STING controls energy stress-induced autophagy and energy metabolism via STX17

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays a critical role in innate immunity. Emerging evidence suggests that STING is important for DNA or cGAMP-induced non-canonical autophagy, which is independent of a large part of canonical autophagy machineries. Here, we report that, in the absence of STING, energy stress-induced autophagy is upregulated rather than downregulated. Depletion of STING in Drosophila fat cells enhances basal- and starvation-induced autophagic flux. During acute exercise, STING knockout mice show increased autophagy flux, exercise endurance, and altered glucose metabolism. Mechanistically, these observations could be explained by the STING-STX17 interaction. STING physically interacts with STX17, a SNARE that is essential for autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Energy crisis and TBK1-mediated phosphorylation both disrupt the STING-STX17 interaction, allow different pools of STX17 to translocate to phagophores and mature autophagosomes, and promote autophagic flux. Taken together, we demonstrate a heretofore unexpected function of STING in energy stress-induced autophagy through spatial regulation of autophagic SNARE STX17.

[Is there also a gynecologist for men? : A randomised controlled trial of ÄGGF information sessions in schools as a bridge to the urologist's consultations with boys]

BACKGROUND

There are hardly any prevention programmes for health education and communication for boys in Germany. Boys seldom know when, how and to whom to turn to for questions or problems in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

METHODS

From 2014-2016 the Medical Society for Health Promotion carried out a unique project for gender-sensitive medical health promotion for boys of all school types at 130 Bavarian schools. In 2015, 15 Bavarian schools took part in the evaluation (6th, 8th, 9th and 11th grade). At school level, similar schools have been randomised to trial and control groups. In the experimental group, three waves were conducted in panel design and two interviews were conducted in the control group using paper questionnaires. The number of cases in the panel is 599 (358 intervention group, 241 waiting control group).

RESULTS

In all school types and grade levels, a highly significant increase in knowledge can be demonstrated. There is an average of 28% of the intervention group's overall knowledge improvement compared to the control group. More than 50% of the participants consider themselves to be very well informed before the intervention, although the objectively available knowledge does not justify this (e. g. average proportion of correctly answered questions on male anatomy and physiology 0.7 out of 6). The participants rate the medical information sessions and the fact that they are conducted by doctors with 1.7 or 1.6 (1: very good, to 5: poor).

DISCUSSION

Boys urgently need proper knowledge transfer in the field of sexual health. They benefit regardless of the types of school from these health information sessions. The gender-sensitive and socially compensatory medical information sessions are highly accepted, effective and serve as a bridge to the general practitioners. A nationwide establishment of the intervention seems thus absolutely necessary.

Role of Vps33B in regulation of inflammatory responses

Macrophages and dendritic cells use pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to sense their surroundings and respond to pathogenic stimuli. Engagement of PRRs, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), results in accelerated phagocytosis of cargo, activation of anti-microbial responses, and induction of phagosomal and endosomal maturation. Endo/phagosomal maturation and endo/phagolysosome fusion likely plays a critical role in regulation of TLR signaling and outcome of inflammatory responses following microbial recognition. Previous work in the lab has shown that Vps (Vacuolar protein sorting) 33B specifically regulates endosomal maturation following TLR activation, thus influencing the outcome of downstream signaling. In the absence of Vps33B, drosophila hemocytes and mouse macrophages elicit an enormous inflammatory response to live or dead bacterial challenge, yet are unable to degrade the bacterial cargo. This exaggerated immune response is a direct result of accumulated TLRs and ligands that continue to signal while stuck in late endosomal compartments. We have now discovered that this inability to degrade pathogenic cargo has critical implications for adaptive immunity. Absence of Vps33B leads to enhanced maturation of DCs, yet these DCs are unable to effectively prime CD4 T cells, presumably due to lack of processing endocytosed cargo. Mice that specifically lack Vps33B in DCs were unable to activate antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo, leading to defective Th1 and Th17 priming. Collectively, our results suggest an important role for Vps33B in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Further work will elucidate the molecular mechanisms of regulation of Vps33B downstream of TLRs and its impact on host immunity.

Wirtschaftspolitik und Statistik

Die Welt, in der die amtliche Statistik ihre Aufgaben wahrzunehmen hat, hat sich dramatisch verändert. Die strategische Position der amtlichen Statistik ist schwierig geworden: Die Umorientierung der Wirtschaftspolitik seit den sechziger Jahren hat dieBedeutung zentraler Ergebnisse der amtlichen Statistik (wie etwa der VolkswirtschaftlichenGesamtrechnung) für die heimischen Entscheidungsträger reduziert. Gleichzeitig erfordern die durch den Beitritt Österreichs zur Europäischen Union eingegangenen Verpflichtungen aber eine signifikante Leistungsausweitung der amtlichen Statistik. Der Widerstand der Respondenten wächst. Deregulierung und Liberalisierung erschweren in vielen Fällen dieArbeit der Statistik. Kennzeichen der neuen Wirtschaft wie neue Arten wirtschaftlicherAktivitäten, neue Formen von Beschäftigungsverhältnissen und Arbeitszeitregelungen sind mit traditionellen Instrumenten schwierig in den Griff zu bekommen.Ein erfolgreiches Bestehen der amtlichen Statistik in Österreich setzt voraus, daß die neue Führung bürokratische Hindernisse überwinden und eine Aufwertung der Tätigkeit der Anstalt – auch im Urteil der Öffentlichkeit – erreichen kann.

Über die innermolekulare Beweglichkeit von Aminen

Durch Absorptionsmessungen mit Meter-. 1.5 cm- und 7 mm-Wellen wird die bekannte Relaxationszeitverkürzung bei primären Aminen bestätigt. Dabei wird die Absorption in zwei Anteile, in Form von DEBYE-Kurven, zerlegt, von denen der eine von der Eigenbeweglichkeit der Aminogruppe und der andere von der des Gesamtmoleküls herrühren dürfte. Ein Vergleich der Absorptionsanteile der Gruppen zeigt, daß das Verhalten von aliphatischen Aminen (Cyclohexylamin, tert. Butylamin) durch die Vorstellungen von BUDÓ über frei drehbare Gruppen beschrieben werden kann, da die Beweglichkeit der Gruppe bei diesen Molekülen annähernd gleich groß ist. Bei aromatischen Aminen dagegen ergibt sich eine dem Doppelbindungscharakter der CN-Bindung zunächst widersprechende, ungefähr doppelt so große Beweglichkeit. Andererseits muß aus Messungen an Benzidin und m-Tolidin auf eine teilweise Festlegung der Gruppe geschlossen werden.

Der Unterschied zwischen aliphatischen und aromatischen Aminen wird auch bei sekundären Aminen vom Typ R — NH —R beobachtet. Während man bei Dicyclohexylamin die beiden Absorptionsanteile noch mit einer Drehung von Molekülteilchen in Verbindung bringen kann, ist dies bei Diphenylamin nicht mehr möglich. Letzteres zeigt eine sehr hohe Gruppenbeweglichkeit, die mit der des Anilins vergleichbar ist. Das Verhalten der aromatischen Amine wird mit einer nicht auf Drehung von Gruppen beruhenden Protonenbeweglichkeit gedeutet.

Interaction of the HOPS complex with Syntaxin 17 mediates autophagosome clearance in Drosophila

Interaction of the autophagosomal SNARE Syntaxin 17 (Syx17) with the homotypic fusion and vacuole protein–sorting (HOPS) tethering complex is necessary for the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. HOPS, but not Syx17, is also required for endocytic degradation and biosynthetic transport to lysosomes and eye pigment granules.

Homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS) is a tethering complex required for trafficking to the vacuole/lysosome in yeast. Specific interaction of HOPS with certain SNARE (soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) proteins ensures the fusion of appropriate vesicles. HOPS function is less well characterized in metazoans. We show that all six HOPS subunits (Vps11 [vacuolar protein sorting 11]/CG32350, Vps18/Dor, Vps16A, Vps33A/Car, Vps39/CG7146, and Vps41/Lt) are required for fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes in Drosophila. Loss of these genes results in large-scale accumulation of autophagosomes and blocks autophagic degradation under basal, starvation-induced, and developmental conditions. We find that HOPS colocalizes and interacts with Syntaxin 17 (Syx17), the recently identified autophagosomal SNARE required for fusion in Drosophila and mammals, suggesting their association is critical during tethering and fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. HOPS, but not Syx17, is also required for endocytic down-regulation of Notch and Boss in developing eyes and for proper trafficking to lysosomes and eye pigment granules. We also show that the formation of autophagosomes and their fusion with lysosomes is largely unaffected in null mutants of Vps38/UVRAG (UV radiation resistance associated), a suggested binding partner of HOPS in mammals, while endocytic breakdown and lysosome biogenesis is perturbed. Our results establish the role of HOPS and its likely mechanism of action during autophagy in metazoans.

Morphology, mineralogy, and solid-liquid phase separation characteristics of Cu and Zn precipitates produced with biogenic sulfide

The morphology, mineralogy, and solid-liquid phase separation of the Cu and Zn precipitates formed with sulfide produced in a sulfate-reducing bioreactor were studied at pH 3, 5, and 7. The precipitates formed at pH 7 display faster settling rates, better dewaterability, and higher concentrations of settleable solids as compared to the precipitates formed at pH 3 and 5. These differences were linked to the agglomeration of the sulfidic precipitates and coprecipitation of the phosphate added to the bioreactor influent. The Cu and Zn quenched the intensity of the dissolved organic matter peaks identified by fluorescence-excitation emission matrix spectroscopy, suggesting a binding mechanism that decreases supersaturation, especially at pH 5. X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy analyses confirmed the precipitation of Zn-S as sphalerite and Cu-S as covellite in all samples, but also revealed the presence of Zn sorbed on hydroxyapatite. These analyses further showed that CuS structures remained amorphous regardless of the pH, whereas the ZnS structure was more organized at pH 5 as compared to the ZnS formed at pH 3 and 7, in agreement with the cubic sphalerite-type structures observed through scanning electron microscopy at pH 5.

Blood pressure and chronic kidney disease progression in a multi-racial cohort: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

The relationship between blood pressure (BP) and kidney function among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. This study evaluated the association between BP and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline among adults with nondiabetic stage 3 CKD. The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants with an eGFR 30-59  ml min(-1) per 1.73 m2 at baseline without diabetes were included. Participants were followed over a 5-year period. Kidney function change was determined by annualizing the change in eGFR using cystatin C, creatinine and a combined equation. Risk factors for progression of CKD (defined as a decrease in annualized eGFR>2.5 ml min(-1) per 1.73 m2) were identified using univariate analyses and sequential logistic regression models. There were 220 participants with stage 3 CKD at baseline using cystatin C, 483 participants using creatinine and 381 participants using the combined equation. The median (interquartile range) age of the sample was 74 (68-79) years. The incidence of progression of CKD was 16.8% using cystatin C and 8.9% using creatinine (P=0.002). Systolic BP>140 mm Hg or diastolic BP>90 mm Hg was significantly associated with progression using a cystatin C-based (odds ratio (OR), 2.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-5.52) or the combined equation (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.16-3.69), but not when using creatinine after adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, with the inclusion of cystatin C in the eGFR assessment hypertension was an important predictor of CKD progression in a multi-ethnic cohort with stage 3 CKD.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D Supplementation and BMI Change: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The impact of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) supplementation on weight change remains controversial. The objective of this study was to summarize the effects of 25[OH]D supplementation (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) on BMI change through a meta-analysis of published clinical trials. We completed a systematic review of English articles, using MEDLINE (Ovid, Pubmed) from January 1, 1998 through January 1, 2013. The articles selected focused on 25[OH]D supplementation and body mass index (BMI) in randomized controlled trials (RCT’s). The association between 25[OH]D and mean BMI change was estimated utilizing a random effects model. A total of 30 studies were reviewed and 9 were included in the meta-analysis. Total participants included 1651 adults (82.6% women and mean age 47.9 years) and mean follow-up ranged between 6 to 196 weeks and mean daily 25[OH]D dose ranged from 200 IU to 1,110 IU. Five of the 9 studies included calcium supplementation in both groups. Average baseline BMI was 30.7 and 30.4 kg/m² in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Five studies suggested a beneficial effect for 25[OH]D supplementation for BMI change whereas 3 studies showed no effect of 25[OH]D supplementation on BMI change, and one showed a non-perceptible change. Meta-analysis of BMI values at end of trial showed no statistically significant difference in BMI change by use of 25[OH]D supplementation. Based on existing published trials, oral 25[OH]D supplementation does not significantly impact BMI change.

Whole-body MRI and MRA for evaluation of the prevalence of atherosclerosis in a cohort of subjectively healthy individuals

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular findings in asymptomatic individuals by means of 1.5-T whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.

Methods

A cohort of 138 individuals (118 men, 20 women) with a mean age of 54 years (SD ± 7.55) was referred to whole-body MRI at 1.5-T, including contrast-enhanced whole-body MR angiography (MRA) and cardiac MRI. A total of 2,065/2,070 vessel segments (99.8%) and cardiac function were evaluated.

Results

Approximately one-fourth of the participating individuals had vascular abnormalities. In 17 subjects (12.3% of all subjects) significant luminal narrowing was observed in at least one vascular segment. Luminal narrowing (mild to severe) was observed in 1 (0.7% of all subjects respectively) of the renal arteries, 7 (5.0%) of the carotid arteries, and 3 (2.2%) of the pelvic and upper leg arteries, and in 17 segments (12.3%) of arteries in the lower leg.

In cardiac function and perfusion imaging, wall motion disorders were observed in six patients (4.3%), with additional delayed enhancement and isolated delayed enhancement present in two cases. Functional parameters differed from reference values in 55 cases.

Conclusions

Even in an asymptomatic cohort of middle-aged predominantly male individuals, atherosclerotic disease is not uncommon and is detectable by whole-body MRI.

Main Messages

In middle-aged predominantly male individuals, atherosclerotic disease is not uncommon.

Even in an asymptomatic collective, approximately one fourth had vascular abnormalities.

Using whole-body MR angiography (MRA), 99.8% of 2,070 vessel segments could be evaluated.

Influence of sulfide concentration and macronutrients on the characteristics of metal precipitates relevant to metal recovery in bioreactors

Purity and settling properties determine metal sulfide recovery from bioreactors. The influence of macronutrients commonly present in mineral media and wastewaters on Cu, Pb, Cd and Zn depletion kinetics and characteristics was evaluated in batch experiments with chemically produced sulfide at different concentrations. The metal depletion kinetics showed that metals with slower depletion rates (Zn and Cd) are susceptible to other removal mechanisms such as biosorption onto the sulfate reducing biofilm and precipitation with macronutrients when sulfide is below the stoichiometric metal to sulfide ratio. For Zn, the main mechanism of removal is its sorption onto apatite (Ca(5)(PO(4)))(3)(+)(OH(-)), a compound formed due to the presence of CaCl(2)·2H(2)O and KH(2)PO(4) in the mineral medium. All precipitates were 8.1-10.0μm regardless the sulfide concentration demonstrating that this parameter is less relevant for particle growth and settling, compared to the agglomeration of the precipitates.

Suboptimal glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: a key role for anhedonia?

Recent studies examining the relationship between depression and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes have yielded mixed findings. One explanation may lie in the heterogeneity of depression. Therefore, we examined whether distinct features of depression were differentially associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Cross-sectional baseline data from a dynamic cohort study of primary care patients with type 2 diabetes from the Eindhoven region, The Netherlands, were analyzed. A total of 5772 individuals completed baseline measurements of demographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychological factors between 2005 and 2009. The Edinburgh Depression Scale was used to assess symptoms of depressed mood, anhedonia and anxiety. Suboptimal glycemic control was defined as HbA(1c) values ≥7%, with 29.8% of the sample (n=1718) scoring above this cut-off. In univariate logistic regression analyses, anhedonia was significantly associated with suboptimal glycemic control (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.52), while both depressed mood (OR 1.04, 0.88-1.22) and anxiety (OR 0.99, 0.83-1.19) were not. The association between anhedonia and glycemic control remained after adjustment for the other depression measures (OR 1.33, 1.11-1.59). Alcohol consumption and physical activity met criteria for mediation, but did not attenuate the association between anhedonia and glycemic control by more than 5%. Although diabetes duration was identified as a confounder and controlled for, the association was still significant (OR 1.20, 1.01-1.43). Studying different symptoms of depression, in particular anhedonia, may add to a better understanding of the relationship between depression and glycemic control.

Comparison of CT colonography, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and faecal occult blood tests for the detection of advanced adenoma in an average risk population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This prospective trial was designed to compare the performance characteristics of five different screening tests in parallel for the detection of advanced colonic neoplasia: CT colonography (CTC), colonoscopy (OC), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), faecal immunochemical stool testing (FIT) and faecal occult blood testing (FOBT).

METHODS

Average risk adults provided stool specimens for FOBT and FIT, and underwent same-day low-dose 64-multidetector row CTC and OC using segmentally unblinded OC as the standard of reference. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated for each single test, and for combinations of FS and stool tests. CTC radiation exposure was measured, and patient comfort levels and preferences were assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS

221 adenomas were detected in 307 subjects who completed CTC (mean radiation dose, 4.5 mSv) and OC; 269 patients provided stool samples for both FOBT and FIT. Sensitivities of OC, CTC, FS, FIT and FOBT for advanced colonic neoplasia were 100% (95% CI 88.4% to 100%), 96.7% (82.8% to 99.9%), 83.3% (95% CI 65.3% to 94.4%), 32% (95% CI 14.9% to 53.5) and 20% (95% CI 6.8% to 40.7%), respectively. Combination of FS with FOBT or FIT led to no relevant increase in sensitivity. 12 of 45 advanced adenomas were smaller than 10 mm. 46% of patients preferred CTC and 37% preferred OC (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution and low-dose CTC is feasible for colorectal cancer screening and reaches sensitivities comparable with OC for polyps >5 mm. For patients who refuse full bowel preparation and OC or CTC, FS should be preferred over stool tests. However, in cases where stool tests are performed, FIT should be recommended rather than FOBT.

Ankylosing spondylitis monocytes show upregulation of proteins involved in inflammation and the ubiquitin proteasome pathway

OBJECTIVES

To determine if peripheral blood monocytes from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differed in protein expression compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls (HC).

METHODS

Monocyte protein expression was characterised by 2D gel electrophoresis and by label-free quantitative expression profiling, using nano-ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(E), where (E) refers to low/high collision energy switching). Data sets were analysed using the Waters expression profiling system and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA).

RESULTS

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed upregulation of proteasomal constituents in AS monocytes, including the beta subunit of proteasome activator (PA)28. Monocyte expression profiling and IPA showed that significant changes in protein expression within the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP) were restricted to AS monocytes. Statistically significant differences in protein expression involving the leucocyte extravasation, vascular endothelial growth factor, integrin and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways were seen in AS and RA monocytes compared to healthy controls. No evidence of upregulation of proteins involved in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway was found in either AS or RA monocytes. Finally, the PA28 complex was shown to increase the generation of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 antigenic epitopes by the proteasome in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proteomic analyses support the hypothesis that monocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS and RA, and further suggest a specific role in AS for the UPP. Quantitative proteomic expression profiling constitutes a powerful new tool for rheumatology research.

[Screening in cardiovascular diseases]

Cardiovascular disease still ranks number one in the mortality statistics in the industrialized world. In Germany the five most common causes of death are all associated with arteriosclerotic changes of the arterial vasculature. As the treatment often extends over long periods and it can be impossible for patients to work, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) constitutes a not inconsiderable economic factor. Thus, screening for arteriosclerotic disease seems to be reasonable, because the potential for influencing arteriosclerotic changes is known to be higher in an early stage of the disease even before symptoms become apparent. Not every case can be cured, but progression can frequently be slowed down. The need for invasive procedures, some of them associated with ionizing radiation, limited the use of imaging of the arterial vasculature for a long time. Noninvasive clinical examinations such as the "ankle brachial index" (ABI) can indicate the presence of PAOD, though exact localization of the pathologic changes is not possible except with imaging methods. In contrast to these, MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that does not involve ionizing radiation but offers high spatial resolution arterial imaging.