A high concentrate diet inhibits forkhead box protein A2 expression, and induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial unfolded protein response in the liver of dairy cows

High-concentrate diet induce subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and cause liver damage in ruminants. It has been reported that forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) can enhance mitochondrial membrane potential but its function in mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high concentrate diets is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of high-concentrate (HC) diet on hepatic FOXA2 expression, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. A total of 12 healthy mid-lactation Holstein cows were selected and randomized into 2 groups: the low concentrate (LC) diet group (concentrate:forage = 4:6) and HC diet group (concentrate:forage = 6:4). The trial lasted 21 d. The rumen fluid, blood and liver tissue were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the rumen fluid pH level was reduced in the HC group and the pH was lower than 5.6 for more than 4 h/d, indicating that feeding HC diets successfully induced SARA in dairy cows. Both FOXA2 mRNA and protein abundance were significantly reduced in the liver of the HC group compared with the LC group. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, G6PDH, T-SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD) and mtDNA copy number in the liver tissue of the HC group decreased, while the level of H2O2 significantly increased, this increase was accompanied by a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The balance of mitochondrial division and fusion was disrupted in the HC group, as evidenced by the decreased mRNA level of OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2 and increased mRNA level of Drp1, Fis1, and MFF. At the same time, HC diet downregulated the expression level of SIRT1, SIRT3, PGC-1α, TFAM, and Nrf 1 to inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis. The HC group induced UPRmt in liver tissue by upregulating the mRNA and protein levels of CLPP, LONP1, CHOP, Hsp10, and Hsp60. In addition, HC diet could increase the protein abundance of Bax, CytoC, Caspase 3 and Cleaved-Caspase 3, while decrease the protein abundance of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Overall, our study suggests that the decreased expression of FOXA2 may be related to UPRmt, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of dairy cows fed a high concentrate diet.

Association between Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly polymorphism and coronary heart disease susceptibility

Published data on the association between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) Asp299Gly polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. English-language studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase databases (up to November 2016). All epidemiological studies were regarding Caucasians because no TLR4 Asp/Gly and Gly/Gly genotypes have been detected in Asians. A total of 20 case-control studies involving 14,416 cases and 10,764 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism and CHD susceptibility in the dominant model (OR=0.89; 95%CI=0.74 to 1.06; P=0.20) pooled in the meta-analysis. In the subgroup analysis by CHD, non-significant associations were found in cases compared to controls. When stratified by control source, no significantly decreased risk was found in the additive model or dominant model. The present meta-analysis suggests that the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism was not associated with decreased CHD risk in Caucasians.

CCL28 promotes breast cancer growth and metastasis through MAPK-mediated cellular anti-apoptosis and pro-metastasis

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females. CCL28 (mucosa-associated epithelial chemokine, MEC), a CC subfamily chemokine, has been well studied in the process of inflammation, and recently increasing evidence indicates that CCL28 is related to tumor progression. However, little is known concerning its function in breast cancer. In the present study, we generated a CCL28-overexpressing breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231HM/CCL28 from parental MDA-MB-231HM cells. We found that overexpression of CCL28 promoted cell proliferation and tumor formation, and also enhanced migration, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that CCL28 mediated intracellular activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway to promote breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by upregulating anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and suppressing cell adhesion protein β-catenin. However, overexpression of CCL28 did not influence the expression of metastasis-related protein matrix metalloproteinase MMP2 and MMP9 and VEGF. Tissue sample analysis from animal models also indicated that overexpression of CCL28 was associated with enhanced pERK expression and reduced β-catenin expression in breast carcinomas. Thus, our results show for the first time that CCL28 contributes to breast cancer progression through the ERK/MAPK-mediated anti-apoptotic and metastatic signaling pathway. Antagonists of CCL28 and the MAPK signaling pathway may be used synergistically to treat breast cancer patients.

HLA-DR3 antigen in the resistance to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) has been hypothesized as a multifactorial disorder initiated by an environment trigger in individuals with predisposing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Published data on the association between HLA-DR3 antigen and IDC risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed. Studies were identified by searching the PUBMED and Embase database (starting from June 2015). A total of 19 case-control studies including 1378 cases and 10383 controls provided data on the association between HLA-DR3 antigen and genetic susceptibility to IDC. Overall, significantly decreased frequency of HLA-DR3 allele (OR=0.72; 95%CI=0.58-0.90; P=0.004) was found in patients with IDC compared with controls. When stratified by myocardial biopsy or non-biopsy cases, statistically decreased risk was found for IDC in myocardial biopsy cases (OR=0.69; 95%CI=0.57-0.84; P=0.0003). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, borderline statistically significantly decreased risk was found among Europeans from 12 case-control studies (OR=0.76; 95%CI=0.58-1.00; P=0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that individuals with HLA-DR3 antigen may have a protective effect against IDC.

Preventive effect of reduced glutathione on contrast-induced nephropathy in elderly patients undergoing coronary angiography or intervention: a randomized, controlled trial

Coronary angiography can be a high-risk condition for the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in elderly patients. Reduced glutathione, under a variety of mechanisms, may prevent CIN in this procedure. We prospectively examined whether hydration with reduced glutathione is superior to hydration alone for prevention of CIN in an elderly Han Chinese population. A total of 505 patients (271 males and 234 females) aged 75 years or older who underwent non-emergency coronary angiography or an intervention were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group received hydration with reduced glutathione (n=262) and the control group received hydration alone (n=243). Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were measured prior to coronary angiography and 48 h after this procedure. The primary endpoint was occurrence of CIN, which was defined as 25% or 44.2 µmol/L above baseline serum creatinine levels 48 h after the procedure. The overall incidence of CIN was 6.49% in the treatment group and 7.41% in the control group, with no significant difference between the groups (P=0.68). In subgroup analysis by percutaneous coronary intervention, no significant differences were found between the two groups. In summary, reduced glutathione added to optimal hydration does not further decrease the risk of CIN in elderly patients undergoing coronary angiography or an intervention.

High levels of LDL-C combined with low levels of HDL-C further increase platelet activation in hypercholesterolemic patients

High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) enhance platelet activation, whereas high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) exert a cardioprotective effect. However, the effects on platelet activation of high levels of LDL-C combined with low levels of HDL-C (HLC) have not yet been reported. We aimed to evaluate the platelet activation marker of HLC patients and investigate the antiplatelet effect of atorvastatin on this population. Forty-eight patients with high levels of LDL-C were enrolled. Among these, 23 had HLC and the other 25 had high levels of LDL-C combined with normal levels of HDL-C (HNC). A total of 35 normocholesterolemic (NOMC) volunteers were included as controls. Whole blood flow cytometry and platelet aggregation measurements were performed on all participants to detect the following platelet activation markers: CD62p (P-selectin), PAC-1 (GPIIb/IIIa), and maximal platelet aggregation (MPAG). A daily dose of 20 mg atorvastatin was administered to patients with high levels of LDL-C, and the above assessments were obtained at baseline and after 1 and 2 months of treatment. The expression of platelets CD62p and PAC-1 was increased in HNC patients compared to NOMC volunteers (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Furthermore, the surface expression of platelets CD62p and PAC-1 was greater among HLC patients than among HNC patients (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Although the expression of CD62p and PAC-1 decreased significantly after atorvastatin treatment, it remained higher in the HLC group than in the HNC group (P<0.05 and P=0.116). The reduction of HDL-C further increased platelet activation in patients with high levels of LDL-C. Platelet activation remained higher among HLC patients regardless of atorvastatin treatment.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Radix Inulae

Radix Inulae is used as a gastric and antibacterial agent in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicines. Most of its chemical constituents have been identified and include a series of sesquiterpenes with various carbon skeletons such as: eudesmanolide, elemanolide, germacranolide, sesquicaranolide, guaianolide and humulane. Certain organic solvent fractions and sesquiterpenes from Radix Inulae have been found to significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cell strains in vitro. They also show antibacterial, cardiovascular and hypoglycaemic as well as insulin-sensitization activities. The present review summarizes research on the chemistry and biological activity of Radix Inulae.

[CT findings in the recurrent oral maxillofacial tumors eroding the central skull base]

OBJECTIVE:To domonstrate the CT manifestations of the recurrent oral maxillofacial tumors invading the middle skull base.METHODS:CT detections with axial (37 cases) and coronal (26 cases) scans were performed in thirty-seven patients who suffered from the recurrent oral maxillofacial tumors.All lesions were proven histopathologically.RESULTS:Four patterns of the central skull base erosion showing on CT images were encompassed:1.resorption of the outer cortical margin (5 cases);2.resorption of both outer and inner cortical laminae (24 cases);3.enlargement of the ovale foramen (3 cases);4.combined of sclerosis and resorption of the skull base (5 cases).The sphenoid greater wing involvement by the recurrent lesions was more frequently seen in our series (36 cases).Twenty four patients with the recurrent lesions were identified as following intracranial structures affected:the cavernous sinus (n=16),temporal lobe (n=15),and pituetary (n=1).CONCLUSION:It is believed that involvement of the intracranial structures is in close relationship with the aforementioned erosive patterns of the central skull base.The role of CT examination for evaluating the oral maxillofacial recurrent lesions invading the central skull base is very important.

[Evaluation of 28 cases of salivary malignancies with MR imaging]

Twenty-eight cases of MRI of the salivary malignancies confirmed histopathologically were shown in this paper.By observing separately and comparatively with SE (spin echo) T2 weighted imaging and PE(field echo) imaging,the authors consider that (1)the malignant tumors within the salivary glands displaying low and intermediate signal intensities on T2 weighted image may be thought as a characteristic sign in the diagnostic processes. (2) PE imaging as an effective method is able to differentiate the tumors from the calcification and fibrosis which were low and intermediate signal intensities on T2 weighted image. (3)the locations and sizes of the tumors have directly influenced on their marginal manifestations and adjacent normal tissue structures.

Radiographic findings in Langerhans' cell disease affecting the mandible

The radiographic features of histopathologically diagnosed mandibular Langerhans' cell disease are described for 29 cases of the condition. We divided the patients into two groups: adults (age 27 to 60 years) and juveniles (age 1.5 to 15 years). A characteristic sign in juveniles was an osteolytic lesion with an uneven margin and either a continuous or discontinuous periosteal reaction. Because of the wide variability in radiographic presentation in adults, it was very difficult to differentiate this from other lesions in adults on the basis of radiologic criteria.

[Intervention of lidocaine and Astragalus membranaceus on ventricular late potentials]

16 and 22 patients with positive ventricular late potentials (LP) recorded on signal-averaged electrocardiograms (SAECG) were treated with lidocaine 100 mg iv. or Astragalus membranaceus 24 g iv. drip for 2 weeks respectively. As a result, the SAECGs of 2 (12.5%) and 3 (13.6%) of them normalized respectively. Compared with baseline, there were no significant changes in average HFQRSD, LAS and RMS 40 after treatment of lidocaine. HFQRSD and LAS were shortened significantly 115.9 +/- 29.9 vs 125.1 +/- 29.4 ms (P < 0.001); and 44.8 +/- 15.4 vs 52.8 +/- 15.4 ms (P < 0.001), and RMS 40 was enlarged 20.0 +/- 18.6 vs 12.8 +/- 19.0 microV (P < 0.05) only after treatment of Astragalus membranaceus. It is suggested that the duration of LP was shortened.

[The diagnostic value of computed coronal tomography in maxillofacial tumors]

CT images in both transverse axial and coronal planes of 52 cases of maxillofacial tumors were analyzed. The authors emphasized that coronal technique should not be neglected, especially when the tumor was near the base of the skull, the sphenoid sinus and the hard palate. Transverse axial scan alone could not demonstrate the exact extent of invasion and the adjacent relationship. Coronal scan affords exceptional visualization. In such conditions, the combination of scans in two planes is the most helpful in delineating such lesions. It provides important information for determining surgical or radiotherapeutic approaches.

[Radiologic similarity and dissimilarity of Histiocytosis X in the mandible between non adult and adult]

28 cases of Histiocytosis X in the mandible were divided into two groups:the non adult group (19 cases,21 foci).and the adult group(9 cases,12 foci).their similarity and dissimilarity in radiological appearances were contrasted individually.The authors consider there were different roentgenographic manifestations between the two groups according to the diversity of physilological and morphological configuration in the mandible.The former group which had its characteristic roentgenologic feature displayed a radiolucent region with an irregular margin mostly accompanied with a periosteal reaction at the inferior and lateral surfaces of the mandible.Owing to lacking above mentioned demonstration,it was difficult to distinguish the lesions of later group from other disease in the mandible.

[Primary research on the clinical significance of ventricular late potentials (VLPs), and the impact of mexiletine, lidocaine and Astragalus membranaceus on VLPs]

The body surface signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) was recorded on 316 cardiac patients, 84% (266 patients) of whom were also taken 24-hour Holter ECG. VLPs were detected positively in 6.1%, 25%, 25.7%, 14.3% and 5.5% of patients with angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia of unknown origin respectively, and the patients with complex ventricular arrhythmia had more VLPs positive determination definitely (P less than 0.05). The specificity of VLPs in the prediction of complex ventricular arrhythmia was greater than 80%, and the positive predictive accuracy was 70-80%. 5, 5 and 10 patients with VLPs were treated with Mexiletini Hydrochloridum, Lidocaini Hydrochloridum and Injection of Astragalus membranaceus respectively. As a result of treatment, the transfer of VLPs positive to negative was unsuccessful, but only the intervention of Astragalus membranaceus Injection made the duration of VLPs shortened significantly (39.8 +/- 3.3 ms versus 44.5 +/- 5.9 ms, P less than 0.01).