow-up

Introduction: noise is one of the most important harmful factors in the workplace. The physiological effects of noise on humans are gradual in the long run. Despite industrial advances, exposure to excessive noise is one of the health problems of workers in the world's steel industry. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise on hearing loss in steel industry workers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted. The study population was 121 workers in a steel rolling industry whose 5-year audiometry was studied from 1391 to 1395. An audiometer performed the audiometric test of these workers in 5 years. Their audiometric results were extracted from their medical records and examined under ethical principles. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 38.88 ± 4.92 years and the mean work experience was 10.94 ± 3.57 years. In this study, a gradual increase in the average hearing threshold at different frequencies in both ears was seen from 2012 to 2016. Conclusion: noise as a detrimental factor in the steel industry causes a gradual increase in exposed workers' hearing threshold.

In vivo percutaneous microwave ablation in kidneys: Correlation with ex vivo data and ablation work

PURPOSE

To compare diameters of in vivo microwave ablation (MWA) performed in swine kidneys with ex vivo diameters, and to correlate with ablation work (AW), a new metric reflecting total energy delivered.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen in vivo MWA were performed in 6 swine kidneys successively using one or two antennas (MicroThermX^®). Ablation consisted in delivering power (45-120W) for 5-15minutes. Ex vivo diameters were provided by the vendors and obtained on bovine liver tissue. AW was defined as the sum of (power)*(time)*(number of antennas) for all phases of an ablation (in kJoules). Kidneys were removed laparoscopically immediately after ablation. After sacrifice, ablations zones were evaluated macroscopically, and maximum diameters of the zones were recorded. Wilcoxon sum rank test and Pearson's correlation were used for comparisons.

RESULTS

For a single antenna (n=12), the in vivo diameters ranged from 12 to 35mm, and 15-49mm for 2 antennas (n=6). The in vivo diameters remained shorter than ex vivo diameters by 8.6%±30.1 on 1 antenna and 11.7%±26.5 on 2 antennas (P=0.31 and 0.44, respectively). AW ranged from 13.5 to 108kJ. Diameters increased linearly with AW both with 1 and 2 antennas, but only moderate correlations were observed (r=0.43 [95% confidence interval: -0.19; 0.81], P=0.16; and 0.57 [-0.44; 0.95], P=0.24, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Although diameters after in vivo renal MWA increased linearly with AW, the moderate correlation and wide standard deviations observed may justify a careful imaging monitoring during treatment delivery and settings adaptation, if needed, for optimal ablation.

Value of troponin levels in the diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in moderate scorpion envenomation

Context:

Cardiac dysfunction is one of the most serious consequences of scorpion envenomation. The best tool to evaluate cardiac function is echocardiography, but it is not available at all emergency departments. Many studies aimed to describe biological predictive factors of cardiac dysfunction in scorpion envenomation. Troponin is one of these biomarkers but its correlation with myocarditis is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate correlation between troponin levels and cardiac dysfunction in moderate scorpion envenomation.

Methods:

A retrospective monocentric study including patients admitted in the emergency department for moderate scorpion envenomation with troponin measurement during their early management. On arrival, an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray were realized for all patients.

Results:

We enrolled 132 patients with a mean age at 31.3 ± 24.4 years and a 1.35 sex-ratio. All patients had moderate systemic manifestations. There were 28 patients with clinical manifestations of cardiac dysfunction without life-threatening troubles (21.2%). Troponin was undetectable in 69 patients (56%). The mean value of troponin level (pg/ml) was higher in patients with clinical manifestations of left ventricular dysfunction (1.80 ± 3.8 vs. 0.11 ± 0.5; p = 0.02). Troponin levels were significantly higher in patients with positive T wave on electrocardiogram.

Conclusion:

In patients with moderate scorpion envenomation with positive T wave, high values of troponin suggest the presence of cardiac dysfunction.

[Post-herpes simplex encephalitis chorea: Viral replication or immunological mechanism?]

INTRODUCTION

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a severe neurological condition, whose outcome is improved if treated early with acyclovir. Post-herpes simplex encephalitis with acute chorea has rarely been reported.

CASE REPORT

We report on two observations of children presenting with post-herpes simplex encephalitis with acute chorea, related to two different pathophysiological mechanisms. The first one is an 11-month-old girl developing relapsing herpes simplex encephalitis with chorea due to resumption of viral replication. The second one is a 2-year-old boy with relapsing post-herpes simplex encephalitis acute chorea caused by an immunoinflammatory mechanism. We discuss the different neurological presentations of herpetic relapses, notably those presenting with movement disorders, as well as their clinical, paraclinical, physiopathological, and therapeutic aspects.

CONCLUSION

Post-herpes simplex encephalitis with acute chorea may involve two mechanisms: resumption of viral replication or an immunoinflammatory mechanism. Treatment of post-herpes simplex encephalitis with acute chorea depends on the underlying mechanism, while prevention is based on antiviral treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis with acyclovir at the dose of 20mg/kg/8h for 21 days.

Pulmonary computed tomography scan findings in chronic granulomatous disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic granulomatous disease is a phagocyte defect, characterised by recurrent infections in different organs due to a defect in NADPH oxidase complex. This study was performed to investigate pulmonary problems of CGD in a group of patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scan.

METHODS

Computed tomography scan was performed in 24 patients with CGD. The findings of the CT scan were documented in all of these patients.

RESULTS

Areas of consolidation and scan formation were the most common findings, which were detected in 79% of the patients. Other abnormalities in order of frequencies were as follows: small pulmonary nodules (58%); mediastinal lymphadenopathy (38%); pleural thickening (25%); unilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (25%); axillary lymphadenopathy (21%); bronchiectasis (17%); abscess formation (17%); pulmonary large nodules or masses (8%); and free pleural effusion (8%).

CONCLUSION

The pulmonary CT scans of the patients with CGD demonstrated a variety of respiratory abnormalities in the majority of the patients. While recurrent respiratory infections and abscesses are considered as prominent features of CGD, early diagnosis and precise check-up of the respiratory systems are needed to prevent further pulmonary complications.