The biological standard of living of Korean men under Confucianism, colonialism, capitalism, and communism

This study focuses on analysing the heights of 10,953 Korean men aged 20 to 40 years who were measured during the Joseon dynasty, the Japanese colonialisation period, and the contemporary period, the latter including both North and South Korea. This study thus provides rare long-term statistical evidence on how biological living standards have developed over several centuries, encompassing Confucianism, colonialism, capitalism, and communism. Using error bar analysis of heights for each historical sample period, this study confirms that heights rose as economic performance improved. For instance, economically poorer North Koreans were expectedly shorter, by about 6 cm, than their peers living in the developed South. Similarly, premodern inhabitants of present-day South Korea, who produced a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita below the world average, were about 4 cm shorter than contemporary South Koreans, who have a mean income above the world average. Along similar lines, North Koreans, who have a GDP per capita akin to that of the premodern Joseon dynasty, have not improved much in height. On the contrary, mean heights of North Koreans were even slightly below (by about 2.4 cm) heights of Joseon dynasty Koreans. All in all, the heights follow a U-shaped pattern across time, wherein heights were lowest during the colonial era. Heights bounced back to Joseon dynasty levels during the interwar period, a time period where South Korea benefitted from international aid, only to rise again and surpass even premodern levels under South Korea's flourishing market economy.

Synthesis of 1-(2,2-Dimethylpropyl)-Cyclopropene (1-DCP) as an Ethylene Antagonist

Ethylene is a gaseous hydrocarbon molecule known as a plant hormone that promotes fruit ripening and senescence. Efficiently controlling ethylene is a central key to maintaining the quality of agricultural products. The current study uncovered a synthetic method for 1-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-cyclopropene (1-DCP) as a cyclopropene derivative to inhibit ethylene action in fruit ripening and senescence. We synthesized 1-DCP using α-diisobutylene through a two-step process, including allylic chlorination by hypochlorite and HCl, followed by α-elimination of the allylic chloride using a strong base, lithium diethylamide. GC-MS and NMR analyses demonstrated that 1-DCP was synthesized efficiently with 35% yield and 95% purity. When treated as an aqueous emulsion on plants, including persimmon and banana fruits, 1 mM 1-DCP showed effective inhibition of ethylene action by delaying the flesh softening and peel degreening, which are representative phenomena of fruit ripening and senescence induced by ethylene. Our data demonstrated that 1-DCP could be synthesized and used as a sprayable ethylene antagonist for pre- or post-harvest growth regulation in plants and fruits.

Adverse postnatal developmental effects in offspring from humidifier disinfectant biocide inhaled pregnant rats

Inhalation exposure to polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P), one of the primary biocides used in humidifier disinfectants, caused a fatal pulmonary disease in Korea. Pregnant women were also exposed to PHMG-P, and subsequent studies showed that PHMG-P inhalation during pregnancy adversely affects their health and embryo-fetal development. However, the postnatal developmental effects after birth on prenatally PHMG-P-exposed offspring have not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the postnatal development of prenatally PHMG-P-exposed offspring. Pregnant rats (22 or 24 females per group) were exposed to PHMG-P during pregnancy in a whole-body inhalation chamber at the target concentrations of 0, 0.14, 1.60, and 3.20 mg/m³. After parturition, the prenatally exposed offspring were transferred to non-exposed surrogate mothers to minimize the secondary effects of severe maternal toxicities. Postnatal development of offspring was then examined with a modified extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study design. At 3.20 mg/m³ PHMG-P, increased perinatal death rates and decreased viability index (postnatal survival of offspring between birth and postnatal day 4) were observed. In addition, F1 offspring had lower body weight at birth that persisted throughout the study. PHMG-P-exposed pregnant rats also had severe systemic toxicities and increased gestation period. At 1.60 mg/m³ PHMG-P, a decreased viability index was also observed with systemic toxicities of PHMG-P-exposed pregnant rats. These results indicate that prenatal PHMG-P exposure adversely affects the offspring's future health and could be used for human risk assessment.

Anti-fibrotic effect of pycnogenol® in a polyhexamethylene guanidine-treated mouse model

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a respiratory disease that causes serious respiratory problems. The effects of French marine pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®), with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were investigated on lung fibrosis in polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG)-treated mice. Mice were separated into four groups (n = 6): vehicle control (VC, saline 50 μl); PHMG (1.1 mg/kg); PHMG + Pycnogenol® (0.3 mg/kg/day); and PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg/day). PF was induced via intratracheal instillation of PHMG. Treatment with PHMG decreased body weight and increased lung weight, both of which were improved by treatment with PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and PCR revealed that Pycnogenol® attenuated PHMG-induced increase in inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-related factors in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation/fibrosis in the PHMG + Pycnogenol® (1 mg/kg) group. Collectively, the results indicate that Pycnogenol® can be used to treat PF as it hinders fibrosis progression by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the lungs of PHMG-treated mice.

Radiomics-based model for predicting pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

AIM

To develop and validate a radiomics-based model for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) using baseline computed tomography (CT) images in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A radiomics signature for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) was developed using radiomics features selected by a random forest classifier on baseline CT images, and imaging predictors were identified in the training set (87 patients). By incorporating imaging predictors and radiomics signature, an imaging-based model was constructed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and validated in an independent validation set consisting of 48 patients with CT from outside institutions. The performance and clinical usefulness of the imaging-based model for predicting pCR were evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis. Using a cut-off determined in the training set, the positive likelihood ratios of the imaging-based model were calculated and compared with imaging and histological predictors.

RESULTS

The radiomics signature was developed based on six stable radiomics features. An imaging-based model incorporating radiomics signature, tumour shape, tumour size, and clinical stage showed good performance for predicting pCR in both the training (AUC, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-0.93) and validation (AUC, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86) sets, providing a larger net benefit in decision curve analysis. The imaging-based model showed a higher positive likelihood ratio (1.91) for pCR than imaging and histological predictors (1.33-1.63).

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics-based model using baseline CT images may predict the response of patients with MIBC to NAC.

A humidifier disinfectant biocide, polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate, inhalation exposure during pregnancy induced toxicities in rats

Biocides are widely used for their effective antiseptic and disinfectant properties, including polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P), which is also used as a biocide as it selectively disrupts bacterial cell membrane. It is used to clean humidifiers commonly used in the dry winter season in South Korea, which exposes people to PHMG-P inhalation. However, comprehensive toxicological data on PHMG-P inhalation exposure, including in pregnant women, and the potential occurrence of lung disease is lacking. Therefore, in this study, we investigated PHMG-P inhalation exposure-induced toxicities in pregnant rats and prenatal development of their conceptus. Pregnant rats were exposed to PHMG-P via inhalation at target concentrations of 0, 0.14, 1.60, and 3.20 mg/m³ from implantation to nearly parturition (from gestation day 6-20) and then analyzed for relevant abnormalities. Results showed systemic toxicities in the pregnant rats including respiratory function abnormalities, decreased body weight gain, and decreased food consumption at ≥1.60 mg/m³. Prenatal development toxicities, including decreased fetal weight with ossification retardations of fetal bones, were observed at 3.20 mg/m³. These results will contribute to clarifying the PHMG-P inhalation exposure-induced toxicities during pregnancy and support its risk assessment in humans.

Indentation and Transverse Diameter of the Meckel Cave: Imaging Markers to Diagnose Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Clinical and imaging manifestations of idiopathic intracranial hypertension should prompt early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications. Multiple diagnostic imaging criteria are reported to suggest the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension with questionable sensitivity and/or specificity. Increased intracranial pressure results in dilation of the perineural cisternal spaces such as the optic nerve sheaths and the Meckel cave. It may also cause protrusion of cisternal structures of the Meckel cave through the skull base foramina, which could result in indentation or a bilobed appearance of the Meckel cave. We investigated the changes in the Meckel cave in patients with proved idiopathic intracranial hypertension versus healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 75 patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and 75 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. The transverse diameter of Meckel cave was measured in the axial and coronal planes of T2-weighted MR imaging sequences, and comparison was made between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The mean diameters of the Meckel cave on the coronal T2 plane in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were 5.21  ± 1.22 mm on the right side and 5.16  ± 0.90 mm on the left side, while in the control group, they measured 3.89  ± 0.62 mm and 4.09  ± 0.68 mm, respectively (P value < .001). Of 75 patients with an approved diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, 57 (76%) showed an indented Meckel cave as opposed to 21 (28%) in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm for the first time that the shape and size of the Meckel cave can be used as sensitive and specific diagnostic imaging markers for the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Thermal Desorption Technique for Analysis of Aerosolized Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone (CMIT/MIT) in Inhalation Toxicity Testing

When assessing the inhalation toxicity of diverse inhalable substances, a first step is accurate quantitative analysis. In this study, we developed a method for the quantitative analysis of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT), main components in humidifier disinfectants. A simple thermal desorption (TD) method was used to analyze the CMIT/MIT. Using this method, sample loss during aerosolization was minimized compared with other more complicated pretreatment methods, like solvent absorption and extraction (SV). The results of the TD and SV methods were compared to determine the optimal analytical system for CMIT/MIT analysis. In both methods, the concentration of MIT increased systematically with increasing the CMIT/MIT aerosol concentration (R2 > 0.98). The MIT contents in the aerosol given by the two analytical methods were somewhat similar (MIT content = 1.52% (sample solution), 1.43% (TD) and 1.18% (SV)). In contrast, the measured CMIT content in the aerosol was different depending on the type of pretreatment used. The CMIT content was 2.90% for the TD method, while that for the solvent method recorded 0.75% (CMIT content of the sample solution = 4.66%). We confirmed that the sample loss of the CMIT with high reactivity occurred in the complicated sampling and pretreatment steps of the SV method.

4-Hydroxycinnamic acid suppresses airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in allergic asthma induced by ovalbumin challenge

In this study, we investigated whether 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (HA) has a palliative effect on asthmatic inflammatory responses using a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. The mice were divided into five groups, each consisting of seven females (normal control phosphate-buffered saline); OVA (OVA sensitization/challenge); dexamethasone (DEX, OVA sensitization/challenge + dexamethasone 3 mg/kg); HA-10 and HA-20 OVA sensitization/challenge + HA 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Mice treated with HA showed a reduction in airway hyperresponsiveness and in the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared with asthmatic control. HA treatment also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in BALF and of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in the serum compared with asthmatic control. HA treatment relieved airway inflammation and mucus overproduction caused by OVA exposure. Additionally, HA inhibited the increases in levels of nuclear factor kappa B, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 that normally occur after OVA exposure. HA treatment also reduced the activity and protein level of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Taken together, HA effectively suppressed asthmatic airway inflammation and mucus production caused by OVA exposure. These findings indicate that HA has the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent for asthma.

Biocontrol of Citrus Canker Disease Caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Using an Endophytic Bacillus thuringiensis

Citrus canker is a devastating disease of citrus caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc). A total of 134 endophytic bacteria were isolated from various gymnospermic and angiospermic plants. They were screened for their antagonistic activities against three wild-type and six streptomycin-resistant Xcc strains. TbL-22 and TbL-26, both later identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, inhibited all the wild and resistant Xcc strains. TbL-22 exerted the highest antagonistic activity against XccW3 and XccM6 with inhibition zones of 20.64 ± 0.69 and 19.91 ± 0.87 mm, respectively. Similarly ethyl acetate extract of TbL-22 showed highest inhibition zones 15.31 ± 2.08 and 19.37 ± 3.17 mm against XccW3 and XccM6, respectively. TbL-22 reduced canker incidence on infected leaves by 64.05% relative to positive controls. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cell membranes of Xcc treated with ethyl acetate extract of TbL-22 were ruptured, lysed, and swollen. B. thuringiensis TbL-22 can effectively and sustainably controls streptomycin-resistant citrus canker.

Reproductive and developmental toxicity screening of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate by oral gavage in rats

Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) has effective antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms and has been widely used as a biocide in commercial products. However, its use as a humidifier disinfectant has provoked fatal idiopathic lung disease in South Korea, especially in pregnant or postpartum women and their young children. PHMG-P-related toxicological studies of reproduction and development in experimental animals have not been identified, and thus, we investigated the potential effects of early-stage oral exposure to PHMG-P by assessing its toxicological properties. PHMG-P was repeatedly administered by oral gavage at dose levels of 0, 13, 40 and 120 mg/kg to Sprague-Dawley rats during the pre-mating, mating, gestation and early lactation periods, and then general systemic and reproductive/developmental toxicities were investigated. At 120 mg/kg, PHMG-P-related toxicities including subdued behavior, thin appearance, decreased body weight, decreased food consumption and decreased F1 pup body weight were observed. Based on the results of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) of PHMG-P for both general systemic effects and development are considered to be 40 mg/kg/day.

ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with a monomorphic small-cell pattern masquerading as inflammatory gastric lesions

INTRODUCTION

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) with a non-common pattern can be diagnostic challenging. Pathologists can be unavoidably and unintentionally blind to non-descript tumor cells in a lymphohistiocytic- (LH) or small-cell (SC)-pattern. We report a case of primary systemic ALK+ ALCL with a SC pattern that presented as secondary gastric lesions with a mixed LH and SC pattern that was masqueraded as inflammatory lesions.

CASE REPORT

A 34-year-old woman with intractable epigastric pain was referred to have repeated endoscopy with biopsy. She was found to multiple gastric erosions and nodules that were diagnosed as inflammatory lesions both endoscopically and histologically. Meanwhile, she developed an acute onset of severe back pain associated with a pathologic compression fracture in the T3 thoracic vertebral body. Imaging studies disclosed a disseminated systemic disease involving abdominopelvic lymph nodes and cervical and thoracic vertebral bodies. The needle biopsy of the pelvic lymph node disclosed diffuse proliferation of monomorphic small round cells that were diffusely positive for CD30 and ALK. A diagnosis of ALK+ ALCL with a monomorphic SC pattern was rendered.

DISCUSSION

A retrospective review of the gastric biopsies with the aid of immunohistochemistry enabled us to recognise the presence of lymphomatous infiltrates with a mixed LH and SC pattern in every piece of gastric biopsies that were repeatedly misdiagnosed as inflammatory lesions. This case illustrates a significant diagnostic pitfall of the LH- and SC-patterns in ALK+ ALCL, in which the tumour cells featuring lymphoid, plasmacytoid or histiocytoid appearance can be masqueraded as inflammatory cells.

Hyperprogressive disease during PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint blockade with Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 inhibitors has been effective in various malignancies and is considered as a standard treatment modality for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, emerging evidence show that PD-1/PD-L1 blockade can lead to hyperprogressive disease (HPD), a flair-up of tumor growth linked to dismal prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of HPD and identify the determinants associated with HPD in patients with NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled patients with recurrent and/or metastatic NSCLC treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors between April 2014 and November 2018. Clinicopathologic variables, dynamics of tumor growth, and treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients with NSCLC who received PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. HPD was defined according to tumor growth kinetics (TGK), tumor growth rate (TGR), and time to treatment failure (TTF). Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes was conducted to explore the potential predictive biomarkers of HPD.

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients were analyzed. HPD was observed in 55 (20.9%), 54 (20.5%), and 98 (37.3%) patients according to the TGK, TGR, and TTF. HPD meeting both TGK and TGR criteria was associated with worse progression-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 4.619; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.868-7.440] and overall survival (HR, 5.079; 95% CI, 3.136-8.226) than progressive disease without HPD. There were no clinicopathologic variables specific for HPD. In the exploratory biomarker analysis with peripheral blood CD8+ T lymphocytes, a lower frequency of effector/memory subsets (CCR7-CD45RA- T cells among the total CD8+ T cells) and a higher frequency of severely exhausted populations (TIGIT+ T cells among PD-1+CD8+ T cells) were associated with HPD and inferior survival rate.

CONCLUSION

HPD is common in NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Biomarkers derived from rationally designed analysis may successfully predict HPD and worse outcomes, meriting further investigation of HPD.

Apoptotic effects of cigarette smoke extracts on mouse embryonic stem cells via oxidative stress

Previous studies have reported that cigarette smoke and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) have negative effects on embryonic development. However, no studies have investigated the mechanism through which CSE affects the cellular signaling pathway leading to apoptosis and oxidative stress in embryonic cells, or how the two pathways are cross-linked. Thus, we studied the effects of CSE on apoptosis and oxidative stress in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Specifically, we measured changes in cell viability in response to CSEs (3R4F and two domestic cigarettes CSE 1 and 2) using a water soluble tetrazolium (WST) assay and a neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, which revealed that cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 was decreased and that of p21 and p27 was increased by CSE. Additionally, the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TUNEL)-stained cells was increased by CSE, while the levels of Bax and Caspase-3 increased and Bcl-2 decreased. Moreover, a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-Glo H2 O2 assay confirmed that ROS were generated in response to CSE and that they were associated with up-regulated Keaf-1 and CHOP. Overall, the results revealed that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) inhibited cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle-related protein expression and increased oxidative stress by regulating the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), resulting in apoptosis in mESCs.

Quantitative Characteristics of Toxic Compounds According to the Solvent Type

The quantitative analysis of target substances is an important part of assessing the toxicity of diverse materials. Usually, the quantitation of target compounds is conducted by instrumental analysis such as chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. If solvents are used in the pretreatment step of the target analyte quantification, it would be crucial to examine the solvent effect on the quantitative analysis. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the solvent effects using four different solvents (methanol, hexane, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) and three toxic compounds (benzene, toluene, and methylisothiazolinone (MIT)). Liquid working standards containing the toxic compounds were prepared by dilution with each solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). As a result, we found that the response factor (RF) values of the target analytes were different, depending on the solvent types. In particular, benzene and toluene exhibited their highest RF values (33,674 ng^-1 and 78,604 ng^-1, respectively) in hexane, while the RF value of MIT was the highest (9,067 ng^-1) in PBS. Considering the correlation (R ²) and relative standard deviation (RSD) values, all target analytes showed fairly good values (R ² > 0.99 and RSD < 10%) in methanol and DMSO. In contrast, low R ² (0.0562) and high RSD (10.6%) values of MIT were detected in hexane, while benzene and toluene exhibited relatively low R ² and high RSD values in PBS (mean R ² = 0.9892 ± 0.0146 and mean RSD = 13.3 ± 4.1%). Based on these findings, we concluded that the results and reliability of the quantitative analysis change depending on the analyte and solvent types. Therefore, in order to accurately assess the toxicity of target compounds, reliable analytical data should be obtained, preferentially by considering the solvent types.

Hydroxychloroquine treatment during pregnancy in lupus patients is associated with lower risk of preeclampsia

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is regarded as a mainstay in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because of its efficacy in preventing flares, achieving remission, and reducing overall mortality. However, the impact of HCQ on pregnancy outcomes remains controversial.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of HCQ on pregnancy outcomes in patients with SLE.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 151 pregnancies in 122 patients with SLE (80 pregnancies in the HCQ treatment group and 71 pregnancies in the HCQ nontreatment group). We reviewed baseline characteristics including maternal comorbidities such as antiphospholipid syndrome, lupus nephritis, and autoimmune hepatitis. Pregnancy outcomes (preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and fetal growth restriction) and neonatal outcomes (gestational age at delivery and birth weight) were compared between HCQ treatment and nontreatment groups.

Results

Preeclampsia was significantly less complicated (7.5% vs 19.7%, p = 0.032) and neonatal birth weight was significantly greater (2757.0 ± 583.5 g vs 2542.3 ± 908.3 g, p = 0.001) in the HCQ treatment group than in the HCQ nontreatment group. Multiple logistic analysis adjusting for body mass index (BMI), lupus nephritis, serum uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate revealed HCQ treatment was associated with exceedingly lower risk of preeclampsia in SLE pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 0.106 (confidence interval (CI) 0.017–0.671)). Other independent risk factors for preeclampsia were a high prepregnancy BMI (OR 1.575 (CI 1.114–2.227)) and low eGFR level (OR 0.931 (CI 0.886–0.979)) before pregnancy.

Conclusion

Our data showed pregnancy outcomes in SLE patients can be improved in the HCQ treatment group with about 90% reduction of preeclampsia.

Short-term regulation of the hepatic activities of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase by nose-only cigarette smoke exposure in mice

The present study aimed to determine the effects of cigarette smoke on the regulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes in male BALB/c mice exposed to nose-only cigarette smoke for 4 days. There were no significant increases in serum liver injury markers (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) or oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and glutathione disulfide/reduced glutathione) following cigarette smoke exposure, but malondialdehyde was elevated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of smoke-exposed mice. Additionally, the hepatic microsomal protein levels of Cyp1a and Cyp2b, and the activities of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, pentoxyresorufin O-depenylase, and chlorzoxazone 6-hydrxylase, were elevated in smoke-exposed mice. Interestingly, the hepatic activities of GST toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, and ethacrynic acid, but not cumene hydroperoxide were enhanced by cigarette smoke exposure, which was consistent with the increased expression levels of mu- and pi-class GSTs, but not alpha-class GSTs, observed in immunoblot analyses. These findings indicate that the short-term inhalation of cigarette smoke induces drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP1A, CYP2B, and mu/pi-class GSTs in the absence of hepatic injury and oxidative stress. Furthermore, smoking may alter hepatic drug metabolism, as well as the disposition and toxicity of xenobiotics, including some therapeutic drugs and cigarette smoke constituents.

Diagnostic Performance of Multidetector Computerized Tomography in the Detection of Abdominal Complications Early and Late After Liver Transplantation: A 10-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) is considered to be a fast noninvasive diagnostic technique for the evaluation of postoperative complications in patients with liver transplantation (LT). However, its role has not been fully established in the diagnosis for detecting complications after liver transplantation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of MDCT for detecting abdominal complications in the early and late periods after LT.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 75 patients who had undergone LT from March 2006 to January 2010, followed by MDCT from March 2006 to November 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the timing after LT: within the first 3 months (early period) or ≥3 months after LT (late period). We evaluated vascular, biliary, and other complications on MDCT. Angiography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography were used as reference standards.

RESULTS

We initially found 77 complications in 45 patients (60.0%) with the use of MDCT. After comparison with the reference standards, 83 complications were diagnosed in 49 patients (65.3%). Forty-seven complications (34 vascular, 10 biliary, 3 other complications) were diagnosed in 33 patients (44.0%) during the early period, and 36 complications (6 vascular, 20 biliary, 10 other complications) were detected in 27 patients (36.0%) in the late period. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for diagnosing overall complications were, respectively, 93.6%, 90.2%, and 92.0% in the early period (for vascular complications: 97.1%, 92.6%, and 94.3%,; for biliary complications: 80.0%, 100%, and 97.7%) and 77.8%, 98.1%, and 89.8% in the late period (for vascular complications: 83.3%, 100%, and 98.9%; for biliary complications: 65.0%, 98.6%, and 90.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although MDCT in the late period should be interpreted with caution in patients with suspected biliary complication, MDCT is a reliable diagnostic technique for the identification of early and late abdominal complications after LT.

Comparison of volatile organic compounds between cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and extract (CSE) samples

Cigarette smoke is a major risk factor for several diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. The toxicity of the cigarette smoke can be determined in vitro. The cytotoxicity test of the cigarette smoke is commonly conducted using the cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and cigarette smoke extract (CSE). The CSC and CSE methods are well known for sampling of the particles and water-soluble compounds in the cigarette smoke, respectively. In this study, the CSC and CSE were analyzed by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system equipped with a wax column for separation of the volatile organic compounds. The cytotoxic effect of the CSC and CSE were evaluated thoroughly by comparing the analytical results of the CSC and CSE samples. The total concentration of the volatile organic compounds detected in the CSC sample was similar to that in the CSE sample based on the peak area. Except for the dimethyl sulfoxide solvent, nicotine had the highest concentration in the CSC sample, while acetonitrile had the highest concentration in the CSE sample. The compositions were as follows: (1) CSC sample: 55.8% nicotine, 18.0% nicotyrine, 3.20% 1,2,3-propanetriol, triacetate, 1.28% ethyl chloride, 1.22% phenol, etc. and (2) CSE sample: 18.7% acetonitrile, 18.0% acetone, 12.5% 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanenitrile, 8.98% nicotine, 5.86% nicotyrine, etc. In this manner, to accurately examine the cytotoxicity of the cigarette smoke using CSC or CSE, the components and their concentrations in the CSC and CSE samples should be considered.

Quantification of inhaled aerosol particles composed of toxic household disinfectant using radioanalytical method

To assess the risk posed by a toxic chemical to human health, it is essential to quantify its uptake in a living subject. This study aims to investigate the biological distribution of inhaled polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG) aerosol particle, which is known to cause severe pulmonary damage. By labeling with indium-111 (¹¹¹In), we quantified the uptake of PHMG for up to 7 days after inhalation exposure in rats. The data demonstrate that PHMG is only slowly cleared, with approximately 74% of inhaled particles persisting in the lungs after 168 h. Approximately 5.3% of inhaled particles were also translocated to the liver after 168 h, although the level of redistribution to other tissues, including the kidneys and spleen, was minimal. These observations suggest that large uptake and slow clearance may underlie the fatal inhalation toxicity of PHMG in humans.

Tacrolimus-Induced Apoptosis is Mediated by Endoplasmic Reticulum-derived Calcium-dependent Caspases-3,-12 in Jurkat Cells

Apoptotic signal pathways are delivered to caspase-3, caspase-9, or both in different cells via the death receptor pathway, mitochondrial pathway, or by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway through initiators of caspase-3, -8, -9, or -12. Tacrolimus (Tac)-induced apoptosis was characterized by nuclear fragmentation and caspase-3 activation. We examined the effect of tacrolimus on ER-derived calcium and caspase-3,-12-mediated apoptosis on Jurkat human T lymphocyte. Tac decreased the viability of Jurkat cells in a dose-dependent manner. Tac also increased continuously intracellular concentration of calcium from 24 hours to 72 hours. We did not find intracellular calcium changes on the treatment of calcium ionorpore (A23187) regardless of 1 nmol/L Tac concentration level. However, calcium adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor (thapsigargin) increased intracellular calcium accumulation and co-treating 1 nmol/L Tac further induced intracellular calcium accumulation. Interestingly, we found that 1 nmol/L Tac treatment induced activation of caspase-12 protease as well as the catalytic activity of caspase-3 but not catalytic activation of caspase-6, -8, and -9 proteases in Jurkat cells. These data advance our understanding of Tac-induced apoptosis is ER-derived calcium and caspases-3,-12- mediated apoptosis in human Jurkat cell line.

Depigmentation efficacy of galacturonic acid through tyrosinase regulation in B16 murine melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin equivalent

Sugar is a well-known cosmetic ingredient for moisturizing skin with minimal side-effects. Several reports have demonstrated an antimelanogenic effect of sugar in melanocytes. We evaluated the whitening efficacy of galacturonic acid (GA), the main component of pectin, as an anti-melanogenic agent. GA significantly suppressed melanin synthesis and secretion in a concentration-dependent manner in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-treated B16 melanoma cells, and inhibited tyrosinase activity and expression at a dose of 10 mmol/L. In a three-dimensional human skin equivalent (MelanoDerm), GA clearly brightened tissue colour. Haematoxylin and eosin and Fontana-Masson (F&M) staining of tissue sections revealed decreased melanin production without skin tissue collapse in the presence of GA. Interestingly, GA dramatically suppressed gene expression of the melanogenic proteins tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, but not TYRP-2. The results support the utility of GA as an effective candidate antimelanogenic agent.

Multigenerational effects of maternal cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy on sperm counts of F1 and F2 male offspring

Animal models and human studies showed that in utero cigarette smoke exposure decreases sperm counts of offspring. This study used a mouse model to investigate the effects of maternal exposure to cigarette smoke on reproductive systems in F1 and F2 male offspring. Female ICR mice were exposed either to clean air or to cigarette smoke during pregnancy at the post-implantation stage. Epididymal sperm counts were decreased in a cigarette smoke dose-dependent manner in F1 (by 40-60%) and F2 males (by 23-40%) at postnatal day 56. In F1, the seminiferous epithelium heights were lower in the cigarette smoke-exposed groups than in the control group, and these effects were sustained in F2 males. Results suggest that maternal cigarette smoke exposure during pregnancy can have a multigenerational adverse effect on sperm counts in male offspring, which is mediated through in utero exposure of fetal germ cells to cigarette smoke.

Cyclodipeptides: An Overview of Their Biosynthesis and Biological Activity

Cyclodipeptides (CDP) represent a diverse family of small, highly stable, cyclic peptides that are produced as secondary functional metabolites or side products of protein metabolism by bacteria, fungi, and animals. They are widespread in nature, and exhibit a broad variety of biological and pharmacological activities. CDP synthases (CDPSs) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) catalyze the biosynthesis of the CDP core structure, which is further modified by tailoring enzymes often associated with CDP biosynthetic gene clusters. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of CDP biosynthetic pathways and modifying enzymes. We also discuss the biological properties of some known CDPs and their possible applications in metabolic engineering.

Associations between SLC2A9 polymorphisms and gout susceptibility : A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in solute carrier family 2 and facilitated glucose transporter member 9 (SLC2A9) are associated with susceptibility to gout.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on associations between the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 and gout susceptibility using fixed and random effects models.

RESULTS

Eleven comparative studies comprising 1,472 patients and 3,269 controls from Caucasian and Asian populations were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis identified a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 (minor) of the rs12510549 polymorphism in the overall population (OR = 0.641, 95 % CI = 0.540-0.761, P = 4.1 × 10^-7). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.647, 95 % CI = 0.542-0.771, P = 1.2 × 10^-6) but not in Asians (OR = 0.515, 95 % CI = 0.214-1.236, P = 0.137). The meta-analysis showed a significant negative association between gout and allele 2 of the rs16890979 polymorphism in all study subjects (OR = 0.229, 95 % CI = 0.084-0.628, P = 0.004). Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant negative association between this polymorphism and gout in Caucasians (OR = 0.469, 95 % CI = 0.317-0.695, P = 1.6 × 10^-6) and in Asians (OR = 0.192, 95 % CI = 0.072-0.513, P = 0.001). A significant negative association was found between allele 2 of the rs1014290 polymorphism and gout susceptibility in Asians (OR = 0.597, 95 % CI = 0.478-0.746, P = 5.4 × 10^-6) but not in Caucasians (OR = 0.778, 95 % CI = 0.595-1.043, P = 0.095).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that the rs12510549, rs16890979, and rs1014290 polymorphisms of SLC2A9 protect against the development of gout in Caucasians and/or Asians.

A novel flexible drill device enabling arthroscopic transosseous repair of Bankart lesions

We have developed a flexible drill device that makes arthroscopic transosseous repair possible, and report preliminary results. Twelve patients with post-traumatic anterior inferior glenohumeral instability were selected.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

the flexible drill device is inserted into the shoulder joint through the posterior portal and the guide pipe unit is placed 5mm posterior to the margin of the anterior glenoid rim. The flexible drill is driven through the glenoid with the power drill, creating a hole in the glenoid. A non-absorbable suture is passed through the hole and a sliding knot tying is performed over the capsule and labrum after completing stitches with the suture hook loaded. The same procedures are repeated in the 2, 3 and 4 o'clock positions of the glenoid. There was no recurrence of dislocation at the mean follow-up period of 52.3 months. The mean Rowe score was 89.5.

NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 mediates cigarette smoke-induced superoxide generation in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is one of the common etiological factors, and NADPH oxidase (NOX) has been suggested as a potential mediator of oxidative stress. In this study, cigarette smoke (CS)-induced superoxide production was characterized in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). CS was prepared in forms of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and total particulate matter (TPM). Several molecular probes for reactive oxygen species were trialed, and dihydroethidium (DHE) and WST-1 were chosen for superoxide detection considering the autofluorescence, light absorbance, and peroxidase inhibitory activity of CS. Both CSE and TPM generated superoxide in a VSMC culture system by stimulating cells to produce superoxide and by directly producing superoxide in the aqueous solution. NOX, specifically NOX1 was found to be an important cellular source of superoxide through experiments with the NOX inhibitors diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and VAS2870 as well as isoform-specific NOX knockdown. NOX inhibitors and the superoxide dismutase mimetic TEMPOL reduced the cytotoxicity of CSE, thus suggesting the contribution of NOX1-derived superoxide to cytotoxicity. Since NOX1 is known to mediate diverse pathological processes in the vascular system, NOX1 may be a critical effector of cardiovascular toxicity caused by smoking.

Evaluating the Influence of Side Stream Cigarette Smoke at an Early Stage of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression in Mice

Side stream cigarette smoke (SSCS) is known to be as harmful and hazardous to human health as is active smoking. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the exposure to SSCS and its stimulatory and subacute effects on the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A methionine and choline-deficient plus high fat (MCDHF) diet was administered to C57BL/6 mice for 6 weeks. During the first three weeks of MCDHF diet feeding, each diet group was exposed to SSCS (0, 20, 40 μg/L) or fresh air for 2 hrs per day and 5 days per week. Additional experiments were performed by increasing the concentration (0, 30, 60 μg/L) and exposure time (6 hours per day) of SSCS. According to histopathologic analysis and serum levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), there were no differences in hepatic fat deposition, fibrosis, apoptosis or liver damage in MCDHF-fed mice based on SSCS exposure. There were also no differences in the expression of inflammation-, oxidative stress- or fibrosis-related genes between MCDHF-fed mice with or without SSCS exposure. Therefore, it is concluded that SSCS with current exposure amounts does not have additive detrimental effects on the early stage of NASH.

Association of Interleukin 10 Gene Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of eligible studies and to derive a precise estimate of the association between interleukin 10 (IL10) polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Meta-analyses were conducted on the associations between AITD and the -1082 G/A (rs1800896), -819 C/T (rs1800871) and -592 C/A (rs1800872) polymorphisms in IL10, and the haplotype of these polymorphisms and AITD. A total of 2903 AITD patients and 3060 controls in 10 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed significant associations between IL10 at the -1082 G allele and overall AITD (OR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.82, P = 0.003), but no association between the IL10 -592 C allele and the -819 C allele and AITD. Subgroup studies demonstrated significant associations between the -1082 G allele and susceptibility to Graves' disease. Ethnicity-specific meta-analysis revealed significant associations between the -1082 G allele and AITD susceptibility in Asian populations; however, in Middle Eastern populations, no association was evident. Meta-analysis of the IL10 haplotype revealed an association between the ATA haplotype and AITD (OR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.00-1.36, P = 0.04). Meta-analysis demonstrates that the IL10 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to AITD.

Analysis of genomic responses in a rat lung model treated with a humidifier sterilizer containing polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate

The antimicrobial biocide polyhexamethyleneguanidine (PHMG) phosphate is the main ingredient in the commercially available humidifier disinfectant. PHMG phosphate-based humidifier disinfectants can cause pulmonary fibrosis and induce inflammatory and fibrotic responses both in vivo and in vitro. However, toxicological mechanisms including genomic alterations induced by inhalation exposure to PHMG phosphate have not been elucidated. Therefore, this study evaluated the toxicological effects of the PHMG phosphate-containing humidifier disinfectant. We used DNA microarray to identify global gene expression changes in rats treated with PHMG phosphate-containing humidifier disinfectant for 4 weeks and 10 weeks. Functional significance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was estimated by gene ontology (GO) analysis. Four weeks post-exposure, 320 and 392 DEGs were identified in female and male rats, respectively (>2-fold, p<0.05). Ten weeks post-exposure, 1290 and 995 DEGs were identified in females and males, respectively. Of these, 119 and 556 genes overlapped between females and males at 4 weeks and 10 weeks, respectively, post-PHMG phosphate exposure. In addition, 21 genes were upregulated and 4 genes were downregulated in response to PHMG phosphate in a time-dependent manner. Thus, we predict that changes in genomic responses could be a significant molecular mechanism underlying PHMG phosphate toxicity. Further studies are required to determine the detailed mechanism of PHMG phosphate-induced pulmonary toxicity.

High-quality cell block preparation from scraping of conventional cytology slide: a technical report on a modified cytoscrape cell block technique

BACKGROUND

Immunocytochemistry (ICC) on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded cell blocks is an ancillary tool commonly recruited for differential diagnoses of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples. However, the quality of conventional cell blocks in terms of adequate cellularity and evenness of distribution of cytologic material is not always satisfactory for ICC. We introduce a modified agarose-based cytoscrape cell block (CCB) technique that can be effectively used for the preparation of cell blocks from scrapings of conventional FNAC slides.

METHODS

A decoverslipped FNAC slide was mounted with a small amount of water. The cytological material was scraped off the slide into a tissue mold by scraping with a cell scraper. The cytoscrape material was pelleted by centrifugation and pre-embedded in ultra-low gelling temperature agarose and then re-embedded in conventional agarose. The final agarose gel disk was processed and embedded in paraffin.

RESULTS

The quality of the ICC on the CCB sections was identical to that of the immunohistochemical stains on histological sections. By scrapping and harvesting the entirety of the cytological material off the cytology slide into a compact agarose cell button, we could avoid the risk of losing diagnostic material during the CCB preparation.

CONCLUSION

This modified CCB technique enables concentration and focusing of minute material while maintaining the entire amount of the cytoscrape material on the viewing spot of the CCB sections. We believe this technique can be effectively used to improve the level of confidence in diagnosis of FNAC especially when the FNAC slides are the only sample available.

Differential Effects between Cigarette Total Particulate Matter and Cigarette Smoke Extract on Blood and Blood Vessel

The generation and collection of cigarette smoke (CS) is a prerequisite for any toxicology study on smoking, especially an in vitro CS exposure study. In this study, the effects on blood and vascular function were tested with two widely used CS preparations to compare the biological effects of CS with respect to the CS preparation used. CS was prepared in the form of total particulate matter (TPM), which is CS trapped in a Cambridge filter pad, and cigarette smoke extract (CSE), which is CS trapped in phosphate-buffered saline. TPM potentiated platelet reactivity to thrombin and thus increased aggregation at a concentration of 25~100 μg/mL, whereas 2.5~10% CSE decreased platelet aggregation by thrombin. Both TPM and CSE inhibited vascular contraction by phenylephrine at 50~100 μg/mL and 10%, respectively. TPM inhibited acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation at 10~100 μg/mL, but CSE exhibited a minimal effect on relaxation at the concentration that affects vasoconstriction. Neither TPM nor CSE induced hemolysis of erythrocytes or influenced plasma coagulation, as assessed by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Taken together, CS affects platelet activity and deteriorates vasomotor functions in vitro. However, the effect on blood and blood vessels may vary depending on the CS preparation. Therefore, the results of experiments conducted with CS preparations should be interpreted with caution.

Arsenic levels in the groundwater of Korea and the urinary excretion among contaminated area

Drinking water is a main source of human exposure to arsenic. Hence, the determination of arsenic in groundwater is essential to assess its impact on public health. Here, we report arsenic levels in the groundwater of 722 sites covering all six major provinces of Korea. Water was sampled in two occasions (summer, 722 sites and winter, 636 sites) and the arsenic levels were measured with highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method (limit of detection, 0.1 μg/l) to encompass the current drinking water standard (<10 μg/l). Seasonal variation was negligible, but the geographical difference was prominent. Total arsenic in groundwater ranged from 0.1 to 48.4 μg/l. A 88.0-89.0% of sites were <2.0 μg/l and the remaining ones generally did not exceed 10 μg/l (6.4-7.0%, 2.0-4.9 μg/l; 2.4-3.0%, 5.0-9.9 μg/l). However, some areas (1.0-9.2%) exhibited >10 μg/l. Notably, urinary arsenic excretion of people around these regions was markedly higher compared with non-contaminated areas (<5 μg/l) (79.7±5.2 μg/g (N=122) vs 68.4±5.4 μg/g (N=65) creatinine, P=0.052). All stratified analysis also revealed higher urinary excretion, where a statistically significant difference was noted for non-smokers (85.9±12.7 vs 54.0±6.3, P=0.030), suggesting that arsenic-contaminated groundwater may contribute to its systemic exposure.

Cigarette Smoking Condensate Disrupts Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Network Homeostasis Through GOLPH3 Expression in Normal Lung Epithelial Cells

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke (CS) is associated with a broad range of diseases including lung cancer. Many researchers have suggested that cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) may be more toxic compared to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) because CSC contains the lipid-soluble faction of smoke while CSE contains the hydrophilic or gas phase. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of CSC on the disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi homeostasis in normal lung epithelial cells.

METHODS

CS was generated according to the ISO 3308 method. To ascertain the mechanistic effects of CSC on lung toxicity, normal lung epithelial cells of the cell line 16HBE14o- were treated with CSC (0.1mg/mL) for 48 hours. The toxic effects of CSC on ER-Golgi homeostasis and GOLPH3 expression were observed through diverse molecular tools including transmission electron microscope analysis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that CSC treatment increased reactive oxygen species generation in lung cells and led to the alteration of ER-Golgi homeostasis in conjunction with increased autophagy. In particular, GOLPH3, known as an oncogene and a marker protein for the trans-Golgi network, was upregulated in CSC-treated cells. GOLPH3 protein overexpression was also confirmed in the lungs of human lung cancer patients as well as NNK-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that CSC caused lung damage through the disruption of ER-Golgi homeostasis and autophagy induction. The expression level of the trans-Golgi marker protein GOLPH3 could serve as a reliable bio-indicator for CS-related lung cancer.

IMPLICATIONS

CS is a harmful factor in the development of many diseases including cancer. In this research, we demonstrated that CSC treatment led to malfunction of the ER-Golgi network, with the disrupted ER and Golgi causing GOLPH3 overexpression and abnormal autophagy accumulation. In addition, although the value of GOLPH3 as a predictor remains to be fully elucidated, our data suggest that GOLPH3 levels may be a novel prognostic biomarker of tobacco related lung disease.

Association between shortened telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship between telomere length and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched; meta-analyses were performed comparing telomere length in SLE patients and healthy controls, and on SLE patients in subgroups based on ethnicity, sample type, assay method and data type. Results Eight studies including 472 SLE patients and 365 controls were ultimately selected which showed that telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.835, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.291 to -0.380, p = 3.3 × 10^-4). Stratification by ethnicity showed significantly shortened telomere length in the SLE group in Caucasian, Asian and mixed populations (SMD = -0.455, 95% CI = -0.763 to -0.147, p = 0.004; SMD = -0.887, 95% CI = -1.261 to -0.513, p = 3.4 × 10^-4; SMD = -0.535, 95% CI = -0.923 to -0.147, p = 0.007; respectively). Furthermore, telomere length was significantly shorter in the SLE group than in the control group in whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cell groups (SMD = -0.361, 95% CI = -0.553 to -0.169, p = 2.3 × 10^-4; SMD = -1.546, 95% CI = -2.583 to -0.510, p = 0.003; respectively); a similar trend was observed in leukocyte groups (SMD = -0.699, 95% CI = -1.511 to -0.114, p = 0.092). Meta-analyses based on assay method or data type revealed similar associations. Conclusions Our meta-analysis demonstrated that telomere length was significantly shorter in patients with SLE, regardless of ethnicity, sample type or assay method evaluated.

The functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to SLE and its clinical features. A polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine genotypes of the p53 codon 72 in 90 SLE patients and 114 healthy controls. Clinical/serological manifestations were analysed in each patient and correlated with the genotypes. The OR of the association of the Pro allele with SLE was 1.70 (95% CI, 1.15-2.53, P = 0.0079) and the OR of the Pro/Pro (a recessive model) was significantly increased (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.24-5.39, P = 0.0093). The Armitage’s trend test indicated a significant dosage effect of the Pro allele for SLE (OR = 1.73, chi-square = 7.08, P = 0.0078). However, there was no significant association of the polymorphism with clinical/serological manifestations studied here. In conclusion, our finding suggests the functional p53 codon 72 polymorphism may be associated with SLE susceptibility, suggesting individuals who carry the Pro allele may have a higher risk to SLE susceptibility than those with the Arg allele. Further studies for replications are needed to confirm that the p53 polymorphism contributes to SLE.

Systematic Analysis of the Anticancer Agent Taxol-Producing Capacity in Colletotrichum Species and Use of the Species for Taxol Production

Paclitaxel (taxol) has long been used as a potent anticancer agent for the treatment of many cancers. Ever since the fungal species Taxomyces andreanae was first shown to produce taxol in 1993, many endophytic fungal species have been recognized as taxol accumulators. In this study, we analyzed the taxol-producing capacity of different Colletotrichum spp. to determine the distribution of a taxol biosynthetic gene within this genus. Distribution of the taxadiene synthase (TS) gene, which cyclizes geranylgeranyl diphosphate to produce taxadiene, was analyzed in 12 Colletotrichum spp., of which 8 were found to contain the unique skeletal core structure of paclitaxel. However, distribution of the gene was not limited to closely related species. The production of taxol by Colletotrichum dematium, which causes pepper anthracnose, depended on the method in which the fungus was stored, with the highest production being in samples stored under mineral oil. Based on its distribution among Colletotrichum spp., the TS gene was either integrated into or deleted from the bacterial genome in a species-specific manner. In addition to their taxol-producing capacity, the simple genome structure and easy gene manipulation of these endophytic fungal species make them valuable resources for identifying genes in the taxol biosynthetic pathway.

Mainstream cigarette smoke accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating Kupffer cell-mediated hepatocellular apoptosis in adolescent mice

Cigarette smoking in adolescents is considered to be a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of mainstream cigarette smoke (MSCS) on the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in adolescents. Three-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed either a methionine and choline-deficient plus high fat (MCDHF) diet for 6 weeks. Each group was exposed to MSCS (300, 600 ug/L) or fresh air for 2h per day during the first 3 weeks of MCDHF diet feeding. MSCS increased MCDHF diet-induced NASH by increasing serum ALT/AST levels, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, MSCS was associated with the degree of oxidative stress and hepatocellular apoptosis in NASH mice, but not prominent in controls. In vitro, cigarette smoke extract (CSE) activated Kupffer cells (KCs) to release inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, which induced hepatocellular apoptosis. In conclusion, MSCS exposure accelerates the progression and severity of NASH by modulating KC-mediated hepatocellular apoptosis. Our results support the regulation of CS in adolescents with steatohepatitis.

Overall and cause-specific mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis

AIMS

This study aimed to assess all-cause and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We surveyed studies examining all-cause and/or cause-specific SMR in patients with SLE compared to the general population using PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and manual searches. We performed a meta-analysis of all-cause, sex-specific, ethnicity-specific, and cause-specific SMRs in SLE patients.

RESULTS

Fifteen reports including 26,101 patients with SLE with 4640 deaths met the inclusion criteria. Compared to the general population, all-cause SMR was significantly increased 2.6-fold in patients with SLE (SMR 2.663, 95% CI 2.090-3.393, p < 1.0 × 10(-8)). Stratification by ethnicity showed that all-cause SMR was 2.721 (95% CI 1.867-3.966, p = 1.9 × 10(-6)) in Caucasians and 2.587 (95% CI 1.475-4.535, p = 0.001) in Asians. Sex-specific meta-analysis revealed that all-cause SMR was 3.141 (95% CI 2.351-4.198, p < 1.0 × 10(-8)) for women and 3.516 (95% CI 2.928-4.221, p < 1.0 × 10(-8)) for men. The risk of mortality was significantly increased for mortality due to renal disease (SMR 4.689, 95% CI 2.357-9.330, p = 1.10 × 10(-5)), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (SMR 2.253, 95% CI 1.304-3.892, p = 0.004), and infection (SMR 4.980, 95% CI 3.876-6.398, p < 1.0 × 10(-8)), although there was no significant increase in SMR for mortality due to cancer (SMR 1.163, 95% CI 0.572-2.363, p = 0.676).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SLE had higher rates of death from all causes, regardless of sex, ethnicity, renal disease, CVD or infection. However, the risk of death due to malignancy was not increased.

Association between toll-like receptor polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis update

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The authors conducted a meta-analysis of the relationship between 12 TLR polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility.

RESULTS

In total, 26 studies that involved 11,984 patients and 14,572 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed no association between the two alleles of the rs352140, rs5743836, and rs352139 polymorphisms of TLR9 and SLE, but indicated an association between the two alleles of the rs187084 polymorphism (TLR9) and SLE in the overall population (OR = 0.869, 95% CI = 0.762-0.992, P = 0.038). No association was detected between rs3764880 (TLR8) and SLE; however, our meta-analysis indicated an association between rs3764879 (TLR8) and SLE in Caucasians (OR = 1.414, 95% CI = 1.139-1.756, P = 0.002). An association between rs179008 (TLR7) and SLE was found in the African (OR = 0.430, 95% CI = 0.238-0.775, P = 0.005), but not in the Caucasian population (OR = 1.206, 95% CI = 0.932-1.614, P = 0.145). Furthermore, our meta-analysis indicated a significant association between rs3853839 (TLR7) and SLE in the Asian population (OR = 0.773, 95% CI = 0.735, 0.823, P < 1.0 × 10(-9)). No associations were found between rs5744168 (TLR5), rs4986791 (TLR4), rs4986790 (TLR4), and rs3775291 (TLR3) polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 polymorphisms are associated with the development of SLE in Caucasian, Asian, and African populations.

Changes in lung function according to disease extent before and after pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in lung function in individuals before and after treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in relation to extent of disease.

DESIGN

Using a retrospective cohort design, changes in and predictors of lung function were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included in the final analysis. The median decline in annualised forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) was 180.0 ml/year (95%CI 118.9-356.1) in advanced PTB and 94.7 ml/year (95%CI 33.4-147.3) in localised PTB (ΔFEV1% predicted/year 9.4%, 95%CI 4.4-14.0 vs. 3.8%, 95%CI 1.8-6.2). The median decline in annualised forced vital capacity (FVC) was 309.6 ml/year (95%CI 137.0-359.0) in advanced PTB and 101.1 ml/year (95%CI 30.3-219.6) in localised PTB (ΔFVC % predicted/year 7.3%, 95%CI 5.3-12.3 vs. 2.9%, 95%CI 0.9-6.5).

CONCLUSIONS

As the sample size of our study was small, the conclusions could be biased. Nevertheless, our findings show that PTB causes a significant decline in lung function even in localised PTB, whereas advanced PTB was associated with excessive or even higher decline. This study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of PTB is needed to preserve lung function.

Palmitate induces ER calcium depletion and apoptosis in mouse podocytes subsequent to mitochondrial oxidative stress

Pathologic alterations in podocytes lead to failure of an essential component of the glomerular filtration barrier and proteinuria in chronic kidney diseases. Elevated levels of saturated free fatty acid (FFA) are harmful to various tissues, implemented in the progression of diabetes and its complications such as proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of palmitate cytotoxicity in cultured mouse podocytes. Incubation with palmitate dose-dependently increased cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential, impaired ATP synthesis and elicited apoptotic cell death. Palmitate not only evoked mitochondrial fragmentation but also caused marked dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Consistently, palmitate upregulated ER stress proteins, oligomerized stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) in the subplasmalemmal ER membrane, abolished the cyclopiazonic acid-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ increase due to depletion of luminal ER Ca²⁺. Palmitate-induced ER Ca²⁺ depletion and cytotoxicity were blocked by a selective inhibitor of the fatty-acid transporter FAT/CD36. Loss of the ER Ca²⁺ pool induced by palmitate was reverted by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor edelfosine. Palmitate-dependent activation of PLC was further demonstrated by following cytosolic translocation of the pleckstrin homology domain of PLC in palmitate-treated podocytes. An inhibitor of diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase, which elevates cytosolic DAG, strongly promoted ER Ca²⁺ depletion by low-dose palmitate. GF109203X, a PKC inhibitor, partially prevented palmitate-induced ER Ca²⁺ loss. Remarkably, the mitochondrial antioxidant mitoTEMPO inhibited palmitate-induced PLC activation, ER Ca²⁺ depletion and cytotoxicity. Palmitate elicited cytoskeletal changes in podocytes and increased albumin permeability, which was also blocked by mitoTEMPO. These data suggest that oxidative stress caused by saturated FFA leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and ER Ca²⁺ depletion through FAT/CD36 and PLC signaling, possibly contributing to podocyte injury.

Effects of a Social Welfare Program for Health Promotion on Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Background

Socioeconomic status is closely associated with an individual’s health status. However, there are few studies examining the role of exercise-training as part of a community-based social welfare program in socially vulnerable groups. Given this, our aim was to measure whether long-term exercise training as a social welfare program affects the prevalence of depressive symptoms, metabolic syndrome and peripheral blood vessel condition among participants with low household income.

Methods

Twenty-nine adults and twenty-two older adults were recruited into this study with non-radomized, pre/post-test design. The subjects underwent a combined training consisting of aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises for 6 months or more. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory and the Korean version of Geriatric Depression Scale. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Blood vessel condition was assessed using non-invasive accelerated photoplethysmograph.

Results

Mean skeletal muscle mass increased after exercise-training, but body mass index and percent body fat were unchanged. Overall age-specific physical fitness and performance increased markedly among both adult and elderly subjects, respectively. The proportion of depressive symptoms was significantly reduced by 33% after exercise-training among all participants. The prevalence of individuals having metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced by 19.6% and the number of individual components of metabolic syndrome decreased after the exercise intervention. Among components of metabolic syndrome, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure significantly improved. In addition, the proportions of moderate and severe arteriosclerotic progression significantly decreased.

Conclusion

Long-term exercise-training as a social welfare program is beneficial for health promotion and effective in simultaneously improving psychological and physiological health status in a low income population. This suggests that the development and expansion of an exercise intervention as a health-promoting welfare program are needed to address the inequality of exercise participation among socially vulnerable groups.

Meta-analysis of functional MBL polymorphisms. Associations with rheumatoid arthritis and primary Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether functional mannose-binding lectin gene (MBL) polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the potential association of RA or pSS with MBL polymorphisms, including the codon 54 (allele B), codon 57 (allele C), and codon 52 (allele D) variants of exon 1, and the - 550 (allele L) and - 221 (allele X) promoter variants.

RESULTS

A total of 12 comparative studies, including eight RA (1623 patients and 1671 controls) and four pSS (280 patients and 516 controls) studies, were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no association between the MBL B allele and RA in the overall study population (odds ratio [OR] 0.991, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.726-1.355, p = 0.957). However, the meta-analysis showed significant associations between the MBL D, H, and X alleles and RA in the overall population (OR 1.708, 95 % CI 1.077-2.707, p = 0.023; OR 1.936, 95 % CI 1.218-3.078, p = 0.005; OR 1.582, 95 % CI 1.216-2.057, p = 0.001, respectively). An association was found between the MBL B allele and pSS in the overall study population (OR 0.691, 95 % CI 0.541-0.917, p = 0.010). Stratification by ethnicity indicated a trend toward an association between the B allele and pSS in European populations, but no association in Asian populations (OR 0.689, 95 % CI 0.465-1.021, p = 0.063; OR 0.896, 95 % CI 0.311-2.562, p = 0.838, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated an association between the MBL D, L, and X alleles and the risk of RA. It also demonstrated an association between the MBL B allele and the susceptibility to pSS, suggesting a protective role of the MBL B allele against the development of pSS.

Associations between the functional CD40 rs4810485 G/T polymorphism and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the functional CD40 rs4810485 G/T polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A series of meta-analyses were conducted to test for association between the CD40 rs4810485 G/T polymorphism and RA or SLE.

Results

A total of 21 comparisons involving 15,095 patients and 27,050 controls for RA, and 1353 patients and 2342 controls for SLE were considered. Meta-analysis showed a significant association between the CD40 rs4810485 T allele and RA in all subjects (odds ratio (OR) 0.890, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.846–0.936, p = 5.5 × 10−7). After stratification by ethnicity, the CD40 T allele was found to be significantly associated with RA in Europeans (OR 0.879, 95% CI 0.848–0.901, p = 3.0 × 10−9). A similar pattern of association was observed between the CD40 T allele and RA when the analysis was performed using the recessive, dominant, and additive models. Meta-analysis also showed a significant association between the CD40 polymorphism and SLE in Europeans (OR for the T allele 0.715, 95% CI 0.641–0.832, p = 1.4 × 10−6).

Conclusions

Our meta-analyses confirm that the CD40 rs4810485 G/T polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to RA and SLE in Europeans.