Association of rs35006907 Polymorphism with Risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Han Chinese Population

Background

Several investigations have demonstrated the association of MTSS1 with left ventricular (LV) structure and function. A recently published study has even revealed that rs35006907 was associated with both MTSS1 expression and the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Objective

Our study intended to investigate the relationship between rs35006907 and the risk of DCM in the Han Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 529 DCM and 600 healthy controls were recruited. We conducted genotyping for rs35006907 in all participants. Gene association studies were performed to assess the association between rs35006907 and the risk of DCM. A series of functional assays including western blot, realtime PCR and firefly luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to illuminate the underlying mechanism.

Results

We found that rs35006907-A allele was significantly associated with reduced risk of DCM in additive (p= 0.004; OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.66-0.93) and recessive models (p= 0.0005; OR=0.56; 95%CI=0.41-0.78) when compared with the rs35006907-C allele. There were significant differences in the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between rs35006907-CC/AC and AA genotypes. Furthermore, the variant rs35006907-A allele presented lower reporter gene activity, reduced mRNA and protein expression levels when compared with the C allele.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that rs35006907-C allele increased the risk of DCM in Han Chinese population. Besides, rs35006907-C displayed higher reporter gene activity and increased MTSS1 expression in human samples.

[Mechanism of VPS26 gene promoting implant osseointegration through Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hyperlipidemia rats]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of VPS26 effect on osteogenesis and adipogenesis differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) in high fat environment, and to explore the effect of VPS26 on implants osseointegration of high fat rats and ectopic osteogenesis in nude mice. Methods: BMSC were cultured under normal osteogenic induction (osteogenic group) and high-fat osteogenic induction (high-fat group).High-fat group was transfected with VPS26 enhancer and inhibitor, and the expression levels of osteogenesis related genes and adipogenesis related genes were examined. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis of BMSC were detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and oil red O staining after 7 and 14 days of induction.In osteogenic group,the binding of VPS26 to β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence staining and immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter assay (TOP Flash) was used to analyze the TOP/FOP ratio. Eighteen male 12-week hyperlipidemic Wista rats (160-200 g) were implanted with implants, and six in each group were injected with VPS26 overexpression lentivirus (LV-VPS26 group), negative control lentivirus (LV-nc group) and saline (blank control group).Micro-CT analysis , HE and oil red O staining were used to evaluate the osseointegration of the implants and lipid droplets formation of the femur samples. Twenty female 6-week nude mice (30-40 g) were divided into five groups and subcutaneously implanted with osteogenic BMSC non-transfected and transfected LV-VPS26, LV-nc, shVPS26, and shscr lentivirus on the back. Samples were used to observe ectopic osteogenesis. Results: The mRNA expression levels of ALP in the high-fat group BMSC after overexpression of VPS26 (1.56±0.09) were significantly higher than those of the negative control (1.01±0.03) (t=10.09, P<0.001), while those of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) (t=6.44, P<0.001) and fatty acid-binding protein4 (FABP4) (t=10.01, P<0.001) were lower than those of the negative control. Western blotting results showed that compared with the negative control, protein expression of ALP and Runt-related transcription gene 2 was enhanced in the high-fat group BMSC after overexpression of VPS26 while PPAR-γ and FABP4 were inhibited. ALP activity of BMSC in the high-fat group was stronger after overexpression of VPS26, and the formation of lipid droplets was weaker than that in negative control. The results of immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assays showed co-localization and interaction of VPS26 with β-catenin and a significant 43.10% increase in the TOP/FOP ratio (t=-3.17, P=0.034). VPS26 overexpression enhanced osseointegration and decreased the number of lipid droplets in high-fat rat and enhanced ectopic osteogenesis of nude mice. Conclusions: VPS26 activated osteogenesis differentiation and inhibited adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs through Wnt/β-catenin pathway, promoting osseointegration of high-fat rat implants and ectopic osteogenesis of nude mice.

Atezolizumab‑associated encephalitis in metastatic breast cancer: A case report

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been critical in the treatment of advanced malignancies in recent years. Encephalitis caused by atezolizumab is an uncommon immune-related adverse event. The case of a 65-year-old female diagnosed with encephalitis closely associated with atezolizumab medication for metastatic advanced breast cancer is presented in the current study. Following a fourth atezolizumab dose 10 days previously, the patient fell into a deep coma. Initial brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple patchy T2 hyperintensities in the bilateral cerebellar hemisphere, vermis of the cerebellum, bilateral frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe and occipital cortex. Meanwhile, there were aberrant signs on diffusion-weighted imaging. The diagnosis of atezolizumab-induced encephalitis seemed probable after ruling out other possible causes of encephalitis. Subsequently, the condition of the patient worsened and there were indications of cardiac and respiratory arrest. Chest compressions were provided immediately, as well as a balloon mask for assisted ventilation, a medication boost, stimulated breathing and other symptomatic therapy. The patient's vital signs temporarily stabilised after this series of rescue measures. The patient refused further therapy and insisted on being discharged, and died a few days after being discharged from the hospital. In this case, the patient's encephalitis symptoms associated with atezolizumab were not as typical as previously documented. The patient's condition swiftly deteriorated to heartbeat apnea, and steroid pulse therapy was not received in a timely manner, resulting in an unfavourable outcome.

Regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) negatively regulates the Gli2 regulator SUFU to activate the hedgehog pathway in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

The regulator of cullins-1 (ROC1) is an essential subunit in the cullin-RING ligase (CRL) protein complex and has been shown to be critical in bladder cancer cell survival and progression. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of ROC1 action in the malignant progression of bladder cancer.

METHODS

This study utilized ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo nude mouse experiments to assess the underlying mechanisms of ROC1 in bladder cancer cells. The expression of the components of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway was determined by western blot analysis. ROC1 expression in human tumors was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

ROC1 overexpression promoted the growth of bladder cancer cells, whereas knockdown of ROC1 expression had the opposite effect in bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, ROC1 was able to target suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, allowing Gli2 release from the SUFU complex to activate the SHH pathway. Furthermore, knockdown of SUFU expression partially rescued the ROC1 knockdown-suppressed SHH activity as well as cancer cell growth inhibition. In ex vivo experiments, tissue microarray analysis of human bladder cancer specimens revealed a positive association of ROC1 expression with the SHH pathway activity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that dysregulation of the ROC1-SUFU-GLI2 axis plays an important role in bladder cancer progression and that targeting ROC1 expression is warranted in further investigations as a novel strategy for the future control of bladder cancer.

Wireless phone use and adult meningioma risk: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Several studies explored the effects of exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) EMF emitted from mobile phones on meningioma among adults. However, the results could not reach an agreement. This meta-analysis was conducted to confirm the relationship between adult meningioma risk and the use of a wireless phone. Methods: Pertinent studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase up to August 2018. The random- or fixed-effects model was used to combine the results depending on the heterogeneity of the analysis. The publication bias was evaluated using Egger's regression asymmetry test. The subgroup analysis was performed by time since the first use of wireless phone and laterality (ipsilateral/contralateral). Results: Eight studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The pooled results suggested that the ever use of wireless phone led to a borderline decreased adult meningioma risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83-0.99] with no heterogeneity (I² = 5.3%; p = 0.391). A decreased risk of meningioma was seen in short-term (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.77-0.94) users. Neither decreased nor increased risk of meningioma was observed in mid-term (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.75-1.16) and long-term (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.93-1.19) users. Neither ipsilateral (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.90-1.22) nor contralateral (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.62-1.18) wireless phone use was associated with the risk of meningioma. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested a relationship between decreased meningioma risk and wireless phone use. However, the findings need further validation.

MiR-21 inhibitor improves locomotor function recovery by inhibiting IL-6R/JAK-STAT pathway-mediated inflammation after spinal cord injury in model of rat

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the function of miRNA-21 and interleukin-6 receptor/Janus Kinase-Signal transducer and activator of transcription (IL-6R/JAK-STAT) pathway in microglia on inflammatory responses after spinal cord injury (SCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study first detected respectively the protein level of inflammatory factor inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by Western blotting after transfection of miR-21 or administration of miR-21 inhibitor in activated microglia cells of rat in vitro. The quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to detect the expression of IL-6R under two different interventions. Next, we established a model of spinal cord injury in rat and inspected miR-21 and IL-6R in SCI rat by qRT-PCR. In addition, the protein levels of iNOS and TNF-α in SCI rat were detected by Western blotting. MiR-21 inhibitor was injected into the injured area of SCI rat to delve into the function of miR-21 down-expression on iNOS and TNF-α expression by Western blot as well as the RNA levels of IL-6R, JAK and STAT3 by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the SCI rat with movement and coordination of hindlimbs was observed by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) after miR-21 down-expression.

RESULTS

Compared with the microglia transfected with miR-21, the execution of inhibitor in microglia effectively relieved the expression of IL-6R and the breakout of iNOS and TNF-α. Meanwhile, the increase of miR-21 was significantly observed in SCI rat along with significant improvement of inflammatory response-related factors including iNOS and TNF-α. After that, we injected SCI rat with miR-21 inhibitor into the spinal cord injury area and found the inhibition of miR-21 decreased the protein levels of iNOS and TNF-α. Simultaneously, down-expression of miR-21 evidently declined the RNA levels of IL-6R, JAK, and STAT3 in SCI rat. Compared with the sham-operated rat, the movement and coordination of hindlimbs of the SCI group displayed dramatic dysfunction. However, miR-21 down-expression elevated the movement and coordination of hindlimbs of the SCI rat than those of the only injury group.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of miR-21 can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury by down-regulating IL-6R/JAK-STAT signaling pathway and inhibiting inflammation.

Sdccag3 Promotes Implant Osseointegration during Experimental Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia adversely affects bone metabolism, often resulting in compromised osseointegration and implant loss. In addition, genetic networks associated with osseointegration have been proposed. Serologically defined colon cancer antigen 3 (Sdccag3) is a novel endosomal protein that functions in actin cytoskeleton remodeling, protein trafficking and secretion, cytokinesis, and apoptosis, but its roles in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and in implant osseointegration under hyperlipidemic conditions have not been uncovered. Here, we performed microarray and RNA sequencing analysis to determine the differential expression of the Sdccag3 gene and related noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and to assess the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MSTRG.97162.4-miR-193a-3p-Sdccag3 coexpression network in bone tissues within the region 0.5 mm around implants in hyperlipidemic rats. In this experiment, we found that Sdccag3 and the previously uncharacterized lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4 were downregulated during hyperlipidemia, while miR-193a-3p was upregulated. Sdccag3 overexpression increased new trabecular formation, the bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) (1.24-fold), and bone-implant combination ratio (BIC%) (1.26-fold). An RNA pulldown experiment revealed that Sdccag3 protein targeted lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4 nucleotides 361 to 389. In addition, lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4 overexpression significantly enhanced Sdccag3 (2.78-fold) expression and increased BV/TV (1.45-fold) and BIC% (1.07-fold) at the bone-implant interface. Taken together, these findings indicate that Sdccag3 overexpression enhances implant osseointegration under hyperlipidemic conditions by binding to lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4. Furthermore, miR-193a-3p overexpression inhibited lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4 (0.63-fold) and Sdccag3 (0.88-fold) expression and induced poor implant osseointegration (BV/TV, 0.86-fold; BIC%, 0.82-fold), while miR-193a-3p downregulation produced the opposite results (lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4, 10.69-fold; Sdccag3, 6.96-fold; BV/TV, 1.20-fold; BIC%, 1.26-fold). Therefore, our findings show that Sdccag3 promotes implant osseointegration, and its related lncRNA-MSTRG.97162.4 and miR-193a-3p play an important role in osseointegration during hyperlipidemia, which might be a promising therapeutic target for improving dental implantation success rates.

[miR-29c-3p targeted dishevelled 2 on osteogenesis differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in high-fat environment]

Objective: To study the different expression of 4 microRNA (miRNA, miR) during the osteogenesis differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) cultured in high-fat or normal environment and to explore the relationship of these miRNAs with disheveled 2 during osteogenesis differentiation. Methods: BMSC were cultured with 2 ml normal osteogenic induction (control group) and high-fat osteogenic induction (high-fat group) respectively. On the 3rd, 5th, 7th,14th, 21st day, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to analyze expression levels of four miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-138-5p and miR-351-5p), mRNA of disheveled 2, osteogenic related factors such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runt-related transcription gene 2 (Runx2). And the protein was detected by Western blotting. After BMSC were transfected by 50 μl 50 nmol/L miRNA mimics/inhibitors/negative controls respectively, BMSC were put on osteogenic induction, on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th day, ALP activity was detected. On the 7th day, ALP staining was to observe the degree of osteogenesis differentiation, and Western blotting was adopted to analyze the expression of dishevelled 2 and other osteogenic related factors, while qPCR was used to analyze the expression of disheveled 2 mRNA. After 293T cells were co-transfected with disheveled 2 wild-type/mutant firefly luciferase reporter plasmid with either negative control (NC) or a mimic of these four miRNAs respectively for 48 h, luciferase activities were measured. Results: On the 21th day, the expressions of miR-21-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-138-5p and miR-351-5p in high-fat groups were higher by 20%, 60%, 340% and 4 420% respectively than those in control groups (P<0.05). The expression of ALP and Runx2 in BMSC decreased after BMSC transfected miR-21-5p and miR-29c-3p mimics, while increased after transfected miR-21-5p and miR-29c-3p inhibitors. The expression of disheveled 2 decreased by 35% after transfected by miR-29c-3p mimic, while it increased by 269% after transfected by miR-29c-3p inhibitor (P<0.05). Transfection of the miR-29c-3p mimics significantly decreased the luciferase activity of wild-type 3'-UTR compared with NC control (P<0.05). There were no statistical significances among other groups. Conclusions: miRNAs had better expression during osteogenesis differentiation of BMSC in high-fat environment; miR-29c-3p could negatively regulate the osteogenesis differentiation of BMSC by targets on dishevelled 2.

[Identification of the Disease-Associated Genes in Periodontitis Using the Co-expression Network]

The aim of this study was to investigate the disease-associated genes in periodontitis. In the present experiments, the topological analysis of the differential co-expression network was proposed. Using the GSE16134 dataset downloaded from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, a co-expression network was constructed after the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the diseased (242 samples) and healthy (69 samples) gingival tissues from periodontitis patients. The topological properties of the modules obtained from the network as well as an analysis of transcription factors (TFs) were used to determine the disease-associated genes. The gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these disease related genes. A total of 524 DEGs, including 19 TFs were identified and a co-expression network with 2569 edges was obtained. Among the 7 modules gained in the network, the TFs (ZNF215, ZEN273, NFAT5, TRPS1, MEF2C and FLI1) were considered to be important in periodontitis. The functional and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were highly involved in the immune system. The co-expression network analysis and TFs identified in periodontitis may provide opportunities for biomarker development and novel insights into the therapeutics of periodontitis.

DS1/OsEMF1 interacts with OsARF11 to control rice architecture by regulation of brassinosteroid signaling

BACKGROUND

Plant height and leaf angle are important determinants of yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Genes involved in regulating plant height and leaf angle were identified in previous studies; however, there are many remaining unknown factors that affect rice architecture.

RESULTS

In this study, we characterized a dwarf mutant named ds1 with small grain size and decreased leaf angle,selected from an irradiated population of ssp. japonica variety Nanjing35. The ds1 mutant also showed abnormal floral organs. ds1 plants were insensitive to BL treatment and expression of genes related to BR signaling was changed. An F₂ population from a cross between ds1 and indica cultivar 93-11 was used to fine map DS1 and to map-based clone the DS1 allele, which encoded an EMF1-like protein that acted as a transcriptional regulator. DS1 was constitutively expressed in various tissues, and especially highly expressed in young leaves, panicles and seeds. We showed that the DS1 protein interacted with auxin response factor 11 (OsARF11), a major transcriptional regulator of plant height and leaf angle, to co-regulate D61/OsBRI1 expression. These findings provide novel insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms by which DS1 integrates auxin and brassinosteroid signaling in rice.

CONCLUSION

The DS1 gene encoded an EMF1-like protein in rice. The ds1 mutation altered the expression of genes related to BR signaling, and ds1 was insensitive to BL treatment. DS1 interacts with OsARF11 to co-regulate OsBRI1 expression.

[Application of plasma sprayed zirconia coating in dental implant: study in implant]

Objective: To investigate the osseointegration of a novel coating-plasma-sprayed zirconia in dental implant. Methods: Zirconia coating on non-thread titanium implant was prepared using plasma spraying, the implant surface morphology, surface roughness and wettability were measured. In vivo, zirconia coated implants were inserted in rabbit tibia and animals were respectively sacrificed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after implantation. The bond strength between implant and bone was measured by push-out test. The osseointegration was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro CT and histological analyses. Quantified parameters including removal torque, and bone-implant contact (BIC) percentage were calculated. Results: The surface roughness (1.6 µm) and wettability (54.6°) of zirconia coated implant was more suitable than those of titanium implant (0.6 µm and 74.4°) for osseointegration. At 12 weeks, the push-out value of zirconia coated implant and titanium implant were (64.9±3.0) and (50.4±2.9) N, and BIC value of these two groups were (54.7±3.6)% and (41.5±3.6)%. All these differences had statistical significance. Conclusions: The surface characters of zirconia coated implant were more suitable for osseointegration and present better osseointegration than smooth titanium implant in vivo, especially at early stage.

Duck "beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome" disease complex: Interplay of novel goose parvovirus-related virus and duck circovirus?

As a newly emerged infectious disease, duck "beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome (BADS)" disease has caused huge economic losses to waterfowl industry in China since 2015. Novel goose parvovirus-related virus (NGPV) is believed the main pathogen of BADS disease; however, BADS is rarely reproduced by infecting ducks with NGPV alone. As avian circovirus infection causes clinical symptoms similar to BADS, duck circovirus (DuCV) is suspected the minor pathogen of BADS disease. In this study, an investigation was carried out to determine the coinfection of NGPV and DuCV in duck embryos and in ducks with BADS disease. According to our study, the coinfection of emerging NGPV and DuCV was prevalent in East China (Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui province) and could be vertical transmitted, indicating their cooperative roles in duck BADS disease.

[Overexpression of TRPV1 after periphery nerve injury attenuates nerve regeneration in rats]

Objective: To observe the effect of the expressive or functional blockage of TRPV1 on nerve regeneration after sciatic trans-section injury. Methods: AMG-517, a kind of TRPV1 inhibitor, was injected into the surrounding area of the ipsilateral lumbar dorsal root ganglia while unilateral sciatic nerve was transected. A total of 24 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, injury only group, injury+ AMG-517 150 μg/kg group, injury+ AMG-517 300 μg/kg group. The injury only group was injected the same volume of medium. The release of CGRP from dorsal-horn of spinal cord, the number of axons at proximal stem of sciatic nerve after transection, and the expression of TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglion were detected using the methods of ELISA, Western blot and semi-thin section (1 μm)- toluidine blue staining 2 weeks after injury. Results: The release of CGRP in lumbar spinal dorsal horn was obviously decreased after AMG-517 treatment, which was the evidence of TRPV1 functional inhibition. CGRP in the control group was 0.15 ng/g, the injury only group 0.17 ng/g, AMG-517 150 μg/kg group 0.09 ng/g, and AMG-517 300 μg/kg group 0.11 ng/g(P<0.01). The number of axons which were myelinated or unmyelinated increased after the TRPV1 was inhibited by AMG-517(P<0.01). In addition, the injection of AMG-517 into surrounding dorsal root ganglion decreased the expression of TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglion(P<0.01). Conclusions: Over expression or activation of TRPV1 after periphery nerve injury has negative effect on nerve regeneration in fact; Inhibiting the over-expression or over-activation of TRPV1 after nerve injury facilitates axonal regeneration and nerve repair.

Activation of chrysocolla flotation by organic chelating agents

Activation of chrysocolla by organic Cu-chelating agents was studied using a series of test and analysis methods, revealing that the performance of these agents was related to their chemical activity and chrysocolla dissolution properties.

Hypertension and risk of depression in the elderly: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between hypertension and risk of depression. The relationship between hypertension and depression has been discussed for a long time, but the results are controversial. Studies were searched from PubMed and Cochrane up to 24 March 2014. Any prospective cohort study, which possibly reported the relationship between hypertension and depression, was included. The random effect model was used to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR). Finally, five prospective cohort studies were included for analysis, with a total of 9647 participants involved. Our meta-analysis does not support that hypertension is probably a risk factor of depression. The pooled RR was 1.16 (95% confidence interval: 0.91, 1.42) when those exposed to hypertension were compared with those who were not. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias test suggested that the overall result of this analysis was robust. Further studies are needed to exclude the effects of other confounding factors.

Electron transport enhanced by electrode surface reconstruction: a case study of C60-based molecular junctions

At the C₆₀–Cu(111) interface, electrode surface reconstruction (Rec) increases electrical current compared to that for the unreconstructed (Unrec) surface.

Tuning the electron transport properties of boron-nitride nanoribbons with electron and hole doping

C chain doped BN nanoribbons can be either metallic or semiconducting, depending on how the C chains are located.

The survival benefit of kidney transplantation in obese patients

Obese patients have a decreased risk of death on dialysis but an increased risk of death after transplantation, and may derive a lower survival benefit from transplantation. Using data from the United States between 1995 and 2007 and multivariate non-proportional hazards analyses we determined the relative risk of death in transplant recipients grouped by body mass index (BMI) compared to wait-listed candidates with the same BMI (n = 208 498). One year after transplantation the survival benefit of transplantation varied by BMI: Standard criteria donor transplantation was associated with a 48% reduction in the risk of death in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2) but a ≥ 66% reduction in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2. Living donor transplantation was associated with ≥ 66% reduction in the risk of death in all BMI groups. In sub-group analyses, transplantation from any donor source was associated with a survival benefit in obese patients ≥ 50 years, and diabetic patients, but a survival benefit was not demonstrated in Black patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2). Although most obese patients selected for transplantation derive a survival benefit, the benefit is lower when BMI is ≥ 40 kg/m(2), and uncertain in Black patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2).

Ipr1 gene mediates RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line resistance to Mycobacterium bovis

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) seriously affects efficiency of animal production with impacts on public health as well. Effective programmes of prevention and eradication of M. bovis infection therefore are urgently needed. Intracellular pathogen resistance gene 1 (Ipr1) is well known to mediate innate immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), but there are no reports as to whether Ipr1 can enhance the phagocytic ability of macrophage against M. bovis. In this investigation, RAW 264.7 macrophage was transduced with lentiviral vector carrying Ipr1 (named Lenti-Ipr1); transgenic cells were identified by RT-PCR and western blotting. Transgenic positive cells (R-Ipr1) were then infected with an M. bovis virulent strain, with non-transduced cells used as control. When cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis of the two groups were investigated, it was found that infected RAW 264.7 died by necrosis whereas R-Ipr1 underwent apoptosis. Furthermore, the numbers of intracellular bacteria in R-Ipr1 were lower than those in control cells (P < 0.05). To identify the role of Ipr1, we measured the genes of Casp3, Mcl-1 and NOS2A which associated with macrophage activation and apoptosis by real-time quantitative PCR. The results demonstrated that Ipr1 gene expression can enhance anti-M. bovis infection of macrophage. This establishes a basis for the future production of Ipr1-transgenic cattle to strengthen the tuberculosis resistance.

Efficacy and safety of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in combination with two glucocorticoid regimens for the treatment of active lupus nephritis

Mycophenolic acid, in combination with glucocorticoids, has been shown in a series of trials to be safe and effective for treatment of lupus nephritis. Regimens that permit glucocorticoid dose reduction without loss of efficacy would be advantageous. MyLupus was a 24-week, multicentre, open-label, study in patients with active proliferative lupus nephritis treated with enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), randomized to standard-dose ( n = 42) or reduced-dose ( n = 39) glucocorticoids. Complete response at week 24, the primary endpoint, was achieved in 19.8% (16/81) of patients (19.0% standard-dose, 20.5% reduced-dose; lower limit of 97.5% CI for the difference −15.9%, p = 0.098, i.e. non-inferiority was not shown). Partial response occurred in 42.0% of patients (34/81). From baseline to week 24, the mean global British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) score decreased from 14.0 ± 5.4 to 5.0 ± 3.8 ( p < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was 80.2% (65/81), most frequently gastrointestinal complications (31/81, 38.3%). Infections were reported in 57.1% and 35.9% of standard- and reduced-dose glucocorticoid patients, respectively ( p = 0.056), with herpes zoster in 16.7% and 0% ( p = 0.012). Three patients discontinued study medication due to adverse events. This exploratory study suggests that EC-MPS may facilitate glucocorticoid reduction without loss of efficacy in patients with active lupus nephritis, but results require confirmation in a controlled, longer-term study versus the current standard of care.

Rice dehydrin K-segments have in vitro antibacterial activity

Dehydrins are groups of plant proteins that have been shown to response to various environmental stimuli such as dehydration, elevated salinity, and low temperature. However, their roles in plant defense against microbes have not been demonstrated. In an attempt to discover plant antimicrobial proteins, we have screened a rice cDNA library and isolated several cDNAs coding for dehydrins. Protein extracts from Escherichia coli expressing these cDNAs were tested for their activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus pumilus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Sarcina lutea) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae). The results indicate that the crude protein extracts exhibited antibacterial activities against the Gram-positive bacteria. However, dehydrins purified by immunoaffinity chromatography were not active against the bacteria. To pinpoint the dehydrin peptides that were responsible for the bactericidal activity, we expressed DNA sequences coding for truncated dehydrins containing either K- or S-segment and found that K-segment peptides, and not S-segment, were responsible for the antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria. Antibacterial assay with synthetic K-segments indicated that the peptides inhibited growth of B. pumilus with minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 130 and 400 μg/ml, respectively.

A clinical case-control study on the association between mannose-binding lectin and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection among northern Han Chinese population

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key molecule of the innate immune system and a competent to bind carbohydrates of a variety of microorganisms, resulting in complement activation and opsonophagocytosis against various pathogens. However, there is no systemic investigation on the MBL's role in innate immune responses against HIV-1 infection among northern Han Chinese. This study investigated the association between MBL and HIV-1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. A total of 91 HIV-1 infected patients and 91 HIV-1 seronegative healthy individuals were recruited. Six polymorphisms of MBL2 gene were genotyped by pyrosequencing. The quantitative measurement of serum MBL concentration and MBL complex activity were performed by ELISA. The CD4+ T-cell counts were determined by flow cytometry. The plasma viral loads of 91 HIV-1 infected patients were determined by bDNA method. The results show that there is an association between MBL and HIV-1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. The individuals with B variant, low serum MBL concentration and low MBL complex activity are more susceptible to HIV-1 infection.

Molecular characterization, expression pattern and association analysis of the porcine BTG2 gene

B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2), a member of the B-cell translocation gene family with anti-proliferative properties, have been characterized to be involved in cell growth, differentiation and survival. In this study, we cloned the full length sequences of cDNA and genomic DNA of BTG2 gene from the porcine skeletal muscle. Spatial expression analysis showed that the porcine BTG2 gene is expressed predominantly in muscle. Temporal expression analysis in longissimus dorsi muscle demonstrated that the expression of BTG2 gene has the highest expression at 60 days old in Large White while with a peak expression at 120 days old in Meishan. Temporal analysis also revealed that the expression of BTG2 gene is generally higher in Large White than in Meishan at all the developmental stages tested (65 days of conception and 3, 35, 60, 120, and 180 days of postnatal). A single nucleotide polymorphism (G417C) in the intron of BTG2 gene was then detected by PCR-RFLP in Large White × Meishan F2 resource population and association analysis suggested that this polymorphic site had significant association (P < 0.05) with the buttock fat thickness, fat percentage, lean muscle percentage, ratio of lean to fat and carcass length.

Isolation of an unusual strain of Edwardsiella tarda from turbot and establish a PCR detection technique with the gyrB gene

AIMS

The aim of this study was to report an unusual Edwardsiella tarda and develop an effective method to identify this bacterium.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During the spring and summer of 2006, an epizootic occurred among cultured turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in Qingdao, China. A gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium (designated as LTB-4) was isolated from the infected fish, and was proved to be virulent to turbot. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing and phenotypic tests, the bacterial pathogen was identified as E. tarda. Unlike those commonly described E. tarda strains, no flagellate was observed. Partial gyrB genes were amplified from E. tarda using the universal primers of gyrB genes and sequenced. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for the gyrB gene were designed specific to E. tarda. It revealed positive amplification of the gyrB fragment in E. tarda, whereas other bacterial species were negative. In addition, the technique enabled the recognition of E. tarda from diseased fish.

CONCLUSIONS

The isolate was identified as E. tarda without flagellate and an effective method was developed to identify E. tarda based on using the gyrB gene as a taxonomic marker.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The unusual E. tarda was first reported in China and the PCR allowed the rapid and sensitive detection of E. tarda.

The influence of recombinant human BMP-2 on bone-implant osseointegration: biomechanical testing and histomorphometric analysis

The healing period for bone-implant osseointegration lasts 3-6 months or even longer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether osseointegration can be enhanced by the use of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). In the femurs of 8 Japanese white rabbits, 16 implants were applied with 1.0 mg recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) as group A, and the other 16 implants without rhBMP-2 as group B. Calcein green 20 mg/kg and alizarin red 20 mg/kg were injected 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, respectively. At 12 weeks, the animals were killed. In 16 implant-bone blocks, binding strength was measured by pull-out test, and the extracted implants were observed under a scanning electronic microscope. The other blocks were analysed for percentage of marked bone adjacent to the implant surface by confocal laser scanning microscope. The pull-out strengths of group A were greater than that of group B (P<0.05). Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) showed more calcified substances on the surface of the implants of group A than B. There was more marked bone around group A than B implants at 4 weeks (P<0.05) and 8 weeks (P<0.05). rhBMP-2 improves the quantity and quality of implant-bone osseointegration. Biomechanical testing and histomorphometric analysis are reliable methods to use in researching the implant-bone interface.

Identification of a differential gene HUMMLC2B between F1 hybrids Landrace x Yorkshire and their female parents Yorkshire

In order to investigate heterosis on a molecular basis, suppression subtractive hybridization was used to analyze the differences in gene expression between porcine F1 hybrids Landrace x Yorkshire and their female parents Yorkshire. From two specific subtractive cDNA libraries, the clones screened out by reverse Northern high-density blots screening were chosen to clone full-length cDNA by RACE. An expression-upregulated gene for Yorkshire skeletal muscle, designated as HUMMLC2B, was identified. Porcine HUMMLC2B contains an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 169 amino acids residues with 59 and 115 nucleotides in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), respectively. In the porcine genome, it contains seven exons separated by six introns. High allelic variations and four SINEs were detected in it. Comparison of derived amino acid sequence of HUMMLC2B with database sequences revealed highly conserved 12 amino acid residues in a putative calcium-binding region. RT-PCR analysis showed a tissue-specific pattern of expression in skeletal muscle and a similar level of expression during skeletal muscle development. The possible role of HUMMLC2B and its relation to porcine heterosis are discussed.

Engineering of the gut commensal bacterium Bacteroides ovatus to produce and secrete biologically active murine interleukin-2 in response to xylan

AIMS

The aim of this work was to engineer a gut commensal bacterium, Bacteroidesovatus, to produce and secrete a biologically active cytokine in a regulated manner as a basis for novel immunotherapies for chronic gut disorders.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Bacteroides ovatus was engineered to produce murine interleukin-2 (MuIL2) intracellularly in response to xylan in culture media by inserting the MuIL2 gene into the xylanase operon of the organism. A second strain was engineered to secrete MuIL2 by adding Bacteroides fragilis enterotoxin secretion signal sequence to the protein. The recombinant strains produced MuIL2 only in the presence of xylan as determined by ELISA of cell lysates and culture supernatants. The IL2-dependent cell line CTLL-2 was used to demonstrate that MuIL2 produced by both B. ovatus strains was biologically active. This activity could be blocked by an anti-IL2 neutralizing antibody. The xylan-inducible nature of this system was demonstrated by RT-PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacteroides ovatus was successfully engineered to produce and secrete biologically active MuIL2 in a xylan-inducible manner.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The production and secretion of a biologically active mammalian protein by a member of the gut microflora could lead to the development of new long-term immunotherapies for inflammatory gut diseases.