Ginsenoside RG1-induced mesenchymal stem cells alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy through secreting exosomal circNOTCH1 to promote macrophage M2 polarization

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac complication resulting from long-term uncontrolled diabetes, characterized by myocardial fibrosis and abnormal cardiac function. This study aimed at investigating the potential of ginsenoside RG1 (RG1)-induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in alleviating DCM. A DCM mouse model was constructed, and the effects of RG1-induced MSCs on myocardial function and fibrosis in diabetic mice were evaluated. RG1-induced MSCs were cocultured with high glucose-treated fibroblasts for subsequent functional and mechanism assays. It was discovered that RG1-induced MSCs secrete exosomes that induce macrophage M2 polarization. Mechanistically, exosomes derived from RG1-induced MSCs transferred circNOTCH1 into macrophages, activating the NOTCH signaling pathway. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis consisting of circNOTCH1, miR-495-3p, and NOTCH1 was found to contribute to DCM alleviation.. This study unveiled that exosomal circNOTCH1 secreted by RG1-induced MSCs can alleviate DCM by activating the NOTCH signaling pathway to induce macrophage M2 polarization. This finding may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches for DCM.

Numerical study and orthogonal analysis of optimal performance parameters for vertical cooling of sintered ore

The sinter cooler, essential for cooling hot sintered ore to a specific temperature, has seen recent advancements with the introduction of a vertical sinter cooling furnace. This innovation aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve waste heat recovery. Despite significant research, a quantitative analysis of factors impacting its cooling and heat transfer efficiency is lacking. This study utilizes the Euler model and local non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory to identify key factors affecting the gas-solid cooperative cooling process in the vertical cooler. Through an orthogonal experimental approach, the paper determines the optimal structural and operational parameters for the furnace. Key findings include that a gas-solid ratio of 1200m^3/t, inlet air temperature of 50 ℃, cooling section height of 6m, and diameter of 13.25m maximize efficiency, achieving a weighted range normalization value of 0.962. This configuration meets sintered ore cooling requirements while optimizing waste heat recovery. The study reveals that the impact on heat transfer efficiency is influenced primarily by the gas-solid ratio, followed by the cooling section's height, diameter, and inlet air temperature. These insights are crucial for enhancing the vertical sinter cooler's design, contributing to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly sintering processes.

[Depressive symptoms are not associated with risks of rapid renal function decline or chronic kidney disease in middle-aged and elderly with normal kidney function: a longitudinal investigation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between depressive symptoms and the risks of rapid decline in renal function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in middle-aged and elderly with normal kidney function.

METHODS

The residents aged 40- 75 years with eGFR≥60 mL·min^-1·1.73 m^-2 without proteinuria in Lanzhou region, who participated in the "REACTION" study carried out in 2011, were selected and followed up in 2014. A total of 4961 individuals with complete and qualified data from the two surveys were included in the subsequent analysis. Based on PHQ-9 questionnaire scores, the baseline population was divided into two groups with and without depressive symptoms. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to compare the incidences of rapid renal function decline and CKD between the two groups and study the association of depressive symptoms with the risk of these renal conditions.

RESULTS

PHQ-9 questionnaire scores were not found to correlate with baseline SCr, ALB, UACR or eGFR levels among the participarts (P>0.05). After a mean follow-up time of 3.4±0.6 years, 33.9% of the participants with depressive symptoms at baseline experienced a rapid decline in renal function and 3.6% progressed to CKD. During the follow-up, the incidence of rapid decline in renal function and the risk of developing CKD were not found to correlate with depressive symptoms in these participants (P>0.05) regardless of the type of the depressive syndromes.

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms are not associated with the risks of rapid renal function decline or progression to CKD in middle-aged and elderly with normal kidney function.

Early B Cytokine 1 Improves the Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Ovarian Cancer Cells by Transcriptional Inhibition of the Expression of Cripto-1

Ovarian cancer is a common malignant tumor in obstetrics and gynecology and its pathogenesis is complex. EBF1 expression is significantly decreased in ovarian cancer tissues, but its specific mechanism in ovarian cancer has not been studied. In this study, GEPIA website predicted the expression of EBF1 in ovarian cancer tissues. Expression of EBF1 in ovarian cancer cells was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. CCK-8 and clone formation assay were used to detect the cell proliferation level. Wound healing and Transwell assays detected the levels of cell invasion and migration. Western blot was used to detect the expression of migration-related proteins. Cell transfection techniques were used to overexpress or reduce the expression levels of EBF1 and Cripto-1. Luciferase assay was used to detect the transcriptional activity of Cripto-1 promoter mutant in ovarian cancer cells. ChIP assay was used to verify the combination of EBF1 and the E1 element of the Cripto-1 promoter. The results showed that the expression of EBF1 was down-regulated in all ovarian cancer cell lines. Overexpression of EBF1 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells, which is achieved by inhibiting the expression of Cripto-1. Overall, EBF1 improved the malignant progression of ovarian cancer cells by transcriptional inhibition of the expression of Cripto-1.

MED27, SLC6A7, and MPPE1 Variants in a Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder with Severe Dystonia

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in next generation sequencing technologies, the identification of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) can often hinder definitive diagnosis in patients with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the underlying cause of disease in a family with two children with severe developmental delay associated with generalized dystonia and episodic status dystonicus, chorea, epilepsy, and cataracts.

METHODS

Candidate genes identified by autozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing were characterized using cellular and vertebrate model systems.

RESULTS

Homozygous variants were found in three candidate genes: MED27, SLC6A7, and MPPE1. Although the patients had features of MED27-related disorder, the SLC6A7 and MPPE1 variants were functionally investigated. SLC6A7 variant in vitro overexpression caused decreased proline transport as a result of reduced cell-surface expression, and zebrafish knockdown of slc6a7 exhibited developmental delay and fragile motor neuron morphology that could not be rescued by L-proline transporter-G396S RNA. Lastly, patient fibroblasts displayed reduced cell-surface expression of glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins linked to MPPE1 dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a family harboring a homozygous MED27 variant with additional loss-of-function SLC6A7 and MPPE1 gene variants, which potentially contribute to a blended phenotype caused by multilocus pathogenic variants. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Cripto-1/Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 Affects Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis of Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

Background: The Cripto-1 (CR-1)/glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) complex was involved in enhancing survival in different types of cells. CR-1 presented increased levels in ovarian carcinoma tissue. However, the potential mechanism of CR-1/GRP78 was unclear in ovarian cancer. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the role of CR-1/GRP78 in ovarian carcinoma cells. Methods and materials: The CR-1 and GRP78 expression in different ovarian cancer cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot (WB). Immunoprecipitation assay was performed to analyze whether Cripto-1 interacted with GRP78. The CR-1 interfering plasmids or GRP-78 overexpressing plasmids transfected into cells were used to decrease endogenous CR-1 levels and increase GRP-78 levels. Cell clonogenicity and proliferation capabilities were separately evaluated by clone growth assay, along with the detection of cell migration and invasion abilities by transwell and wound healing assay. In addition, Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels were detected by WB. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by Flow Cytometer and the detection of apoptosis-related proteins. Results: The results showed that CR-1 and GRP78 levels were higher in SKOV3 than other cell lines. Furthermore, CR-1 interacted with GRP78 in cells, which formed protein complex. CR-1 silence significantly decreased GRP-78 levels. Moreover, GRP78 overexpression blocked the anti-survival effects caused by CR-1 knockdown. Conclusion: CR-1 silence inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis via GRP78. It replied that GRP-78 overexpression might enhance the biological functions of CR-1/GRP78 complex ameliorated by CR-1 silence. Thus, CR-1/GRP78 could be a potential target for treating ovarian carcinoma.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on influence of human papillomavirus infection during pregnancy on premature rupture of membranes and premature delivery

BACKGROUND

The increasing infection rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) has resulted in various complex pregnancy-related complications in recent years. HPV can directly pass through the placenta to cause intrauterine infection, leading to premature delivery or the premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

METHODS

English databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) on HPV infection and premature delivery and PROM, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register. The search time was from inception to March 1st 2021, with human papillomavirus, rupture, pregnancy, preterm birth, viral infection, and pregnancy complications as search terms. RevMan5.3 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used to perform bias risk assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies were identified, involving 45,603 patients, including 22,799 cases in the control group, and 22,799 cases in an HPV infection group. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to express the results. HPV infection increased the probability of premature delivery (OR =1.81, 95% CI: 1.25-2.62, Z=3.16, P=0.002) and PROM (OR =1.74, 95% CI: 1.45-2.10, Z=5.84, P<0.00001). The P values were all less than 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant.

DISCUSSION

A total of 7 articles were included in this meta-analysis. HPV infection affects the physiology of pregnant women and may lead to PROM and premature delivery.

[Correlation of baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation of baseline serum 25(OH) D level with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and blood glucose control in diabetic patients among the middle-aged and elderly individuals in Chengguan District of Lanzhou, Gansu Province.

OBJECTIVE

Residents aged 40 to 75 years in Lanzhou were selected from the "REACTION" study conducted in 2011 and had been followed up since 2014. A total of 5044 subjects with complete data from the two surveys were analyzed. Participants were divided into Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 subgroups based on quartiles of serum 25(OH)D level for comparison of the incidence of T2DM and blood glucose control.

OBJECTIVE

Baseline 25(OH)D level was not found to correlate with FPG, 2h-PG or HbA1c levels among the residents (P>0.05). The participants were followed up for a mean of 3.4±0.6 years, and compared with those in Q1 group, the participants in Q2, Q3 and Q4 groups did not show significantly lowered risk of prediabetes or diabetes regardless of glucose tolerance status. Among the patients with T2DM, the compliance rate of glycemic control after the follow-up was significantly higher than that before the follow-up (63.4% vs 60.6%), and the levels of HbA1c, FPG, and 2h-PG decreased obviously after the follow-up. But compared with Q1 group, Q2, Q3 and Q4 groups showed no significant changes in glycemic control compliance rate or levels of HbA1c, FPG and 2h-PG after the follow-up (P>0.05).

OBJECTIVE

There is no evidence that baseline 25(OH)D levels are associated with the risk of diabetes and blood glucose control in patients with T2DM.

A36 IMPACT OF DIGITAL HEALTH MONITORING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects over 270,000 Canadians and costs the healthcare system $1.28 billion dollars annually. With advancements in technology, a shift from the traditional ‘reactive’ approach to IBD management to a ‘proactive’ approach that integrates self-management strategies using digital health monitoring platforms could greatly benefit patient care.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implementing the IBD health monitoring platform, HealthPROMISE, in clinical practice and to evaluate whether its use leads to better quality of care, improved health outcomes, and reduce resource consumption in patients with IBD.

Methods

IBD patients were recruited in gastroenterology clinics and asked to install the HealthPROMISE application onto their smartphones. Patient satisfaction, quality of care, quality of life, patient symptoms, and resource utilization metrics were collected throughout the study and sent directly to their healthcare teams. Patients with abnormal symptom/short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) scores were flagged for their physicians to follow up with. After one-year, patient outcome metrics were compared to baseline values.

Results

Overall, out of 59 patients enrolled in the study, 32 patients (54%) logged into the application at least once during the study period. The number of IBD-related ER visits/hospitalizations in the year of use compared to the prior year demonstrated a significant decrease from 25% of patients (8/32) to 3% (1/32) (p=0.03). Patients also reported an increase in their understanding of the nature/causes of their condition after using the application (p=0.026). No significant changes were observed in the number of quality indicators met (p = 0.67) or in SIBDQ scores (p=0.48).

Conclusions

Given the significant burden of IBD, there is a need to develop effective management strategies. This study demonstrated that digital health monitoring platforms may aid in reducing the number of ER visits and hospitalizations in IBD patients. Future studies evaluating acceptability and costs with a larger sample size would help determine the feasibility and generalizability of widely implementing mobile health applications in the management of IBD.

Funding Agencies

CCC

A11 RISK PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE

Background

Celiac disease (CeD) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, however, we recently demonstrated that the odds of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD is similar to that of the general population. Due to this discrepancy, how patients with CeD perceive their risk may differ from their actual risk.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk perceptions for contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD and to determine the factors that may influence their perceptions.

Methods

We distributed a survey throughout 10 countries between March and June 2020 and collected data on demographics, diet, COVID-19 testing, and risk perceptions of COVID-19 in patients with CeD. Participants were recruited through various celiac associations, clinic visits, and social media. Risk perception was assessed by asking individuals whether they believe patients with CeD are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general population. Logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception, such as age, sex, adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), and comorbidities such as cardiac/respiratory conditions and diabetes. Data was presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results

A total of 10,737 participants with CeD completed the survey. From them, 6,019 (56.1%) patients with CeD perceived they were at a higher risk or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the non-CeD population. A greater proportion of patients with CeD had high levels of COVID-19 risk perceptions when compared to infections in general (56.1% vs 26.7%; p<0.0001). Consequently, 28.8% reported taking extra COVID-19 precautions as a result of their CeD. Members of celiac associations had lower rates of perceiving an increased risk of COVID-19 when compared to non-members (49.5% vs 57.4%, p<0.0001). Older age (aOR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9 to 1, p<0.001), male sex (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.94, p=0.001), and strict adherence to a GFD (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p=0.007) were associated with a lower perception of COVID-19 risk. Meanwhile, the presence of comorbidities was associated with a higher perception of COVID-19 risk (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.51, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, a large proportion of patients with CeD, particularly females, those with comorbidities, or those not adhering to a strict GFD, believed they were or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their condition. As high levels of risk perception may increase an individual’s pandemic-related stress and contribute to negative mental health consequences, healthcare providers should maintain consistent communication with the celiac community and provide them with evidence-based recommendations.

Funding Agencies

None

Zinc as a countermeasure for cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) is an important environmental pollutant and long-term Cd exposure is closely related to autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and hepatic dysfunction. Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal that plays key roles in protein structure, catalysis, and regulation of their function. Numerous studies have shown that Zn can reduce Cd toxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been extensively explored. Preclinical studies have revealed direct competition for sarcolemmal uptake between these two metals. Multiple sarcolemmal transporters participate in Cd uptake, including Zn transporters, calcium channels, and DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1). Zn also induces several protective mechanisms, including MT (metallothionein) induction and favorable redox homeostasis. This review summarizes current knowledge related to the role of Zn and metal transporters in reducing Cd toxicity and discusses potential future directions of related research.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating lactate signaling cascade in mice

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dexmedetomidine (Dex) in lactate signaling cascade and myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The left anterior descending of the coronary artery was ligatured for 30 min and then reperfused for 6 h to induce myocardial I/R injury in mice. Heart samples were collected and the levels of lactate, SOD and MDA were measured. Infarct size and myocardium were stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and TUNEL, respectively. In addition, the expression levels of MCT1, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

The myocardial infarct size, lactate and MDA levels of the I/R group were significantly increased, whereas the SOD activity was decreased. However, Dex significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size, as well as lactate and MDA levels in contrast to the I/R group. Meanwhile, the SOD activity was remarkably increased. The expression levels of MCT1, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 were significantly increased in the I/R group. In addition, Dex administration further increased the expression of MCT1, whereas decreased the expressions of cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 in contrast to the I/R group.

CONCLUSIONS

Dex elevated the expression of mitochondrial MCT1 and inhibited oxidative stress and the activation of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in mice. This indicated that Dex attenuated myocardial I/R injury by regulating lactate signaling cascade.

Abstract 3245: FT819 path to IND: First-of-kind off-the-shelf CAR19 T-cell for B cell malignancies

Genetic engineering of T cells using a chimeric antigen receptor targeting CD19 antigen (CAR19) is now a well-established treatment of B cell malignancies. While cellular immunotherapies are entering front line treatment, substantial limitations currently hamper the broad application of adoptive T cell therapies in diverse patient population including dysfunctional starting material, lack of product consistency and purity post genetic engineering and inefficient quantity produced for true on-demand availability. FT819 is a first-of-kind off-the-shelf CAR19-T cell product generated from a renewable pluripotent stem cells for large-scale clinical manufacturing. We previously reported the engineering and characterization of the FT819 clonal master cell bank (MCB) derived from a single cell comprising targeted integration of a novel CD19 1XX CAR into the T-cell receptor (TCR) α constant locus to provide optimally regulated CAR expression and elimination of graft versus host (GvH) response. Here we preview the nonclinical study for the original investigational new drug application of FT819. Derived in a manufacturing process analogous to pharmaceutical drug product development, pilot runs from the MCB demonstrated FT819 can be consistently and uniformly manufactured in cGMP compliance, cryopreserved at clinical scale to support off-the-shelf clinical application with greater than 1e5 fold increase in cellular yield from the starting MCB and can be thawed and directly used for facilitated treatment. Repeatedly, FT819 displayed a uniform product profile of ≥95% CAR+, TCR-, CD45+, CD7+ and CD3+ [intracellular] with majority of CD8 T cells expressing CD8β. FT819 global gene expression profile displayed high similarity to primary CAR19-T cells confirming its identity as a T lymphocyte. Functional assessment demonstrated that FT819 possesses potent antigen specific cytolytic activity against leukemia and lymphoma cell lines (p=0.0004). Additional specificity studies demonstrated on-target, off-tumor cytolysis of CD19+ B cells in mixed lymphocyte reaction assay (85% lysis of CD19+ B cells versus &lt; 2% lysis of T cells). Inability of FT819 to produce a GvH response was confirmed in a co-culture assay with anti-TCR crosslinking antibodies. Disseminated leukemia xenograft mouse studies demonstrated the ability of directly thawed and infused FT819 to control tumor growth (p=0.0003 at day 21). In a systemic administered leukemia model FT819 also showed sustained localization in the bone marrow up to 45 days post injection. Ongoing in vivo studies will assess long-term survival and avoidance of GvH disease. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that FT819 is a potent, consistent and uniform CAR19 T cell product and can be effectively and safely used off-the-shelf in the treatment of B cell malignancies with an original Phase 1 clinical trial planned in 2020.

Citation Format: Mili Mandal, Raedun Clarke, Sjoukje van der Stegen, Chia-Wei Chang, Yi-Shin Lai, Alec Witty, Mushtaq Husain, Cheng-Jang Wu, Bi-Huei Yang, Chad Dufaud, Gloria Hsia, Helena Shaked, Laurel Stokely, Helen Chu, Mochtar Pribadi, Gilberto Hernandez, Jason ORourke, Alma Gutierrez, Ramzey Abujarour, Tom Lee, Jolanta Stefanski, Juan Zhen, Meilan Wu, Isabelle Riviere, Michel Sadelain, Bahram Valamehr. FT819 path to IND: First-of-kind off-the-shelf CAR19 T-cell for B cell malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3245.

Rg1 protects H9C2 cells from high glucose-/palmitate-induced injury via activation of AKT/GSK-3β/Nrf2 pathway

Our previous studies have assessed ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1)‐mediated protection in a type 1 diabetes rat model. To uncover the mechanism through which Rg1 protects against cardiac injury induced by diabetes, we mimicked diabetic conditions by culturing H9C2 cells in high glucose/palmitate. Rg1 had no toxic effect, and it alleviated the high glucose/palmitate damage in a dose‐dependent manner, as indicated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and lactate dehydrogenase release to the culture medium. Rg1 prevented high glucose/palmitate‐induced cell apoptosis, assessed using cleaved caspase‐3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling staining. Rg1 also reduced high glucose‐/palmitate‐induced reactive oxygen species formation and increased intracellular antioxidant enzyme activity. We found that Rg1 activates protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3β) pathway and antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, indicated by increased phosphorylation of AKT and GSK‐3β, and nuclear translocation of Nrf2. We used phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase inhibitor Ly294002 to block the activation of the AKT/GSK‐3β pathway and found that it partially reversed the protection by Rg1 and decreased Nrf2 pathway activation. The results suggest that Rg1 exerts a protective effect against high glucose and palmitate damage that is partially AKT/GSK‐3β/Nrf2‐mediated. Further studies are required to validate these findings using primary cardiomyocytes and animal models of diabetes.

Transmission of respiratory viruses when using public ground transport: A rapid review to inform public health recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous countries worldwide declared national states of emergency and implemented interventions to minimise the risk of transmission among the public. Evidence was needed to inform strategies for limiting COVID-19 transmission on public transport. On 20 March 2020, we searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and the World Health Organization's database of 'Global research on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)' to conduct a rapid review on interventions that reduce viral transmission on public ground transport. After screening 74 records, we identified 4 eligible studies. These studies suggest an increased risk of viral transmission with public transportation use that may be reduced with improved ventilation. International and national guidelines suggest the following strategies: keep the public informed, stay at home when sick, and minimise public transport use. Where use is unavoidable, environmental control, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene are recommended, while a risk-based approach needs to guide the use of non-medical masks.

Zinc protects against cadmium-induced toxicity in neonatal murine engineered cardiac tissues via metallothionein-dependent and independent mechanisms

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential heavy metal and a prevalent environmental toxin that has been shown to induce significant cardiomyocyte apoptosis in neonatal murine engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs). In contrast, zinc (Zn) is a potent metallothionein (MT) inducer, which plays an important role in protection against Cd toxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of Zn against Cd toxicity in ECTs and explore the underlying mechanisms. ECTs were constructed from neonatal ventricular cells of wild-type (WT) mice and mice with global MT gene deletion (MT-KO). In WT-ECTs, Cd (5-20 μM) caused a dose-dependent toxicity that was detected within 8 h evidenced by suppressed beating, apoptosis, and LDH release; Zn (50-200 μM) dose-dependently induced MT expression in ECTs without causing ECT toxicity; co-treatment of ECT with Zn (50 µM) prevented Cd-induced toxicity. In MT-KO ECTs, Cd toxicity was enhanced; but unexpectedly, cotreatment with Zn provided partial protection against Cd toxicity. Furthermore, Cd, but not Zn, significantly activated Nrf2 and its downstream targets, including HO-1; inhibition of HO-1 by a specific HO-1 inhibitor, ZnPP (10 µM), significantly increased Cd-induced toxicity, but did not inhibit Zn protection against Cd injury, suggesting that Nrf2-mediated HO-1 activation was not required for Zn protective effect. Finally, the ability of Zn to reduce Cd uptake provided an additional MT-independent mechanism for reducing Cd toxicity. Thus, Zn exerts protective effects against Cd toxicity for murine ECTs that are partially MT-mediated. Further studies are required to translate these findings towards clinical trials.

The effects of dietary sodium butyrate supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits and intestinal microbiota of growing-finishing pigs

AIM

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary sodium butyrate supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and intestinal of growing-finishing pigs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty pigs (27·4 ± 0·4 kg) were randomly assigned to receive one of three diets: basal diet (negative control group), basal diet + 40 ppm zinc bacitracin (positive control group) and basal diet + 0·2% sodium butyrate (sodium butyrate group), respectively. The experiment lasted for 69 days, including 3 days for diet and housing condition adaptation. On day 70, five piglets from each diet group were slaughtered for collecting blood and tissue samples. When compared to the control group, final body weight, daily body weight gain and daily feed intake of pigs in the sodium butyrate group were increased (P < 0·05) and feed intake/body weight gain ratio was decreased (P < 0·05). Carcass weight of pigs in the sodium butyrate group was higher than that of pigs in the negative and positive groups (P < 0·05); backfat thickness of pigs in the positive group was higher than that of pigs in the negative group and sodium butyrate group (P < 0·001). When compared to the negative and positive groups, pigs fed diet supplemented with sodium butyrate showed a increased relative abundance of bacteroidetes in the caecum and a decreased relative abundance of fiemicutes and proteobacteria in the caecum (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation increased growth performance of growing-finishing pigs and improved the carcass traits and intestinal health.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Antibiotic-free feed has become an inevitable worldwide trend. This study showed that dietary sodium butyrate supplementation improved the growth performance and intestinal health of growing-finishing pigs. Thus, sodium butyrate can be applied in growing-finishing pig feed as an alternative of antibiotics.

Glatiramer acetate protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced injury by inhibiting Egr-1 in H9c2 cells

Myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack is a deadly event with high prevalence. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the polypeptide copolymer glatiramer acetate (GA) in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury. Immediately following MI, an acute inflammatory response is triggered that causes activation of various proinflammatory cytokines, infiltration of immune cells, and neovascularization. This response is largely mediated by some genes such as TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VEGF. Additionally, the rapid influx of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), leads to a harmful state of oxidative stress. Here, we found that GA could reduce OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VEGF, and suppressing the production of ROS via reduced NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) expression. To elucidate the pathways involved in these promising results, we took a close look at the impact of the endothelial growth response-1 (Egr-1), a transcriptional factor recognized as a mediator of MI-related inflammation and cellular injury. Using siRNA for Egr-1, we found that GA could reduce the expression of ICAM-1 and VEGF by inhibiting Egr-1 expression. Together, our findings indicate a novel therapeutic potential of GA in the treatment of MI.

Neonatal murine engineered cardiac tissue toxicology model: Impact of dexrazoxane on doxorubicin induced injury

Doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity is a life-threatening side effect of chemotherapy and decreased cardiac function can present years after treatment. Despite the investigation of a broad range of pharmacologic interventions, to date the only drug shown to reduce DOX-related cardiotoxicity in preclinical studies and limited clinical trials is the iron chelating agent, dexrazoxane (DRZ), although the mechanisms responsible for DRZ mediated protection from DOX related cardiotoxicity remain unclear. Engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) can be used for tissue repair strategies and as in vitro surrogate models to test cardiac toxicities and preventative countermeasures. Neonatal murine ECTs display cardiotoxicity in response to the environmental toxin, cadmium, and reduced cadmium toxicity with Zinc co-treatment, in part via the induction of the anti-oxidant Metallothionein (MT). We adapted our in vitro ECT model to determine the feasibility of using the ECT approach to investigate DOX-related cardiac injury and DRZ prevention. We found: (1) DOX induced dose and time dependent cell death in ECTs; (2) Zinc did not show protection from DOX cardiotoxicity; (3) MT overexpression induced by Zinc, low dose Cd pretreatment, or MT-overexpression (MT-TG) did not reduce ECT DOX cardiotoxicity; (4) DRZ reduced ECT DOX induced cell death; and (5) The mechanism of DRZ ECT protection from DOX cardiotoxicity was topoisomerase 2B (TOP2B) inhibition rather than reduced reactive oxygen species. Our data support the feasibility of ECTs as an in vitro platform technology for the investigation of drug induced cardiotoxicities including the role of TOP2B in DOX toxicity and DRZ mediated DOX toxicity prevention.

Abstract LB-073: Generation of novel single cell-derived engineered master pluripotent cell line as a renewable source for off-the-shelf TCR-less CAR T cells in support of first-of-kind clinical trial

Adoptive transfer of autologous T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown great promise in the treatment of blood malignancies. Challenges for the application of current CAR T cell therapies to broader and more diverse patient populations include inherent variability, cost of manufacture, and the requirement for precise genetic engineering to generate a highly homogenous and consistent CAR T cell product. We have previously reported pre-clinical data supporting the development of FT819, a first-of-kind off-the-shelf CAR T cell product candidate. FT819 is generated from a renewable clonal master human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line derived from a single cell engineered to contain bi-allelic disruption of the T cell receptor (TCR) and a novel CD19 CAR targeted into the T cell receptor α constant (TRAC) locus to provide antigen specificity and enhanced efficacy while eliminating the possibility of graft versus host disease. For the manufacture of a clinical-grade FT819 clonal master hiPSC line, we sourced peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a fully consented and eligible donor with protocol overseen by an independent Institutional Review Board. Sourced T cells were enriched (&gt;98%) through positive selection for TCRαβ, and cryopreserved cells were confirmed to have stable genome by karyotyping. Using our proprietary non-integrating cellular reprogramming platform, αβ T cells were reprogrammed into hiPSCs. Concurrently with the reprogramming process, reprogrammed cells received nuclease and donor template to mediate targeting of CD19 CAR into the TRAC locus with bi-allelic knockout of the TCR. To generate clonal lines, engineered cells were sorted by flow cytometry for various markers and single cells were seeded into individual wells of feeder-free 96-well plates. hiPSC clones were screened for bi-allelic integration of CAR into the TRAC locus by amplifying the genomic DNA flanking the homologous recombination site and confirmed by a SNP phasing assay. Clones were further screened for random integration of donor template by quantitative PCR (qPCR), and the CAR copy number was confirmed by droplet digital PCR. Out of 545 hiPSC clones screened, 27 clones (5%) had bi-allelic TRAC targeting with no detectable random integration. Maintenance of pluripotency was confirmed in 19 out of the 27 engineered hiPSC clones (70%). Seventeen clones were further tested and were confirmed to be footprint-free of transgenic reprogramming factors. Of the 18 clones tested for genomic stability, 12 clones had normal karyotypes (67%). Validated, TRAC-targeted hiPSC clones were cryopreserved (~150 vials per clone) and are currently being assessed for off-target editing, differentiation propensity into highly-functional T cells, genomic stability, clone identity, sterility and lack of mycoplasma detection. In summary, using our novel iPSC technology platform for reprogramming, single cell engineering and multiplex high-throughput screening of hiPSCs, we have generated clinical-grade clonal master hiPSC lines in support of our first-of-kind clinical trials evaluating FT819 allogenic off-the-shelf hiPSC-derived TCR-less TRAC-CAR19 T cells for the treatment of blood malignancies.

Citation Format: Ramzey Abujarour, Yi-Shin Lai, Mochtar Pribadi, Tom Lee, Megan Robinson, Chelsea Ruller, Sjoukje Van der Stegen, Xiuyan Wang, Jolanta Stefanski, Juan Zhen, Jason Dinella, Greg Bonello, Janel Huffman, Helen Chu, Raedun Clarke, Alec Witty, Amanda Medcalf, Jaeger Davis, Stacey Moreno, Pieter Lindenbergh, Isabelle Riviere, Michel Sadelain, Bahram Valamehr. Generation of novel single cell-derived engineered master pluripotent cell line as a renewable source for off-the-shelf TCR-less CAR T cells in support of first-of-kind clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-073.

Tamoxifen Directly Interacts with the Dopamine Transporter

The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen increases extracellular dopamine in vivo and acts as a neuroprotectant in models of dopamine neurotoxicity. We investigated the effect of tamoxifen on dopamine transporter (DAT)-mediated dopamine uptake, dopamine efflux, and [³H]WIN 35,428 [(-)-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane] binding in rat striatal tissue. Tamoxifen dose-dependently blocked dopamine uptake (54% reduction at 10 μM) and amphetamine-stimulated efflux (59% reduction at 10 μM) in synaptosomes. It also produced a small but significant reduction in [³H]WIN 35,428 binding in striatal membranes, indicating a weak interaction with the substrate binding site in the DAT. Biotinylation and cysteine accessibility studies indicated that tamoxifen stabilizes the outward-facing conformation of the DAT in a cocaine-like manner and does not affect surface expression of the DAT. Additional studies with mutant DAT constructs D476A and I159A suggested a direct interaction between tamoxifen and a secondary substrate binding site of the transporter. Locomotor studies revealed that tamoxifen attenuates amphetamine-stimulated hyperactivity in rats but has no depressant or stimulant activity in the absence of amphetamine. These results suggest a complex mechanism of action for tamoxifen as a regulator of the DAT. Due to its effectiveness against amphetamine actions and its central nervous system permeant activity, the tamoxifen structure represents an excellent starting point for a structure-based drug-design program to develop a pharmacological therapeutic for psychostimulant abuse.

A sensitive LC-MS/MS-based bioanalytical method for quantification of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous determination of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in rat plasma. Sample preparation was carried out through liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate using curculigoside as internal standard (IS). The analytes were determined by selected reaction monitoring operated in the positive ESI mode. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column (100 × 4.6 mm, 1.8 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water-formic acid (50:50:0.1, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The run time was 1.9 min per sample and the injection volume was 5 μL. The method had an LLOQ of 1.6 ng/mL for salviaflaside and 0.94 ng/mL for rosmarinic acid in plasma. The linear calibration curves were fitted over the range of 1.6-320 ng/mL for salviaflaside and 0.94-188 ng/mL for rosmarinic acid in plasma with correlation coefficients (r2 ) >0.99. Intra- and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation) were < 13.5%, and accuracies (relative error) were between -8.6% and 14.5% for all quality control samples. The method was validated and applied to the pharmacokinetics of salviaflaside and rosmarinic acid in plasma after oral administration of Prunella vulgaris extract to rats.

Functional properties of dopamine transporter oligomers after copper linking

Although it is universally accepted that dopamine transporters (DATs) exist in monomers, dimers and tetramers (i.e. dimers of dimers), it is not known whether the oligomeric organization of DAT is a prerequisite for its ability to take up dopamine (DA), or whether each DAT protomer, the subunit of quaternary structure, functions independently in terms of DA translocation. In this study, copper phenanthroline (CuP) was used to selectively target surface DAT: increasing concentrations of CuP gradually cross-linked natural DAT dimers in LLC-PK₁ cells stably expressing hDAT and thereby reduced DA uptake functionality until all surface DATs were inactivated. DATs that were not cross-linked by CuP showed normal DA uptake with DA K_m at ~ 0.5 μM and DA efflux with basal and amphetamine-induced DA efflux as much as control values. The cocaine analog 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-[4-fluorophenyl]-tropane (CFT) was capable to bind to copper-cross-linked DATs, albeit with an affinity more than fivefold decreased (K_d of CFT = 109 nM after cross-linking vs 19 nM before). A kinetic analysis is offered describing the changing amounts of dimers and monomers with increasing [CuP], allowing the estimation of dimer functional activity compared with a DAT monomer. Consonant with previous conclusions for serotonin transporter and NET that only one protomer of an oligomer is active at the time, the present data indicated a functional activity of the DAT dimer of 0.74 relative to a monomer.

Latch and trigger role for R445 in DAT transport explains molecular basis of DTDS

A recent study reports on five different mutations as sources of dopamine transporter (DAT) deficiency syndrome (DTDS). One of these mutations, R445C, is believed to be located on the intracellular side of DAT distal to the primary (S1) or secondary (S2) sites to which substrate binding is understood to occur. Thus, the molecular mechanism by which the R445C mutation results in DAT transport deficiency has eluded explanation. However, the recently reported X-ray structures of the endogenous amine transporters for dDAT and hSERT revealed the presence of a putative salt bridge between R445 and E428 suggesting a possible mechanism. To evaluate whether the R445C effect is a result of a salt bridge interaction, the mutants R445E, E428R, and the double mutant E428R/R445E were generated. The single mutants R445E and E428R displayed loss of binding and transport properties of the substrate [³H]DA and inhibitor [³H]CFT at the cell surface while the double mutant E428R/R445E, although nonfunctional, restored [³H]DA and [³H]CFT binding affinity to that of WT. Structure based analyses of these results led to a model wherein R445 plays a dual role in normal DAT function. R445 acts as a component of a latch in its formation of a salt bridge with E428 which holds the primary substrate binding site (S1) in place and helps enforce the inward closed protein state. When this salt bridge is broken, R445 acts as a trigger which disrupts a local polar network and leads to the release of the N-terminus from its position inducing the inward closed state to one allowing the inward open state. In this manner, both the loss of binding and transport properties of the R445C variant are explained.

Dopamine transporter phosphorylation site threonine 53 is stimulated by amphetamines and regulates dopamine transport, efflux, and cocaine analog binding

The dopamine transporter (DAT) controls the spatial and temporal dynamics of dopamine neurotransmission through reuptake of extracellular transmitter and is a target for addictive compounds such as cocaine, amphetamine (AMPH), and methamphetamine (METH). Reuptake is regulated by kinase pathways and drug exposure, allowing for fine-tuning of clearance in response to specific conditions, and here we examine the impact of transporter ligands on DAT residue Thr-53, a proline-directed phosphorylation site previously implicated in AMPH-stimulated efflux mechanisms. Our findings show that Thr-53 phosphorylation is stimulated in a transporter-dependent manner by AMPH and METH in model cells and rat striatal synaptosomes, and in striatum of rats given subcutaneous injection of METH. Rotating disc electrode voltammetry revealed that initial rates of uptake and AMPH-induced efflux were elevated in phosphorylation-null T53A DAT relative to WT and charge-substituted T53D DATs, consistent with functions related to charge or polarity. These effects occurred without alterations of surface transporter levels, and mutants also showed reduced cocaine analog binding affinity that was not rescued by Zn²⁺ Together these findings support a role for Thr-53 phosphorylation in regulation of transporter kinetic properties that could impact DAT responses to amphetamines and cocaine.

A compact Class D RF power amplifier for mobile nuclear magnetic resonance systems

A 20 MHz Class D amplifier with an output of 100 W of RF power has been developed. The compact size printed circuit board area of 50 cm² and efficiency of 73% make it suitable for mobile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems. Test results show that the rise and ring down times of the amplifier are less than 0.2 μs, and it is capable of producing constant amplitude pulses as short as 2 μs. Experiments using a Carr Purcell Meiboom Gill pulse sequence with a NMR MOUSE sensor confirm that the Class D amplifier is suitable for mobile NMR applications.

Effects of diet and insulin on dopamine transporter activity and expression in rat caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, and midbrain

Food restriction (FR) and obesogenic (OB) diets are known to alter brain dopamine transmission and exert opposite modulatory effects on behavioral responsiveness to psychostimulant drugs of abuse. Mechanisms underlying these diet effects are not fully understood. In this study, we examined diet effects on expression and function of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in caudate-putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and midbrain regions. Dopamine (DA) uptake by CPu, NAc or midbrain synapto(neuro)somes was measured in vitro with rotating disk electrode voltammetry or with [³ H]DA uptake and was found to correlate with DAT surface expression, assessed by maximal [³ H](-)-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane binding and surface biotinylation assays. FR and OB diets were both found to decrease DAT activity in CPu with a corresponding decrease in surface expression but had no effects in the NAc and midbrain. Diet treatments also affected sensitivity to insulin-induced enhancement of DA uptake, with FR producing an increase in CPu and NAc, likely mediated by an observed increase in insulin receptor expression, and OB producing a decrease in NAc. The increased expression of insulin receptor in NAc of FR rats was accompanied by increased DA D₂ receptor expression, and the decreased DAT expression and function in CPu of OB rats was accompanied by decreased DA D₂ receptor expression. These results are discussed as partial mechanistic underpinnings of diet-induced adaptations that contribute to altered behavioral sensitivity to psychostimulants that target the DAT.

Overexpression of seven in absentia homolog 2 protein in human breast cancer tissues is associated with the promotion of tumor cell malignant behavior in in vitro

Seven in absentia homolog 2 (SIAH2), a homologue of Drosophila seven in absentia (Sina), has emerged as an oncogene and plays important roles in cancer development and progression. This study further assessed the role of SIAH2 in breast cancer and the underlying molecular events. The data showed that SIAH2 protein was overexpressed in invasive breast cancer (IBC) compared to the expression noted in normal or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) tissues, expression of which is associated with malignant behaviors. SIAH2 may function differently in different molecular subtypes (e.g., luminal- vs. basal-like type) of breast cancer. Manipulation of SIAH2 expression led to a 'cross-talk' of the ERK and PI3K pathway, which could be one of the mechanisms by which SIAH2 regulates viability, apoptosis, and invasion capacity in these breast cancer cell lines.

Impact of disruption of secondary binding site S2 on dopamine transporter function

The structures of the leucine transporter, drosophila dopamine transporter, and human serotonin transporter show a secondary binding site (designated S2 ) for drugs and substrate in the extracellular vestibule toward the membrane exterior in relation to the primary substrate recognition site (S1 ). The present experiments are aimed at disrupting S2 by mutating Asp476 and Ile159 to Ala. Both mutants displayed a profound decrease in [(3) H]DA uptake compared with wild-type associated with a reduced turnover rate kcat . This was not caused by a conformational bias as the mutants responded to Zn(2+) (10 μM) similarly as WT. The dopamine transporters with either the D476A or I159A mutation both displayed a higher Ki for dopamine for the inhibition of [3H](-)-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane binding than did the WT transporter, in accordance with an allosteric interaction between the S1 and S2 sites. The results provide evidence in favor of a general applicability of the two-site allosteric model of the Javitch/Weinstein group from LeuT to dopamine transporter and possibly other monoamine transporters. X-ray structures of transporters closely related to the dopamine (DA) transporter show a secondary binding site S2 in the extracellular vestibule proximal to the primary binding site S1 which is closely linked to one of the Na(+) binding sites. This work examines the relationship between S2 and S1 sites. We found that S2 site impairment severely reduced DA transport and allosterically reduced S1 site affinity for the cocaine analog [(3) H]CFT. Our results are the first to lend direct support for the application of the two-site allosteric model, advanced for bacterial LeuT, to the human DA transporter. The model states that, after binding of the first DA molecule (DA1 ) to the primary S1 site (along with Na(+) ), binding of a second DA (DA2 ) to the S2 site triggers, through an allosteric interaction, the release of DA1 and Na(+) into the cytoplasm.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates oxidative stress and myocardial apoptosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We evaluated the cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 in a diabetic rat model induced with high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Ginsenoside Rg1 was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Myocardial injury indices and oxidative stress markers were determined. Changes in cardiac ultrastructure were evaluated with transmission electron microscopy. Myocardial apoptosis was assessed via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT)-mediated DNA nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry. Ginsenoside Rg1 was associated with a significant dose-dependent reduction in serum levels of creatinine kinase MB and cardiac troponin I, and lessened ultrastructural disorders in diabetic myocardium, relative to the untreated diabetic model rats. Also, compared with the untreated diabetic rats, significant reductions in serum and myocardial levels of malondialdehyde were noted in the ginsenoside Rg1-treated groups, and increased levels of the antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were detected. TUNEL staining indicated reduced myocardial apoptosis in ginsenoside Rg1-treated rats, which may be associated with reduced levels of caspase-3 (CASP3) and increased levels of B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) in the diabetic myocardium. Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment of diabetic rats was associated with reduced oxidative stress and attenuated myocardial apoptosis, suggesting that ginsenoside Rg1 may be of potential preventative and therapeutic value for cardiovascular injury in diabetic patients.

Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat model

Ginsenoside Rg1 has been demonstrated to have cardiovascular protective effects. However, whether the cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 are mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced apoptosis remain unclear. In this study, among 80 male Wistar rats, 15 rats were randomly selected as controls; the remaining 65 rats received a diet rich in fat and sugar content for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg) to establish a diabetes model. Seven days after STZ injection, 10 rats were randomly selected as diabetic model (DM) controls, 45 eligible diabetic rats were randomized to three treatment groups and administered ginsenoside Rg1 in a dosage of 10, 15 or 20 mg/kg/day, respectively. After 12 weeks of treatment, rats were killed and serum samples obtained to determine cardiac troponin (cTn)‐I. Myocardial tissues were harvested for morphological analysis to detect myocardial cell apoptosis, and to analyse protein expression of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Caspase‐12. Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 (10–20 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum cTnI levels compared with DM control group (all P < 0.01). Ginsenoside Rg1 (15 and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic myocardial cells and improved the parameters of cardiac function. Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining indicated that ginsenoside Rg1 could attenuate myocardial lesions and myocardial collagen volume fraction. Additionally, ginsenoside Rg1 significantly reduced GRP78, CHOP, and cleaved Caspase‐12 protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 appeared to ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting ER stress‐induced apoptosis in diabetic rats.

Efficacy of Hybrid Tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole Based Aryl Piperazines D-264 and D-301 at D₂ and D₃ Receptors

In elucidating the role of pharmacodynamic efficacy at D3 receptors in therapeutic effectiveness of dopamine receptor agonists, the influence of study system must be understood. Here two compounds with D3 over D2 selectivity developed in our earlier work, D-264 and D-301, are compared in dopamine receptor-mediated G-protein activation in striatal regions of wild-type and D2 receptor knockout mice and in CHO cells expressing D2 or D3 receptors. In caudate-putamen of D2 knockout mice, D-301 was ~3-fold more efficacious than D-264 in activating G-proteins as assessed by [(35)S]GTPγS binding; in nucleus accumbens, D-301 stimulated G-protein activation whereas D-264 did not. In contrast, the two ligands exerted similar efficacy in both regions of wild-type mice, suggesting both ligands activate D2 receptors with similar efficacy. In D2 and D3 receptor-expressing CHO cells, D-264 and D-301 appeared to act in the [(35)S]GTPγS assay as full agonists because they produced maximal stimulation equal to dopamine. Competition for [(3)H]spiperone binding was then performed to determine Ki/EC50 ratios as an index of receptor reserve for each ligand. Action of D-301, but not D-264, showed receptor reserve in D3 but not in D2 receptor-expressing cells, whereas dopamine showed receptor reserve in both cell lines. Gαo1 is highly expressed in brain and is important in D2-like receptor-G protein coupling. Transfection of Gαo1 in D3- but not D2-expressing CHO cells led to receptor reserve for D-264 without altering receptor expression levels. D-301 and dopamine exhibited receptor reserve in D3-expressing cells both with and without transfection of Gαo1. Altogether, these results indicate that D-301 has greater intrinsic efficacy to activate D3 receptors than D-264, whereas the two compounds act on D2 receptors with similar intrinsic efficacy. These findings also suggest caution in interpreting Emax values from functional assays in receptor-transfected cell models without accounting for receptor reserve.

VKORC1 and CD-14 genetic polymorphisms associate with susceptibility to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations of VKORC1 rs2359612 and rs9923231 and CD-14 rs2569190 with susceptibility to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD).

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted with 614 cases of CCVD patients selected at our hospital between January 2011 and June 2012 as case group and 590 healthy individuals participating physical examination during the same period as control group. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was used to detect genotypes of VKORC1 and CD-14 genetic polymorphisms. SHEsis software was used to conduct haplotype analysis and logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for CCVD.

RESULTS

The genotype and allele frequencies of VKORC1 rs2359612 and rs9923231 and CD-14 rs2569190 between the case and control groups were statistically different (all P<0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that the frequencies of CAT and TAT haplotypes were significantly higher while the frequencies of TAC and TGC haplotypes were significantly lower in the case group than those in the control group (P = 0.013, 0.029, 0.019 and 0.042, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, systolic pressure, smoking history and VKORC1 rs2359612 maybe risk factors for CCVD; and body mass index (BMI), diastolic pressure and VKORC1 rs9923231 may be protective factors for CCVD (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

VKORC1 rs2359612 and rs9923231, and CD-14 rs2569190 might associate with susceptibility to CCVD. CAT and TAT haplotypes may be risk factors while TAC and TGC haplotype may be protective factors for CCVD.

Allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 in a southern Chinese population

KIR2DL2 and KIR2DL3 segregate as alleles of the same killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene locus. They have been associated with viral infectious diseases and certain cancers and their allelic information may help to better comprehend mechanisms. The allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 has been shown to influence their binding specificity and affinity to the HLA-C1 ligands. The present study aims to investigate the distribution of the allelic polymorphism of KIR2DL2/2DL3 in a southern Chinese population using sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) and PCR-sequence-based typing (SBT) at the entire coding sequence. Of the 306 tested individuals, 1.96% were positive for KIR2DL2 only, 78.10% for KIR2DL3 only, and 19.93% for both KIR2DL2 and 2DL3. KIR2DL3 showed a high degree of diversity in the study population with 15 alleles detected including 8 novel ones. The predominant 2DL3 allele in the study population is 2DL3*00101 (92.81%) followed by 2DL3*00201 (24.18%), 2DL3*023 (4.25%), and 2DL3*00109 (1.31%). The remaining 11 2DL3 alleles all had a frequency below 1%. Three detected 2DL2 alleles were 2DL2*00301 (18.95%), 2DL2*00101 (3.59%), and the novel 2DL2*013 (0.33%). These results provide further insight into the KIR gene diversity in Southern Chinese and may help to better understand the role played by KIR genes in associated diseases.

Mutations in SLC12A5 in epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures

The potassium-chloride co-transporter KCC2, encoded by SLC12A5, plays a fundamental role in fast synaptic inhibition by maintaining a hyperpolarizing gradient for chloride ions. KCC2 dysfunction has been implicated in human epilepsy, but to date, no monogenic KCC2-related epilepsy disorders have been described. Here we show recessive loss-of-function SLC12A5 mutations in patients with a severe infantile-onset pharmacoresistant epilepsy syndrome, epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS). Decreased KCC2 surface expression, reduced protein glycosylation and impaired chloride extrusion contribute to loss of KCC2 activity, thereby impairing normal synaptic inhibition and promoting neuronal excitability in this early-onset epileptic encephalopathy.