Study on the white frost formation mechanism during storage of Phyllanthus emblica Linn. fruit based on component analysis and spatial metabolomics

The Phyllanthus emblica Linn. fruit (PEF) is a well-known medicinal and food homologous item in tropical Southeast Asian. During the drying and storing processes, some PEF will grow white frost on its surface, which is typically taken as a sign of greater quality. However, the material basis and formation mechanism of white frost on PEF surfaces are currently unclear, and there is no sufficient evidence to support the correlation between white frost on PEF surfaces and their quality. In this paper, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to study the differences in active ingredient content of PEF medicinal materials with and without frost. The microstructure and elemental composition of white frost were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to analysis the main functional groups in white frost. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) combined with UNIFI database, EDS and FT-IR results, and reference materials were used to identify the chemical composition of white frost. The exocarp of PEF before and after drying and storage was analyzed by spatial metabolomics using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry imaging system to reveal the formation mechanism of white frost on the surface of PEF. The results found that the PEF with frost have higher levels of active ingredients than those without frost. EDS and FT-IR results show that white frost is mainly composed of C, O, K elements, and contains a large number of phenolic hydroxyl, carboxyl etc. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS results found that the main components of white frost were organic acids, fatty acids, and tannins, including quality markers such as gallic acid and ellagic acid etc. Spatial metabolomics research found that the white frost formation mechanism mainly involved in the ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, cutin, suberin and wax biosynthesis, citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid. This study reveals the material basis, formation mechanism, and relationship between the surface white frost of PEF and the quality of medicinal materials, providing valuable information for the quality evaluation of PEF.

Standardized Identification of Compound Structure in Tibetan Medicine Using Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry and Multiple-Stage Fragmentation Analysis

Tibetan medicines are complex and contain numerous unknown compounds, making in-depth research on their molecular structures crucial. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOF-MS) is commonly used to extract Tibetan medicine; however, many unpredictable unknown compounds remain after using the spectrum database. The present article developed a universal method for identifying components in Tibetan medicine using ion trap mass spectrometry (IT-MS). The method includes standardized and programmed protocols for sample preparation, MS setting, LC prerun, method establishment, MS acquisition, multiple-stage MS operation, and manual data analysis. Two representative compounds in the Tibetan medicine Abelmoschus manihot seeds were identified using multiple-stage fragmentation, with a detailed analysis of typical compound structures. In addition, the article discusses aspects such as ion mode selection, mobile phase adjustment, scanning range optimization, collision energy control, collision mode switchover, fragmentation factors, and limitations of the method. The developed standardized analysis method is universal and can be applied to unknown compounds in Tibetan medicine.

Rapid visual characterization of alkaloid changes in traditional processing of Tibetan medicine Aconitum pendulum by high-performance thin-layer chromatography coupled with desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging

Radix Aconiti, also known as Tie-bang-chui (TBC), Pang-a-na-bao, and Bang-na, is a typical aconitum Tibetan medicine and a perennial herb of the genus Aconitum pendulum Busch. and A. flavum Hand. -Mazz. dry roots. It has high toxicity and remarkable efficacy; as such, it is a typical "highly toxic and effective" drug that needs be processed and used. Processing methods of this Tibetan medicine include non-heating of highland barley wine (HBW) and fructus chebulae soup (FCS). This work aimed to understand differences in chemical composition between non-heat processed products and raw TBC. In this study, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) were used to analyze the chemical composition of TBC processed by FCS (F-TBC) and HBW (H-TBC). The MRM mode of HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS was selected to determine the changes of several representative alkaloids to comparison with the former results. A total of 52 chemical constituents were identified in raw and processed products, and the chemical composition of F-TBC and H-TBC changed slightly compared with that of raw TBC. The processing mechanism of H-TBC was also different from that of F-TBC, which might be related to the large amount of acidic tannins in FCS. It was found that the content of all six alkaloids decreased after processing by FCS, and all five alkaloids decreased except aconitine increased after processing by HBW. The combination of HPTLC and DESI-MSI could be an effective method for rapid identification of chemical components and changing rules in ethnic medicine. The wide application of this technology provides not only an alternative method for the traditional separation and identification of secondary metabolism but also a reference for research on the processing mechanism and quality control of ethnic medicine.

Visualization of Metabolites Identified in the Spatial Metabolome of Traditional Chinese Medicine Using DESI-MSI

The medicinal use of traditional Chinese medicine is mainly due to its secondary metabolites. Visualization of the distribution of these metabolites has become a crucial topic in plant science. Mass spectrometry imaging can extract huge volumes of data and provide spatial distribution information about these by analyzing tissue slices. With the advantage of high throughput and higher accuracy, desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) is often used in biological research and in the study of traditional Chinese medicine. However, the procedures used in this research are complicated and not affordable. In this study, we optimized sectioning and DESI imaging procedures and developed a more cost-effective method to identify the distribution of metabolites and categorize these compounds in plant tissues, with a special focus on traditional Chinese medicines. The study will promote the utilization of DESI in metabolite analysis and standardization of traditional Chinese medicine/ethnic medicine for research-related technologies.

Network analysis combined with pharmacological evaluation strategy to reveal the mechanism of Tibetan medicine Wuwei Shexiang pills in treating rheumatoid arthritis

Tibetan medicine is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and a significant representative of ethnic medicine in China. Tibetan medicine is gradually recognized by the world for its unique curative effects. Wuwei Shexiang pills (WPW) has been widely used to treat “Zhenbu” disease (Also known as rheumatoid arthritis) in Tibetan medicine, however, its potential bioactive ingredients and mechanism for RA treatment remain unclear. In this study, we used a combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), network analysis and experimental validation to elucidate the potential pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of WPW in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results showed that songoramine, cheilanthifoline, saussureanine C, acoric acid, arjunolic acid, peraksine, ellagic acid, arjungenin and other 11 components may be the main activities of WPW in the treatment of RA. PIK3CA, AKT, MAPK, IL-6, TNF, MMP1, MMP3, and CDK1 are considered as core targets. PI3K-AKT, MAPK, apoptosis, cell cycle, and other signaling pathways may be the key pathways for WPW to play a role in the treatment of RA. Furthermore, we validated the underlying molecular mechanism of WPW predicted by network analysis and demonstrated its possible mechanism through in vivo animal experiments. It was found that WPW could significantly improve the degree of paw swelling, and reduce ankle joint diameter and arthritis index. Further histomorphological analysis showed that WPW could reduce the degree of synovial tissue inflammation and ankle joint cartilage damage. Meanwhile, WPW could down-regulate the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17, and increase the levels of IL-10 and IL-4 in the serum of AA rats. TUNEL staining confirmed that WPW could significantly promote the apoptosis of synovial cells. Moreover, the immunohistochemical results showed that WPW decreased the expression of PI3K, AKT, MAPK, MMP1, MMP3, CDK1, and Bcl-2, as well as increased the expression of Bax protein. In conclusion, we successfully combined GC-MS, UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, network analysis, and experimental validation strategies to elucidate the inhibition of inflammation by WPW in AA model rats via PI3K/AKT, MAPK, cell cycle and apoptotic pathways process. This not only provides new evidence for the study of potential pharmacodynamic substances and the mechanism of WPW in the treatment of RA, but also provides ideas for the study of other Tibetan medicine compound preparations.

[Clinical features of 123 patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia auxiliarily diagnosed by 18F-DOPA-PET CT scanning]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) auxiliarily diagnosed by ¹⁸F-DOPA positron emission tomography (PET) CT scanning. Methods: The clinical data of 123 patients who were diagnosed with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia by comprehensive clinical diagnostic procedures in the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data such as gender, age of onset, province, concurrent serum insulin level measured during hypoglycemia, lesion type of pancreas by ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET CT scanning, genetic test results, and treatment were collected successively. The clinical features and therapeutic outcomes were compared between patients with focal and diffuse pancreatic lesions. T test, Rank sum test, and χ² test were used for comparison between groups. Results: A total of 123 patients with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (72 males and 51 females), whose average age of onset was 3 days (ranging from 1 day to 4 860 days), were recruited from 24 provinces. The concurrent serum insulin level was 7.1 (0.4-303.0) mU/L during hypoglycemia. ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET CT scanning identified focal lesions in 25.2% (31/123) and diffuse lesions in 74.8% (92/123) of the patients; 64.2% (79/123) of the HH cases were found to have pathogenic gene variants, in which 88.6% (70/79) were found to have K_ATP channel related genes (61 in ABCC8 and 9 in KCNJ11 mutations). Thirty-seven patients (17 focal and 20 diffuse) received surgical treatment with a success rate of 67.6% (25/37). The effective rate of diazoxide for children with diffuse type was significantly higher than that of children with focal group (28.3% (26/92) vs. 9.7% (3/31), χ²=10.31, P=0.001). Conclusions: ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET CT scan can improve the success rate of surgery. Comprehensive diagnosis of the etiology of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia by genetic analysis and ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET CT scanning can result in better treatment and prognosis.

Technical note: Understanding the effect of COVID-19 on particle pollution using a low-cost sensor network

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the following quarantine measures have led to significant changes in daily life worldwide. Preliminary research indicates that air quality has improved in many urban areas as a result of these measures. This study takes a neighborhood-scale approach to quantifying this change in pollution. Using data from a network of citizen-hosted, low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors, called Air Quality & yoU (AQ&U), we obtained high-spatial resolution measurements compared to the relatively sparse state monitoring stations. We compared monthly average estimated PM_2.5 concentrations from February 11 to May 11, 2019 at 71 unique locations in Salt Lake County, UT, USA with the same (71) sensors' measurements during the same timeframe in 2020. A paired t-test showed significant reductions (71.1% and 21.3%) in estimated monthly PM_2.5 concentrations from 2019 to 2020 for the periods from March 11-April 10 and April 11-May 10, respectively. The March time period corresponded to the most stringent COVID-19 related restrictions in this region. Significant decreases in PM_2.5 were also reported by state monitoring sites during March (p < 0.001 compared to the previous 5-year average). While we observed decreases in PM_2.5 concentrations across the valley in 2020, it is important to note that the PM_2.5 concentrations did not improve equally in all locations. We observed the greatest reductions at lower elevation, more urbanized areas, likely because of the already low levels of PM_2.5 at the higher elevation, more residential areas, which were generally below 2 μg/m³ in both 2019 and 2020. Although many of measurements during March and April were near or below the estimated detection limit of the low-cost PM sensors and the federal equivalent measurements, every low-cost sensor (51) showed a reduction in PM_2.5 concentration in March of 2020 compared to 2019. These results suggest that the air quality improvement seen after March 11, 2020 is due to quarantine measures reducing traffic and decreasing pollutant emissions in the region.

The clinical value of serum sirtuin-1 in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study

Introduction: Cell biology studies, animal models and other data suggest a role for sirtuin-1 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesized the clinical significance of serum sirtuin-1 in this disease.Methods: Serum was obtained from 141 RA patients, 144 non-RA patients and 88 healthy controls. Sirtuin-1, anti-mutant citrulline vimentin antibody (anti-MCV), anti-cyclic citrulline polypeptide antibody (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein were measured by immunological methods, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined by the Westergren method.Results: All markers were higher in the RA group than in the non-RA group and the healthy control group (P < 0.01). The specificity of sirtuin-1 for the diagnosis of RA was 97% (the highest among all markers), sensitivity was 71%. In ROC curve analysis, the AUCs (95% CI) of sirtuin-1, anti-CCP and anti-MCV were 0.87 (0.82-0.91), 0.91 (0.88-0.94) and 0.92 (0.89-0.95) respectively (all p < 0.01). The combination of sirtuin-1and anti-MCV gave the highest Youden index of 0.79, whilst Cox regression showed sirtuin-1 and rheumatoid factor were the strongest independent predictors of RA.Conclusions: Serum sirtuin-1 is increased in RA, and may have a place is the diagnosis of this disease when combined with other markers.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis reveals inhibitory mechanismsof the antimicrobial peptide MDAP-2 against Salmonella gallinarum

MDAP-2 is a new AMP with high inhibitory activity on Salmonella gallinarum, which may be developed as an antimicrobial agent in the agricultural industry and food preservation. To investigate the underlying the action mechanism of MDAP-2 on Salmonella gallinarum, impacts of MDAP-2 on the growth curve and bacterial morphology of Salmonella gallinarum were studied. iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis was also performed on proteins extracted from treated and untreated Salmonella gallinarum cells. The differentially expressed proteins were then analyzed using the KEGG and GO databases. Finally, the function of some differentially expressed proteins was verified. The results showed that 150 proteins (41 up-regulated and 109 down-regulated) were found differentially expressed (fold > 1.8, p⟨0.05). The results indi- cate that MDAP-2 kills Salmonella gallinarum mainly through two mechanisms: (i) direct inhibi- tion of cell wall/ membrane/ envelope biogenesis, energy production/ conversion, carbohydrate transport/ metabolism, and DNA transcription/ translation through regulation of special protein levels; (ii) indirect effects on the same pathway through the accumulation of Reactive oxygen species (O2 ▪-, H2O2 and OH▪-).

dl-3n-butylphthalide reduces oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced endothelial cell damage by increasing PGC-1α

OBJECTIVE

Animal experiments verified that dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) can protect vascular endothelial cells from ischemic damage and promote vascular proliferation in ischemic stroke treatment, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NBP on peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) expression in endothelial cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and to clarify the related molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SV40-transformed aortic rat endothelial cell line was cultured and subjected to OGD in the presence or absence of NBP. The cell viability was evaluated by using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The cellular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity was measured by using eNOS activity assay. The nuclear changes were assessed with Hoechst 33342 fluorescent dye. The immunofluorescence analysis and Western blotting assay were conducted to evaluate the protein expression.

RESULTS

We found that NBP could significantly prevent endothelial cells from OGD-induced injuries, in terms of cell morphology and cell viability. Both immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot findings confirmed that the NBP treatment further enhanced PGC-1α expression during OGD, which was prevented in the presence of selective endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) inhibitor N5-(1-Iminoethyl)-L-ornithine-HCL (L-NIO). Furthermore, we found that NBP could protect the eNOS activity about by 40% during OGD and did not influence the eNOS protein level in the spectrophotometric-based analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

NBP maintained the endothelial PGC-1α expression via regulating eNOS activity during the exposure to OGD; therefore, it presented its protective function to cell viability and vascular proliferation.

Value of serum collagen triple helix repeat containing-1(CTHRC1) and 14-3-3η protein compared to anti-CCP antibodies and anti-MCV antibodies in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Serological markers are important in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other connective tissues diseases This study explored the clinical value of collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) and 14-3-3η protein, compared to routine markers, in the diagnosis of RA.

METHODS

We recruited 103 RA patients, 105 non-RA patients (osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus) and 59 healthy controls. CTHRC1, 14-3-3η, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibody (anti-MCV), rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were measured, and their diagnostic value for RA evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

All laboratory indices were elevated in RA (P < 0.05). Of these, anti-MCV had the highest sensitivity (86.4%) and anti-CCP the highest specificity (94.5%). The areas under the curve (AUC) of CTHRC1, 14-3-3η, anti-CCP, anti-MCV, rheumatoid factor and ESR were 0.84, 0.81, 0.89, 0.91, 0.85 and 0.77 respectively (all P < 0.01). Anti-CCP and anti-MCV were the most valuable in the diagnosis of RA. The combination of anti-CCP and anti-MCV had the maximum Youden index, followed by the combination of anti-CCP and 14-3-3η. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that 14-3-3η had the largest odds ratio value (95% CI) at 5.1 (2.1-12.5) for RA.

CONCLUSION

CTHRC1 and 14-3-3η are promising serological indicators of RA, and when combined with anti-CCP, anti-MCV and ESR, can improve the diagnosis of this disease.

[Comparison of the early efficacy of unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty in patients with medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee: a propensity score matching study]

Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty(TKA) in the treatment of medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 197 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee treated by the same group of doctors from January 2015 to December 2018.There were 86 males and 111 females, aged (67.7±10.5) years (range: 46 to 92 years), among which 101 cases received UKA and 96 cases received TKA.The UKA and TKA patients were matched by the propensity score matching method, and a total of 41 pairs of patients were successfully matched.The difference of short-term outcomes between the two groups were compared by t test, χ(2) test or Fisher exact probability methods. Results: Compared with TKA group, the postoperative reduction of hemogloblin in the UKA group was lower ((15.3±6.4) g/L vs. (20.1±7.5) g/L, t=-3.117, P<0.01), opioid dosage was lower ((160.5±29.3) mg vs. (186.1±46.8) mg, t=-2.969, P<0.01), and the length of hospital stay was shorter ((7.0±2.0)d vs. (10.0±2.5)d, t=-6.000, P<0.01). Forgotten joint score of UKA group was higher ( (65.1±7.6) vs. (58.3±13.9) , t=2.732, P<0.01), the incidence of knee clunk or crepitus was lower (P=0.03) . There was no significant difference in the time of surgical tourniquet, range of motion, American knee society clinical score and incidence of deep vein thrombosis in lower extremities between the two groups.No complications such as surgical site infection, prosthesis loosening and dislocation occurred in the two groups. Conclusion: The early effect of UKA is similar to that of TKA, and it is better than TKA in the aspects of knee clunk or crepitus, forgotten joint score, blood loss, opioid dosage and postoperative hospital stay.

PTI-125 Reduces Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Patients

BACKGROUND

The most common dementia worldwide, Alzheimer's disease is often diagnosed via biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, including reduced levels of Aβ1-42, and increases in total tau and phosphorylated tau-181. Here we describe results of a Phase 2a study of a promising new drug candidate that significantly reversed all measured biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. PTI-125 is an oral small molecule drug candidate that binds and reverses an altered conformation of the scaffolding protein filamin A found in Alzheimer's disease brain. Altered filamin A links to the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to allow Aβ42's toxic signaling through this receptor to hyperphosphorylate tau. Altered filamin A also links to toll-like receptor 4 to enable Aβ-induced persistent activation of this receptor and inflammatory cytokine release. Restoring the native shape of filamin A prevents or reverses filamin A's linkages to the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and toll-like receptor 4, thereby blocking Aβ42's activation of these receptors. The result is reduced tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation, with multiple functional improvements demonstrated in transgenic mice and postmortem Alzheimer's disease brain.

OBJECTIVES

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers were assessed following treatment with PTI-125 for 28 days. Target engagement and mechanism of action were assessed in patient lymphocytes by measuring 1) the reversal of filamin A's altered conformation, 2) linkages of filamin A with α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or toll-like receptor 4, and 3) levels of Aβ42 bound to α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or CD14, the co-receptor for toll-like receptor 4.

DESIGN

This was a first-in-patient, open-label Phase 2a safety, pharmacokinetics and biomarker study.

SETTING

Five clinical trial sites in the U.S. under an Investigational New Drug application.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 13 mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease patients, age 50-85, Mini Mental State Exam ≥16 and ≤24 with a cerebrospinal fluid total tau/Aβ42 ratio ≥0.30.

INTERVENTION

PTI-125 oral tablets (100 mg) were administered twice daily for 28 consecutive days.

MEASUREMENTS

Safety was assessed by electrocardiograms, clinical laboratory analyses and adverse event monitoring. Plasma levels of PTI-125 were measured in blood samples taken over 12 h after the first and last doses; cerebrospinal fluid levels were measured after the last dose. Commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assays assessed levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma before and after treatment with PTI-125. The study measured biomarkers of pathology (pT181 tau, total tau and Aβ42), neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain and neurogranin) and neuroinflammation (YKL-40, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α). Plasma levels of phosphorylated and nitrated tau were assessed by immunoprecipitation of tau followed by immunoblotting of three different phospho-epitopes elevated in AD (pT181-tau, pS202-tau and pT231-tau) and nY29-tau. Changes in conformation of filamin A in lymphocytes were measured by isoelectric focusing point. Filamin A linkages to α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and toll-like receptor 4 were assessed by immunoblot detection of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and toll-like receptor 4 in anti-filamin A immunoprecipitates from lymphocytes. Aβ42 complexed with α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor or CD14 in lymphocytes was also measured by co-immunoprecipitation. The trial did not measure cognition.

RESULTS

Consistent with the drug's mechanism of action and preclinical data, PTI-125 reduced cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation from baseline to Day 28. All patients showed a biomarker response to PTI-125. Total tau, neurogranin, and neurofilament light chain decreased by 20%, 32% and 22%, respectively. Phospho-tau (pT181) decreased 34%, evidence that PTI-125 suppresses tau hyperphosphorylation induced by Aβ42's signaling through α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of neuroinflammation (YKL-40 and inflammatory cytokines) decreased by 5-14%. Biomarker effects were similar in plasma. Aβ42 increased slightly - a desirable result because low Aβ42 indicates Alzheimer's disease. This increase is consistent with PTI-125's 1,000-fold reduction of Aβ42's femtomolar binding affinity to α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Biomarker reductions were at least p ≤ 0.001 by paired t test. Target engagement was shown in lymphocytes by a shift in filamin A's conformation from aberrant to native: 93% was aberrant on Day 1 vs. 40% on Day 28. As a result, filamin A linkages with α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and toll-like receptor 4, and Aβ42 complexes with α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and CD14, were all significantly reduced by PTI-125. PTI-125 was safe and well-tolerated in all patients. Plasma half-life was 4.5 h and approximately 30% drug accumulation was observed on Day 28 vs. Day 1.

CONCLUSIONS

PTI-125 significantly reduced biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation in both cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. All patients responded to treatment. The magnitude and consistency of reductions in established, objective biomarkers imply that PTI-125 treatment counteracted disease processes and reduced the rate of neurodegeneration. Based on encouraging biomarker data and safety profile, approximately 60 patients with mild-to-moderate AD are currently being enrolled in a Phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled confirmatory study to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PTI-125.

Clinical diagnostic significance of 14-3-3η protein, high-mobility group box-1, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies and rheumatoid factor in rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Circulating markers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include the 14-3-3η protein, high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF). We set out to determine which two markers in combination provided best discriminatory power for this disease.Methods: We recruited 108 RA patients, 102 non-RA patients (SLE, AS, Sjogren's syndrome, MCTD) and 90 healthy controls. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and the Youden index of each analyte were calculated and binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate their diagnostic value for RA alone and in paired combination.Results: As expected, all markers were elevated in RA patients (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that 14-3-3η had the highest odds ratio (95% CI) at 2.4 (1.9-2.8). Anti-CCP and anti-MCV had the highest areas under the curves [AUC (95% CI)] at 0.85 (0.78-0.90) and 0.85 (0.78-0.91) respectively (both P < 0.001). In serial detection (one marker followed by another), no combination had a Youden index >0.6. In parallel analysis (both considered together) several combinations had a Youden index >0.7, of which the highest (0.78) was anti-CCP with anti-MCV, with a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 84.7%.Conclusions: Despite individual increases in serum 14-3-3η, HMGB1, anti-CCP, anti-MCV and RF, the combination of anti-CCP and anti-MCV might be of great help for diagnostic in RA, and so should be considered as routine tests for this disease.

Biological characteristics of a new antibacterial peptide and its antibacterial mechanisms against Gram-negative bacteria

MDAP-2 is a new antibacterial peptide with a unique structure that was isolated from house- flies. However, its biological characteristics and antibacterial mechanisms against bacteria are still poorly understood. To study the biological characteristics, antibacterial activity, hemolytic activi- ty, cytotoxicity to mammalian cells, and the secondary structure of MDAP-2 were detected; the results showed that MDAP-2 displayed high antibacterial activity against all of the tested Gram-negative bacteria. MDAP-2 had lower hemolytic activity to rabbit red blood cells; only 3.4% hemolytic activity was observed at a concentration of 800μg/ml. MDAP-2 also had lower cytotoxicity to mammalian cells; IC50 values for HEK-293 cells, VERO cells, and IPEC-J2 cells were greater than 1000 μg/ml. The circular dichroism (CD) spectra showed that the peptide most- ly has α-helical properties and some β-fold structure in water and in membrane-like conditions. MDAP-2 is therefore a promising antibacterial agent against Gram-negative bacteria. To deter- mine the antibacterial mechanism(s) of action, fluorescent probes, flow cytometry, and transmis- sion electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the effects of MDAP-2 on membrane perme- ability, polarization ability, and integrity of Gram-negative bacteria. The results indicated that the peptide caused membrane depolarization, increased membrane permeability, and destroyed membrane integrity. In conclusion, MDAP-2 is a broad-spectrum, lower hemolytic activity, and lower cytotoxicity antibacterial peptide, which is mainly effective on Gram-negative bacteria. It exerts its antimicrobial effects by causing bacterial cytoplasm membrane depolarization, increas- ing cell membrane permeability and disturbing the membrane integrity of Gram-negative bacte- ria. MDAP-2 may offer a new strategy to for defense against Gram-negative bacteria.

A rare-earth free magnesium alloy with improved intrinsic ductility

Metals are the backbone of manufacturing owing to their strength and formability. Compared to polymers they have high mass density. There is, however, one exception: magnesium. It has a density of only 1.7 g/cm³, making it the lightest structural material, 4.5 times lighter than steels, 1.7 times lighter than aluminum, and even slightly lighter than carbon fibers. Yet, the widespread use of magnesium is hampered by its intrinsic brittleness. While other metallic alloys have multiple dislocation slip systems, enabling their well-known ductility, the hexagonal lattice of magnesium offers insufficient modes of deformation, rendering it intrinsically brittle. We have developed a quantum-mechanically derived treasure map which screens solid solution combinations with electronic bonding, structure and volume descriptors for similarity to the ductile magnesium-rare earth alloys. Using this insight we synthesized a surprisingly simple, compositionally lean, low-cost and industry-compatible new alloy which is over 4 times more ductile and 40% stronger than pure magnesium. The alloy contains 1 wt.% aluminum and 0.1 wt.% calcium, two inexpensive elements which are compatible with downstream recycling constraints.

Paravascular pathways contribute to vasculitis and neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage independently of glymphatic control

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease with high mortality. The mechanisms underlying its pathological complications have not been fully identified. Here, we investigate the potential involvement of the glymphatic system in the neuropathology of SAH. We demonstrate that blood components rapidly enter the paravascular space following SAH and penetrate into the perivascular parenchyma throughout the brain, causing disastrous events such as cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, microcirculation dysfunction and widespread perivascular neuroinflammation. Clearance of the paravascular pathway with tissue-type plasminogen activator ameliorates the behavioral deficits and alleviates histological injury of SAH. Interestingly, AQP4^−/− mice showed no improvements in neurological deficits and neuroinflammation at day 7 after SAH compared with WT control mice. In conclusion, our study proves that the paravascular pathway dynamically mediates the pathological complications following acute SAH independently of glymphatic control.

Preferable sites and orientations of transgene inserted in the adenovirus vector genome: The E3 site may be unfavorable for transgene position

The adenovirus vector (AdV) can carry two transgenes in its genome, the therapeutic gene and a reporter gene, for example. The E3 insertion site has often been used for the expression of the second transgene. A transgene can be inserted at six different sites/orientations: E1, E3 and E4 sites, and right and left orientations. However, the best combination of the insertion sites and orientations as for the titers and the expression levels has not sufficiently been studied. We attempted to construct 18 AdVs producing GFP or LacZ gene driven by the EF1α promoter and Cre gene driven by the α-fetoprotein promoter. The AdV containing GFP gene at E3 in the rightward orientation (GFP-E3R) was not available. The LacZ-E3R AdV showed 20-fold lower titer and 50-fold lower level of fiber mRNA than the control E1L AdV. Notably, we found four aberrantly spliced mRNAs in the LacZ-E3L/R AdVs, probably explaining their very low titers. Although the transgene expression levels in the E4R AdVs were about threefold lower than those in the E1L AdVs, their titers are comparable with that of E1L AdVs. We concluded that E1L and E4R sites/orientations are preferable for expressing the main target gene and a second gene, respectively.

Valproic acid attenuates the suppression of acetyl histone H3 and CREB activity in an inducible cell model of Machado-Joseph disease

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is caused by a (CAG)n trinucleotide repeat expansion that is translated into an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. This disease is considered the most common form of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). In the present study, we developed stable inducible cell lines (PC12Tet-On-Ataxin-3-Q28/84) expressing ataxin-3 with either normal or abnormal CAG repeats under doxycycline control. The expression of acetyl histone H3 and the induction of c-Fos in response to cAMP were strongly suppressed in cells expressing the protein with the expanded polyglutamine tract. Treatment with valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), attenuated mutant ataxin-3-induced cell toxicity and suppression of acetyl histone H3, phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element binding protein (p-CREB) as well as c-Fos expression. These results indicate that VPA can stimulate the up-regulation of gene transcription through hyperacetylation. Thus, VPA might have a therapeutic effect on MJD.

Mother's body mass index and food intake in school-aged children: results of the GINIplus and the LISAplus studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Mother's body mass index (BMI) is a strong predictor of child BMI. Whether mother's BMI correlates with child's food intake is unclear. We investigated associations between mother's BMI/overweight and child's food intake using data from two German birth cohorts.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Food intakes from 3230 participants were derived from parent-completed food frequency questionnaires. Intakes of 11 food groups were categorized into three levels using group- and sex-specific tertile cutoffs. Mother's BMI and overweight were calculated on the basis of questionnaire data. Multinomial regression models assessed associations between a child's food intake and mother's BMI/overweight. Linear regression models assessed associations between a child's total energy intake and mother's BMI. Models were adjusted for study region, maternal education, child's age, sex, pubertal status and energy intake and the BMIs of the child and father.

RESULTS

Mothers' BMI was associated with high meat intake in children (adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR (95% confidence interval))=1.06 (1.03; 1.09)). Mothers' overweight was associated with the meat intake (medium versus low RRR=1.30 (1.07; 1.59); high versus low RRR=1.50 (1.19; 1.89)) and egg intake (medium versus low RRR=1.24 (1.02; 1.50); high versus low RRR=1.30 (1.07; 1.60)) of children. There were no consistent associations for rest of the food groups. For every one-unit increase in mothers' BMI, the total energy intake in children increased by 9.2 kcal (3.7; 14.7). However, this effect was not significant after adjusting for children's BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that mother's BMI and mother's overweight are important correlates of a child's intake of energy, meat and eggs.

The expression and roles of Nde1 and Ndel1 in the adult mammalian central nervous system

Mental and neurological illnesses affect one in four people. While genetic linkage analyses have shown an association of nuclear distribution factor E (NDE1, or NudE) and its ohnolog NDE-like 1 (NDEL1, or Nudel) with mental disorders, the cellular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we have demonstrated that Nde1 and Ndel1 are differentially localised in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the forebrain and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus, two regions where neurogenesis actively occurs in the adult brain. Nde1, but not Ndel1, is localized to putative SVZ stem cells, and to actively dividing progenitors of the SGZ. The influence of these proteins on neural stem cell differentiation was investigated by overexpression in a hippocampal neural stem cell line, HCN-A94. Increasing Nde1 expression in this neural stem cell line led to increased neuronal differentiation while decreasing levels of astroglial differentiation. In primary cultured neurons and astrocytes, Nde1 and Ndel1 were found to have different but comparable subcellular localizations. In addition, we have shown for the first time that Nde1 is heterogeneously distributed in cortical astrocytes of human brains. Our data indicate that Nde1 and Ndel1 have distinct but overlapping distribution patterns in mouse brain and cultured nerve cells. They may function differently and therefore their dosage changes may contribute to some aspects of mental disorders.

A novel single nucleotide polymorphism in the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 gene (PTPN22) is associated with Type 1 diabetes in a Chinese population

AIMS

To examine single nucleotide polymorphisms in the protein tyrosine phosphatase N22 gene (PTPN22) and to study their association with Type 1 diabetes in a Chinese cohort.

METHODS

Three hundred and sixty-four young patients with Type 1 diabetes and 719 healthy children were included in this case-controlled study. The genotypes of rs1217385, rs2488457 (-1123C>G), rs1217414, rs1217419, rs3765598 and rs2476601 (1858C>T) in the PTPN22 gene were determined using the SNaPshot method. Alleles, genotypes and haplotype frequencies were compared between patients with Type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and clinical traits/autoantibody status was also analysed.

RESULTS

The single nucleotide polymorphism, rs1217419, located in the second intron of the PTPN22 gene was associated with Type 1 diabetes (odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.14-1.97, P = 0.003). An additional single nucleotide polymorphism, rs1217385, was also associated with Type 1 diabetes; however, the association was secondary to that of rs1217419. The previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism that is associated with Type 1 diabetes (-1123G>C) had only marginal association with Type 1 diabetes in our study. A marginal association was also identified between -1123G>C and glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody positivity in patients with Type 1 diabetes. There was no association between the single nucleotide polymorphism 1858C>T and Type 1 diabetes in our studied cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed that PTPN22 is a gene that contributes to Type 1 diabetes susceptibility. The primary association occurs with single nucleotide polymorphism rs1217419 and there is clear heterogeneity of the association between PTPTN22 polymorphisms and Type 1 diabetes in a Chinese population compared with other populations.

Confirmation of LRRK2 S1647T variant as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease in southern China

BACKGROUND

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) S1647T has been identified as a risk variant for Parkinson's disease (PD) in Han Chinese.

METHODS

To replicate the association of LRRK2 S1647T with risk of PD, we conducted a case-control study of this variant involving 406 PD subjects and 412 controls from southern mainland China.

RESULTS

The results showed that the frequency of A allele was higher in patients with PD (OR=1.238, 95% CI: 1.015-1.510, P=0.035) compared to controls. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis with the disease group (patients with PD vs. controls) as the dependent variable and genotype as an independent factor adjusting for the effect of age and gender, the homozygous S1647T genotype (AA) was associated with an increased risk of PD (OR=1.815, 95% CI:1.270-2.594, P=0.001). The pooled analysis of present data and the data from the previous work demonstrated that the frequency of A allele was higher in patients with PD (OR=1.2, 95% CI: 1.09-1.32, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LRRK2 S1647T increases the risk of Parkinson's disease in southern China.

Prevalence and characteristics of psoriatic arthritis in Chinese patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis vary widely in different countries and studies on Chinese population are rarely reported.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PsA in a Chinese population of patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

A large cross-sectional observational study was conducted in our outpatient dermatology department and consecutive psoriatic patients were evaluated for PsA according to Classification of Psoriatic arthritis (CASPAR) criteria. Demographic and medical parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 1928 patients with psoriasis, 112 patients (5.8%) had PsA, of which 92% was newly diagnosed. Oligoarthritis (48.2%) was the most common manifestation pattern, followed by spondylitis (26.8%), polyarthritis (19.6%) and classic distal interphalangeal (DIP) arthritis (5.4%). Enthesitis was present in 26.8% and dactylitis in 13.4% of the patients. Compared with patients without PsA, patients with PsA had more severe skin disease (mean PASI 9.7 vs. 6.0), higher frequency of nail changes (46.4% vs. 21.0%) and scalp involvement (90.2% vs. 76.4%).

CONCLUSION

The findings are consistent with a low prevalence of PsA among patients with psoriasis in Asia and confirm a high percentage of undiagnosed cases with active arthritis among PsA patients in dermatologist's office. Dermatologists should screen for PsA in their patients, especially those with risk characteristics and early signs.

Enhanced effect of soluble transforming growth factor-beta receptor II and IFN-gamma fusion protein in reversing hepatic fibrosis

Objective

To examine the in vivo anti-fibrotic effect of rat soluble transforming growth factor β receptor II (RsTβRII) and IFN-γ fusion protein (RsTβRII-IFN-γ) in rat hepatic fibrosis model.

Methods

Model rats were divided into five groups and treated i.m. for 8 weeks: 1) fibrotic model group (each rat, 100 μl of 0.9% NaCl day^-1); 2) RsTβRII-IFN-γ treatment group (each rat, 0.136 mg· day^-1); 3) IFN-γ treatment group (each rat, 7.5 MU· day^-1); 4) RsTβRII treatment group (each rat, 0.048 mg· day^-1); and 5) mixture of IFN-γ and RsTβRII treatment group (each rat, IFN-γ 7.5 MU· day^-1+ RsTβRII 0.048 mg· day^-1). After treatment, hepatic fibrogenesis was evaluated by histopathological analysis and measurement of collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), TGF-β1, TGF-βRII and their mRNA.

Results

Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time RT-PCR showed that RsTβRII-IFN-γ treatment significantly inhibited liver expression of collagen III, α-SMA, TGF-β1 and TGF-βRII at both protein and mRNA levels. Histopathological analysis also showed that the enhanced anti-fibrotic effects were achieved in model rats treated with RsTβRII-IFN-γ.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that RsTβRII-IFN-γ has the enhanced effects in reversing hepatic fibrosis.

High-resolution diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the human lumbosacral plexus and its branches based on a steady-state free precession imaging technique at 3T

3D diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession imaging (3D DW-SSFP) with isotropic resolution was performed to delineate structures of the human lumbosacral plexus (LSP). 3D DW-SSFP clearly revealed detailed anatomy of the LSP and its branches. Our data suggest that the sequence based on 3D DW-SSFP can be used for high-resolution MR imaging of the peripheral nervous system.

The association of gastric leptin with oesophageal inflammation and metaplasia

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease complications may reflect imbalances between protective and injurious factors. Through its effects on cell growth, leptin may influence oesophageal mucosal homeostasis.

AIMS

To determine whether leptin receptors are present in the oesophagus, and whether serum or gastric leptin levels are associated with oesophageal inflammation and metaplasia.

METHODS

From patients referred for upper endoscopy, biopsies were obtained from the stomach and distal oesophagus, and serum samples were collected. Patients were classified as having normal, inflamed or Barrett's oesophagus. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was performed on representative sections, and leptin levels in plasma and gastric biopsy samples were determined by specific immunoassay.

RESULTS

Of 269 individuals enrolled, 105 were Helicobacter pylori-negative. Of the 88 patients with complete oesophageal biopsies, 44 were normal, 24 were inflamed and 20 were Barrett's oesophagus. Receptors for leptin were highly expressed on oesophageal epithelial cells, with similar density and staining pattern in all three conditions, and plasma and antral leptin levels did not differ significantly. Patients with Barrett's had significantly (p = 0.01) higher fundic leptin levels (median 202 (interquartile range 123-333) pg/mg) compared with normal (126 (78-221) pg/mg) or inflamed (114 (76-195) pg/mg) oesophagus. In multivariate analysis, for every twofold increase in fundic leptin, the odds of having Barrett's was 3.4 times (95% CI 1.5 to 7.6) higher compared with having a normal oesophagus.

CONCLUSIONS

Leptin receptor expression on oesophageal epithelial cells provides a pathway for leptin-mediated signal transduction. Variation in gastric leptin production could contribute to differential oesophageal healing and metaplasia progression.

A new genetic disorder in mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation: ACAD9 deficiency

The acyl-CoA dehydrogenases are a family of multimeric flavoenzymes that catalyze the alpha,beta -dehydrogenation of acyl-CoA esters in fatty acid beta -oxidation and amino acid catabolism. Genetic defects have been identified in most of the acyl-CoA dehydrogenases in humans. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase 9 (ACAD9) is a recently identified acyl-CoA dehydrogenase that demonstrates maximum activity with unsaturated long-chain acyl-CoAs. We now report three cases of ACAD9 deficiency. Patient 1 was a 14-year-old, previously healthy boy who died of a Reye-like episode and cerebellar stroke triggered by a mild viral illness and ingestion of aspirin. Patient 2 was a 10-year-old girl who first presented at age 4 mo with recurrent episodes of acute liver dysfunction and hypoglycemia, with otherwise minor illnesses. Patient 3 was a 4.5-year-old girl who died of cardiomyopathy and whose sibling also died of cardiomyopathy at age 21 mo. Mild chronic neurologic dysfunction was reported in all three patients. Defects in ACAD9 mRNA were identified in the first two patients, and all patients manifested marked defects in ACAD9 protein. Despite a significant overlap of substrate specificity, it appears that ACAD9 and very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase are unable to compensate for each other in patients with either deficiency. Studies of the tissue distribution and gene regulation of ACAD9 and very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase identify the presence of two independently regulated functional pathways for long-chain fat metabolism, indicating that these two enzymes are likely to be involved in different physiological functions.

Potent regulation of microglia-derived oxidative stress and dopaminergic neuron survival: substance P vs. dynorphin

Unregulated microglial activation has been implicated as a pivotal factor contributing to Parkinson's disease. Using mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures, we address the novel possibility that peptides endogenous to the substantia nigra (SN), substance P and dynorphin (10(-13)-10(-14) M), are opposing mediators of microglial activation and consequent DA neurotoxicity. Here, we identify that substance P (10(-13)-10(-14) M) is selectively toxic to DA neurons in a microglia-dependent manner. Mechanistically, substance P (10(-13)-10(-14) M) activated microglial NADPH oxidase to produce extracellular superoxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Neuron-glia cultures from mice lacking a functional NADPH oxidase complex (PHOX-/-) were insensitive to substance P (10(-13)-10(-14) M) -induced loss of DA neuron function. Mixed glia cultures from (PHOX-/-) mice failed to show a significant increase in intracellular ROS in response to substance P compared with control cultures (PHOX+/+). Further, dynorphin (10(-14) M) inhibited substance P (10(-13) M) -induced loss of [3H] DA uptake. Here we demonstrate a tightly regulated mechanism governing microglia-derived oxidative stress, where the neuropeptide balance of dynorphin and substance P is critical to DA neuron survival.

Inhibition of microglial activation by the herbal flavonoid baicalein attenuates inflammation-mediated degeneration of dopaminergic neurons

Accumulating evidence has suggested that inflammation in the brain participates in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapy has attracted much attention as novel interference to neurodegenerative diseases. Baicalein, a major flavonoid extracted from a traditional Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Huangqin), possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To test the potential neuroprotective effect of baicalein on dopaminergic neurons, primary midbrain neuron-glia cultures from E-14 rat embryos were used. Cultures were pretreated with baicalein for 30 min prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 ng/ml). LPS leads to massive activation of microglial cells revealed by OX-42 immunostaining, and produced excessive quantities of NO. Excessive elevation of superoxide level was also observed in enriched-microglia after stimulating with LPS. LPS-induced damage to dopaminergic neurons was evaluated by uptake capacity for [3H]dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunocytochemistry. Pretreatment with baicalein concentration-dependently attenuated LPS-induced decrease in [3H]dopamine uptake and loss of TH-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons, which the maximum protective effect was observed at the concentration of 5 microM. Post-treatment with baicalein (5 microM) was also shown to be effective even if baicalein administered up to 2 h later than LPS application. Morphological study shows that baicalein (5 microM) almost completely blocked LPS-induced activation of microglia. Excessive production of TNF(alpha) and free radicals such as NO and superoxide by LPS stimulation were also attenuated by baicalein at a concentration-dependent pattern. The present study indicates that baicalein exerts potent neuroprotective effect on LPS-induced injury of dopaminergic neurons. We hypothesize that the inhibition of LPS-induced production of NO and free radicals from microglia may underlie the mechanism of baicalein's neuroprotection.

Nanometer size diesel exhaust particles are selectively toxic to dopaminergic neurons: the role of microglia, phagocytosis, and NADPH oxidase

The contributing role of environmental factors to the development of Parkinson's disease has become increasingly evident. We report that mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures treated with diesel exhaust particles (DEP; 0.22 microM) (5-50 microg/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in dopaminergic (DA) neurons, as determined by DA-uptake assay and tyrosine-hydroxylase immunocytochemistry (ICC). The selective toxicity of DEP for DA neurons was demonstrated by the lack of DEP effect on both GABA uptake and Neu-N immunoreactive cell number. The critical role of microglia was demonstrated by the failure of neuron-enriched cultures to exhibit DEP-induced DA neurotoxicity, where DEP-induced DA neuron death was reinstated with the addition of microglia to neuron-enriched cultures. OX-42 ICC staining of DEP treated neuron-glia cultures revealed changes in microglia morphology indicative of activation. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and superoxide were produced from enriched-microglia cultures in response to DEP. Neuron-glia cultures from NADPH oxidase deficient (PHOX-/-) mice were insensitive to DEP neurotoxicity when compared with control mice (PHOX+/+). Cytochalasin D inhibited DEP-induced superoxide production in enriched-microglia cultures, implying that DEP must be phagocytized by microglia to produce superoxide. Together, these in vitro data indicate that DEP selectively damages DA neurons through the phagocytic activation of microglial NADPH oxidase and consequent oxidative insult.

Generation and flanking sequence analysis of a rice T-DNA tagged population

Insertional mutagenesis provides a rapid way to clone a mutated gene. Transfer DNA (T-DNA) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens has been proven to be a successful tool for gene discovery in Arabidopsis and rice ( Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica). Here, we report the generation of 5,200 independent T-DNA tagged rice lines. The T-DNA insertion pattern in the rice genome was investigated, and an initial database was constructed based on T-DNA flanking sequences amplified from randomly selected T-DNA tagged rice lines using Thermal Asymmetric Interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR). Of 361 T-DNA flanking sequences, 92 showed long T-DNA integration (T-DNA together with non-T-DNA). Another 55 sequences showed complex integration of T-DNA into the rice genome. Besides direct integration, filler sequences and microhomology (one to several nucleotides of homology) were observed between the T-DNA right border and other portions of the vector pCAMBIA1301 in transgenic rice. Preferential insertion of T-DNA into protein-coding regions of the rice genome was detected. Insertion sites mapped onto rice chromosomes were scattered in the genome. Some phenotypic mutants were observed in the T1 generation of the T-DNA tagged plants. Our mutant population will be useful for studying T-DNA integration patterns and for analyzing gene function in rice.

Melatonin reduces nitric oxide level during ischemia but not blood-brain barrier breakdown during reperfusion in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion stroke model

Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Previously, we showed that a single injection of melatonin before ischemia significantly reduced the infarct volume in both permanent and 3-hr middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat stroke models. Nitric oxide (NO) and other free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, and they have been postulated to mediate the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during ischemia. In this study, we evaluated the influence of melatonin, given at 30 min before MCAO, on brain NO concentration and BBB breakdown. Brain NO concentration was measured at 15 min of MCAO using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. BBB breakdown at 3 hr of reperfusion following 3 hr of MCAO was assessed using Evans blue extravasation. The relative brain NO concentration was increased to 141.69 +/- 9.71% (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 9) at 15 min of MCAO. Treatment with melatonin at 1.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg significantly reduced the brain NO concentration to 104.20 +/- 11.20% (n = 8), 55.67 +/- 5.58% (n = 11), and 104.86 +/- 12.56% (n = 9), respectively. Melatonin at 5 mg/kg did not affect Evans blue extravasation. Our results suggest that a single injection of melatonin protects against focal cerebral ischemia partly via inhibition of ischemia-induced NO production and that this regimen does not prevent BBB breakdown following ischemia-reperfusion.

Prospects for pharmacologic inhibition of hepatic glucose production

Type 2 diabetes is a widespread disease where effective pharmacologic therapies can have a profound beneficial public health impact. Increased hepatic glucose production (HGP) is observed in diabetics and its moderation by currently available agents provides therapeutic benefits. This review describes the challenges associated with the discovery of small molecules that inhibit HGP. Gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, liver architecture, and hepatocyte composition are described to provide background information on hepatic function. Current methods of target validation for drug discovery, HGP measurement, diabetes animal models, as well as current drug therapies are covered. In the accompanying review article the new drug targets being probed to produce the next generation of therapies are described. Significant pharmaceutical and academic efforts to pharmacologically inhibit HGP has the opportunity to provide new therapeutics for type 2 diabetics.

Potential drug targets and progress towards pharmacologic inhibition of hepatic glucose production

A number of therapeutic targets are currently under investigation for inhibition of hepatic glucose production with small molecules. Antagonists of the glucagon receptor, glycogen phosphorylase, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 and fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase are, or have been, under evaluation in human clinical trials. Other strategies, including glucocorticoid receptor antagonists and carnitine palmitoyltransferase inhibitors, are supported by proof of principle studies in man as well as rodents. Several potential targets including glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase translocase, glycogen synthase kinase-3, adenosine receptor 2B antagonists, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, have been validated by compounds that are effective in animal models. Other targets like PGC-1a and CREB have initial validation support but no medicinal chemistry has been reported.

[Changes of erythrocyte membrane ATPase activities and plasma lipids in patients with coronary heart disease]

Fasting plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), activities of erythrocyte membrane Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase, and intraerythrocytic calcium concentration were examined in 21 patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) and 21 normal controls. It was found that the plasma contents of TG, TC, LDL-C and intraerythrocytic [Ca2+] in patients with CHD were much higher while plasma contents of HDL-C, activities of erythrocyte membrane Na(+)-K(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPase were much lower than those of normal controls. Mg(2+)-ATPase activity showed no significant difference between these two groups. The activities of erythrocyte membrane Na(+)-K(+)- and Ca(2+)-ATPase were negatively correlated with plasma TG, TC, LDL-C levels, respectively, and positively correlated with plasma HDL-C. The possible pathogenic mechanism is discussed on the basis of our results.