Asthma susceptibility in prenatal nicotine-exposed mice attributed to β-catenin increase during CD4+ T cell development

Cigarette smoke is a common global environmental pollutant. Asthma, the most frequent allergic airway disease, is related to maternal exposure to cigarette smoke. Our previous studies demonstrated that prenatal exposure to nicotine (PNE), the major active product of smoking, impairs fetal thymopoiesis and CD4⁺ T cell development after birth. This study aimed to investigate whether PNE contributes to asthma susceptibility through CD4⁺ T cell development alterations. First, A PNE model was established by administering 3 mg/kg/day nicotine to maternal mice, and then an ovalbumin-induced asthma model was established in the offspring. Further, β-catenin and downstream pathways were inhibited in vitro to confirm the molecular mechanisms underlying the phenotype observed during the in vivo phase. The results showed that PNE induced Th2 and Th17 biases at developmental checkpoints and aggravated asthma symptoms in the offspring. In fetuses, PNE up-regulated α7 nAChR, activated PI3K-AKT, promoted β-catenin level increase, and established potential Th2- and Th17-biased gene expression patterns during thymopoiesis, which persisted after birth. Similar results were also observed in 1 μM nicotine-treated thymocytes in vitro. Moreover, inhibiting PI3K-AKT by LY294002 abrogated nicotine-mediated β-catenin level increase and thymopoiesis abnormalities, and an α7 nAChR antagonist (α-btx) also reversed nicotine-induced PI3K-AKT activation. Our findings provide strong evidence that PNE is a risk factor for T cell deviation and postnatal asthma, and revealed that nicotine-induced β-catenin level increase induces thymopoiesis abnormalities.

Attenuated cholesterol metabolism pathway suppresses regulatory T cell development in prenatal nicotine exposed female mice

The recession of regulatory T cells (Tregs) contributes to development of autoimmune disease. Our previous study suggested that prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) inhibited Tregs frequency in offspring, but the mechanisms are still uncertain. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of PNE-induced Tregs inhibition from the perspective of cellular cholesterol homeostasis both in vivo and in vitro. PNE mice model were established by 3 mg/kg/d nicotine administration in Balb/c strain from gestational day (GD) 9 to GD 18. The results showed that PNE significantly decreased thymic Tregs frequency in neonatal offspring. The activation of mTOR and downregulation of p-STAT5/Foxp3 pathway of Tregs were observed in PNE offspring. Mechanism study found that PNE elevated ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) expression and decreased intracellular cholesterol content of Tregs in offspring, indicating impaired intracellular cholesterol homeostasis. Similar results were observed in 1 μM nicotine-treated primary thymocytes in vitro. Further, cholesterol-replenishment can abrogate nicotine-induced mTOR activation and the following suppression of p-STAT5/Foxp3 pathway and Tregs frequency. In addition, Abcg1 siRNA transfection can partly reverse the nicotine-decreased intracellular cholesterol content and cell frequency of Tregs. In conclusion, this study showed that PNE could suppress Tregs development in female mice by up-regulating ABCG1-dependent cholesterol efflux, and suggested that PNE-induced thymic Tregs recession of offspring at early life was the developmental origin mechanism of immune dysfunction in later life.

Prenatal nicotine exposure induces thymic hypoplasia in mice offspring from neonatal to adulthood

Clinical study showed that smoking during pregnancy deceased the thymus size in newborns. However, the long-term effect remains unclear. This study was aimed to observe the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) on the development of thymus and the T-lymphocyte subpopulation in mice offspring from the neonatal to adulthood. Both the thymus weight and cytometry data indicated that PNE caused persistent thymic hypoplasia in male offspring from neonatal to adult period and transient changes in female offspring from neonatal to prepuberal period. Flow cytometry analysis disclosed a permanent decreased proportion and number of mature CD4 single-positive (SP) T cells in thymus of both sex. In addition, the PNE male offspring showed a more serious thymus atrophy in the ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized model. Moreover, increased autophagic vacuole and elevated mRNA expression of Beclin 1 were noted in PNE fetal thymus. In conclusion, PNE offspring showed thymus atrophy and CD 4 SP T cell reduction at different life stages. Mechanically, PNE induced excessive autophagy in fetal thymocytes might be involved in these changes. All the results provided evidence for elucidating the PNE-induced programmed immune diseases.

Enhanced thymocyte apoptosis induced by maternal undernutrition in late gestation results in declined mature T cells in rat fetal thymus

This study was designed to observe the effects of maternal food restriction (MFR) on the development of fetal thymus in different gestation periods. Timed pregnant rats were randomized into 3 groups: CN (free access to standard chow throughout gestation), MFR_0-21 (50% MFR throughout gestation), MFR_0-14 (50% MFR from gestational day (GD) 0 to GD14, early-mid gestation). Results showed that MFR during early-mid period had few impact on the fetal thymus and T cell subpopulations. However, MFR throughout gestation resulted in thymic atrophy, deceased frequency of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ single positive (SP) T cells and enhanced thymocyte apoptosis in fetus. Our results suggest the fetal thymus is more vulnerable to the adverse intrauterine environments in the late gestation period, and the decreased number of SP T cells could result from the enhanced thymocyte apoptosis.

Maternal Glucocorticoid Elevation and Associated Fetal Thymocyte Apoptosis are Involved in Immune Disorders of Prenatal Caffeine Exposed Offspring Mice

Our previous study showed that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) could induce intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and glucocorticoid elevation in the fetus. Researchers suggested that IUGR is a risk factor for T helper cell (Th)1/Th2 deviation. However, whether PCE can induce these immune disorders and the underlying mechanisms of that induction remain unknown. This study aimed to observe the effects of PCE on the Th1/Th2 balance in offspring and further explore the developmental origin mechanisms from the perspective of glucocorticoid overexposure-induced thymocyte apoptosis. An IUGR model was established by caffeine administration from gestational day (GD) 9 to GD 18, and the offspring were immunized on postnatal day (PND) 42. The results show that maternal glucocorticoid overexposure increased fetal thymocyte apoptosis by activating both the Fas-mediated and the Bim-regulated apoptotic pathways. After birth, accelerated thymocyte apoptosis and Th1 suppression were also found in the PCE offspring at PND 14 and PND 49. Moreover, the PCE offspring showed immune disorders after immunization, manifesting as increased IgG1/IgG2a ratio and IL-4 production in the serum. In conclusion, PCE could induce fetal overexposure to maternal glucocorticoids and increase thymocyte apoptosis, which could persist into postnatal life and be implicated in Th1 inhibition and further immune disorders.

α7 nAChR mediated Fas demethylation contributes to prenatal nicotine exposure-induced programmed thymocyte apoptosis in mice

This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) on thymocyte apoptosis and postnatal immune impairments in vivo and further explore the epigenetic mechanisms of the pro-apoptotic effect of nicotine in vitro. The results showed that PNE caused immune impairments in offspring on postnatal day 49, manifested as increased IL-4 production and an increased IgG1/IgG2a ratio in serum. Enhanced apoptosis of total and CD4+SP thymocytes was observed both in fetus and in offspring. Further, by exposing thymocytes to 0–100 μM of nicotine in vitro for 48 h, we found that nicotine increased α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression, activated the Fas apoptotic pathway, and promoted thymocyte apoptosis in concentration-dependent manners. In addition, nicotine could induce Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase (TET) 2 expression and Fas promoter demethylation, which can be abolished by TET2 siRNA transfection. Moreover, the α7 nAChR specific antagonist α-bungarotoxin can abrogate nicotine-induced TET2 increase, and the following Fas demethylation and Fas-mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings showed, for the first time, that α7 nAChR activation could induce TET2-mediated Fas demethylation in thymocytes and results in the upregulation of Fas apoptotic pathway, which provide evidence for elucidating the PNE-induced programmed thymocyte apoptosis.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a C-type lectin in yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco

This study represents the first report of a C-type lectin (ctl) in yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco. The complete sequence of ctl complementary (c)DNA consisted of 685 nucleotides. The open reading frame potentially encoded a protein of 177 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of c.y 20.204 kDa. The deduced amino-acid sequence contained a signal peptide and a single carbohydrate recognition domain with four cysteine residues and GlnProAsp (QPD) and TrpAsnAsp (WND) motifs. Ctl showed the highest identity (56.0%) to the predicted lactose binding lectin from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Quantitative real-time (qrt)-PCR analysis showed that ctl messenger (m)RNA was constitutively expressed in all examined tissues in normal fish, with high expression in trunk kidney and head kidney, which was increased following Aeromonas hydrophila challenge in a duration-dependent manner. Purified recombinant Ctl (rCtl) from Escherichia coli BL21 was able to bind and agglutinate Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in a calcium-dependent manner. These results suggested that Ctl might be a C-type lectin of T. fulvidraco involved in innate immune responses as receptors (PRR).

The Association of GSDMB and ORMDL3 Gene Polymorphisms With Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose

ORM1-like 3 (ORMDL3) belongs to a highly conserved protein family which is anchored as transmembrane protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Gasdermin B (GSDMB) is adjacent to ORMDL3 on chromosome 17q21.2 and belongs to the gasdermin-domain containing the protein family (GSDM family). Recent reports suggest that GSDMB and ORMDL3 are associated with asthma in several populations. However, genetic association studies that examined the association of GSDMB and ORMDL3 gene variants with asthma showed conflicting results. To assess whether combined evidence shows the association between GSDMB/ORMDL3 polymorphism and asthma.

Methods

A bibliographic search from MEDLINE identified 13 original articles using the search keywords 'GSDMB', 'ORMDL3', and 'asthma'. An updated literature-based meta-analysis involving 6,691 subjects with asthma, 9,281 control individuals, and 1,360 families were conducted. Meta-odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on the fixed effects model or the random effects model depended on Cochran's Q-statistic and I² values. Data from case-control and TDT studies were analyzed in an allelic model using the Catmap software.

Results

We selected and identified 3 SNPs of ORMDL3 associated with asthma (rs8076131: OR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.20; P=0.012. rs12603332: OR=1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25; P=0.002. rs3744246: OR=1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; P=0.008) and 1 SNP of GSDMB associated with asthma (rs7216389: OR=1.37; 95% CI, 1.27-1.47; P<0.01). Publication bias was estimated using modified Egger's linear regression test proposed by Harbordetal and revealed no evidence of biases. Furthermore, cumulative meta-analysis in chronological order showed the inclination toward significant association for rs7216389 and rs12603332 with continually adding studies, and the inclination toward null-significant association for rs3744246 and rs8076131.

Conclusions

Moderate evidence exists for associations of the ORMDL3 rs8076131, rs12603332, and rs3744246 and GSDMB rs7216389 variants with asthma. Large sample size and representative population-based studies and TDT studies with homogeneous asthmatic patients and well-matched controls are warranted to confirm this finding.

Genomics in personalized cancer medicine and its impact on early drug development in China: report from the 6th Annual Meeting of the US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (USCACA) at the 50th ASCO Annual Meeting

The 6th Annual Meeting of the United States Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (USCACA) was held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) on May 30, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, the United States of America. With a focus on personalized medicine, the conference featured novel approaches to investigate genomic aberrations in cancer cells and innovative clinical trial designs to expedite cancer drug development in biomarker-defined patient populations. A panel discussion further provided in-depth advice on advancing development of personalized cancer medicines in China. The conference also summarized USCACA key initiatives and accomplishments, including two awards designated to recognize young investigators from China for their achievements and to support their training in the United States. As an effort to promote international collaboration, USCACA will team up with Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) to host a joint session on "Breakthrough Cancer Medicines" at the upcoming CSCO Annual Meeting on September 20th, 2014 in Xiamen, China.

Association of p53 codon 72 polymorphism with liver metastases of colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism (R72P) and the risk of colorectal liver metastases.

METHODS

The p53 R72P genotype was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 78 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases and 214 age- and sex-matched cases with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

The R allele of the p53 R72P polymorphism was more frequently found in metastatic cases than in nonmetastatic cases (P=0.075). Carriers of the 72R allele had a 2.25-fold (95% CI (confidence interval)=1.05 to approximately 4.83) increased risk of liver metastases. On the stratification analysis, 72R-carrying genotype conferred a 3.46-fold (95% CI=1.02 to approximately 11.72) and a 1.05-fold (95% CI=0.36 to approximately 3.08) increased risk of liver metastases for p53 overexpression-positive and negative colorectal cancers, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate for the first time that the 72R allele of the p53 polymorphism has an increased risk for liver metastases in colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression.

The single nucleotide polymorphisms of Kir3.4 gene and their correlation with lone paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Acetylcholine induced inwardly rectifying current (I(KACh)) is a heteromultimeric complex formed by Kir3.1 and Kir3.4 subunits and plays important roles in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is a common disorder among Chinese, the frequency of AF is about 0.61%, and in patients with strokes it is 12.1%. We hypothesise that lone paroxysmal AF genetic variation in Kir3.4 may predispose the atria to fibrillation in the Chinese population.

METHODS

We recruited 186 patients with lone paroxysmal AF, and 210 matched controls by age (49.61+/-8.04 years), sex, smoking habit, and left atrial dimension in Zhejiang Province, China. Genotype of Kir3.4 was determined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. The SPSS statistical software was used for chi(2) test. LD and haplotypes were calculated using SHESIS software package.

RESULTS

Three synonymous known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Kir3.4 were genotyped, including C171T (rs6590357), G810T (rs7118824) and C834T (rs7118833). We found low levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) between C171T and G810T (D'=0.272), complete LD between SNPs G810T and C834T (D'=1) in AF patients and controls. The case-control analysis revealed that the frequency of genotype and allele in three SNPs are significantly different between lone paroxysmal AF patients than in control subjects. The odds ratio (OR) for AF 171T and 810T alleles were 1.546 (95% CI 1.015-2.355) and 1.520 (95% CI 1.012-2.284), respectively, when compared with patients without Kir3.4T alleles in these two loci. The OR for AF in patients with C-T genotype were 13.364 (95% CI 5.710-31.278) and 37.135 (95% CI 9.050-152.381) when comparing patients with T-G genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that C171T and G810T SNPs in Kir3.4 gene might be risk factors for lone paroxysmal AF in Chinese population.

Association of the TP53 codon 72 polymorphism with colorectal cancer in a Chinese population

A TP53 gene polymorphism, resulting in an arginine (R) to proline (P) at codon 72 (TP53 R72P), has been associated with the susceptibility to various cancers. To better understand the role of this polymorphism in colorectal cancer etiology, we examined the association between TP53 R72P and colorectal cancer risk in 345 patients with colorectal cancer and 670 controls in a Chinese population. We observed that subjects with RP and PP genotypes had a 1.60-fold and a 2.37-fold increased risk for colorectal cancer, respectively. The 72P allele conferred a more pronounced increase in colorectal cancer risk among alcohol consumers (heterozygotes: OR = 3.01; homozygotes: OR = 4.71). The TP53 R72P polymorphism was not linked to tumor location, histologic grade, lymph node metastases, Dukes stage, p53 positivity, or age at diagnosis, but to tumor size. We conclude that the TP53 R72P polymorphism may contribute to the etiology of colorectal cancer in the Chinese population, particularly among alcohol consumers.

Exposure to particulate air pollution and risk of deep vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Particulate air pollution has been linked to heart disease and stroke, possibly resulting from enhanced coagulation and arterial thrombosis. Whether particulate air pollution exposure is related to venous thrombosis is unknown.

METHODS

We examined the association of exposure to particulate matter of less than 10 microm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10) with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk in 870 patients and 1210 controls from the Lombardy region in Italy, who were examined between 1995 and 2005. We estimated exposure to PM10 in the year before DVT diagnosis (cases) or examination (controls) through area-specific mean levels obtained from ambient monitors.

RESULTS

Higher mean PM10 level in the year before the examination was associated with shortened prothrombin time (PT) in DVT cases (standardized regression coefficient [beta] = -0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.23 to 0.00) (P = .04) and controls (beta = -0.06; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.00) (P = .04). Each increase of 10 microg/m3 in PM10 was associated with a 70% increase in DVT risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.23) (P < .001) in models adjusting for clinical and environmental covariates. The exposure-response relationship was approximately linear over the observed PM10 range. The association between PM10 level and DVT risk was weaker in women (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.92) (P = .02 for the interaction between PM10 and sex), particularly in those using oral contraceptives or hormone therapy (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.61) (P = .048 for the interaction between PM10 level and hormone use).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with altered coagulation function and DVT risk. Other risk factors for DVT may modulate the effect of particulate air pollution.

A p53 polymorphism modifies the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among non-carriers but not carriers of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

To clarify the modifying effect of the codon 72 p53 polymorphism on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stratified by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status, 111 incident cases of HCC and 424 controls in HBV-negative subjects and 135 cases and 125 controls in HBV-positive subjects were identified. No correlation between the polymorphism and HCC risk was found when comparing the HBV-positive cases to controls. However, in HBV-negative subjects, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes had a 1.97-fold and a 3.36-fold increased risk for HCC, respectively. In subjects with the Pro allele and family history of HCC yielded an 11.81-fold increased risk of HCC.

Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase Polymorphisms and Risk for Advanced Colorectal Adenoma

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma, a precursor of colorectal cancer. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) metabolizes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Nonsynonymous variants of EPHX1 at Tyr113His (exon 3) and His139Arg (exon 4) are associated, respectively, with low (113His) and high (139Arg) predicted activity. Among participants randomized to the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, we evaluated risks for advanced adenoma in relation to cigarette use and these two EPHX1 variants. We compared 772 cases with advanced adenoma (adenoma ≥1 cm or containing high-grade dysplasia or villous, including tubulovillous, elements) of the distal colon (left-sided, descending colon and sigmoid or rectum) to 777 gender- and age-matched controls who were screen-negative for left-sided adenoma. Compared to those with homozygous genotypes predicting low EPHX1 activity, advanced adenoma risks tended to be elevated for carriers of 113TyrTyr [odds ratios (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.0-2.2] and 139ArgArg (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.8-2.5) and for subjects who carried a greater number of the alleles (113Tyr or 139Arg) associated with high predicted enzymatic activity (Ptrend = 0.03). The increased risk associated with the increasing number of putative high-activity alleles was most apparent among current and recent (quit &lt;10 years) cigarette smokers (Ptrend = 0.02). In conclusion, EPHX1 variants at codon 113 and 139 associated with high predicted enzymatic activity appear to increase risk for colorectal adenoma, particularly among recent and current smokers.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase polymorphisms and risk for advanced colorectal adenoma

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma, a precursor of colorectal cancer. Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) metabolizes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Nonsynonymous variants of EPHX1 at Tyr(113)His (exon 3) and His(139)Arg (exon 4) are associated, respectively, with low ((113)His) and high ((139)Arg) predicted activity. Among participants randomized to the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, we evaluated risks for advanced adenoma in relation to cigarette use and these two EPHX1 variants. We compared 772 cases with advanced adenoma (adenoma >/=1 cm or containing high-grade dysplasia or villous, including tubulovillous, elements) of the distal colon (left-sided, descending colon and sigmoid or rectum) to 777 gender- and age-matched controls who were screen-negative for left-sided adenoma. Compared to those with homozygous genotypes predicting low EPHX1 activity, advanced adenoma risks tended to be elevated for carriers of (113)TyrTyr [odds ratios (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.0-2.2] and (139)ArgArg (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.8-2.5) and for subjects who carried a greater number of the alleles ((113)Tyr or (139)Arg) associated with high predicted enzymatic activity (P(trend) = 0.03). The increased risk associated with the increasing number of putative high-activity alleles was most apparent among current and recent (quit <10 years) cigarette smokers (P(trend) = 0.02). In conclusion, EPHX1 variants at codon 113 and 139 associated with high predicted enzymatic activity appear to increase risk for colorectal adenoma, particularly among recent and current smokers.

[Comparison between of TRISS and ASCOT methods--in Tainan area. Trauma and Injury Severity Score. A Severity Characterization of Trauma]

In this study, we compare the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and A Severity Characterization of Trauma (ASCOT) models by using NCKUH trauma registry to assess the performance of correct prediction in terms of sensitivity, specificity and misclassification rate. The database has accumulated to 5,672 cases, NCKUH 2,490; Chi-Mei 3,182 respectively. Blunt trauma mechanism was composed of 4, 892 (86.2%) while 552 (9.7%) were pertinent to penetrating. The male/female ratio is 2.4:1. Traffic accident is the major cause of injury (3, 472-(61.2%)), followed by work injury (723-(12.7%)); fall (702-(12.4%)) and burn injuries (160-(2.8%)). The category of traffic accident is comprised of motorcycle-related, (1,257-(69.14%)), followed by automobile-related was (301-(16.56%)) and bicycle injuries (123-(6.8%)). The category of working injury comprised by machine crushed cases (332-(45.92%)) followed by cutting (148-(20.47%)) and impacts (69-(9.5%)). The overall mortality rate in our registry was 8.3%. ASCOT and TRISS were compared using sensitivity, specificity and misclassification rates. Each method had disadvantages in predicting outcomes of particular subgroups of patients. ASCOT tends to underestimate the probability of survival among patients with head/spinal injuries; while TRISS had a similar effect on multiple trauma victims. In conclusion, ASCOT is superior to TRISS in correctly predicting severe head trauma cases. However, both methods have their limitations in terms of accurate prediction. It is our hope to develop a mixed, revised model to better predict patients survival probability. Therefore, it is feasible to adopt ASCOT methodology in prediction of trauma patients in Taiwan. Expanded database and better methodology need to be developed in further study.