Oxytocin-induced increases in cytokines and clinical effect on the core social features of autism: Analyses of RCT datasets

Although oxytocin may provide a novel therapeutics for the core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), previous results regarding the efficacy of repeated or higher dose oxytocin are controversial, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study is aimed to clarify whether repeated oxytocin alter plasma cytokine levels in relation to clinical changes of autism social core feature. Here we analyzed cytokine concentrations using comprehensive proteomics of plasmas of 207 adult males with high-functioning ASD collected from two independent multi-center large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs): Testing effects of 4-week intranasal administrations of TTA-121 (A novel oxytocin spray with enhanced bioavailability: 3U, 6U, 10U, or 20U/day) and placebo in the crossover discovery RCT; 48U/day Syntocinon or placebo in the parallel-group verification RCT. Among the successfully quantified 17 cytokines, 4 weeks TTA-121 6U (the peak dose for clinical effects) significantly elevated IL-7 (9.74, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 3.59 to 15.90, False discovery rate corrected P (PFDR) < 0.001), IL-9 (56.64, 20.46 to 92.82, PFDR < 0.001) and MIP-1b (18.27, 4.96 to 31.57, PFDR < 0.001) compared with placebo. Inverted U-shape dose-response relationships peaking at TTA-121 6U were consistently observed for all these cytokines (IL-7: P < 0.001; IL-9: P < 0.001; MIP-1b: P = 0.002). Increased IL-7 and IL-9 in participants with ASD after 4 weeks TTA-121 6U administration compared with placebo was verified in the confirmatory analyses in the dataset before crossover (PFDR < 0.001). Furthermore, the changes in all these cytokines during 4 weeks of TTA-121 10U administration revealed associations with changes in reciprocity score, the original primary outcome, observed during the same period (IL-7: Coefficient = -0.05, -0.10 to 0.003, P = 0.067; IL-9: -0.01, -0.02 to -0.003, P = 0.005; MIP-1b: -0.02, -0.04 to -0.007, P = 0.005). These findings provide the first evidence for a role of interaction between oxytocin and neuroinflammation in the change of ASD core social features, and support the potential role of this interaction as a novel therapeutic seed. Trial registration: UMIN000015264, NCT03466671/UMIN000031412.

Effect of chlorpyrifos-exposure on the expression levels of CYP genes in Daphnia magna and examination of a possibility that an up-regulated clan 3 CYP, CYP360A8, reacts with pesticides

Daphnia magna is a test organism used for ecological risk assessments of pesticides, but little is known about the expression levels of cytochrome P450s (CYP)s and their changes after pesticide exposure in the less than 24-h-olds used for ecotoxicity tests. In this study, D. magna juveniles were exposed to 0.2 μg/L of chlorpyrifos under the conditions for acute immobilization test as specified by the OECD test guideline for 24 h, and then the gene expression was compared between the control and chlorpyrifos-exposure groups by RNA-sequencing analysis, with a focus on CYP genes. Among 38 CYP genes expressed in the control group, seven were significantly up-regulated while two were significantly down-regulated in the chlorpyrifos-exposure group. Although the sublethal concentration of chlorpyrifos did not change their expression levels so drastically (0.8 < fold change < 2.6), CY360A8 of D. magna (DmCYP360A8), which had been proposed to be responsible for metabolism of xenobiotics, was abundantly expressed in controls yet up-regulated by chlorpyrifos. Therefore, homology modeling of DmCYP360A8 was performed based on the amino acid sequence, and then molecular docking simulations with the insecticides that were indicated to be metabolized by CYPs in D. magna were conducted. The results indicated that DmCYP360A8 could contribute to the metabolism of diazinon and chlorfenapyr but not chlorpyrifos. These findings suggest that chlorpyrifos is probably detoxified by other CYP(s) including up-regulated and/or constitutively expressed one(s).

Objective assessment of autism spectrum disorder based on performance in structured interpersonal acting-out tasks with prosodic stability and variability

In this study, we sought to objectively and quantitatively characterize the prosodic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via the characteristics of prosody in a newly developed structured speech experiment. Male adults with high-functioning ASD and age/intelligence-matched men with typical development (TD) were asked to read 29 brief scripts aloud in response to preceding auditory stimuli. To investigate whether (1) highly structured acting-out tasks can uncover the prosodic of difference between those with ASD and TD, and (2) the prosodic stableness and flexibleness can be used for objective automatic assessment of ASD, we compared prosodic features such as fundamental frequency, intensity, and mora duration. The results indicate that individuals with ASD exhibit stable pitch registers or volume levels in some affective vocal-expression scenarios, such as those involving anger or sadness, compared with TD and those with TD. However, unstable prosody was observed in some timing control or emphasis tasks in the participants with ASD. Automatic classification of the ASD and TD groups using a support vector machine (SVM) with speech features exhibited an accuracy of 90.4%. A machine learning-based assessment of the degree of ASD core symptoms using support vector regression (SVR) also had good performance. These results may inform the development of a new easy-to-use assessment tool for ASD core symptoms using recorded audio signals.

Structural differences between the closely related RNA helicases, UAP56 and URH49, fashion distinct functional apo-complexes

mRNA export is an essential pathway for the regulation of gene expression. In humans, closely related RNA helicases, UAP56 and URH49, shape selective mRNA export pathways through the formation of distinct complexes, known as apo-TREX and apo-AREX complexes, and their subsequent remodeling into similar ATP-bound complexes. Therefore, defining the unidentified components of the apo-AREX complex and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of distinct apo-complexes is key to understanding their functional divergence. In this study, we identify additional apo-AREX components physically and functionally associated with URH49. Furthermore, by comparing the structures of UAP56 and URH49 and performing an integrated analysis of their chimeric mutants, we exhibit unique structural features that would contribute to the formation of their respective complexes. This study provides insights into the specific structural and functional diversification of these two helicases that diverged from the common ancestral gene Sub2.

A Structural Network Analysis of Neuronal ArhGAP21/23 Interactors by Computational Modeling

RhoGTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) play multiple roles in neuronal development; however, details of their substrate recognition system remain elusive. ArhGAP21 and ArhGAP23 are RhoGAPs that contain N-terminal PDZ and pleckstrin homology domains. In the present study, the RhoGAP domain of these ArhGAPs was computationally modeled by template-based methods and the AlphaFold2 software program, and their intrinsic RhoGTPase recognition mechanism was analyzed from the domain structures using the protein docking programs HADDOCK and HDOCK. ArhGAP21 was predicted to preferentially catalyze Cdc42, RhoA, RhoB, RhoC, and RhoG and to downregulate RhoD and Tc10 activities. Regarding ArhGAP23, RhoA and Cdc42 were deduced to be its substrates, whereas RhoD downregulation was predicted to be less efficient. The PDZ domains of ArhGAP21/23 possess the FTLRXXXVY sequence, and similar globular folding consists of antiparalleled β-sheets and two α-helices that are conserved with PDZ domains of MAST-family proteins. A peptide docking analysis revealed the specific interaction of the ArhGAP23 PDZ domain with the PTEN C-terminus. The pleckstrin homology domain structure of ArhGAP23 was also predicted, and the functional selectivity for the interactors regulated by the folding and disordered domains in ArhGAP21 and ArhGAP23 was examined by an in silico analysis. An interaction analysis of these RhoGAPs revealed the existence of mammalian ArhGAP21/23-specific type I and type III Arf- and RhoGTPase-regulated signaling. Multiple recognition systems of RhoGTPase substrates and selective Arf-dependent localization of ArhGAP21/23 may form the basis of the functional core signaling necessary for synaptic homeostasis and axon/dendritic transport regulated by RhoGAP localization and activities.

POS0522 ASSOCIATED FACTORS WITH PHYSICAL DYSFUNCTION OF ELDERLY-ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH A TREAT-TO-TARGET STRATEGY

Background

Achievement of normal physical function is an important outcome for older patients. Previous studies of younger cohorts showed that aging, comorbidities, and joint damage influenced the physical function of patients with RA who achieved clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA). We previously demonstrated that a treat-to-target (T2T) strategy for methotrexate (MTX)-naïve elderly-onset RA (EORA) was effective with an acceptable safety profile. It showed that 60.9% of 197 patients achieved HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) ≤0.5 at three years by following the T2T strategy targeting LDA (1).

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate associated factors with HAQ-DI in the T2T strategy targeting LDA for patients with EORA during three-year observational period.

Methods

Treatment was adjusted to target LDA with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), followed by biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) in 197 MTX-naïve EORA patients (mean age 74.9 years) with moderate-to-high disease activity. HAQ-DI was evaluated at week 0, 24, 52, 76, 104, 128, and 156. To evaluate associated factors with SDAI and HAQ-DI over the 36-month follow-up, Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression modeling was applied for 1067 periods from the 197 patients.

Results

At baseline, the enrolled 197 patients with EORA who had normal physical function (HAQ-DI ≤0.5) in 29.4%, HAQ-DI >0.5 and <1.5 in 36.5%, and HAQ-DI ≥1.5 in 33.0%, and the mean age (standard deviation [SD]) in each group was 72.7 (5.9), 74.8 (7.3), and 75.6 (6.7), respectively. Baseline SDAI increased in the group with higher HAQ-DI. The proportions of patients with each comorbidity and estimated creatinine clearance at baseline were not significantly different across the 3 groups.

In the multilevel logistic model, the association of MTX, bDMARDs, and GC use with changes in SDAI in each period was evaluated. Age, sex, and comorbidities (chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, history of malignancy, osteoporosis, history of serious infections, and osteoarthritis) were included as inter-individual factors. The model indicated that the use of bDMARDs was associated with a reduction of the SDAI (ΔSDAI: -9.75, SD 0.75, p<0.001), while neither MTX (ΔSDAI: -1.25, SD 1.13, p=0.270) nor GCs (ΔSDAI: -0.78, SD 0.88, p=0.372) was associated with changes in SDAI. Chronic lung diseases (ΔSDAI: 4.64, SD 1.44, p=0.001) and osteoporosis (ΔSDAI: 3.78, SD 1.46, p=0.001) at baseline were associated with the increment of SDAI.

The association of age, sex, the comorbidities, and MTX, bDMARDs, and GC use with physical function in each period was evaluated by the multilevel logistic model. The model indicated that older age (ΔHAQ-DI: 0.03, SD 0.01, p <0.001), chronic lung diseases (ΔHAQ-DI: 0.15, SD 0.10, p=0.001), and osteoporosis (ΔHAQ-DI: 0.30, SD 0.10, p=0.010) at baseline were associated with the increment of HAQ-DI. When the mean SDAI during the observation period was added to the model as an inter-individual factor, the associations of HAQ-DI with the chronic lung diseases and osteoporosis at baseline were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

These data indicate that bDMARDs had a central role in reducing disease activity in the T2T strategy targeting LDA in EORA patients. Chronic lung diseases and osteoporosis at baseline were associated with increase in disease activity and worsening of physical function. However, disease activity had a greater impact on physical function than the comorbidities at baseline.

References

[1]Sugihara T, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021;60(9):4252-4261

Disclosure of Interests

takahiko sugihara Speakers bureau: TS has received honoraria from Abbvie Japan Co., Ltd., AsahiKASEI Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Ayumi Pharmaceutical, Bristol Myers Squibb K.K., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Co., Ono Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Japan Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Grant/research support from: TS has received research grants from AsahiKASEI Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Ono Pharmaceutical., Tatsuro Ishizaki: None declared, Hiroyuki Baba: None declared, Takumi Matsumoto: None declared, Kanae Kubo Speakers bureau: KK has received honoraria from Asahi KASEI, Astellas Pharma, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, AbbVie GK, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and Nippon Shinyaku., Grant/research support from: KK has received research grants from Asahi KASEI, Mari Kamiya: None declared, Fumio Hirano: None declared, Tadashi Hosoya: None declared, Masayo Kojima Speakers bureau: MK has received speakers bureau from AbbVie, Astellas, Ayumi Pharma, Chugai, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Ono Pharmaceutical, Pfizer, Tanabe-Mitsubishi, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nobuyuki Miyasaka: None declared, Masayoshi Harigai Speakers bureau: MH has received speaker’s fee from AbbVie Japan GK, Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Boehringer Ingelheim Japan, Inc.,Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., GlaxoSmithKline K.K., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Pfizer Japan Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Teijin Pharma Ltd., Consultant of: MH is a consultant for AbbVie, Boehringer-ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd. and Teijin Pharma., Grant/research support from: MH has received research grants from AbbVie Japan GK, Asahi Kasei Corp., Astellas Pharma Inc., Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Daiichi-Sankyo, Inc.,Eisai Co., Ltd., Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., Sekiui Medical, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Teijin Pharma Ltd.

Function of SYDE C2-RhoGAP family as signaling hubs for neuronal development deduced by computational analysis

Recent investigations of neurological developmental disorders have revealed the Rho-family modulators such as Syde and its interactors as the candidate genes. Although the mammalian Syde proteins are reported to possess GTPase-accelerating activity for RhoA-family proteins, diverse species-specific substrate selectivities and binding partners have been described, presumably based on their evolutionary variance in the molecular organization. A comprehensive in silico analysis of Syde family proteins was performed to elucidate their molecular functions and neurodevelopmental networks. Predicted structural modeling of the RhoGAP domain may account for the molecular constraints to substrate specificity among Rho-family proteins. Deducing conserved binding motifs can extend the Syde interaction network and highlight diverse but Syde isoform-specific signaling pathways in neuronal homeostasis, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity from novel aspects of post-translational modification and proteolysis.

3CL Protease Inhibitors with an Electrophilic Arylketone Moiety as Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Agents

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has been identified as the causative agent for the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 3CL protease (3CLpro) plays a pivotal role in the processing of viral polyproteins. We report peptidomimetic compounds with a unique benzothiazolyl ketone as a warhead group, which display potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. The most potent inhibitor YH-53 can strongly block the SARS-CoV-2 replication. X-ray structural analysis revealed that YH-53 establishes multiple hydrogen bond interactions with backbone amino acids and a covalent bond with the active site of 3CLpro. Further results from computational and experimental studies, including an in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profile, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and metabolic analysis of YH-53 suggest that it has a high potential as a lead candidate to compete with COVID-19.

Effect of a novel nasal oxytocin spray with enhanced bioavailability on autism: a randomized trial

Although intranasal oxytocin is expected to be a novel therapy for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, which has currently no approved medication, the efficacy of repeated administrations was inconsistent, suggesting that the optimal dose for a single administration of oxytocin is not optimal for repeated administration.

The current double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, crossover trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03466671) was aimed to test the effect of TTA-121, a new formulation of intranasal oxytocin spray with an enhanced bioavailability (3.6 times higher than Syntocinon® spray, as assessed by area under the concentration–time curve in rabbit brains), which enabled us to test a wide range of multiple doses, on autism spectrum disorder core symptoms and to determine the dose–response relationship. Four-week administrations of TTA-121, at low dose once per day (3 U/day), low dose twice per day (6 U/day), high dose once per day (10 U/day), or high dose twice per day (20 U/day), and 4-week placebo were administered in a crossover manner. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the reciprocity score (range: 0–14, higher values represent worse outcomes) on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule between the baseline and end point of each administration period. This trial with two administration periods and eight groups was conducted at seven university hospitals in Japan, enrolling adult males with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Enrolment began from June 2018 and ended December 2019. Follow-up ended March 2020.

Of 109 males with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder who were randomized, 103 completed the trial. The smallest P-value, judged as the dose–response relationship, was the contrast with the peak at TTA-121 6 U/day, with inverted U-shape for both the full analysis set (P = 0.182) and per protocol set (P = 0.073). The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule reciprocity score, the primary outcome, was reduced in the TTA-121 6 U/day administration period compared with the placebo (full analysis set: P = 0.118, mean difference = −0.5; 95% CI: −1.1 to 0.1; per protocol set: P = 0.012, mean difference = −0.8; 95% CI: −1.3 to −0.2). The per protocol set was the analysis target population, consisting of all full analysis set participants except those who deviated from the protocol. Most dropouts from the full analysis set to the per protocol set occurred because of poor adherence to the test drug (9 of 12 in the first period and 8 of 15 in the second period). None of the secondary clinical and behavioural outcomes were significantly improved with the TTA-121 compared with the placebo in the full analysis set.

A novel intranasal spray of oxytocin with enhanced bioavailability enabled us to test a wide range of multiple doses, revealing an inverted U-shape dose–response curve, with the peak at a dose that was lower than expected from previous studies. The efficacy of TTA-121 shown in the current exploratory study should be verified in a future large-scale, parallel-group trial.

Combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing for removal of artificial extrinsic stain on enamel surface: An in vitro study

Background

This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of baking soda and electric toothbrushing on the removal of artificial extrinsic stain in vitro.

Material and Methods

Flat enamel surfaces of 15 bovine incisors were artificially stained with 10% citric acid / 3% ferric chloride solution followed by 1% tannic acid solution. These specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5) – Group S+B: brushing with an electric toothbrush and baking soda, Group S+C: brushing with an electric toothbrush and fluoride dentifrice, Group S: brushing only with an electric toothbrush. Color values (L*, a*, and b*) and surface roughness were measured before and after brushing (after 1, 2, 3, and 5 min). The data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significant difference test as a post hoc test (p< 0.05).

Results

The L* value of Group S+B increased over time, and was significantly different between before brushing and at 5 min (p< 0.05). A significant difference in the ΔE* value of Group S+B was found at 5 min (p< 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the ΔE* values of Group S+C and Group S. No significant differences in Ra were found in any of the groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the combined use of baking soda and electric toothbrushing has an excellent stain-removing effect compared with electric toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice. Additionally, the changes in surface roughness were similar to the changes caused by the use of general dentifrices.

Key words:Baking soda, dentifrice, extrinsic stain removal, color change, surface roughness.

Oxytocin-induced increase in N,N-dimethylglycine and time course of changes in oxytocin efficacy for autism social core symptoms

Background

Oxytocin is expected as a novel therapeutic agent for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, previous results on the efficacy of repeated administrations of oxytocin are controversial. Recently, we reported time-course changes in the efficacy of the neuropeptide underlying the controversial effects of repeated administration; however, the underlying mechanisms remained unknown.

Methods

The current study explored metabolites representing the molecular mechanisms of oxytocin’s efficacy using high-throughput metabolomics analysis on plasma collected before and after 6-week repeated intranasal administration of oxytocin (48 IU/day) or placebo in adult males with ASD (N = 106) who participated in a multi-center, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial.

Results

Among the 35 metabolites measured, a significant increase in N,N-dimethylglycine was detected in the subjects administered oxytocin compared with those given placebo at a medium effect size (false discovery rate (FDR) corrected P = 0.043, d = 0.74, N = 83). Furthermore, subgroup analyses of the participants displaying a prominent time-course change in oxytocin efficacy revealed a significant effect of oxytocin on N,N-dimethylglycine levels with a large effect size (P_FDR = 0.004, d = 1.13, N = 60). The increase in N,N-dimethylglycine was significantly correlated with oxytocin-induced clinical changes, assessed as changes in quantifiable characteristics of autistic facial expression, including both of improvements between baseline and 2 weeks (P_FDR = 0.006, r = − 0.485, N = 43) and deteriorations between 2 and 4 weeks (P_FDR = 0.032, r = 0.415, N = 37).

Limitations

The metabolites changes caused by oxytocin administration were quantified using peripheral blood and therefore may not directly reflect central nervous system changes.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate an association of N,N-dimethylglycine upregulation with the time-course change in the efficacy of oxytocin on autistic social deficits. Furthermore, the current findings support the involvement of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and neural plasticity to the time-course change in oxytocin’s efficacy.

Trial registration: A multi-center, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, double-blind, confirmatory trial of intranasal oxytocin in participants with autism spectrum disorders (the date registered: 30 October 2014; UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000017703) (UMIN000015264).

Machine-learning classification using neuroimaging data in schizophrenia, autism, ultra-high risk and first-episode psychosis

Neuropsychiatric disorders are diagnosed based on behavioral criteria, which makes the diagnosis challenging. Objective biomarkers such as neuroimaging are needed, and when coupled with machine learning, can assist the diagnostic decision and increase its reliability. Sixty-four schizophrenia, 36 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 106 typically developing individuals were analyzed. FreeSurfer was used to obtain the data from the participant's brain scans. Six classifiers were utilized to classify the subjects. Subsequently, 26 ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) and 17 first-episode psychosis (FEP) subjects were run through the trained classifiers. Lastly, the classifiers' output of the patient groups was correlated with their clinical severity. All six classifiers performed relatively well to distinguish the subject groups, especially support vector machine (SVM) and Logistic regression (LR). Cortical thickness and subcortical volume feature groups were most useful for the classification. LR and SVM were highly consistent with clinical indices of ASD. When UHR and FEP groups were run with the trained classifiers, majority of the cases were classified as schizophrenia, none as ASD. Overall, SVM and LR were the best performing classifiers. Cortical thickness and subcortical volume were most useful for the classification, compared to surface area. LR, SVM, and DT's output were clinically informative. The trained classifiers were able to help predict the diagnostic category of both UHR and FEP Individuals.

Effect of intranasal oxytocin on the core social symptoms of autism spectrum disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Although small-scale studies have described the effects of oxytocin on social deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), no large-scale study has been conducted. In this randomized, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in Japan, 106 ASD individuals (18-48 y.o.) were enrolled between Jan 2015 and March 2016. Participants were randomly assigned to a 6-week intranasal oxytocin (48IU/day, n = 53) or placebo (n = 53) group. One-hundred-three participants were analyzed. Since oxytocin reduced the primary endpoint, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) reciprocity, (from 8.5 to 7.7; P < .001) but placebo also reduced the score (8.3 to 7.2; P < .001), no between-group difference was found (effect size -0.08; 95% CI, -0.46 to 0.31; P = .69); however, plasma oxytocin was only elevated from baseline to endpoint in the oxytocin-group compared with the placebo-group (effect size -1.12; -1.53 to -0.70; P < .0001). Among the secondary endpoints, oxytocin reduced ADOS repetitive behavior (2.0 to 1.5; P < .0001) compared with placebo (2.0 to 1.8; P = .43) (effect size 0.44; 0.05 to 0.83; P = .026). In addition, the duration of gaze fixation on socially relevant regions, another secondary endpoint, was increased by oxytocin (41.2 to 52.3; P = .03) compared with placebo (45.7 to 40.4; P = .25) (effect size 0.55; 0.10 to 1.0; P = .018). No significant effects were observed for the other secondary endpoints. No significant difference in the prevalence of adverse events was observed between groups, although one participant experienced temporary gynecomastia during oxytocin administration. Based on the present findings, we cannot recommend continuous intranasal oxytocin treatment alone at the current dose and duration for treatment of the core social symptoms of high-functioning ASD in adult men, although this large-scale trial suggests oxytocin's possibility to treat ASD repetitive behavior.

AB1172 IMPROVEMENT OF DEPRESSION BY JOINT SURGERY IN ESTABLISHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; RESULTS FROM MULTICENTER PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY FOR EVALUATION OF JOINT SURGERY ON PATIENT’S REPORTED OUTCOME

Background:

Total management including reconstructive joint surgery and rehabilitation should be needed for further improvements of physical function for long-standing RA patients. In these days, it is very important to evaluate the effectiveness of joint surgery as well as drug therapy based on patient-reported outcome (PRO)

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among depression, clinical variables and other PROs including physical function and to explore whether joint surgery can improve the depression.

Methods:

Multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted among patients who underwent elective joint surgery for RA from April 2012 to March 2016 (Study registration: UMIN000012649). In this study, we collected data at baseline and at 6 or 12 months after the surgery. These data were as follow; age, sex, disease duration, drug therapies, and disease activity (DAS), TUG, and patient-reported outcome [HAQ-DI, EQ-5D (QOL), pain and BDI-II (depression)]. Correlation between BDI-II and other variables were determined using multiple liner regression analysis.

Results:

Totally, 346 patients before elective joint surgery were analyzed cross-sectionally. Mean age, disease duration, pain VAS, DAS28, HAQ-DI, EQ-5D and BDI-II were 64.2 years, 17.0 years, 36.2 mm, 3.02, 1.11, 0.641 and 13.0, respectively. 52.6% of elective joint surgeries were in upper limbs and 47.4% were in lower limbs. Multiple liner regression analysis showed that HAQ-DI [B:-0.099 (95%CI:-0.117- -0.08) β:-0.48] pain VAS [B:-0.002 (95%CI:-0.002- -0.001) β:-0.26] and BDI-II [B:-0.003 (95%CI:-0.005- -0.002) β:-0.19] had significant impact on EQ-5D. Furthermore, HAQ-DI [B:3.78 (95%CI:2.54- 5.06) β: 0.33] and pain VAS [B: 0.062 (95%CI: 0.023- 0.101) β 0.17] had significant impact on BDI-II. Especially, walking and eating were independent factors for BDI-II in HAQ-DI categories. These results were confirmed in longitudinal analyses using results from joint surgery in lower limbs (LL; n=138) and upper limbs (UL; n=165), respectively. BDI-II was remarkably improved from 12.1 (mean) to 10.5 in LL and from 14.2 (mean) to 11.9 in UL. Change in HAQ-DI had significant impact on that in BDI-II [LL; B:3.183 (95%CI:0.301- 6.065) β:0.229, and UL; B:2.55 (95%CI:0.19- 4.92) β:0.19] while that in painVAS did not. Especially, the improving in walking category by LL [B:1.38 (95%CI:0.06- 2.70) β:0.18] and in hygiene category by UL [B:2.11 (95%CI:0.79- 3.42) β:0.24] were relevant factors for improving of BDI-II.

Conclusion:

Depression is an important patient-reported outcome for QOL in established RA patients. Improving of physical function with joint surgery in both lower and upper limbs caused improving of depression status. Rheumatologists should take the joint surgery into consideration as effective intervention for treatment of established RA patients with treatment.

Acknowledgments:

This study was funded by a grant from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Walfare (h2424YN002-00) to Naoki Ishiguro.

We thank Drs Tanaka S, Haga N, Yukioka M, Hashimoto J, Miyahara H, Niki Y, Kimura T, Oda H, Funahashi K for their contribution to this study and all medical staff members of each institute for their data collection efforts for their data collection efforts.

Disclosure of Interests:

Toshihisa Kojima Grant/research support from: Chugai, Eli Lilly, Astellas, Abbvie, and Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Pfizer, and Takeda, Masayo Kojima: None declared, Hajime Ishikawa: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Shuji Asai Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Janssen, Takeda, and UCB Japan, Naoki Ishiguro Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Asahi Kasei, Astellas, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Kaken, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Otsuka, Pfizer, Takeda, and Zimmer Biomet, Consultant of: Ono, Speakers bureau: Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Taisho Toyama

Quantitative facial expression analysis revealed the efficacy and time course of oxytocin in autism

Discrepancies in efficacy between single-dose and repeated administration of oxytocin for autism spectrum disorder have led researchers to hypothesize that time-course changes in efficacy are induced by repeated administrations of the peptide hormone. However, repeatable, objective, and quantitative measurement of autism spectrum disorder's core symptoms are lacking, making it difficult to examine potential time-course changes in efficacy. We tested this hypothesis using repeatable, objective, and quantitative measurement of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. We examined videos recorded during semi-structured social interaction administered as the primary outcome in single-site exploratory (n = 18, crossover within-subjects design) and multisite confirmatory (n = 106, parallel-group design), double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-week trials of repeated intranasal administrations of oxytocin (48 IU/day) in adult males with autism spectrum disorder. The main outcomes were statistical representative values of objectively quantified facial expression intensity in a repeatable part of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule: the maximum probability (i.e. mode) and the natural logarithm of mode on the probability density function of neutral facial expression and the natural logarithm of mode on the probability density function of happy expression. Our recent study revealed that increases in these indices characterize autistic facial expression, compared with neurotypical individuals. The current results revealed that oxytocin consistently and significantly decreased the increased natural logarithm of mode on the probability density function of neutral facial expression compared with placebo in exploratory (effect-size, -0.57; 95% CI, -1.27 to 0.13; P = 0.023) and confirmatory trials (-0.41; -0.62 to -0.20; P < 0.001). A significant interaction between time-course (at baseline, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) and the efficacy of oxytocin on the natural logarithm of mode on the probability density function of neutral facial expression was found in confirmatory trial (P < 0.001). Post hoc analyses revealed maximum efficacy at 2 weeks (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = -0.78; 95% CI, -1.21 to -0.35) and deterioration of efficacy at 4 weeks (P = 0.042, Cohen's d = -0.46; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.01) and 6 weeks (P = 0.10, Cohen's d = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.77 to 0.08), while efficacy was preserved at 2 weeks post-treatment (i.e. 8 weeks) (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.24; 95% CI, -1.71 to -0.78). Quantitative facial expression analyses successfully verified the positive effects of repeated oxytocin on autistic individuals' facial expressions and demonstrated a time-course change in efficacy. The current findings support further development of an optimized regimen of oxytocin treatment.

Quantification of speech and synchrony in the conversation of adults with autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social reciprocity and communication together with restricted interest and stereotyped behaviors. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is considered a ‘gold standard’ instrument for diagnosis of ASD and mainly depends on subjective assessments made by trained clinicians. To develop a quantitative and objective surrogate marker for ASD symptoms, we investigated speech features including F₀, speech rate, speaking time, and turn-taking gaps, extracted from footage recorded during a semi-structured socially interactive situation from ADOS. We calculated not only the statistic values in a whole session of the ADOS activity but also conducted a block analysis, computing the statistical values of the prosodic features in each 8s sliding window. The block analysis identified whether participants changed volume or pitch according to the flow of the conversation. We also measured the synchrony between the participant and the ADOS administrator. Participants with high-functioning ASD showed significantly longer turn-taking gaps and a greater proportion of pause time, less variability and less synchronous changes in blockwise mean of intensity compared with those with typical development (TD) (p<0.05 corrected). In addition, the ASD group had significantly wider distribution than the TD group in the within-participant variability of blockwise mean of log F₀ (p<0.05 corrected). The clinical diagnosis could be discriminated using the speech features with 89% accuracy. The features of turn-taking and pausing were significantly correlated with deficits of ASD in reciprocity (p<0.05 corrected). Additionally, regression analysis provided 1.35 of mean absolute error in the prediction of deficits in reciprocity, to which the synchrony of intensity especially contributed. The findings suggest that considering variance of speech features, interaction and synchrony with conversation partner are critical to characterize atypical features in the conversation of people with ASD.

Comparative Analyses of Copy-Number Variation in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia Reveal Etiological Overlap and Biological Insights

Compelling evidence in Caucasian populations suggests a role for copy-number variations (CNVs) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). We analyzed 1,108 ASD cases, 2,458 SCZ cases, and 2,095 controls in a Japanese population and confirmed an increased burden of rare exonic CNVs in both disorders. Clinically significant (or pathogenic) CNVs, including those at 29 loci common to both disorders, were found in about 8% of ASD and SCZ cases, which was significantly higher than in controls. Phenotypic analysis revealed an association between clinically significant CNVs and intellectual disability. Gene set analysis showed significant overlap of biological pathways in both disorders including oxidative stress response, lipid metabolism/modification, and genomic integrity. Finally, based on bioinformatics analysis, we identified multiple disease-relevant genes in eight well-known ASD/SCZ-associated CNV loci (e.g., 22q11.2, 3q29). Our findings suggest an etiological overlap of ASD and SCZ and provide biological insights into these disorders.

Syntactic development in children with intellectual disabilities - using structured assessment of syntax

BACKGROUND

Children with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have a severe delay in syntactic development compared with other language abilities. This study investigated conditions of syntactic development in native Japanese-speaking children with ID.

METHODS

Children with ID [N = 51; 18 autism spectrum disorders (ASD), 18 Down syndrome (DS) and 15 ID without ASD and DS] were compared with typically developing children (N = 78) with the same mental age (MA). The development of syntax in spoken language was examined by receptive and production tasks.

RESULTS

The development of syntax in children with ID was significantly delayed than in typically developing children with the same MA. However, when reaching the MA of 7-9, syntax abilities started to develop remarkably. Moreover, children with ASD had significant difficulties in acquiring passive voice, whereas children with DS showed a significant delay in syntactic development.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of syntax in children with ID might be affected by MA and the type of disability. Moreover, it is necessary to exceed an MA of 7-9 years for children with ID to develop syntax abilities.

Paternal age contribution to brain white matter aberrations in autism spectrum disorder

AIM

Although advanced parental age holds an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its role as a potential risk factor for an atypical white matter development underlying the pathophysiology of ASD has not yet been investigated. The current study was aimed to detect white matter disparities in ASD, and further investigate the relationship of paternal and maternal age at birth with such disparities.

METHODS

Thirty-nine adult males with high-functioning ASD and 37 typically developing (TD) males were analyzed in the study. The FMRIB Software Library and tract-based spatial statistics were utilized to process and analyze the diffusion tensor imaging data.

RESULTS

Subjects with ASD exhibited significantly higher mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) in white matter fibers, including the association (inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculi, uncinate fasciculus, and cingulum), commissural (forceps minor), and projection tracts (anterior thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract) compared to TD subjects (Padjusted  < 0.05). No differences were seen in either fractional anisotropy or axial diffusivity. Linear regression analyses assessing the relationship between parental ages and the white matter aberrations revealed a positive correlation between paternal age (PA), but not maternal age, and both MD and RD in the affected fibers (Padjusted  < 0.05). Multiple regression showed that only PA was a predictor of both MD and RD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that PA contributes to the white matter disparities seen in individuals with ASD compared to TD subjects.

Comparing pig breeds with genetically low and high backfat thickness: differences in expression of adiponectin, its receptor, and blood metabolites

Here we characterized gene expressions in subcutaneous adipose tissue and blood metabolites of pigs with genetically low backfat (Landrace) and high backfat (Meishan). As pigs aged from 1 wk-to 3-mo old, mRNA levels of adipose-specific genes increased, although their gene expressions coding for major enzymes involved in lipid metabolism (lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, and hormone-sensitive lipase) did not differ between lean and fat pigs. Instead, there were significant effects for adiponectin and its receptor AdipoR1 mRNA levels between the two breeds of which respective expressions were lower and higher in Meishan by 3 mo of age. Contrary to changes in gene expressions, the concentrations of blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), and NEFA in both breeds decreased during growth, and 3-mo-old Meishan evidenced lower glucose with higher TG than the Landrace. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was also calculated from the measurements of fasting glucose and insulin concentration, and Meishan showed a higher value than the Landrace. We next examined these differences in Landrace and Meishan crossbreds, which were phenotypically distinguishable by the backfat thickness as the former lean type and the latter fat type. As with the purebreds, high backfat Meishan crosses showed the characteristics of lower glucose and higher TG in circulating levels and also lower adiponectin transcripts in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Collectively, our results demonstrate that levels of adiponectin and its receptor gene expressions, blood glucose, blood lipids, and HOMA-IR in pigs vary between lean and fat. These observations strongly suggest the possibility that overall metabolic differences rather than adipocyte ability itself contribute to the fatness of genetically high backfat pigs.

The effects of comorbid Tourette symptoms on distress caused by compulsive-like behavior in very young children: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Many children 4 to 6 years old exhibit compulsive-like behavior, often with comorbid Tourette symptoms, making this age group critical for investigating the effects of having comorbid Tourette symptoms with compulsive-like behavior. However, these effects have not yet been elucidated: it is unclear whether having comorbid tics with compulsive-like behavior leads to lower quality of life. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the effect of comorbid Tourette symptoms on distress caused by compulsive-like behavior in very young children.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to guardians of children aged 4 to 6 attending any of the 59 public preschools in a certain ward in Tokyo, Japan. The questionnaire contained questions on the presence of Tourette symptoms, the presence of specific motor and vocal tics, frequency/intensity of compulsive-like behavior, and the distress caused by compulsive-like behavior, which was rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Additionally, questions on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits, internalizing behavior traits, and externalizing behavior traits were included in the questionnaire as possible confounders of distress caused by compulsive-like behavior. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were conducted to compare the distress caused by compulsive-like behavior and frequency/intensity of compulsive-like behavior between children in the Tourette symptoms group and the non-Tourette symptoms group. Furthermore, a stepwise regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of the independent variables on distress caused by compulsive-like behavior. Another stepwise regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between distress caused by compulsive-like behavior and the presence of five specific motor and vocal tics.

RESULTS

Of the 675 eligible participants, distress due to compulsive-like behavior was significantly higher in children in the Tourette symptoms group compared to the non-Tourette symptoms group (2.00 vs 1.00, P < 0.001). Stepwise regression analysis showed that frequency/intensity of compulsive-like behavior, being in the Tourette symptoms group, ASD traits, and internalizing behavior traits were predictors of distress due to compulsive-like behavior. Two specific tics, repetitive noises and sounds and repetitive neck, shoulder, or trunk movements, were significant predictors of distress due to compulsive-like behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid Tourette symptoms may worsen distress caused by compulsive-like behavior in children 4 to 6 years old, and specific motor and vocal tics may lead to greater distress.

Neuroanatomical Correlates of Advanced Paternal and Maternal Age at Birth in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Although advanced paternal and maternal age at birth (PA/MA) increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not fully understood. To explore the neuroanatomical correlates of advanced PA/MA, the current study conducted brain morphometric analyses in 39 high-functioning adult males with ASD and 39 age-, intellectual level-, and parental socioeconomic background-matched, typically developed (TD) males. Whole-brain analysis revealed that the regional gray matter volume (GMV) in bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and precuneus (PCU) were significantly smaller in the individuals with ASD than in TD subjects (false discovery rate-corrected P = 0.014). Additional analyses of the constituents of GMV reduction in these brain regions revealed that the cortical thickness of the right ventral PCC was significantly thinner (P = 0.014) and the surface area of bilateral PCU was significantly smaller (left: P = 0.001; right: P = 0.049) in the adults with ASD, compared with TD subjects. Although the analyses were exploratory, the thinner cortical thickness of right ventral PCC was significantly correlated with older PA in the ASD individuals (P = 0.028). The current findings shed new light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the link between advanced PA and ASD.

A ternary complex model of Sirtuin4-NAD+-Glutamate dehydrogenase

Sirtuin4 (Sirt4) is one of the mammalian homologues of Silent information regulator 2 (Sir2), which promotes the longevity of yeast, C. elegans, fruit flies and mice. Sirt4 is localized in the mitochondria, where it contributes to preventing the development of cancers and ischemic heart disease through regulating energy metabolism. The ADP-ribosylation of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which is catalyzed by Sirt4, downregulates the TCA cycle. However, this reaction mechanism is obscure, because the structure of Sirt4 is unknown. We here constructed structural models of Sirt4 by homology modeling and threading, and docked nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide⁺ (NAD⁺) to Sirt4. In addition, a partial GDH structure was docked to the Sirt4-NAD⁺ complex model. In the ternary complex model of Sirt4-NAD⁺-GDH, the acetylated lysine 171 of GDH is located close to NAD⁺. This suggests a possible mechanism underlying the ADP-ribosylation at cysteine 172, which may occur through a transient intermediate with ADP-ribosylation at the acetylated lysine 171. These results may be useful in designing drugs for the treatment of cancers and ischemic heart disease.

Computer-analyzed facial expression as a surrogate marker for autism spectrum social core symptoms

To develop novel interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms, valid, reliable, and sensitive longitudinal outcome measures are required for detecting symptom change over time. Here, we tested whether a computerized analysis of quantitative facial expression measures could act as a marker for core ASD social symptoms. Facial expression intensity values during a semi-structured socially interactive situation extracted from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) were quantified by dedicated software in 18 high-functioning adult males with ASD. Controls were 17 age-, gender-, parental socioeconomic background-, and intellectual level-matched typically developing (TD) individuals. Statistical analyses determined whether values representing the strength and variability of each facial expression element differed significantly between the ASD and TD groups and whether they correlated with ADOS reciprocal social interaction scores. Compared with the TD controls, facial expressions in the ASD group appeared more “Neutral” (d = 1.02, P = 0.005, P_FDR < 0.05) with less variation in Neutral expression (d = 1.08, P = 0.003, P_FDR < 0.05). Their expressions were also less “Happy” (d = −0.78, P = 0.038, P_FDR > 0.05) with lower variability in Happy expression (d = 1.10, P = 0.003, P_FDR < 0.05). Moreover, the stronger Neutral facial expressions in the ASD participants were positively correlated with poorer ADOS reciprocal social interaction scores (ρ = 0.48, P = 0.042). These findings indicate that our method for quantitatively measuring reduced facial expressivity during social interactions can be a promising marker for core ASD social symptoms.

Relationship between Sensory Perception and Frailty in a Community-Dwelling Elderly Population

BACKGROUND

Aging anorexia, defined as loss of appetite and/or reduced food intake, has been postulated as a risk factor for frailty. Impairments of taste and smell perception in elderly people can lead to reduced enjoyment of food and contribute to the anorexia of aging.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between frailty and taste and smell perception in elderly people living in urban areas.

DESIGN

Data from the baseline evaluation of 768 residents aged ≥ 65 years who enrolled in a comprehensive geriatric health examination survey was analyzed. Fourteen out of 29-items of Appetite, Hunger, Sensory Perception questionnaire (AHSP), frailty, age, sex, BMI, chronic conditions and IADL were evaluated. AHSP was analyzed as the total score of 8 taste items (T) and 6 smell items (S). Frailty was diagnosed using a modified Fried's frailty criteria.

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operator curves for detection of frailty demonstrated that T (0.715) had moderate accuracy, but S (0.657) had low accuracy. The cutoffs, sensitivity, specificity and Youden Index (YI) values for each perception were T: Cutoff 26.5 (YI: 0.350, sensitivity: 0.639, specificity: 0.711) and S: Cutoff 18.5 (YI: 0.246, sensitivity: 0.690, specificity: 0.556). Results from multiple logistic regression models, after adjusting for age, sex, IADL and chronic conditions showed that participants under the T cutoff were associated with exhaustion and those below the S cutoff were associated with slow walking speed. The adjusted logistic models for age, sex, IADL and chronic conditions showed significant association between T and frailty (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.29-6.12), but not between S and frailty (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.83-3.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Taste and smell perception, particularly taste perception, were associated with a greater risk of frailty in community-dwelling elderly people. These results suggest that lower taste and smell perception may be an indicator of frailty in old age.

The NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex is functionally distinct from the Abi-1-based WAVE2 complex

BACKGROUND

Abl interactor (Abi) family proteins play significant roles in actin cytoskeleton organization through participation in the WAVE complex. Mammals possess three Abi proteins: Abi-1, Abi-2, and NESH/Abi-3. Abi-1 and Abi-2 were originally identified as Abl tyrosine kinase-binding proteins. It has been disclosed that Abi-1 acts as a bridge between c-Abl and WAVE2, and c-Abl-mediated WAVE2 phosphorylation promotes actin remodeling. We showed previously that NESH/Abi-3 is present in the WAVE2 complex, but neither binds to c-Abl nor promotes c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of WAVE2.

RESULTS

In this study, we characterized NESH/Abi-3 in more detail, and compared its properties with those of Abi-1 and Abi-2. NESH/Abi-3 was ectopically expressed in NIH3T3 cells, in which Abi-1, but not NESH/Abi-3, is expressed. The expression of NESH/Abi-3 caused degradation of endogenous Abi-1, which led to the formation of a NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex. When these cells were plated on fibronectin-coated dishes, the translocation of WAVE2 to the plasma membrane was significantly reduced and the formation of peripheral lamellipodial structures was disturbed, suggesting that the NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex was unable to help produce lamellipodial protrusions. Next, Abi-1, Abi-2, or NESH/Abi-3 was expressed in v-src-transformed NIH3T3 cells. Only in NESH/Abi-3-expressed cells did treatment with an Abl kinase inhibitor, imatinib mesylate, or siRNA-mediated knockdown of c-Abl promote the formation of invadopodia, which are ventral membrane protrusions with extracellular matrix degradation activity. Structural studies showed that a linker region between the proline-rich regions and the Src homology 3 (SH3) domain of Abi-1 is crucial for its interaction with c-Abl and c-Abl-mediated phosphorylation of WAVE2.

CONCLUSIONS

The NESH/Abi-3-based WAVE2 complex is functionally distinct from the Abi-1-based one, and NESH/Abi-3 may be involved in the formation of ventral protrusions under certain conditions.

Dielectric property measurement of ocular tissues up to 110 GHz using 1 mm coaxial sensor

Measurement of the dielectric properties of ocular tissues up to 110 GHz was performed by the coaxial probe method. A coaxial sensor was fabricated to allow the measurement of small amounts of biological tissues. Four-standard calibration was applied in the dielectric property measurement to obtain more accurate data than that obtained with conventional three-standard calibration, especially at high frequencies. Novel data of the dielectric properties of several ocular tissues are presented and compared with data from the de facto database.