Age effect on the shared etiology of glycemic traits and serum lipids: evidence from a Chinese twin study

PURPOSE

Diabetes and dyslipidemia are among the most common chronic diseases with increasing global disease burdens, and they frequently occur together. The study aimed to investigate differences in the heritability of glycemic traits and serum lipid indicators and differences in overlapping genetic and environmental influences between them across age groups.

METHODS

This study included 1189 twin pairs from the Chinese National Twin Registry and divided them into three groups: aged ≤ 40, 41-50, and > 50 years old. Univariate and bivariate structural equation models (SEMs) were conducted on glycemic indicators and serum lipid indicators, including blood glucose (GLU), glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), in the total sample and three age groups.

RESULTS

All phenotypes showed moderate to high heritability (0.37-0.64). The heritability of HbA1c demonstrated a downward trend with age (HbA1c: 0.50-0.79), while others remained relatively stable (GLU: 0.55-0.62, TC: 0.58-0.66, TG: 0.50-0.63, LDL-C: 0.24-0.58, HDL-C: 0.31-0.57). The bivariate SEMs demonstrated that GLU and HbA1c were correlated with each serum lipid indicator (0.10-0.17), except HDL-C. Except for HbA1c and LDL-C, as well as HbA1c and HDL-C, differences in genetic correlations underlying glycemic traits and serum lipids between age groups were observed, with the youngest group showing a significantly higher genetic correlation than the oldest group.

CONCLUSION

Across the whole adulthood, genetic influences were consistently important for GLU, TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C, and age may affect the shared genetic influences between glycemic traits and serum lipids. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of age in the interactions of genes related to glycemic traits and serum lipids.

Interaction of species A rotavirus VP4 with the cellular proteins vimentin and actin related protein 2 discovered by a proximity interactome assay

IMPORTANCE

Rotavirus (RV) is an important zoonosis virus, which can cause severe diarrhea and extra-intestinal infection. To date, some proteins or carbohydrates have been shown to participate in the attachment or internalization of RV, including HGBAs, Hsc70, and integrins. This study attempted to indicate whether there were other proteins that would participate in the entry of RV; thus, the RV VP4-interacting proteins were identified by proximity labeling. After analysis and verification, it was found that VIM and ACTR2 could significantly promote the proliferation of RV in intestinal cells. Through further viral binding assays after knockdown, antibody blocking, and recombinant protein overexpression, it was revealed that both VIM and ACTR2 could promote RV replication.

[The mechanism by which hsa_circRNA_103124 highly expressed in peripheral blood of patients with active Crohn's disease regulates macrophage differentiation, pyroptosis and inflammation]

Objective: To investigate the role and related mechanism of the highly expressed circular RNA molecule 103124 (hsa_circRNA_103124) in macrophage differentiation, pyroptosis and inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: Patients with active CD (CD group) admitted to the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from April to September 2018 and healthy people (control group) from the physical examination center of the hospital from July to October 2018 were retrospectively selected. The levels of hsa_circRNA_103124 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in PBMC of the two groups were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Tohoku hospital pediatrics-1 (THP1) cell line was used as a model for the study of hsa_circRNA_103124 regulating macrophage differentiation. Lentivirus infection was used to construct hsa_circRNA_103124 overexpressed or down-regulated THP1 cells to induce macrophage-like differentiation. According to the expression level of hsa_circRNA_103124, THP1 cell lines were divided into the following four groups: pLC5-ciR was overexpression control group; hsa_circRNA_103124 OE was the overexpression group; ShRNActrl was down-regulated expression control group; hsa_circRNA_103124 ShRNA was the down-regulated expression group. Flow cytometry was used to detect levels cluster of differentiation (CD) 68, CD80, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) were detected by RT-qPCR. The levels of gasdermin D (GSDMD), IL-18 and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) were determined by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the abundance of hsa_circRNA_103124 and TLR4 expression level or Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the CD group, including 36 males and 14 females, aged (35±10) (19-64) years. A total of 30 subjects were included in the control group, including 22 males and 8 females, aged (38±9) (24-64) years. hsa_circRNA_103124 [(0.009±0.016) vs (0.003±0.002), P=0.042] and TLR4 [(0.005±0.003) vs (0.001±0.001), P<0.001] were all upregulated in the PBMC of patients in the CD group, compared with the control group. And hsa_circRNA_103124 was positively correlated with TLR4 (r=0.40, P=0.004). hsa_circRNA_103124 level was positively correlated with CDAI (r=0.32, P=0.024). The expression of CD68 (P=0.002) and CD80 (P<0.001) were enhanced. hsa_circRNA_103124 promoted production of ROS and the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4, MyD88, GSDMD, IL-18 and NLRP3 in macrophage-like M1 differentiated THP1 cells (all P<0.05). Conclusion: High expresion of hsa_circRNA_103124 in PBMC of patients with active CD may promote macrophage M1 differentiation, pyroptosis and inflammation through enhancing the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NLRP3 and GSDMD.

[The diagnostic and evaluation value of plasma interleukin 9 in the mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with biological agents]

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic and evaluation value of plasma interleukin 9 (IL9) in the mucosal healing (MH) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with biological agents. Methods: Cohort study. IBD patients (137 cases) treated in the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital to Nanjing Medical University (Suzhou Municipal Hospital) from September 2019 to January 2022 were prospective selected. Each patient was treated with biological agents [Infliximab (IFX, 56 cases), Adalimumab (ADA, 20 cases), Ustekinumab (UST, 18 cases), Vedolizumab (VDZ, 43 cases)]. According to different therapeutic drugs, the IFX, ADA, UST, and VDZ group were divided. Clinical symptoms, inflammatory indicators and imaging examinations etc. were evaluated every 8 weeks, and the degree of MH was evaluated by endoscopy at the 54th week. The expression of plasma IL9 was detected by ELISA after initial enrollment (W 0) and 8 weeks of biological treatment (W 8). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IL9 for MH. Select the cut off value for the optimal ROC threshold based on the highest value of the Youden index. Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between IL9 and Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) and Mayo Endoscopic Score (MES), so as to evaluate the predictive value of IL9 for MH in IBD patients treated with biologic agents. Results: Among the 137 patients, there were 97 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 53 males and 44 females, aged (31.6±10.3) years (18-60 years). There were 40 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 22 males and 18 females, aged (37.5±14.7) years (18-67 years). Among the CD patients, 42 cases (43.3%) achieved MH on endoscopy at the 54th week, and 60 patients (61.9%) achieved clinical remission. Among the UC patients, 22 cases (55.0%) achieved MH and 30 cases (75.0%) achieved clinical remission. At W 0, the relative expression of IL9 in patients in IBD patients who achieved MH after 54 weeks of biological treatment was lower than that in the non-MH patients [x¯±s, (127.42±34.43) vs (146.82±45.64) ng/L, (113.01±44.88) vs (146.12±48.66) ng/L, respectively, both P<0.05]. At W 8, the relative expression of IL9 in the MH group was lower than that in the non-MH patients (both P<0.05). The relative expression of IL9 in the MH patients after IFX treatment was lower than that in the non-MH group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference among the other groups between MH and non-MH patients (all P>0.05). IL9 at W 8 showed high value in predicting MH in IBD [CD patients: area under curve (AUC)=0.716(95%CI: 0.616-0.817, P<0.001), sensitivity and specificity were 80.77%(95%CI:67.64%-88.45%) and 48.89%(95%CI: 35.53%-64.47%), respectively; UC patients: AUC=0.821, sensitivity and specificity were 77.78% and 72.73%, respectively]. At W 8, the cut off values for CD and UC patients were IL9>80.77 ng/L and IL9>77.78 ng/L, respectively. IL9 was positively correlated with endoscopic MH score parameters [M(Q₁,Q₃),SES-CD: 3.0(8.5, 18.5); MES: 2.0(1.0, 3.0)] (r=0.55, 0.72, respectively, both P<0.001) at W8. Conclusion: The plasma IL-9 at the week 8 after biological agents treatment can be used to diagnose and evaluate the MH of patients with IBD.

Identification of a Novel Interferon Lambda Splice Variant in Chickens

Type III interferons (IFNLs) have critical roles in the host's innate immune system, also serving as the first line against pathogenic infections of mucosal surfaces. In mammals, several IFNLs have been reported; however, only limited data on the repertoire of IFNLs in avian species is available. Previous studies showed only one member in chicken (chIFNL3). Herein, we identified a novel chicken IFNL for the first time, termed chIFNL3a, which contains 354 bp, and encodes 118 amino acids. The predicted protein is 57.1% amino acid identity with chIFNL. Genetic, evolutionary, and sequence analyses indicated that the new open reading frame (ORF) groups with type III chicken IFNs represent a novel splice variant. Compared to IFNs from different species, the new ORF is clustered within the type III IFNs group. Further study showed that chIFNL3a could activate a panel of IFN-regulated genes and function mediated by the IFNL receptor, and chIFNL3a markedly inhibited the replication of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and influenza virus in vitro. These data collectively shed light on the repertoire of IFNs in avian species and provide useful information that further elucidate the interaction of the chIFNLs and viral infection of poultry. IMPORTANCE Interferons (IFNs) are critical soluble factors in the immune system, and are composed of 3 types (I, II, and III) that utilize different receptor complexes (IFN-αR1/IFN-αR2, IFN-γR1/IFN-γR2, and IFN-λR1/IL-10R2, respectively). Herein, we identified IFNL from the genomic sequences of chicken and termed it chIFNL3a, located on chromosome 7 of chicken. Phylogenetically clustered with all known types of chicken IFNs, the finding of this IFN is considered a type III IFN. To further evaluate the biological properties of chIFNL3a, the target protein was prepared by the baculovirus expression system (BES), which could markedly inhibit the replication of NDV and influenza viruses. In this study, we uncovered a new interferon lambda splice variant of chicken, termed chIFNL3a, which could inhibit viral replication in cells. Importantly, these novel findings may extend to other viruses, offering a new direction for therapeutic interventions.

A Vaccine of SARS-CoV-2 S Protein RBD Induces Protective Immunity

The pandemic of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed great threat to the world in many aspects. There is an urgent requirement for an effective preventive vaccine. The receptor binding domain (RBD), located on the spike (S) gene, is responsible for binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of host cells. The RBD protein is an effective and safe antigen candidate. The six-helix bundle (6HB) "molecular clamp" is a novel thermally-stable trimerization domain derived from a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp41 protein segment. We selected the baculovirus system to fuse and express the RBD protein and 6HB for imitating the natural trimeric structure of RBD, named RBD-6HB. Recombinant RBD-6HB was successfully obtained from the cell culture supernatant and purified to high homogeneity. The purity of the final protein preparation was more than 97%. The results showed that the protein was identified as a homogeneous polymer. Further studies showed that the RBD-6HB protein combined with AL/CpG adjuvant could stimulate animals to produce sustained high-level antibodies and establish an effective protective barrier to protect mice from challenges. Our findings highlight the importance of trimerized SARS-CoV-2 S protein RBD in designing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and provide a rationale for developing a protective vaccine through the induction of antibodies against the RBD domain.

Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 3 (IFITM3) Restricts Rotavirus Infection

Rotavirus (RV) is a non-enveloped icosahedral virus with an 11-segment double-stranded RNA genome, belonging to the family of rotaviruses. RV is one of the pathogens causing diarrhea in infants and young animals, and it induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs), which can trigger antiviral function by inducing the production of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Although IFITM3, an ISG localizing to late endosomes, can limit many viral infections, whether or not it restricts the infection of RV is still unknown. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether IFITM3 also restricts RV infection by using over-expression and knockout cell strains. It was found that IFITM3-expressing cell strains were less susceptible to RV infection, as the replication of RV in over-expressing cells was significantly less than in control group cells. Correspondingly, IFITM3-knockout cells were significantly susceptible compared to the normal cells. Furthermore, the IFN-induced antiviral effect was significantly attenuated in the absence of IFITM3, and IFITM3 delayed RV escape from endosomes in the presence of IFITM3, suggesting that endogenous IFITM3 is of great importance in type I IFN-mediated antiviral responses and may restrict infection by affecting the function of the late endosomal compartment. In conclusion, these data provide the first evidence that IFITM3 limits RV infection in vitro and delays RV escape from late endosomes into the cytoplasm.

Intestinal aldosterone synthase activity and aldosterone synthesis in mouse

Aldosterone is the most important mineralocorticoid hormone regulating water and electrolyte absorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Recently, we detected the presence of the whole chain of aldosterone production from the precursor corticosterone, transcription factor liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1), the aldosterone synthase enzyme protein (CYP11B2) as well as the gene to the final product aldosterone in murine large intestine. Here, we decided to correlate the amount of this synthase protein with its enzymatic activity in different parts of gastrointestinal tract and also with the aldosterone concentration in the respective tissue. Considering the physiological behavior of the animals in light and dark environment, we measured these variables at four time points - two in the light, the others during darkness. In vitro activity of CYP11B2 was measured as the amount of aldosterone formed from the precursor deoxycorticosterone using enzyme preparations from homogenized intestinal sections. CYP11B2 enzyme activity was higher in the large than in the small intestine. In ileum and colon, the CYP11B2 activity increased in the dark time. The highest aldosterone concentration was detected in the dark in the large intestine. In summary, enzyme activity of CYP11B2 was present in all parts of intestine; the large intestine formed more aldosterone during the darkness. No difference was seen in any of the variables between the early and late light hours.

Evidence for local aldosterone synthesis in the large intestine of the mouse

Aldosterone, the main physiological mineralocorticoid, regulates sodium and potassium balance in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney. Aldosterone is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex in a sequence of enzymatic steps. Recently however, several tissues or cells e.g. brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and adipocytes have been shown to possess capability to produce aldosterone locally, and there is some evidence that this occurs also in the intestine. Colon expresses mineralocorticoid receptors and is capable of synthesizing corticosterone, the second last intermediate on the route to aldosterone from cholesterol. Based on such reports and on our preliminary finding, we hypothesized that aldosterone could be synthesized locally in the intestine and therefore we measured the concentration of aldosterone as well as the protein and gene expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), an enzyme responsible on aldosterone synthesis, from the distal section of the gastrointestinal tract of 10-week-old Balb/c male mice. It is known that sodium deficiency regulates aldosterone synthesis in adrenal glands, therefore we fed the mice with low (0.01%), normal (0.2%) and high-sodium (1.6%) diets for 14 days. Here we report that, aldosterone was detected in colon and cecum samples. Measurable amounts of CYP11B2 protein were detected by Western blot and Elisa analysis from both intestinal tissues. We detected CYP11B2 gene expression from the large intestine along with immunohistochemical findings of CYP11B2 in colonic wall. Sodium depletion increased the aldosterone concentration in plasma compared to control and high-sodium groups as well as in the intestine compared to mice fed with the high-sodium diet. To summarize, this study further supports the presence of aldosterone and the enzyme needed to produce this mineralocorticoid in the murine large intestine.

Integrated microRNA-mRNA analysis reveals the roles of microRNAs in the muscle fat metabolism of Yanbian cattle

Fat deposition is an important economic trait in farm animals. However, it is difficult to genetically improve intramuscular fat deposition via trait-based cattle breeding. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the factors about beef flavor, and to detect functional microRNA (miRNA, miR) associated with intramuscular fat deposition in Yanbian cattle. Longissimus dorsi samples from six steers were separated into high- and low-fat groups (n = 3 each) based on the marbling score, and transcriptomic analysis was performed using miRNA sequencing. A total of 33 miRNAs and 38 genes were found to be differentially expressed in the high- and low-fat groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the sequencing results. Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis revealed that miRNA-associated target genes were primarily associated with skeletal muscle development. However, some of the miRNAs (miR-424 etc.) and genes (ATF3 etc.) were also associated with fat metabolism. A targeted relationship between miR-22-3p and the WFIKKN2 gene and its involvement in adipocyte differentiation were confirmed experimentally. The study findings may provide potential candidate molecular targets for the selection of cattle with improved meat quality.

Bisphenol A attenuates testosterone production in Leydig cells via the inhibition of NR1D1 signaling

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound that impairs testosterone synthesis in male mammals. A circadian clock gene deficiency leads to diminished fertility and even infertility in male mice. However, whether circadian clock signaling pathways mediate the suppressive effect of BPA on testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells (LCs) remains unknown. The present study aims to detect the effect of BPA on cellular circadian clock and testosterone synthesis in mouse LCs, and examine the mechanisms underlying NR1D1 signaling. BPA treatment significantly attenuated the transcription levels of Nr1d1 and steroidogenic genes (Hsd3b2 and Hsd17b3) in TM3 cells, but increased other circadian clock gene levels (Per2 and Dbp). BPA treatment also significantly downregulated NR1D1 and StAR protein expression, but upregulated BMAL1 protein expression in TM3 cells. Furthermore, there was a marked decline in testosterone production in BPA-treated TM3 cells. Intraperitoneal injection of BPA profoundly reduced NR1D1 and StAR protein levels and steroidogenic gene transcription levels (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b2, and Hsd17b3), while enhancing BMAL1 protein and other circadian clock gene (Per2 and Dbp) levels in mouse testes. Notably, serum testosterone levels were also drastically reduced in BPA-treated mice. Moreover, SR9009, an NR1D1 agonist, augmented testosterone production in TM3 cells via elevated expression of steroidogenic genes (StAR, Cyp11a1 and Hsd17b3). Conversely, Nr1d1 knockdown inhibited testosterone accumulation and attenuated steroidogenic gene expression. Moreover, treatment with SR9009 partially reversed the BPA effect on the circadian clock and testosterone production. Taken together, our study demonstrates that BPA perturbs testosterone production, at least partially, via inhibiting NR1D1 signaling in LCs.

Antibody dependent enhancement: Unavoidable problems in vaccine development

In some cases, antibodies can enhance virus entry and replication in cells. This phenomenon is called antibody-dependent infection enhancement (ADE). ADE not only promotes the virus to be recognized by the target cell and enters the target cell, but also affects the signal transmission in the target cell. Early formalin-inactivated virus vaccines such as aluminum adjuvants (RSV and measles) have been shown to induce ADE. Although there is no direct evidence that there is ADE in COVID-19, this potential risk is a huge challenge for prevention and vaccine development. This article focuses on the virus-induced ADE phenomenon and its molecular mechanism. It also summarizes various attempts in vaccine research and development to eliminate the ADE phenomenon, and proposes to avoid ADE in vaccine development from the perspective of antigens and adjuvants.

Platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles target sclerotic aortic valves in ApoE−/− mice by multiple binding mechanisms under pathological shear stress

Background

Aortic valve disease is the most common valvular heart disease leading to valve replacement. The efficacy of pharmacological therapy for aortic valve disease is limited by the high mechanical stress at the aortic valves impairing the binding rate. We aimed to identify nanoparticle coating with entire platelet membranes to fully mimic their inherent multiple adhesion mechanisms and target the sclerotic aortic valve of apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice based on their multiple sites binding capacity under high shear stress.

Methods

Considering the potent interaction of platelet membrane glycoproteins with components present in sclerotic aortic valves, platelet membrane-coated nanoparticles (PNPs) were synthetized and the binding capacity under high shear stress was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Compared with PNPs bound intensity in the static station, 161%, 59%, and 39% of attached PNPs remained adherent on VWF-, collagen-, and fibrin-coated surfaces under shear stress of 25dyn/cm2 respectively. PNPs demonstrated effectively adhering to von Willebrand factor, collagen and fibrin under shear stresses in vitro. In an aortic valve disease model established in ApoE−/− mice, PNPs group exhibited significant increase of accumulation in the aortic valves compared with PBS and control NP group. PNPs displayed high degrees of proximity or co-localization with vWF, collagen and fibrin, which exhibited good targeting to sclerotic aortic valves by mimicking platelet multiple adhesive mechanisms.

Conclusion

PNPs could provide a promising platform for the molecular diagnosis and targeting treatment of aortic valve disease.

Targeting combination

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China

Antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 on fusarium wilt of banana

AIM

Research on prevention and cure of banana wilt is important to ensure the healthy development of the banana industry. In this study, antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 on fusarium wilt of banana was investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The physiological strain of banana fusarium pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4 (FOC.4) was used as the target fungus, and the antifungal mechanism of the crude extract of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 was investigated. Eighteen different compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were composed of aldehydes, methyl, hydrocarbons, amides, esters and acids. FS-4 significantly inhibited the spore germination of the target fungi, with an EC₅₀ of 22·78 μg ml^-1 . After treatment with 100 μg ml^-1 FS-4 crude extract, the N-acetylglucosamine content in the mycelium increased 1·95-fold. However, the extract had no significant effect on β-1,3-glucanase. At the FS-4 crude extract dose of 100 μg ml^-1 , the total sugar and protein contents decreased by 28·6 and 29·1% respectively, and the fat content was 41·3%. FS-4 significantly inhibited the activity of the mitochondrial complex III of Foc4, which was reduced by 52·45%. Moreover FS-4 reduced the activity of succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the Krebs cycle, by 60·2%. However, FS-4 had no significant effect on malate dehydrogenase. The membrane potential on the mitochondrial inner membrane was significantly reduced at the test concentration of 100 μg ml^-1 . ROS gradually accumulated in the Foc4 hypha, and the burst was 3·97 times higher than the control.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the antifungal mechanism of Streptomyces ma. FS-4 against Foc4 includes the destruction of the plasma membrane and mitochondrial dysfunction and finally induction of cell apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results may indicate the prevention and control of banana wilt, which is of great significance to the healthy development of banana industry system.

The Chinese National Twin Registry: a 'gold mine' for scientific research

The Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) currently includes data from 61 566 twin pair from 11 provinces or cities in China. Of these, 31 705, 15 060 and 13 531 pairs are monozygotic, same-sex dizygotic and opposite-sex dizygotic pairs, respectively, determined by opposite sex or intrapair similarity. Since its establishment in 2001, the CNTR has provided an important resource for analysing genetic and environmental influences on chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases. Recently, the CNTR has focused on collecting biologic specimens from disease-concordant or disease-discordant twin pairs or from twin pairs reared apart. More than 8000 pairs of these twins have been registered, and blood samples have been collected from more than 1500 pairs. In this review, we summarize the main findings from univariate and multivariate genetic effects analyses, gene-environment interaction studies, omics studies exploring DNA methylation and metabolomic markers associated with phenotypes. There remains further scope for CNTR research and data mining. The plan for future development of the CNTR is described. The CNTR welcomes worldwide collaboration.

[Expression of microRNA-155 in inflammatory bowel disease and its clinical significance]

Objective: To explore the expression of microRNA-155 in colonic mucosa and peripheral blood in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), and to examine the clinical value and significance of microRNA-155 in the diagnosis of IBD. Methods: Quatitative reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the expression of microRNA-155 in 20 patients with Crohn disease(CD), 21 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 18 patients with IBD type unclassified(IBDU), 25 healthy people(control group), 12 patients with infection colitis and 19 patients with ischemia colitis.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to analyze the clincal value of microRNA-155 in diagnosis of IBD. Results: The expression of microRNA-155 in colonic mucosa in CD, UC and IBDU group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05). MicroRNA-155 expression was also significantly higher in UC group in comparison to CD group (35.4±3.0 vs 18.6±5.9, P<0.01), IBDU group in comparison to CD group (23.0±3.7 vs 18.6±5.9, P<0.05) and UC group in comparison to IBDU group (35.4±3.0 vs 23.0±3.7, P<0.01). The plasma level of microRNA-155 in UC group (55.6±2.5) and IBDU group (48.1±6.2) was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05), while no significant difference in CD group was observed when compared with control group(P>0.05). ROC curve shows an AUC of 0.83 and 95%CI of 0.679-0.986 of microRNA-155 expression in colonic mucosa.The sensitivity and specificity of microRNA-155 expression in colonic mucosa in diagnosis of IBD was 68.4% and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusions: MicroRNA-155 showed high expression in colonic mucosa and peripheral blood in patients with IBD.MicroRNA-155 shows promise as a biomarker in diagnosis of IBD.Furthermore, the aberrant expression indicates that microRNA-155 may be involved in pathogenesis and progression of IBD.

Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment.

AIM

To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors.

METHODS

This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length.

CONCLUSION

Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight.

Two-dimensional topological insulators of Pb/Sb honeycombs on a Ge(111) semiconductor surface

Based on first-principles hybrid functional calculations, we demonstrate the formation of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) of Pb/Sb honeycombs on Ge(111) semiconductor surface.

[Significance of serum calprotectin in assessing inflammatory bowel disease activity]

Objective: To investigate the application value of serum calprotectin in assessing the activity of IBD Methods: Eighty-five Crohn's disease(CD) and eighty-five Ulcerative colitis(UC) patients at Suzhou Municipal Hospital(North Branch) from August 2015 to January 2017 were enrolled in this study, and eighty-five healthy subjects were selected as controls. Serum level of calprotectin was determined by ELISA. Correlation of serum calprotectin with clinical features of IBD was analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy for CD and UC were assessed by ROC curve. Results: The level of serum calprotectin was significantly higher in IBD patients than in healthy subjects. Positive correlations were found between serum calprotectin level and CRP, ESR, fecal calprotectin level of IBD(ρ＝0.341, P<0.001；ρ＝0.438, P<0.001；ρ＝0.542, P<0.001，respectively). Besides, positive correlations were found between serum calprotectin level with disease activity index(CDAI or Mayo score) of IBD(ρ＝0.309, P＝0.004；ρ＝0.227, P＝0.036，respectively)．Nevertheless, no correlation was found between serum calprotectin level with location of IBD and disease subtypes(P>0.05)．The area under curve(AUC) of serum calprotectin for diagnosis of CD and UC were 0.946 and 0.906, respectively. Conclusions: Serum level of calprotectin is associated with the activity of IBD. As a result，serum level of calprotectin may has the potential to be served as a clinical index of IBD activity.

Maternal anti-HBVs suppress the immune response of infants to hepatitis B vaccine

It is still controversial whether maternal anti-HBV antibodies (anti-HBVs) affect the infants' immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. This multicentre study aims to address this question. First, we determined whether the transplacental transfer of maternal anti-HBVs occurs by measuring the titres of 90 anti-HBVs-positive pregnant women and their newborns. The anti-HBVs-positive rates of newborns ranged from 89.7% to 100.0%, depending on the maternal anti-HBVs titres. Secondly, we investigated the effects of maternal anti-HBVs on the immune response of infants to HBV vaccination. A total of 1063 mother-and-infant pairs were enrolled and divided into three groups with maternal anti-HBVs titres of <10 IU/L (negative - 37.9%), 10-499 and ≥500 IU/L. The infants' anti-HBVs-positive rate and titres were negatively correlated with maternal anti-HBVs titres: the anti-HBVs-positive rate of infants were 88.9% (360/405), 84.5% (381/451) and 77.3% (160/207) in mothers with low, intermediate and high antibody titres, respectively, P<.0001. Median titres of anti-HBVs (IU/L) among infants were 169.1, 141.0 and 79.4, respectively, P=.020. One hundred and sixty-two infants were negative for anti-HBVs after the standard vaccination, and 120 of 131 of these infants (91.6%) reached anti-HBVs positivity after the first "booster" dose. The maternal anti-HBVs titres did not significantly affect infant response to this booster. In summary, transplacental transfer of anti-HBVs occurs and high titres of maternal anti-HBVs may suppress the immune response of infants to the standard HBV vaccination. The current schedule of the 0, 1 and 6 month may not be the optimal choice of infants with anti-HBVs-positive mothers.

AIM2 inflammasome is dispensable for the host defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Respiratory tract infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital&mdash;acquired pneumonia in immune&mdash;compromised individuals. Lung infection with P. aeruginosa is often associated with production of various inflammatory cytokines including IL&mdash;1&#946;. Production of IL&mdash;1&#946; requires proteolytic cleavage by a multiprotein complex termed inflammasome. AIM2 inflammasome recognizes foreign cytosolic double stranded DNA. A role of AIM2 in P. aeruginosa infection has not been reported previously. In this study, we found that P. aeruginosa infection induced degradation of AIM2 protein in macrophages and induction of AIM2 mRNA expression in macrophages and in the lung of mice. Interestingly, P. aeruginosa infection induced a similar level of IL&mdash;1&#946;, IL&mdash;6 and TNF production in wild&mdash;type and AIM2&mdash;deficient mice. Similarly, no significant differences in bacterial clearance, neutrophil infiltration and NF&mdash;&#954;B activation were observed between wild&mdash;type and AIM2&mdash;deficient mice following P. aeruginosa lung infection. Our data suggest that AIM2 inflammasome is dispensable for the host defense against P. aeruginosa infection.

Efficacy of oral cryotherapy on oral mucositis prevention in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

Controversy exists regarding whether oral cryotherapy can prevent oral mucositis (OM) in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of oral cryotherapy for OM prevention in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing HSCT.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched through October 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of oral cryotherapy with no treatment or with other interventions for OM in patients undergoing HSCT were included. The primary outcomes were the incidence, severity, and duration of OM. The secondary outcomes included length of analgesic use, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Seven RCTs involving eight articles analyzing 458 patients were included. Oral cryotherapy significantly decreased the incidence of severe OM (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.27 to 0.99) and OM severity (SMD = -2.07, 95% CI = -3.90 to -0.25). In addition, the duration of TPN use and the length of hospitalization were markedly reduced (SMD = -0.56, 95% CI = -0.92 to -0.19; SMD = -0.44, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.13; respectively). However, the pooled results were uncertain for the duration of OM and analgesic use (SMD = -0.13, 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.15; SMD = -1.15, 95% CI = -2.57 to 0.27; respectively).

Conclusions

Oral cryotherapy is a readily applicable and cost-effective prophylaxis for OM in patients undergoing HSCT.

The efficacy and safety of sirolimus-based graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of sirolimus (SIR)-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in patients who were subjected to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remain to be clarified; this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate these factors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from original research were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane central register of controlled trials databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of SIR-based prophylaxis in allo-HSCT were included. The risk ratio (RR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to pool data. The random effects model was used, irrespective of the presence or absence of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Five RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. SIR was observed to significantly decrease the incidence of Grade II to IV acute GVHD (aGVHD; RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.89). However, the incidence of Grade III to IV aGVHD and chronic GVHD was not decreased (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.59-1.40; RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.88-1.23, respectively). An analysis of the toxic effects of SIR revealed that SIR effected a significant increase in the incidence of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (RR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.26-4.01), while that of thrombotic microangiopathy was not significantly increased (RR, 2.48; 95% CI, 0.87-7.06). Moreover, SIR did not improve event-free survival and overall survival (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85-1.10; and RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82-1.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that the SIR-based regimen is an effective and safe alternative prophylaxis strategy for GVHD.

Spontaneous neuronal activity predicts intersubject variations in executive control of attention

Executive control of attention regulates our thoughts, emotion and behavior. Individual differences in executive control are associated with task-related differences in brain activity. But it is unknown whether attentional differences depend on endogenous (resting state) brain activity and to what extent regional fluctuations and functional connectivity contribute to individual variations in executive control processing. Here, we explored the potential contribution of intrinsic brain activity to executive control by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) as an index of spontaneous brain activity, we found that ALFF in the right precuneus (PCUN) and the medial part of left superior frontal gyrus (msFC) was significantly correlated with the efficiency of executive control processing. Crucially, the strengths of functional connectivity between the right PCUN/left msFC and distributed brain regions, including the left fusiform gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus and right precentral gyrus, were correlated with individual differences in executive performance. Together, the ALFF and functional connectivity accounted for 67% of the variability in behavioral performance. Moreover, the strength of functional connectivity between specific regions could predict more individual variability in executive control performance than regionally specific fluctuations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that spontaneous brain activity may reflect or underpin executive control of attention. It will provide new insights into the origins of inter-individual variability in human executive control processing.

Dark pixel intensity determination and its applications in normalizing different exposure time and autofluorescence removal

The purpose of this study is to investigate how to scale pixel intensity acquired from one exposure time to another. This is required when comparing grayscale images acquired at different exposure times and other image processing such as autofluorescence removal. Pixel intensity is linear to exposure time as long as images are acquired at the linear range of a camera, but importantly there exists an intercept, which is set by the camera. We termed this intercept as dark pixel intensity, as it is the pixel intensity under conditions of no light and zero exposure time. Dark pixel intensity is determined by camera's readout noise (electron/pixel), gain, and DC offset. Knowing dark pixel intensity, image acquired from one exposure time can be linearly scaled to an image at a different exposure time. Dark pixel intensity can be directly measured by obtaining an image at no light and zero (or minimum) exposure time. It can be also indirectly calculated by capturing images at a series of exposure times. Finally, the prestained and poststained images were acquired at their optimal exposures and autofluorescence was completely removed by normalizing images with the exposure time ratio and dark pixel intensity followed by subtraction.

Multivariate modelling of endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome in Chinese twins

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The common genetic and environmental effects on endophenotypes related to the metabolic syndrome have been investigated using bivariate and multivariate twin models. This paper extends the pairwise analysis approach by introducing independent and common pathway models to Chinese twin data. The aim was to explore the common genetic architecture in the development of these phenotypes in the Chinese population.

METHODS

Three multivariate models including the full saturated Cholesky decomposition model, the common factor independent pathway model and the common factor common pathway model were fitted to 695 pairs of Chinese twins representing six phenotypes including BMI, total cholesterol, total triacylglycerol, fasting glucose, HDL and LDL. Performances of the nested models were compared with that of the full Cholesky model.

RESULTS

Cross-phenotype correlation coefficients gave clear indication of common genetic or environmental backgrounds in the phenotypes. Decomposition of phenotypic correlation by the Cholesky model revealed that the observed phenotypic correlation among lipid phenotypes had genetic and unique environmental backgrounds. Both pathway models suggest a common genetic architecture for lipid phenotypes, which is distinct from that of the non-lipid phenotypes. The declining performance with model restriction indicates biological heterogeneity in development among some of these phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our multivariate analyses revealed common genetic and environmental backgrounds for the studied lipid phenotypes in Chinese twins. Model performance showed that physiologically distinct endophenotypes may follow different genetic regulations.

A neural network method for detection of obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy based on pupil size and EEG

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is able to indicate states of mental activity ranging from concentrated cognitive efforts to sleepiness. Such mental activity can be reflected by EEG energy. In particular, intrusion of EEG theta wave activity into the beta activity of active wakefulness has been interpreted as ensuing sleepiness. Pupil behavior can also provide information regarding alertness. This paper develops an innovative signal classification method that is capable of differentiating subjects with sleep disorders which cause excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) from normal control subjects who do not have a sleep disorder based on EEG and pupil size. Subjects with sleep disorders include persons with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and narcolepsy. The Yoss pupil staging rule is used to scale levels of wakefulness and at the same time theta energy ratios are calculated from the same 2-s sliding windows by Fourier or wavelet transforms. Then, an artificial neural network (NN) of modified adaptive resonance theory (ART2) is utilized to identify the two groups within a combined group of subjects including those with OSA and healthy controls. This grouping from the NN is then compared with the actual diagnostic classification of subjects as OSA or controls and is found to be 91% accurate in differentiating between the two groups. The same algorithm results in 90% correct differentiation between narcoleptic and control subjects.

[In vitro modulation of the invasive and metastatic potentials of human hepatocellular carcinoma by interlukin-2]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of interlukin-2 (IL-2) on the in vitro invasiveness and the expression of several cell surface antigens related to invasive and metastatic potentials of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) QGY-7701 cell line.

METHODS

QGY-7701 cells were incubated with high concentration of IL-2 or low concentration of IL-2 in different time. The expression of ICAM-1, CD(44) and HLA-I of the tumor cells was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis The tumor cell binding affinity to extracellular matrix components was measured by cell attachment assay. The degree of homotypic aggregation was quantified by cell aggregation assay.

RESULTS

IL-2 treatment exhibited enhanced expression of ICAM-1 (from 8.3% to 20.5% after high concentration of IL-2 treatment and 17.3% after low concentration of IL-2 treatment) and HLA-I (from 9.8% to 25.4% and 22.1%, respectively after high and low concentration of IL-2 treatment), suppression of CD(44) (from 26.4% to 12.5% and 11.6%, respectively) on HCC cell line and decreased binding affinity to type IV collagen (from 23.5% to 12.4%, 32.3% to 13.8%, 45.7% to 19.6% at 20 min, 40 min and 60 min, respectively after high concentration of IL-2 treatment, and 9.6%, 12.5% and 17.9%, respectively after low concentration of IL-2 treatment) and fibronectin (from 18.6% to 14.1%, 31.2% to 18.4%, 44.5% to 20.5% at 20 min, 40 min and 60 min, respectively after high concentration of IL-2 treatment, and 14.6%, 17.1% and 18.9%, respectively after low concentration of IL-2 treatment) and the degree of homotypic aggregation (from 58.3% to 26.5%, 85.4% to 37.6%, 88.6% to 42.3% at 20 min, 40 min and 60 min, respectively after high concentration of IL-2 treatment, and 25.0%, 36.4% and 42.6%, respectively after low concentration of IL-2 treatment)of HCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-2 may directly alter tumor properties associated with invasive and metastatic phenotypes of HCC cells, and can inhibit the invasive and metastatic potentials of HCC cells.

Differential changes of synaptic transmission in spiny neurons of rat neostriatum following transient forebrain ischemia

Spiny neurons in neostriatum are vulnerable to cerebral ischemia. To reveal the mechanisms underlying the postischemic neuronal damage, the spontaneous activities, evoked postsynaptic potentials and membrane properties of spiny neurons in rat neostriatum were compared before and after transient forebrain ischemia using intracellular recording and staining techniques in vivo. In control animals the membrane properties of spiny neurons were about the same between the left and right neostriatum but the inhibitory synaptic transmission was stronger in the left striatum. After severe ischemia, the spontaneous firing and membrane potential fluctuation of spiny neurons dramatically reduced. The cortically evoked initial excitatory postsynaptic potentials were suppressed after ischemia indicated by the increase of stimulus threshold and the rise time of these components. The paired-pulse facilitation test indicated that such suppression might involve presynaptic mechanisms. The inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in spiny neurons were completely abolished after ischemia and never returned to the control levels. A late depolarizing postsynaptic potential that was elicited from approximately 5% of the control neurons by cortical stimulation could be evoked from approximately 30% of the neurons in the left striatum and approximately 50% in the right striatum after ischemia. The late depolarizing postsynaptic potential could not be induced after acute thalamic transection. The intrinsic excitability of spiny neurons was suppressed after ischemia evidenced by the significant increase of spike threshold and rheobase as well as the decrease of repetitive firing rate following ischemia. The membrane input resistance and time constant increased within 6 h following ischemia and the amplitude of fast afterhyperpolarization significantly increased after ischemia. These results indicate the depression of excitatory monosynaptic transmission, inhibitory synaptic transmission and excitability of spiny neurons after transient forebrain ischemia whereas the excitatory polysynaptic transmission in neostriatum was potentiated. The facilitation of excitatory polysynaptic transmission is stronger in the right neostriatum than in the left neostriatum after ischemia. The suppression of inhibitory component and the facilitation of excitatory polysynaptic transmission may contribute to the pathogenesis of neuronal injury in neostriatum after transient cerebral ischemia.

Enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission in spiny neurons of rat striatum after unilateral dopamine denervation

The synaptic transmission and intrinsic membrane properties of spiny neurons in rat neostriatum were studied after unilateral dopamine depletion using in vivo intracellular recording and staining techniques. Two to four weeks after dopamine denervation, the spontaneous firing rate of spiny neurons increased and the spontaneous membrane potential fluctuation stayed at a more depolarized state for longer periods of time. The amplitude of cortically evoked initial excitatory postsynaptic potentials increased and a late excitatory postsynaptic potential that was occasionally found in control neurons was elicited from 23% of spiny neurons after dopamine denervation. No significant changes in intrinsic membrane properties of spiny neurons were observed after dopamine denervation. These results suggest that dopamine inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission of spiny neurons in naïve animals.

[Purification and characterization of 2-carbonyl reductase from marine bacteria Bacillus sp]

ANADPH-dependent 2-Oxoaldehyde reductase was isolated and purified from a marine bacteria Bacillus sp. The purification procedure involved ammonium sulfate fractionation and Q Sepharose FF, Hydroxyapatite, Sephadex G-100 column chromatographies. The specific activity of the purified enzyme was increased by 141.1 folds over crude extract and the recovery yield was 11.4%. 2-Oxoaldehyde compounds were found to be speciall good substrates. The optimum pH of the enzyme activity was 6.2-6.6. The Km coefficient for 3-deoxyglucosone was 2.5 mmol/L. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 33 kD The enzyme activity is stable below 30 degrees C and pH 5.0-8.0. EDTA, beta-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol enhanced the enzyme activity. On the other hand, the enzyme activity was partially lost by idoacetic acid or N-ethylmaleimide.

[A histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 68 cases of hemangioblastoma]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histologic characteristics of hemangioblastoma (HB) and investigate the histogenesis of its stromal cells. Sixty-eight cases of hemangioblastoma were studied by light microscopy and thirty-three cases were examined by immunohistochemical stainning. Forty-eight of the 68 patients were males and 20 were females. The average age was 37. Fifty-two cases (76.6%) had been present for two months to one year before the diagnosis was made. Sixty cases (88.2%) arose in the cerebellum. Fifty cases (73.5%) appeared as cystic nodules. Histologically, the 68 cases of HB were further categorized into three subtypes: typical (30 cases), cellular (21 cases) and reticular (17 cases). In 33 cases, the stromal cell were positive for NSE, but negative for F-VIII, UEA-1, GFAP and EMA. In summary, there are three essential histologic categories of hemangioblastoma, and its stromal cells may well have the characters of neuroendocrine differentiation.

Cbln3, a novel member of the precerebellin family that binds specifically to Cbln1

Precerebellin (Cbln1) is the precursor of the brain-specific hexadecapeptide cerebellin. Although cerebellin has properties of a conventional neuropeptide, its function is controversial because Cbln1 has structural features characteristic of circulating atypical collagens. Cbln1 is related to the three subunits of the complement C1q complex. Therefore, we hypothesized that Cbln1 participated in analogous heteromeric complexes with precerebellin-related proteins. Using LexA-Cbln1 as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, we isolated a cDNA encoding a novel Cbln1-related protein, designated Cbln3. The gene encoding cbln3 had the same intron-exon structure as cbln1 but mapped to a different mouse chromosome (14). The deduced amino acid sequence of Cbln3 was 55% identical to Cbln1 and also contained a C1q signature domain and signal sequence for secretion. In addition to binding avidly to Cbln3, Cbln1 also formed homomeric complexes. In contrast, Cbln3 homomeric association was weak. These interactions exhibited specificity because C1qB bound to neither Cbln1 nor Cbln3. Like cbln1, cbln3 was expressed in the cerebellum and dorsal cochlear nucleus in which it was detected in granule neurons. Because Cbln1 and Cbln3 are coexpressed in the brain and interact avidly, they may function as a secreted heteromeric complex in vivo.

The effect of coriaria lactone on NMDA receptor mediated currents in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

To investigate the exact mechanism of epileptogenesis induced by coriaria lactone (CL), the effect of CL on NMDA receptor mediated current (IAsp) in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons was investigated by using nystatin perforated whole-cell patch clamp. 10(-6)-10(-4) mol/L Asp acted on NMDA receptors and elicited an inward current (IAsp) at a holding potential (VH) of -40 mV in presence of 10(-6) mol/L glycine and absence of Mg2+ extracellularly. CL enhanced NMDA receptor mediated current induced by Asp, but had no effect on threshold concentration, EC50, Hill coefficient as well as maximal-effect concentration and reversal potential of IAsp. The effect had no relationship with holding potential. These results showed that CL could enhance NMDA receptor mediated current to increase [Ca2+]i of neurons by acting on Gly site, thereby inducing epilepsy.

6-Hydroxydopamine injections into the nigrostriatal pathway attenuate striatal malonate and 3-nitropropionic acid lesions

The mitochondrial inhibitors malonate and 3-nitropropionic (3NP) acid are potent neurotoxins in vivo. Administration of these compounds results in neuronal loss similar to that seen in Huntington's disease. Although the mechanism of cell death produced by these compounds likely involves activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, it remains unclear why the striatum demonstrates regional susceptibility to the toxicity of these and other mitochondrial poisons. We hypothesized that dopamine, a weak neurotoxin that occurs in high concentrations in the striatum, may contribute to the neuronal damage caused by mitochondrial inhibition. We investigated whether depletion of striatal dopamine using the catecholaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine would attenuate lesions induced by mitochondrial inhibition. We found that dopamine depletion reduced significantly the extent of histological damage in the striatum elicited by both intraparenchymal injections of 0.8 micromol malonate and 20 mg/kg systemic administration of 3NP. These data suggest that dopamine or one of its metabolites may contribute to mitochondrial toxin-induced cell death.

Oxidative and malondialdehyde modification of low-density lipoprotein: a comparative study of binding and degradation by macrophages and endothelial cells

Comparative study of oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) is important for further understanding the biological properties of Ox-LDL, such as its toxic effects, immunogenicity and multiplicity of scavenger receptor binding. In this study, the characteristics of Ox-LDL and MDA-LDL binding and degradation were compared. The results show that when their degree of modification (as determined by relative electrophoretic mobility) was similar, the binding and degradation of Ox-LDL by the macrophage cell line P388D1 were greater than those of MDA-LDL. The binding and degradation of Ox-LDL by macrophages and human umbilical vein endothelial cells increased with the degree of modification. In addition, Ox-LDL or MDA-LDL could competitively inhibit binding of labelled Ox-LDL or labelled MDA-LDL to their respective macrophage receptors, and could partially inhibit each other.

[Research on risk factors of 5 types of viral hepatities among population with high risk behaviors]

Epidemiological and serological survey on five types of viral hepatities (hepatitis A-hepatitis E) was conducted from October 1994 to December 1996 among 119 labourers returned from abroad, including 55 female prostitutes, 86 medical workers, 88 STD patients and 88 paid blood donors. HAV infection rates for all of the 5 groups were above 83%. HBV infection rate showed significantly different (chi 2 = 3.86, P < 0.05) between medical workers (53.49%) and the control group (30.43%). A significant difference (chi 2 = 5.36, P < 0.05) between HBV infection among prostitutes (52.73%) and control group (26.67%) was also noticed. In all the five groups, none was found to be anti-HDV positive. The HEV infection rates for the medical workers, prostitutes, blood donors, returned labourers and STD patients were 1.16%, 3.64%, 2.27%, 5.88% and 6.82%, whereas the anti-HCV positive rates were 1.16%, 3.64%, 0.00%, 0.00% and 1.14%, among them respectively.

Ginkgo biloba L.: history, current status, and future prospects

In this paper, we describe the status of the exploration and use of the Ginkgo biloba leaves in China. We emphasize the need for careful studies of the intra-specific genetic diversity of Ginkgo biloba since genetic variation within this species may result in significant differences between the chemical and pharmacological properties of the different sub-species. It is therefore imperative that we catalog the intraspecific diversity of Ginkgo biloba L., and we stress that it is important to conserve this diversity since different subspecies may have different pharmacochemical properties resulting in differential medical usages.

Oxidative and malondialdehyde modification of low-density lipoprotein: a comparative study

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was modified with copper ions (Cu2+) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the differences were compared. The results show that both oxidative and MDA modification produce a decrease in free amino groups in LDL and enhance its electrophoretic mobility on agarose gel, and that these observations are linked. However, differences produced by the two forms of modification were observed. Oxidative modification of LDL involves free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation which produces large amounts of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and conjugated dienes. In addition, vitamin E was reduced considerably and cholesterol lowered, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) fragmentation and aggregation were seen. Similar changes were not seen with MDA modification which does not involve lipid peroxidation. Fluorescence emission spectra of both forms of modified LDL show that emission intensity increases gradually as the modification progresses, but maximum emission wavelength and spectrum patterns are not the same. These findings may be of some significance in the study of the antigenicity, scavenger receptor multiplicity and toxic effects of modified LDL.

Impairment of glucose and glutamate transport and induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction in synaptosomes by amyloid beta-peptide: role of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal

Deposits of amyloid beta-peptide (A beta), reduced glucose uptake into brain cells, oxidative damage to cellular proteins and lipids, and excitotoxic mechanisms have all been suggested to play roles in the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease. Synapse loss is closely correlated with cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that the synapse may be the site at which degenerative mechanisms are initiated and propagated. We report that A beta causes oxyradical-mediated impairment of glucose transport, glutamate transport, and mitochondrial function in rat neocortical synaptosomes. A beta induced membrane lipid peroxidation in synaptosomes that occurred within 1 h of exposure; significant decreases in glucose transport occurred within 1 h of exposure to A beta and decreased further with time. The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal conjugated to synaptosomal proteins and impaired glucose transport; several antioxidants prevented A beta-induced impairment of glucose transport, indicating that lipid peroxidation was causally linked to this adverse action of A beta. FeSO4 (an initiator of lipid peroxidation), A beta, and 4-hydroxynonenal each induced accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, caused concentration-dependent decreases in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction, and reduced cellular ATP levels significantly. A beta also impaired glutamate transport, an effect blocked by antioxidants. These data suggest that A beta induces membrane lipid peroxidation, which results in impairment of the function of membrane glucose and glutamate transporters, altered mitochondrial function, and a deficit in ATP levels; 4-hydroxynonenal appears to be a mediator of these actions of A beta. These data suggest that oxidative stress occurring at synapses may contribute to the reduced glucose uptake and synaptic degeneration that occurs in Alzheimer's disease patients. They further suggest a sequence of events whereby oxidative stress promotes excitotoxic synaptic degeneration and neuronal cell death in a variety of different neurodegenerative disorders.

Differential gene expression in SV40-mediated immortalization of human fibroblasts

Normal human diploid fibroblasts (HF) have a limited life span, undergo senescence, and rarely, if ever, spontaneously immortalize in culture. Introduction of the gene for T antigen encoded by the DNA virus SV40 extends the life span of HF and increases the frequency of immortalization; however, immortalization requires both T-dependent and T-independent functions. We previously generated independent SV40-transformed non-immortal (pre-immortal) HF cell lines from which we then obtained immortal sublines as part of a multifaceted approach to identify functions responsible for immortalization. In this study we undertook a search for cellular mRNAs which are differentially expressed upon immortalization. A lambda cDNA library was prepared from a pre-immortal SV40-transformed HF (HF-C). We screened the library with a subtracted probe enriched for sequences present in HF-C and reduced in immortal AR5 cells. A more limited screen was also employed for sequences overexpressed in AR5 using a different strategy. Alterations in the level of mRNAs in AR5 encoding functions relevant to signal transduction pathways were identified; however, most cDNAs encoded novel sequences. In an effort to clarify which of the altered mRNAs are most relevant to immortalization, we performed Northern analysis with RNA prepared from three paired sets of independent pre-immortal and immortal (4 cell lines) SV40-transformants using eight cloned cDNAs which show reduced expression in AR5. Three of these were reduced in additional immortal cell lines as well; one, J4-4 (unknown function) is reduced in all the immortal cell lines tested; a second, J4-3 (possible PP2C type phosphatase) is reduced in 2 of the 3 matched sets; and a third, J2-2 (unknown function) is reduced in 2 unrelated immortal cell lines. Although the roles of these genes are as yet unclear, their further analysis should extend our understanding of the molecular bases for immortalization. In particular, the patterns of expression of J4-4 and J4-3 strongly suggest that they are involved in the process of immortalization and/or can serve as target genes for assessing regulators of gene expression in this process.