Selective neurodegeneration of the hippocampus caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: F-18 FDG PET study in rats

Background

Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is known to induce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, but its mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the cerebral regions that are affected by CCH, and to evaluate the development of AD pathology in a rat model of CCH.

Methods

A rat model of CCH was established by bilaterally ligating the common carotid arteries in adult male rats (CCH group). The identical operations were performed on sham rats without arteries ligation (control group). Regional cerebral glucose metabolism was evaluated at 1 and 3 months after bilateral CCA ligation using positron emission tomography with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose. The expression levels of amyloid β40 (Aβ40), amyloid β42 (Aβ42), and hyperphosphorylated tau were evaluated using western blots at 3 months after the ligation. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Y-maze test at 3 months after the ligation.

Results

At 1 month after the ligation, cerebral glucose metabolism in the entorhinal, frontal association, motor, and somatosensory cortices were significantly decreased in the CCH group compared with those in the control group. At 3 months after the ligation, cerebral glucose metabolism was normalized in all regions except for the anterodorsal hippocampus, which was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. The expression of Aβ42 and the Aβ42/40 ratio were significantly higher in the CCH group than those in the control group. The phosphorylated-tau levels of the hippocampus in the CCH group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Cognitive function was more impaired in the CCH group than that in the control group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that CCH causes selective neurodegeneration of the anterodorsal hippocampus, which may be a trigger point for the development of AD pathology.

XAF1 directs glioma response to temozolomide through apoptotic transition of autophagy by activation of ROS-ATM-AMPK signaling

Background

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis-associated factor 1 (XAF1) is a tumor suppressor that is commonly inactivated in multiple human cancers. However, its role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic response of glioma is poorly characterized.

Methods

XAF1 activation by temozolomide (TMZ) and its effect on TMZ cytotoxicity were defined using luciferase reporter, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence assays. Signaling mechanism was analyzed using genetic and pharmacologic experiments. In vivo studies were performed in mice to validate the role of XAF1 in TMZ therapy.

Results

Epigenetic alteration of XAF1 is frequent in cell lines and primary tumors and contributes to cancer cell growth. XAF1 transcription is activated by TMZ via JNK-IRF-1 signaling to promote apoptosis while it is impaired by promoter hypermethylation. In tumor cells expressing high O 6methylguanineDNA methyltransferase (MGMT), XAF1 response to TMZ is debilitated. XAF1 facilitates TMZ-mediated autophagic flux to direct an apoptotic transition of protective autophagy. Mechanistically, XAF1 is translocated into the mitochondria to stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-AMPactivated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. A mutant XAF1 lacking the zinc finger 6 domain fails to localize in the mitochondria and activate ROS-ATMAMPK signaling and autophagy-mediated apoptosis. XAF1restored xenograft tumors display a reduced growth rate and enhanced therapeutic response to TMZ, which is accompanied with activation of ATMAMPK signaling. XAF1 expression is associated with overall survival of TMZ treatment patients, particularly with low MGMT cancer.

Conclusions

This study uncovers an important role for the XAF1ATMAMPK axis as a linchpin to govern glioma response to TMZ therapy.

Anti-neuroinflammatory activity of 6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy phenanthrene isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne partly through suppressing the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway in BV2 microglial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The rhizome of Dioscorea batatas Decne (called Chinses yam) widely distributed in East Asian countries including China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan has long been used in oriental folk medicine owing to its tonic, antitussive, expectorant and anti-ulcerative effects. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, cholesterol-lowering, anticholinesterase, growth hormone-releasing, antifungal and immune cell-stimulating activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Neuroinflammation caused by activated microglia contributes to neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. In the present study, the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of 6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxy phenanthrene (DHDMP), a phenanthrene compound isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne, was examined in microglial and neuronal cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A natural phenanthrene compound, DHDMP, was isolated from the peel of Dioscorea batatas Decne. The anti-neuroinflammatory capability of the compound was examined using the co-culture system of BV2 murine microglial and HT22 murine neuronal cell lines. The expression levels of inflammatory mediators and cytoprotective proteins in the cells were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

DHDMP at the concentrations of ≤1 μg/mL did not exhibit a cytotoxic effect for BV2 and HT22 cells. Rather DHDMP effectively restored the growth rate of HT22 cells, which was reduced by co-culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV2 cells. DHDMP significantly decreased the production of proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 in BV2 cells. Moreover, DHDMP strongly inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in BV2 cells. The compound did not affect the levels and phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. Concurrently, DHDMP increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an inducible cytoprotective enzyme, in HT22 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that DHDMP effectively dampened LPS-mediated inflammatory responses in BV2 microglial cells by suppressing transcriptional activity of NF-κB and its downstream mediators and contributed to HT22 neuronal cell survival. This study provides insight into the therapeutic potential of DHDMP for inflammation-related neurological diseases.

Dietary supplementation with Ceriporia lacerata improves learning and memory in a scopolamine-induced amnesia mouse model

Ceriporia lacerata (CL) is a species of white rot fungi. In this study, we have examined the beneficial effect of CL on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice. A freeze-dried CL mycelial culture broth was dissolved and orally administered to scopolamine-treated C57BL/6J mice followed by behavioral tests using the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tasks. CL administration at a daily dose of 200 mg/kg body weight resulted in restoration of exploration reduction and improvement of associative and spatial learning and memory impairment in scopolamine-treated mice. Concomitantly, heme oxygenase-1 was highly expressed in the hippocampal region of CL-administered mice. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of CL significantly increased the transcriptional activity of antioxidant response element and attenuated the glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. These findings suggest that the CL intake can confer a beneficial effect on learning and memory presumably through protecting hippocampal neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced damage.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-021-00945-5.

Insurance coverage gap for treatment of melasma compared to rosacea: it pays to be light

Treatments for many common dermatologic diagnoses are denied insurance coverage due to their arbitrary cosmetic classification. Melasma is one such diagnosis often considered cosmetic by payers, and since it is commonly identified in darker-skinned individuals, its cosmetic classification creates an economic barrier for patients of color. Although dermatologists have previously described insurance coverage gaps for conditions typically seen in patients of color, this coverage gap has never been quantified.¹ Thus, we investigated the rate of insurance coverage for first-line topical treatments for rosacea versus melasma. Rosacea and melasma share a number of key features - both are common, chronic, dermatological conditions that are exacerbated by sun exposure, are primarily treated topically, and cause measurably decreased quality of life in affected patients.^2,3 Rosacea, however, is often diagnosed in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-II, with 91.8% of rosacea diagnoses seen in white patients, while melasma is predominantly diagnosed in patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V.^4-6.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Wasp Venom in BV-2 Microglial Cells in Comparison with Bee Venom

Simple Summary

As the population of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) spreads, this study investigated ways to utilize this resource of abundant invasive wasp species. Hymenoptera venoms, including bee venom and wasp venom, have therapeutic potential. Although the venoms are toxic to humans, the elucidation of their composition and working mechanisms has led to discoveries about their potential applications in treatment modalities for a variety of disorders. Therefore, we examined the anti-inflammatory effect of wasp venom from V. velutina in comparison with that of bee venom from honey bee on BV-2 murine microglial cells. Treatment with wasp venom reduced the secretion of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, from BV-2 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blot analysis revealed that wasp venom and bee venom decreased the expression levels of inflammation markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, wasp venom decreased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which is a key transcription factor in the regulation of cellular inflammatory response. Overall, the findings demonstrated that wasp venom inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in microglial cells by suppressing the NF-κB-mediated signaling pathway, which warrants further studies to confirm its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the anti-inflammatory effect of wasp venom (WV) from the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) with that of bee venom (BV) on BV-2 murine microglial cells. WV was collected from the venom sac, freeze-dried, and used for in vitro examinations. WV and BV were non-toxic to BV-2 cells at concentrations of 160 and 12 µg/mL or lower, respectively. Treatment with WV reduced the secretion of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, from BV-2 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blot analysis revealed that WV and BV decreased the expression levels of inflammation markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. In addition, WV decreased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which is a key transcription factor in the regulation of cellular inflammatory response. Cumulatively, the results demonstrated that WV inhibited LPS-induced neuroinflammation in microglial cells by suppressing the NF-κB-mediated signaling pathway, which warrants further studies to confirm its therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

Fermented Soy Products: Beneficial Potential in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Fermented soybean products, such as cheonggukjang (Japanese natto), doenjang (soy paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and douchi, are widely consumed in East Asian countries and are major sources of bioactive compounds. The fermentation of cooked soybean with bacteria (Bacillus spp.) and fungi (Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp.) produces a variety of novel compounds, most of which possess health benefits. This review is focused on the preventive and ameliorative potential of fermented soy foods and their components to manage neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Neuroprotective Effects of Euonymus alatus Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

Euonymus alatus is considered to elicit various beneficial effects against cancer, hyperglycemia, menstrual discomfort, diabetic complications, and detoxification. The young leaves of this plant are exploited as food and also utilized for traditional medicine in East Asian countries, including Korea and China. Our preliminary study demonstrated that ethanolic extract from the Euonymus alatus leaf (EAE) exhibited the strongest antioxidant enzyme-inducing activity among more than 100 kinds of edible tree leaf extracts. This study investigated whether EAE could attenuate the cognitive deficits caused by oxidative stress in mice. Oral intubation of EAE at 100 mg/kg bw or higher resulted in significant improvements to the memory and behavioral impairment induced via i.p. injection of scopolamine. Furthermore, EAE enhanced the expression levels of hippocampal neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in mice, activated the Nrf2, and the downstream heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) a quintessential antioxidant enzyme. As rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinose) was abundantly present in EAE and free quercetin was able to induce defensive antioxidant enzymes in an Nrf2-dependent manner, our findings suggested that quercetin derived from rutin via the intestinal microflora played a significant role in the protection of the mouse hippocampus from scopolamine-induced damage through BDNF-mediated Nrf2 activation, thereby dampening cognitive decline.

Inhibitory effects of compounds isolated from Dioscorea batatas Decne peel on particulate matter-induced pulmonary injury in mice

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5), with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm, is the primary air pollutant that plays a key role associated with lung injury produced by loss of vascular barrier integrity. Dioscorea batatas Decne (Chinese yam), a perennial plant belonging to Dioscoreaceae family, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia. Both aerial parts and root of D. batatas are consumed for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The aim of this study was to (1) identify the bioactive compounds present in D. batatas peel which may be responsible for inhibition of PM_2.5-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and (2) examine in vitro mechanisms underlying the observed effects of these compounds on mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells. The measured parameters include permeability, leukocyte migration, proinflammatory protein activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and histology. Two phenanthrene compounds, 2,7-dihydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenanthrene (1) and 6,7-dihydroxy-2,4-dimethoxyphenanthrene (2) were isolated from D. batatas peels. Both these phenanthrene compounds exhibited significant scavenging activity against PM_2.5-induced ROS and inhibited ROS-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. In addition, enhancement of Akt pathway, involved in the maintenance of endothelial integrity, was noted. These phenanthrene compounds also reduced vascular protein leakage, leukocyte infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokine release in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from PM_2.5-induced lung tissues. Evidence thus indicates that phenanthrene compounds derived from D. batatas may exhibit protective effects against PM_2.5-induced inflammatory lung injury and vascular hyperpermeability in mice.

Locoregional relapse after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Risk for and site of locoregional relapse have not been well studied in patients undergoing gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer between 2004 and 2007 were identified from an institutional database. The locoregional relapse rate was estimated by competing risk analysis, and risk groups were derived according to locoregional relapse risk using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA). The locations of nodal relapses were evaluated according to Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma criteria.

RESULTS

Some 2618 patients were included. With a median follow-up of 78·0 (range 28·5-122·6) months, relapse was diagnosed in 471 of 2618 patients (18·0 per cent). The cumulative incidence of locoregional relapse at 5 years was 8·5 (95 per cent c.i. 7·4 to 9·6) per cent. The 5-year locoregional recurrence rates for high-risk (N3), intermediate-risk (N1-2) and low-risk (N0) groups were 32·4, 12·3 and 1·7 per cent respectively (P < 0·001). Among patients with regional relapse, 90·4 per cent had involvement outside the D2 dissected area, and the most commonly involved site was station 16b1. This pattern was maintained in the RPA risk groups (P = 0·329).

CONCLUSION

Locoregional relapse at 5 years after gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy was 8·5 per cent, and was most often seen outside the D2 dissected area.

Gene regulatory network identification from the yeast cell cycle based on a neuro-fuzzy system

Many studies exist for reconstructing gene regulatory networks (GRNs). In this paper, we propose a method based on an advanced neuro-fuzzy system, for gene regulatory network reconstruction from microarray time-series data. This approach uses a neural network with a weighted fuzzy function to model the relationships between genes. Fuzzy rules, which determine the regulators of genes, are very simplified through this method. Additionally, a regulator selection procedure is proposed, which extracts the exact dynamic relationship between genes, using the information obtained from the weighted fuzzy function. Time-series related features are extracted from the original data to employ the characteristics of temporal data that are useful for accurate GRN reconstruction. The microarray dataset of the yeast cell cycle was used for our study. We measured the mean squared prediction error for the efficiency of the proposed approach and evaluated the accuracy in terms of precision, sensitivity, and F-score. The proposed method outperformed the other existing approaches.

Cotunneling Drag Effect in Coulomb-Coupled Quantum Dots

In Coulomb drag, a current flowing in one conductor can induce a voltage across an adjacent conductor via the Coulomb interaction. The mechanisms yielding drag effects are not always understood, even though drag effects are sufficiently general to be seen in many low-dimensional systems. In this Letter, we observe Coulomb drag in a Coulomb-coupled double quantum dot and, through both experimental and theoretical arguments, identify cotunneling as essential to obtaining a correct qualitative understanding of the drag behavior.

Performance of a Web-based, realtime, tele-ultrasound consultation system over high-speed commercial telecommunication lines

A Web-based, realtime, tele-ultrasound consultation system was designed. The system employed ActiveX control, MPEG-4 coding of full-resolution ultrasound video (640 × 480 pixels at 30 frames/s) and H.320 videoconferencing. It could be used via a Web browser. The system was evaluated over three types of commercial line: a cable connection, ADSL and VDSL. Three radiologists assessed the quality of compressed and uncompressed ultrasound video-sequences from 16 cases (10 abnormal livers, four abnormal kidneys and two abnormal gallbladders). The radiologists' scores showed that, at a given frame rate, increasing the bit rate was associated with increasing quality; however, at a certain threshold bit rate the quality did not increase significantly. The peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) was also measured between the compressed and uncompressed images. In most cases, the PSNR increased as the bit rate increased, and increased as the number of dropped frames increased. There was a threshold bit rate, at a given frame rate, at which the PSNR did not improve significantly. Taking into account both sets of threshold values, a bit rate of more than 0.6 Mbit/s, at 30 frames/s, is suggested as the threshold for the maintenance of diagnostic image quality.

Early menarche increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged Korean women

AIMS

To investigate the association between early menarche (menarche age < 12 years) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in young and middle-aged Korean women.

METHODS

We analysed data for 4657 women aged 20-50 years from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV) (2007-2009).

RESULTS

The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 2.8%. Women with early menarche had a higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose than did women with later menarche (age ≥ 12 years) in the 20-30 age group (7.4% vs. 3.0%), and a higher prevalence of diabetes in the 30-40 (6.3% vs. 1.7%) and 40-50 (18.5% vs. 4.4%) age groups. The odds ratio (OR) of Type 2 diabetes in women with early menarche was 3.61 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90-6.88] after adjusting for age. In multivariate regression, the OR of Type 2 diabetes decreased to 2.52 (95% CI, 1.29-4.94) after further adjusting for BMI. However, the OR decreased to 2.04 (95% CI, 0.95-4.39) without significance after adjusting for HOMA-IR.

CONCLUSIONS

Early menarche increased the risk of Type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged Korean women although adulthood adiposity attenuated the relationship. Knowledge of age at menarche is important in identifying women at risk for diabetes.

Cathepsin inhibition-induced lysosomal dysfunction enhances pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis in high glucose

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradative pathway that plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. We previously showed that the inhibition of autophagy causes pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy is a protective mechanism for the survival of pancreatic β-cells. The current study demonstrates that treatment with inhibitors and knockdown of the lysosomal cysteine proteases such as cathepsins B and L impair autophagy, enhancing the caspase-dependent apoptosis of INS-1 cells and islets upon exposure to high concentration of glucose. Interestingly, treatment with cathepsin B and L inhibitors prevented the proteolytic processing of cathepsins B, D and L, as evidenced by gradual accumulation of the respective pro-forms. Of note, inhibition of aspartic cathepsins had no effect on autophagy and cell viability, suggesting the selective role of cathepsins B and L in the regulation of β-cell autophagy and apoptosis. Lysosomal localization of accumulated pro-cathepsins in the presence of cathepsin B and L inhibitors was verified via immunocytochemistry and lysosomal fractionation. Lysotracker staining indicated that cathepsin B and L inhibitors led to the formation of severely enlarged lysosomes in a time-dependent manner. The abnormal accumulation of pro-cathepsins following treatment with inhibitors of cathepsins B and L suppressed normal lysosomal degradation and the processing of lysosomal enzymes, leading to lysosomal dysfunction. Collectively, our findings suggest that cathepsin defects following the inhibition of cathepsin B and L result in lysosomal dysfunction and consequent cell death in pancreatic β-cells.

Phase I and biomarker study of OPB-51602, a novel signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid malignancies

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of OPB-51602, an oral, direct signal transduction activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, in patients with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three cohorts were studied: cohort A, a sequential dose escalation of OPB-51602 administered intermittently (days 1-14 every 21 days); cohort B, an expansion cohort evaluating the dose lower than the MTD; cohort C, evaluating continuous daily dosing.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were studied at 2, 4, and 5 mg per day dosing. The MTD was 5 mg; first-cycle dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were grade 3 hyponatremia in one patient, and grade 3 dehydration in another. Intermittent dosing of both 2 and 4 mg doses were tolerable, and the recommended phase II dose was 4 mg. Cohort B investigated 4 mg intermittently, whereas cohort C investigated 4 mg continuously. Common toxicities included fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and early-onset peripheral neuropathy. Drug-induced pneumonitis occurred in two patients in cohort C. Continuous dosing was associated with a higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy and a lower mean relative dose intensity, compared with intermittent dosing. Steady-state pharmacokinetics was characterized by high oral clearance, mean elimination half-life ranging from 44 to 61 h, and a large terminal-phase volume of distribution. An active metabolite, OPB-51822, accumulated to a greater extent than OPB-51602. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated pSTAT3 (Tyr(705)) inhibition following exposure. Two patients achieved partial responses at 5 mg intermittently and 4 mg continuously; both had epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor exposure.

CONCLUSION

OPB-51602 demonstrates promising antitumor activity, particularly in NSCLC. Its long half-life and poorer tolerability of continuous dosing, compared with intermittent dosing, suggest that less frequent dosing should be explored.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT01184807.

Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) screening in Singapore by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS): An 8 year journey from pilot to current program

IEM screening by ESI/MS/MS was introduced in Singapore in 2006. There were two phases; a pilot study followed by implementation of the current program. The pilot study was over a 4 year period. During the pilot study, a total of 61,313 newborns were screened, and 20 cases of IEM were diagnosed (detection rate of 1:3065; positive predictive value (PPV) of 11%). Regular self-review, participation in external quality assessment and the Region 4 Genetic collaborative programs (http://www.region4genetics.org/) had led to the robust development of our current NBS MS/MS program. Overall, from July 2006 to April 2014, we screened a total of 177,267 newborns. The mean age at the time of sampling was 47.9h. Transportation of samples to the testing laboratory averaged 0.92 day. Upon receipt of sample, the NBS result was available within 1.64 days and within 3.8 days if a second tier test was required. Using absolute cut-off values in place of the initial 99th percentile reference range for the analyte markers and the introduction of two 2nd tier tests (MMA and Succinylacetone) had significantly reduced the high recall rate from an initial 1.5% during the period 2006-07 to 0.12% in 2013. The NBS MS/MS program was supported by a centralized confirmatory/diagnostic testing laboratory and a rapid response team of metabolic specialists. The detection rate was 1: 3165 (1:2727 if maternal conditions were also included). There were 23 newborns affected with organic acidemias (incidence: 1:6565), 23 with fatty acid oxidation disorders (incidence: 1:6565), and 10 with amino acidopathies (incidence 1:17,726). The performance metrics for the screening test were acceptable (sensitivity: 95.59%, specificity: 99.85%, PPV: 20%, FPR: 0.15). Participation in the NBS MS/MS program by hospitals was voluntary, and in 2013, the uptake rate was 71% of the annual births. We hope that newborn screening by MS/MS will become a standard of care for all babies in Singapore.

Evaluation of non-thermal effects by microwave irradiation in hydrolysis of waste-activated sludge

The activation energy (Ea) for waste-activated sludge (WAS) hydrolysis was compared between microwave irradiation (MW) and conventional heating (CH) methods to evaluate the non-thermal effect of MW. The microwave-assisted hydrolysis of WAS was assumed to follow the first-order kinetics on the basis of volatile suspended solids (VSS) conversion to soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) for different initial VSS concentrations. By comparing the VSS decrement and the SCOD increment between MW and CH at different absolute temperatures of 323, 348 and 373 K, the average ratio of VSS conversion to SCOD was determined to range from 1.42 to 1.64 g SCOD/g VSS. These results corresponded to the theoretical value of 1.69 g SCOD/g VSS based on the assumption that the molecular formula of sludge was C10H19O3N. Consequently, the Ea of the MW-assisted WAS hydrolysis was much lower than that of CH for the same temperature conditions. The non-thermal effect of MW in the hydrolysis of WAS could be identified with the lower Ea than that of CH.

Changes in bone mineral density and body composition of children with well-controlled homocystinuria caused by CBS deficiency

Homocystinuria due to cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency is an inherited disorder of the metabolism of methionine. Clinical manifestations include mental retardation, dislocation of the optic lens, vascular lesions, arterial and venous thromboembolism, skeletal abnormalities, and osteoporosis. Most homocystinuria patients diagnosed in adulthood have severe osteoporosis, and homocystinuria is frequently mentioned as a cause of osteoporosis. Good control of plasma homocysteine may prevent or delay some of these complications. However, the effectiveness of bone mineral density (BMD) gain or fracture prevention has not been addressed. Here, we describe changes in BMD and body composition in 5 CBS deficiency patients who were diagnosed at young age and were managed with good metabolic control. We found that the BMD of each region was within the normal range. BMD gain was adequate and the patients had no significant change in skeletal morphology.

Risk factors for osteoporosis in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell tumors

SUMMARY

We measured bone mineral densities in 28 intracranial germ cell tumor long-term survivors. There was the high prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia, 25.0% and 42.9%, respectively, and three additional risk factors, male sex, a low lean mass, and adult growth hormone replacement, were identified.

INTRODUCTION

Intracranial germ cell tumor long-term survivors (iGCTLS) have many risk factors for osteoporosis, including irradiation from cancer therapy and multiple hormone deficiencies. However, no study of bone mineral density (BMD) has been conducted in iGCTLS because these tumors are rare. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis and to identify risk factors associated with reduced bone mass in iGCTLS.

METHODS

We evaluated BMD and body composition of 28 iGCTLS (10.9 ± 5.2 years after cancer treatment; 13 males) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To determine risk factors, we analyzed the medical history, including the nature of the tumor, treatment modality, endocrine status, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle, and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Twenty-five percent of iGCTLS were diagnosed with osteoporosis and 42.9% with osteopenia. Most males (92.3%) had low BMD. Lean mass (LM) was positively correlated with BMD in all regions of interest, and the starting age of adult growth hormone (GH) replacement was negatively correlated with the BMD Z-score at the femur neck. In logistic regression analysis, male sex and low LM were related to low BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The iGCTLS had a high prevalence of low BMD. We found that male sex, low LM, and delayed start of adult GH replacement were risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, the BMD of all iGCTLS should be evaluated, and if it is low, proper management should be started early.

Neuroprotective effects of dehydroglyasperin C through activation of heme oxygenase-1 in mouse hippocampal cells

Licorice, the root of the Glycyrrhiza species ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisher), is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effect of dehydroglyasperin C (DGC) against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. DGC significantly reduced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by glutamate in HT22 cells, whereas DGC did not restore glutathione depletion caused by glutamate. In addition, it was further investigated whether DGC affected the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, one of the major cellular antioxidant defense systems, and it was found that DGC dose-dependently increased HO-1 expression. DGC-mediated cytoprotection of HT22 neuronal cells from glutamate insult was abrogated by either HO-1 inhibitor (Tin protoporphyrin, SnPP) or AKT inhibitor (LY294002). In conclusion, the present results demonstrate for the first time that DGC protects neuronal cells against glutamate-induced oxidative injury through the induction of HO-1 expression, which is, in turn, activated maybe through Nrf2-Keap1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Simultaneous enhancement of free isoflavone content and antioxidant potential of soybean by fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae

In order to determine the fungal strain and fermentation period which produce the highest antioxidant activity of fermented soy product, soybean was fermented with Aspergillus oryzae NL 5 isolated from Korean traditional meju produced in Sunchang Yeastopia Land in Korea, and was subjected to analyzing isoflavone profiles and assaying antioxidant activity. Antioxidant potential of the samples was evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, 2,2'-azinobis (2-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents. In addition, antioxidant assay using fluorescent probes, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate and dihydroethidium, in HepG2 cells was conducted for the samples. The results showed that both high isoflavone variety Aga 3 and medium isoflavone variety Daewon of soybean fermented with Asp oryzae NL5 for 4 to 5 d showed the highest increase in free isoflavone contents, together with the highest antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of fermented soy was proportional to the concentration of free isoflavones, and was significantly influenced by total isoflavone content of soybean variety and fermentation period. Practical Application:  Isoflavone profile and antioxidant capacity of soybean were widely variable during fermentation with Asp oryzae, and thereby it is recommended that meju (or koji) preparation condition, in particular, fermentation time is carefully optimized to maximize the antioxidant capacity of soy products fermented by Asp oryzae.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease: a comparison of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and multiphasic MDCT

AIM

To compare the diagnostic performances of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multiphasic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Fifty-one patients (43 men, eight women; age range 32-80 years) with 73 HCCs underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and multiphasic MDCT. Two readers independently analysed each image in three separate reading sessions. The alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic (AFROC) method was used to analyse the diagnostic accuracy. Positive and negative predictive values and sensitivity were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 73 HCCs were detected in 51 patients. Although not significant (p>0.05), the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.877 and 0.850 for MDCT, 0.918 and 0.911 for dynamic MRI, and 0.905 and 0.918 for combined interpretation of dynamic and hepatobiliary phase MR images. Differences in sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values between the readers were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Combined interpretation of dynamic and hepatobiliary phase MRI images was more useful than MDCT in the detection of HCC lesions ≤1cm in diameter for one reader (p=0.043).

CONCLUSION

Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and MDCT show similar diagnostic performances for the detection of HCC in patients with chronic liver disease. However, the combined interpretation of dynamic and hepatobiliary phase MRI images may improve diagnostic accuracy in the detection of HCC lesions ≤1cm in diameter.

Abstract 4243: Potential protective role of phytoalexins derived from soybean by biotic elicitor on inflammatory mechanism

Given the preventive effect of soy intake against several chronic diseases, this study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory activity of phytoalexins glyceollins derived from soybean isoflavones by treating with biotic elicitor against LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cell culture system. Our data showed that glyceollins effectively inhibited NO production, IL-6 release, and COX-2 expression induced by LPS. In particular, glyceollins suppressed the LPS-induced phosphorylation of NF-B p65, suggesting that the compounds inhibit the production of NO and transcriptional activation of COX-2 by regulating NF-B activity. In another experiment we found that glyceollins enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase 1 and repressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 but not JNK in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Glyceollins also reduced TPA-induced skin inflammation in mouse model, confirming the anti-inflammatory activity of glyceollins in vivo system as well as cell culture system. Taken together, glyceollins merit further study as potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4243. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4243

Inverse associations between long-term weight change and serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants

There is emerging evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can increase the risk of various chronic diseases. As POPs mainly bioaccumulate in adipose tissue, weight change can affect serum concentrations of POPs. However, there are few population-based studies on effects of long-term weight change on serum concentrations of POPs. We examined associations between self-reported weight change over 1 year and 10 years and serum concentrations of seven POPs in 1099 adults aged ≥ 40. Serum concentrations of most POPs were higher in those with long-term weight loss, whereas they were lower in those with long-term weight gain. Adjusted correlation coefficients of each POP with weight change for 10 years were -0.23 (P < 0.01) for trans-nonachlor, -0.16 (P < 0.01) for p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, and -0.21 (P < 0.01) for β-hexachlorocyclohexane, -0.16 (P < 0.01) for PCB169, -0.20 (P < 0.01) for PCB180 and -0.17 (P < 0.01) for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Weight change for 1 year showed similar but weaker associations, compared with those of long-term weight changes. Although both beneficial health effects after weight loss and harmful health effects after weight gain are generally expected, changes in serum concentrations of POPs in relation to weight change may act on health in directions opposite to what we expect with weight change.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiMPO4 (M = Fe, Mn, Co) nanocrystals in polyol medium

Olivine structured LiMPO4 (M = Fe, Mn, Co) was synthesized by the solvothermal process using a polyol medium of diethylene glycol (DEG) without any further heating as a post procedure. The synthesized LiMPO4 nanoparticles exhibited an average length of 200 approximately 400 nm, width of 200 approximately 300 nm, and thickness of 20 approximately 50 nm, and with well dispersed plate and rod morphologies. The Rietveld-refined X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of LiFePO4 exhibited a good fit with an olivine structure (space group: Pnma) and no undesirable impurity phases. The LiFePO4 nanocrystals showed a reversible capacity of 167 mAh/g, equating to a utilization efficiency of 98% of its theoretical capacity, with a good cyclability over an extended range up to 40 cycles.

Abstract 227: Antitumor activity of glyceollins through induction of apoptosis

Glyceollins, which are synthesized from daidzein in soybean infected with fungi, have been shown to have anti-fungal effects and cancer preventive properties. However, the effects of glyceollins on apoptosis of cancer cell are not well known. We have investigated the antitumor effects of glyceollins on murine hepatoma cell lines. Cell viability was tested with a MTT assay. In Hepa1C1C7, glyceollins markedly reduced cell viability which was due to apoptosis. Glyceollins were observed to induce apoptosis of Hepa1C1C7 cells as evidenced by cell-morphological changes, an early redistribution of plasma membrane phosphatidylserine, increases in membrane leakage (propidium iodide) staining), Annexin-V binding, sub G1 phase in the cell cycle, and DNA laddering. Western blot analysis showed that upon treatment of tumor cells with the glyceollins, cleavage of pro-caspases-3 and significant release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol were readily observed. This study demonstrated that glyceollins caused cell death via an apoptotic pathway, which might be exploited for prevention of tumor development.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 227.

Abstract 5666: Nrf2-mediated induction of phase 2 detoxifying enzymes by an active compound isolated from Chrysanthemum zawadskii

Previous study demonstrated that methanolic extract of Chrysanthemum has the potential to induce detoxifying enzymes such as NAD(P)H:(quinone acceptor) oxidoreductase 1 (EC 1.6.99.2) (NQO1, QR). In this study we further fractionated methanolic extract of Chrysanthemum and investigated the detoxifying enzyme-inducing potential of each fraction. The fraction shown the highest NQO1-inducing activity was found to contain (+)-(3S,4S,5R,8S)-(E)-8-acetoxy-4-hydroxy-3-isovaleroyloxy-2-(hexa-2,4-diynyliden)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4,5]decane (CZ-5) which increased NQO1 enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner. And the compound (CZ-5), like most phase 2 enzyme inducers, caused a increasing expression pattern of phase 2 detoxifying enzymes in a dose-dependent manner in mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 and BPRc1 cells. Moreover, CZ-5 caused a dose-dependent enhancement of luciferase activity in HepG2-C8 cells generated by stably transfecting antioxidant response element-luciferase gene construct, suggesting that it induce antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes through antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated transcriptional activation of the relevant genes. CZ-5 also stimulated nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 as evaluated by western blot analysis. In conclusion, our data showed that CZ-5 acted as a potent phase 2 detoxifying enzyme inducer by stimulating the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and had potential as chemopreventive agent

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5666.

Dehydroglyasperin C isolated from licorice caused Nrf2-mediated induction of detoxifying enzymes

Our preliminary experiment demonstrated that a n-hexane/EtOH (9:1, volume) extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) caused a significant induction of NAD(P)H:oxidoquinone reductase (NQO1), one of the well-known phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. We isolated dehydroglyasperin C (DGC) as a potent phase 2 enzyme inducer from licorice. DGC induced NQO1 both in wild-type murine hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 and ARNT-lacking BPRc1 cells, indicating that the compound is a monofunctional inducer. The compound induced not only NQO1 but also some other phase 2 detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthase, glutathione reductase, and heme oxygenase 1. Similar to most monofunctional inducers, DGC caused the accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus in dose- and time-dependent manners and thereby activated expression of phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. It also resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the luciferase activity in the reporter assay, in which HepG2-C8 cells transfected with antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase construct were used, suggesting that the induction of phase 2 detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes could be achieved through the interaction of Nrf2 with the ARE sequence in the promoter region of their genes.

Effects of substrates on biofilm formation observed by atomic force microscopy

Formation of biofilm is known to be strongly dependent on substrates including topography, materials, and chemical treatment. In this study, a variety of substrates are tested for understanding biofilm formation. Sheets of aluminum, steel, rubber, and polypropylene have been used to examine their effects on formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. In particular, the morphological variation, transition, and adhesiveness of biofilm were investigated through local measurement by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Mechanism of removing biofilm from adhering to substrate is also analyzed, thus the understanding of the mechanism can be potentially useful to prevent the biofilm formation. The results reveal that formation of biofilm can remain on rough surface regardless of substrates in hot water, which may easily induce extra-polymeric substances detachment from bacterial surface. By probing using AFM, local force-distance characterization of extra-cellular materials extracted from the bacteria can exhibit the progress of the biofilm formation and functional complexities.

Development of a simple and rapid immunochromatographic strip test for diarrhea-causative porcine rotavirus in swine stool

A rapid and simple immunochromatography (IC) strip test, for specific detection of porcine rotavirus (PRV) in stool specimen, was developed. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the OSU strain of PRV have been produced in mice. Among them, two hybridoma clones that generate mAb-1 and mAb-2, respectively, specific for VP6 protein of PRV, have been selected. In the IC configuration, mAb-1, one of the selected mAbs was used to the designed coat microparticles (MP), while another mAb-2 was used to fix it on the nitrocellulose membrane strip to form a result line. The control line was formed on the same membrane strip past the result line by fixing anti-mouse IgG antibody. The IC test was capable of detecting 1000 plaque-forming units of PRV/ml in less than 5min, and the binding capacity was demonstrated by specific recognition of PRV only, but not other porcine diarrhea viruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). The IC test produced positive results with all the nine PRV-positive stool specimens and negative results with five different non-PRV specimens, which were identified previously by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, respectively. The results indicate an excellent concordance between the two methods, suggesting a potential application of the three combinated IC tests (PRV, TGEV and PEDV) for the on-site, rapid screening of porcine diarrhea cases.