Human milk-specific fat components enhance the secretion of ghrelin by MGN3-1 cells

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are a major fat component in human milk. Since gastric lipase produces 1,2-diacylglycerol from TAGs, we focused on the bioactivity of human milk-derived diacylglycerols in stomach cells. Ghrelin is produced in the stomach and acts as an important regulator of growth hormone secretion and energy homeostasis. In this study, we showed that 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OP) increased ghrelin secretion, whereas 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), a major component of human milk TAGs, did not increase ghrelin secretion in the ghrelin-secreting cell line, MGN3-1. Therefore, diacylglycerol OP may directly contribute to the regulation of ghrelin secretion. We also found that 2-palmitoylglycerol and 1- and 2-oleoylglycerol increased ghrelin secretion. Finally, we demonstrated that intracellular cAMP levels and preproghrelin and ghrelin O-acyl transferase expression levels were enhanced by OP treatment in MGN3-1 cells. This may represent an example of a novel mother-infant interaction mediated by fat components derived from human breast milk.

Liposome-based dry powder vaccine immunization targeting the lungs induces broad protection against pneumococcus

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen. Currently used conjugate vaccines are effective against invasive disease, but protection is restricted to serotypes included in the formulation, leading to serotype replacement. Furthermore, protection against non-invasive disease is reported to be considerably lower. The development of a serotype-independent vaccine is thus important and Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a promising vaccine candidate. PspA shows some diversity and can be classified in 6 clades and 3 families, with families 1 and 2 being the most frequent in clinical isolates. The ideal vaccine should thus induce protection against the two most common families of PspA. The aim of this work was to develop a liposome-based vaccine containing PspAs from family 1 and 2 and to characterize its immune response. Liposomes (LP) composed of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and 3β-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol (DC-Chol) with or without α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) were produced by microfluidics, encapsulating PspA from clade 1 (PspA1, family 1) and/or clade 4 (PspA4Pro, family 2) followed by spray-drying with trehalose to form nanocomposite microparticles carriers (NCMP). LP/NCMPs showed good stability and preservation of protein activity. LP/NCMPs containing PspA1 and/or PspA4Pro were used for immunization of mice targeting the lungs. High serum IgG antibody titers against both PspA1 and PspA4Pro were detected in animals immunized with LP/NCMPs containing α-GalCer, with a balance of IgG1 and IgG2a titers. IgG in sera from immunized mice bound to pneumococcal strains from different serotypes and expressing different PspA clades, indicating broad recognition. Mucosal IgG and IgA were also detected. Importantly, immunization with LP/NCMPs induced full protection against strains expressing PspAs from family 1 and 2. Furthermore, CD4+ resident memory T cells were detected in the lungs of the immunized animals that survived the challenge.

Characterization of rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP): An orally active novel tridecapeptide derived from rice protein

It is ideal to ingest bioactive substances from daily foods to stay healthy. Rice is the staple food for almost half of the human population. We found that an orally administered enzymatic digest of rice endosperm protein exhibits antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test (TST) using mice. A comprehensive peptide analysis of the digest using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed, and a tridecapeptide QQFLPEGQSQSQK, detected in the digest, was chemosynthesized. Oral administration of the tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects at a low dose comparable to classical antidepressant in the TST. This also exhibited anti-depressant-like effect in the forced swim test. We named it rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP). Intriguingly, intraperitoneal administration had no effect. Orally administered REAP(8-13) but not REAP(1-7) exhibited antidepressant-like activity, suggesting that the C-terminal structure is important for the antidepressant-like effect. We confirmed the presence of REAP, corresponding to rice glutelin type B4(130-142) and B5(130-142), in the digest. The effects of REAP were blocked by both dopamine D1 and D2 antagonists. These results suggest that it exerts its antidepressant-like activity through activation of the dopamine system. Taken together, oral administration of a novel tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects via the dopamine system. This is the first report of a rice-derived peptide that exhibits antidepressant-like effects.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Neutron resonance absorption imaging of simulated high-level radioactive waste in borosilicate glass

We performed a preliminary study of neutron resonance absorption imaging to investigate the spatial distribution of constituent elements in borosilicate glasses containing simulated high-level radioactive waste, in which elemental inhomogeneities affect the physical and chemical stabilities of the glass. Dips generated by the resonance absorptions of Rh, Pd, Na, Gd, Cs, and Sm were observed in the neutron transmission spectra of the glass samples. The spatial distributions of these elements were obtained from the neutron transmission images at the resonance energies. The distributions of Rh and Pd visualized the sedimentation of these platinum group elements. In contrast, the lanthanides (Gd and Sm) and Cs were uniformly dispersed. These results show that neutron resonance absorption imaging is a promising tool for characterizing borosilicate glasses and investigating the vitrification mechanism of high-level radioactive waste.

Soy-fortelin: A ghrelin sensitivity-enhancing peptide that stimulates food intake in aged mice

Ghrelin sensitivity is known to decrease with aging in mice and humans, and the decrease contributes to anorexia with aging. In this study, we discovered novel ghrelin sensitivity-enhancing peptides. Ghrelin sensitivity was evaluated by examining whether dipeptide samples enhanced the calcium response to ghrelin in the growth hormone secretagogue receptor-transfected cell line. First, dipeptides were screened using a 336-dipeptide library and we revealed that Ser-Tyr (SY) potentiated ghrelin sensitivity in particular. Based on the structure-activity relationship determined using the dipeptide library and comprehensive analysis of peptides in the chymotrypsin digest of soy β-conglycinin (β-CG), which enhanced ghrelin sensitivity, candidate peptides were narrowed down. Among the chemosynthesized peptides, we discovered that an undecapeptide, SLVNNDDRDSY, corresponding to β-CGα(267-277), stimulated ghrelin sensitivity in vitro. This peptide enhanced the orexigenic activity of ghrelin in C57BL/6 mice and stimulated food intake. Thus, we demonstrated that SLVNNDDRDSY stimulated ghrelin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo and named it "soy-fortelin". Moreover, orally administered soy-fortelin had a similar but smaller effect in the young C57BL/6 mice, whereas it strongly stimulated food intake in 2-year-old aged mice that exhibited high blood ghrelin levels and low ghrelin sensitivity. In conclusion, we discovered soy-fortelin as a novel peptide that enhances ghrelin sensitivity in vivo and in vitro and increases food intake in young and aged ghrelin-resistant mice. Soy-fortelin is the first food-derived peptide reported to enhance ghrelin sensitivity.

Quasi-SU(3) Coupling Induced Oblate-Prolate Shape Phase Transition in the Casten Triangle

Shapes and shape evolution in the mass-130 region, including the Te, Xe, and Ba isotopes, have long been a focus of discussion in nuclear physics. This mass region consists of complex many-body systems that can behave in astonishingly simple and regular ways, as classified in the Casten symmetry triangle. By applying the shell model Hamiltonian proposed recently, we carry out calculations using the Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov plus generator coordinate method, in the large model space containing the (1g_{9/2},1g_{7/2},2d_{5/2},2d_{3/2},3s_{1/2},1h_{11/2},2f_{7/2}) orbits. Based on good reproduction of the experimentally known energy levels, spectroscopic quadrupole moments, and E2 transition probabilities, we identify the quasi-SU(3) couplings across the N=50 and 82 shell gaps, which play a role in driving shape evolution and phase transition discussed in the extended Casten triangle. Specifically, we demonstrate that the quasi-SU(3) coupling mechanism in the proton partner orbits (1g_{9/2}, 2d_{5/2}) tends to drive the system to be more γ soft, and that in the neutron partner orbits (1h_{11/2}, 2f_{7/2}) are responsible for the oblate-to-prolate shape phase transition. With an emphasis on discussing spectroscopic quadrupole moments, our Letter uncovers hidden symmetries from the vast shell-model configurations and adds microscopical insights into the empirical symmetry triangle.

Rice Endoplasmic Protein-Derived Peptides, Rice-Ghretropins A and B, Stimulate Ghrelin Release in MGN3-1 Cells and Increase Plasma Acylated Ghrelin and Food Intake in Mice

In this study, we demonstrated that novel rice-derived bioactive peptides promote the secretion of ghrelin, an endogenous orexigenic hormone secreted from the stomach. The enzymatic digest of rice endosperm protein with subtilisin, a microorganism-derived enzyme, stimulated acylated ghrelin secretion in the ghrelin-releasing cell line MGN3-1 and increased food intake after oral administration in mice. By performing a comprehensive analysis based on structure-activity relationships, we selected candidate peptides from over 30,000 peptides in the rice digest. Among them, we found that QAFEPIRSV and TNPWHSPRQGSF, corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the rice endoplasmic proteins glutelin A1 or A2(52-60) and B1 or B2(31-42), respectively, stimulated acylated ghrelin release in MGN3-1 cells. We named them rice-ghretropins A and B. Pyroglutamate formation of rice-ghretropin A, [pyr¹]-rice-ghretropin A, also promoted ghrelin secretion. Furthermore, oral administration of rice-ghretropins increased food intake, plasma ghrelin concentration, and small intestinal transit in mice. In addition, the subtilisin digest of the rice protein significantly increased food intake for 4 h in 9 month-old (control: 0.61 ± 0.049 g; digest: 0.83 ± 0.059 g) and 24 month-old mice (control: 0.52 ± 0.067 g; digest: 1.01 ± 0.064 g). In summary, we found that novel bioactive peptides, namely, rice-ghretropins, from the enzymatic digest of rice endosperm stimulated acylated ghrelin secretion and increased food intake. This is the first report of rice-derived exogenous bioactive peptides that increase acylated ghrelin secretion.

Differentiating between Laryngopharyngeal Dysesthesia and Hypersensitivity Reactions to Oxaliplatin and Addressing Dyspnea: 2 Case Reports

Oxaliplatin is a key drug for colorectal cancer and causes peripheral neuropathy. Oxaliplatin-induced laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia is an acute peripheral neuropathy similar to a hypersensitivity reaction. Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin do not require immediate discontinuation, but re-challenge and desensitization therapy can be very burdensome for patients. We encountered 2 cases in which laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia could be differentiated from hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin, and treatment could continue. The first case was that of a 58-year-old woman who developed dyspnea during the first course of combination therapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as the primary treatment for advanced rectal cancer. After laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia was differentiated from hypersensitivity reaction based on these typical symptoms, she was considered to have grade 3 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] ver. 5) laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia. The second course of oxaliplatin was extended from 2 to 4 h, but symptoms recurred. The third course was performed with a reduced dose of oxaliplatin from 130 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2, and the patient could complete the treatment without symptom recurrence. The second case involved a 76-year-old woman who developed grade 3 laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia during the first course of combination therapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as the primary treatment for localized colon cancer. Based on the experience of the first case, we reduced the oxaliplatin dose from 130 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 for the second course, and the patient completed the treatment without symptoms. This dose reduction was effective for grade 3 laryngopharyngeal dysesthesia caused by oxaliplatin without reducing therapeutic efficacy.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

POS0734 THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT FOR THE ACCEPTABILITY OF PREGNANCY IN PATIENTS WITH SEROLOGICALLY ACTIVE SLE IN JAPAN: A NATIONWIDE ONLINE SURVEY FROM THE VIGNETTE STUDY

Background

The risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational hypertension is high in pregnancies with SLE. In addition, the risk of flare is elevated if pregnancy occurs during the high disease activity. The EULAR recommendation provides a checklist for preconception counseling, in which patients with SLE desiring pregnancy were required the condition that the disease activity prior to pregnancy should be stable for 6-12 months in terms of serological activity (1). However, it does not provide specific criteria for serological activity so that physicians should evaluate the risk of pregnancy in each case by their clinical intuitions.

Objectives

In order to uncover the present clinical situation for the acceptability of pregnancy in patients with SLE, we performed questionnaire survey to physicians regarding to the degree of serological activity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed to physicians registered with the Japanese College of Rheumatology from December 2020 to January 2021 using the online survey. The questionnaire asked about the characteristics of physicians, facilities and the permission of pregnancies with SLE using vignette scenarios. In this study, data from vignettes of women visiting a regular outpatient clinic were used. The vignettes varied in age (28 or 35 years), duration of stable disease and serological activity. Analysis methods were descriptive statistics, chi-square test. generalized estimating equations (GEE) was performed to investigate the relationship between the determining permission for pregnancy and the scenario patient’s characteristics (age, period of stable disease, titer of anti ds-DNA antibody)

Results

The questionnaire was distributed to 4946 physicians, and 463 responded. Completion rate (ratio agreed to participate/finished survey) of survey was 91.1%. The median age of physicians was 46 (interquartile range (IQR) 2-10). The specialty was rheumatology (84.9%), other internal medicine (8%), and pediatrics (5.6%). There were no significant differences in patient’s age about the acceptability of pregnancy (coeffficianet -0.02, 95% CI -0.17 -0.01, p=0.42). Case who had been stable for 6 months were more tolerant of pregnancy than case who had been stable for 3 months (coeffficianet 0.12, 95% CI 0.09-0.15, P<0.001) Pregnancy was not allowed in case with mild or high serological activity (mild: coefficient -0.49, 95% CI -0.29- -0.22, p <0.001, high: -0.64, 95% CI -0.65 - -0.61, p <0.001). In contrast, as many as 92 (19.2%) physicians tolerated pregnancy even in the presence of residual high anti ds-DNA antibody titers. Female physicians are significantly more cautious about pregnancy than male when patients have a serologically high activity (12% vs 37.5%, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in specialty status or clinical experience.

Conclusion

We found that even mild serological activity alone had a significant negative effect on the physician’s decision to allow pregnancy. We conclude that current physicians make cautious decisions about pregnancies of patients with SLE following the recommendation. On the other hand, an additional investigation should be performed about the results of pregnancies in patients with serological abnormalities, since there are some physicians who thought that pregnancy may be acceptable for patients with only serological abnormalities if the clinical symptoms are stable.

References

[1]Ann Rheum Dis．2017 Mar;76(3):476-485

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude to the members of Japan College of Rheumatology who cooperated in filling out the questionnaire.

Disclosure of Interests

Sakiko Isojima: None declared, Nobuyuki Yajima: None declared, Ryo Yanai: None declared, Yoko Miura: None declared, Shingo Fukuma: None declared, Kayoko Kaneko: None declared, Keishi Fujio: None declared, Kenji Oku: None declared, Masakazu Matsushita: None declared, Takako Miyamae: None declared, Takashi Wada: None declared, Yuko Kaneko: None declared, Yoshiya Tanaka Speakers bureau: Y. Tanaka has received speaking fees and/or honoraria from Gilead, Abbvie, Behringer-Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Amgen, YL Biologics, Eisai, Astellas, Bristol-Myers, Astra-Zeneca, Grant/research support from: Y. Tanaka has received research grants from Asahi-Kasei, Abbvie, Chugai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Eisai, Takeda, Corrona, Daiichi-Sankyo, Kowa, Behringer-Ingelheim, and consultant fee from Eli Lilly, Daiichi-Sankyo, Taisho, Ayumi, Sanofi, GSK, Abbvie., Ayako Nakajima: None declared, ATSUKO MURASHIMA: None declared

Different changes in the biomarker C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) following intra-articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multi-center randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

We previously reported, based on a multicenter randomized-control study, that the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) was not inferior to that of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the molecular effects on the pathophysiology of knee OA remain unclear. C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) is reported to primarily originate from the interface between articular cartilage and subchondral bone, which is a site of potential remodeling in OA. We performed a predefined sub-analysis of the previous study to compare the changes of urinary CTX-II (uCTX-II) in response to IA-HA to those in response to NSAID for knee OA.

DESIGN

A total of 200 knee OA patients were registered from 20 hospitals and randomized to receive IA-HA (2,700 kDa HA, 5 times at 1-week intervals) or NSAID (loxoprofen sodium, 180 mg/day) for 5 weeks. The uCTX-II levels were measured before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The uCTX-II levels were significantly increased by IA-HA treatment (337.7 ± 193.8 to 370.7 ± 234.8 ng/μmol Cr) and were significantly reduced by NSAID treatment (423.2 ± 257.6 to 370.3 ± 250.9 ng/μmol Cr). The %changes of uCTX-II induced by IA-HA (11.6 ± 29.5%) and NSAID (-9.0 ± 26.7%) was significantly different (between-group difference: 20.6, 95% confidence intervals: 10.6 to 30.6).

CONCLUSIONS

While both IA-HA and NSAID improved symptoms of knee OA, uCTX-II levels were increased by IA-HA and reduced by NSAIDs treatment, suggesting these treatments may improve symptoms of knee OA through different modes of action.

An orally active plant Rubisco-derived peptide increases neuronal leptin responsiveness

Nutrient excess, such as the intake of a high-fat diet, reduces hypothalamic responses to exogenously administered leptin and induces dietary obesity; however, orally active components that attenuate neural leptin dysregulation have yet to be identified. We herein demonstrated that YHIEPV, derived from the pepsin-pancreatin digestion of the green leaf protein Rubisco, increased the leptin-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 in ex vivo hypothalamic slice cultures. We also showed that YHIEPV mitigated palmitic acid-induced decreases in leptin responsiveness. Furthermore, orally administered YHIEPV promoted leptin-induced reductions in body weight and food intake in obese mice. In addition, dietary-induced body weight gain was significantly less in mice orally or centrally administered YHIEPV daily than in saline-control mice. Cellular leptin sensitivity and the levels of proinflammatory-related factors, such as IL1β and Socs-3, in the hypothalamus of obese mice were also restored by YHIEPV. YHIEPV blocked cellular leptin resistance induced by forskolin, which activates Epac-Rap1 signaling, and reduced the level of the GTP-bound active form of Rap1 in the brains of obese mice. Collectively, the present results demonstrated that the orally active peptide YHIEPV derived from a major green leaf protein increased neural leptin responsiveness and reduced body weight gain in mice with dietary obesity.

Appetite regulation by plant-derived bioactive peptides for promoting health

Appetite is closely regulated not only by gut hormonal and neuronal peptides but also by exogenous peptides derived from food proteins. Food proteins are now recognized to contain many thousands of bioactive compounds that provide additional health benefits beyond their nutritional effects. Bioactive peptides are beneficial to the life and/or to regulate physiological functions. Although animal protein products have been widely applied in the food industry, exploring the possibilities of developing functional foods based on plant protein-derived peptides is considered attractive for achieving sustainable development goals. In addition, peptides from plant proteins have the potential to treat numerous diseases or risk factors and may therefore facilitate a healthy life expectancy. In this review, we discuss the identified plant-based bioactive peptides and their appetite regulating effects. Plant-based bioactive peptides may provide new opportunities to discover novel approaches that can improve and prevent diseases in a sustainable environment.

Risk factors for multi-joint disease in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis

This study investigated risk factors for osteonecrosis involving multiple joints (MJON) among glucocorticoid-treated patients. The best predictor of MJON was cumulative oral glucocorticoid dose. Risk of MJON was 12-fold higher in patients who had a second risk factor for osteonecrosis. Further research is needed into strategies for prevention of MJON.

INTRODUCTION

Osteonecrosis (ON) is a debilitating musculoskeletal condition in which bone cell death can lead to mechanical failure. When multiple joints are affected, pain and disability are compounded. Glucocorticoid treatment is one of the most common predisposing factors for ON. This study investigated risk factors for ON involving multiple joints (MJON) among glucocorticoid-treated patients.

METHODS

Fifty-five adults with glucocorticoid-induced ON were prospectively enrolled. MJON was defined as ON in ≥ three joints. Route, dose, duration, and timing of glucocorticoid treatment were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age of enrolled subjects was 44 years, 58% were women. Half had underlying conditions associated with increased ON risk: systemic lupus erythematosus (29%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (11%), HIV (9%), and alcohol use (4%). Mean daily oral dose of glucocorticoids was 29 mg. Average cumulative oral dose was 30 g over 5 years. The best predictor of MJON was cumulative oral glucocorticoid dose. For each increase of 1,000 mg, risk of MJON increased by 3.2% (95% CI 1.03, 1.67). Glucocorticoid exposure in the first 6 months of therapy, peak dose (oral or IV), and mean daily dose did not independently increase risk of MJON. The risk of MJON was 12-fold in patients who had a second risk factor (95% CI 3.2, 44.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with glucocorticoid-induced ON, cumulative oral dose was the best predictor of multi-joint disease; initial doses of IV and oral glucocorticoids did not independently increase risk. Further research is needed to better define optimal strategies for prevention and treatment of MJON.

Rap1 in the VMH regulates glucose homeostasis

The hypothalamus is a critical regulator of glucose metabolism and is capable of correcting diabetes conditions independently of an effect on energy balance. The small GTPase Rap1 in the forebrain is implicated in high-fat diet–induced (HFD-induced) obesity and glucose imbalance. Here, we report that increasing Rap1 activity selectively in the medial hypothalamus elevated blood glucose without increasing the body weight of HFD-fed mice. In contrast, decreasing hypothalamic Rap1 activity protected mice from diet-induced hyperglycemia but did not prevent weight gain. The remarkable glycemic effect of Rap1 was reproduced when Rap1 was specifically deleted in steroidogenic factor-1–positive (SF-1–positive) neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) known to regulate glucose metabolism. While having no effect on body weight regardless of sex, diet, and age, Rap1 deficiency in the VMH SF1 neurons markedly lowered blood glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and protected mice against HFD-induced neural leptin resistance and peripheral insulin resistance at the cellular and whole-body levels. Last, acute pharmacological inhibition of brain exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2, a direct activator of Rap1, corrected glucose imbalance in obese mouse models. Our findings uncover the primary role of VMH Rap1 in glycemic control and implicate Rap1 signaling as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in diabetes.

Measurement of the total purine contents and free nucleosides, nucleotides, and purine bases composition in Japanese anchovies (Engraulis japonicus) using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection

Dietary purine restrictions are recommended for patients with hyperuricemia and gout. While measuring the purine contents of various foods in our laboratory using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we observed and reported changes in purine composition. In this study, we measured the total purine content and free purine of raw anchovies as well as after fermentation, using two methods by HPLC. Method 1 involved acid hydrolysis of all purines, such as nucleic acids and nucleotides, to form four corresponding purine bases. Method 2, which is a non-hydrolysis method, is used to measure the amount of free purines (nucleotide, nucleoside, purine base). As a result of method 1, after fermentation, adenine-related and hypoxanthine-related purines and the total purine levels decreased significantly. Regardless of being raw or fermented, each anchovy contained mainly hypoxanthine- and guanine-related purines. Among the hypoxanthine-related purines, the results of method 2 revealed that the raw anchovies contained a lot of inosine monophosphate (IMP), while after fermentation contained more inosine. In guanine-related and adenine-related purines, those nucleotides decreased by fermentation and nucleosides and bases increased. Measurements of free purines revealed that those reductions after fermentation observed in method 1 were derived from decreased nucleotides. These results indicate that purines are affected by the fermentation bacteria and period.

Wheat-ghretropins: novel ghrelin-releasing peptides derived from wheat protein

Ghrelin is an endogenous orexigenic hormone mainly produced by stomach cells and is reported to influence appetite, gastrointestinal motility and growth hormone secretion. We observed that enzymatic digest of wheat gluten stimulated ghrelin secretion from mouse ghrelinoma 3-1, a ghrelin-releasing cell line. Further on, we characterized the ghrelin-releasing peptides present in the digest by comprehensive peptide analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and structure-activity relationship. Among the candidate peptides, we found that SQQQQPVLPQQPSF, LSVTSPQQVSY and YPTSL stimulated ghrelin release. We then named them wheat-ghretropin A, B and C, respectively. In addition, we observed that wheat-ghretropin A increased plasma ghrelin concentration and food intake in mice after oral administration. Thus, we demonstrated that wheat-ghretropin stimulates ghrelin release both in vitro and in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a wheat-derived exogenous bioactive peptide that stimulates ghrelin secretion.

Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Autonomic Nervous Hyperactivity among Premenopausal Women with Cold-Sensitivity Constitution (Hiesho)

The cold-sensitivity constitution (CSC), termed "Hiesho" in Japanese, is a woman-specific cold sense of peripheral sites. The etiology of and criteria for CSC are not yet well established. We defined CSC as temperature gradient > 6˚C between body surface and core, and investigated the autonomic nervous activity by measuring heart rate variability and the vascular endothelial function by determining reactive hyperemia index (RHI) in 43 healthy premenopausal women, aged 18-47 years. Twenty five women had CSC during both the follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycles (sustained-CSC group), 8 women did not show CSC during both phases (non-CSC group), and the remaining 10 women showed CSC in either menstrual phase (occasional CSC). To identify the pathophysiological bases of CSC, we compared the sympathetic nervous activity and vascular endothelial function between sustained-CSC and non-CSC. We thus found that sympathetic nervous activity was higher among the sustained-CSC group (p = 0.042) during the follicular phase, compared with the non-CSC group, while the RHI was similar in both groups. Furthermore, the sympathetic nervous activity was similar between the sustained-CSC women aged ≥ 40 years (n = 10) and those aged < 40 years (n = 15) during either menstrual phase, whereas the RHI of the women aged < 40 years was lower during the follicular phase (p = 0.045), compared with the women aged ≥ 40 years. In conclusion, CSC is associated with sympathetic nervous hyperactivity in premenopausal women, and vascular endothelial dysfunction is also involved in CSC among younger women.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in ^{22}Si/^{22}O Mirror Gamow-Teller Transitions Reveals the Halo Structure of ^{22}Al

β-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of β-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror β decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Hyperuricemia impaired nitric oxide bioavailablity and deteriorated pulmonary arterial hypertension via a uric acid transporter, URATv1 in xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR)-independent manner

Background

Hyperuricemia occurs in approximately 80% in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and is positively correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). It has been reported that uric acid (UA) reduced endothelium derived nitric oxide (NO) production in porcine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC). However, the effects of UA and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), catalytic enzyme of UA, on the development of PAH have not been fully elucidated.

Purpose

We examined the followings; (1) the effects of hyperuricemia on the endothelial function and the development of PAH in rats (2) the therapeutic effects of UA transporter inhibitor on PAH in rats, and (3) the role of XOR in PAH in mice.

Methods

We used normal and 5-wk Sugen5416/Hypoxia/Normoxia-exposed (SU/Hx/Nx) rats. Gene expression levels of URATv1, a UA transporter, were measured by RT-PCR. We determined the isometric tension of PA rings isolated from normal rats. The study with the isolated perfused lung preparation was performed in SU/HX/Nx rats. To investigate the chronic effect of UA on the development of PAH, hyperuricemia was induced by the administration of 2% oxonic acid (OA) in diet for 6-wk. Benzbromarone (BBR, 10mg/kg/day, diet, from weeks 0 to 5), a URATv1 transporter inhibitor, was administered in the SU/Hx/Nx-rats with or without 2%OA. To examine the role of XOR in PAH, XOR+/− and wild type (WT) mice were exposed to 3-wk Nx or Hx (10% O2).

Results

The mRNA of URATv1 was detected in the normal lungs. Isometric tension study showed that UA (8 mg/dl) inhibited acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. In perfused lung preparations, UA acutely increased estimated PVR in a dose-dependent manner (1.6–16.0mg/dl) with reducing cGMP levels in the lungs. BBR significantly attenuated the pressor response to UA. UA levels in the plasma and the lung tissues were significantly elevated in SU/Hx/Nx-rats with 2%OA (normal vs. vehicle vs. 2%OA, plasma: 0.24±0.01 vs. 0.80±0.14 and 1.44±0.17 mg/dl; lung tissues: 68±3 vs. 142±3 and 377±46 pmol/g tissue). They exhibited further elevation of right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) (31±2 vs. 72±6 vs. 101±3 mmHg) and Ea (a marker of RV afterload) (0.24±0.04 vs. 0.97±0.15 vs. 2.36±0.49 mmHg/μL) with the exacerbation of occlusive lesions of PAs. BBR had no changes in the UA levels in the plasma (1.93±0.30 mg/dL), but significantly reduced the UA levels in the lung tissues (101±10 pmol/g tissue) and attenuated the increase in RVSP (53±8mmHg) and Ea (0.21±0.05 mmHg/mL) in the SU/Hx/Nx-rats with 2%OA. On the other hand, BBR had no effects on RVSP (76±7 mmHg) and Ea (0.91±0.15 mmHg/mL) in the SU/Hx/Nx-rats without 2%OA. There were no significant differences in RVSP between XOR+/− mice with Hx and WT with Hx (26±2 vs. 26±2 mmHg).

Conclusions

Hyperuricemia itself impairs endothelial function and deteriorates PAH via URATv1 in a XOR-independent manner. UA can be a novel therapeutic target for PAH.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Lactobacillus gasseri PA-3 directly incorporates purine mononucleotides and utilizes them for growth

Lactococcus lactis has been reported unable to directly incorporate mononucleotides but instead requires their external dephosphorylation by nucleotidases to the corresponding nucleosides prior to their incorporation. Although Lactobacillus gasseri PA-3 (PA-3), a strain of lactic acid bacteria, has been found to incorporate purine mononucleotides such as adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), it remains unclear whether these bacteria directly incorporate these mononucleotides or incorporate them after dephosphorylation to the corresponding nucleosides. This study evaluated whether PA-3 incorporated radioactively-labeled mononucleotides in the presence or absence of the 5'-nucleotidase inhibitor α,β-methylene ADP (APCP). PA-3 took up ¹⁴C-AMP in the presence of APCP, as well as incorporating ³²P-AMP. Furthermore, radioactivity was detected in the RNA/DNA of bacterial cells cultured in the presence of ³²P-AMP. Taken together, these findings indicated that PA-3 incorporated purine mononucleotides directly rather than after their dephosphorylation to purine nucleosides and that PA-3 utilizes these purine mononucleotides in the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Although additional studies are required to identify purine mononucleotide transporters in PA-3, this study is the first to show that some lactic acid bacteria directly incorporate purine mononucleotides and use them for growth.

Gut Hormone GIP Induces Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in the Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus plays a critical role in controlling energy balance. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding increases the gene expression of proinflammatory mediators and decreases insulin actions in the hypothalamus. Here, we show that a gut-derived hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), whose levels are elevated during diet-induced obesity, promotes and mediates hypothalamic inflammation and insulin resistance during HFD-induced obesity. Unbiased ribonucleic acid sequencing of GIP-stimulated hypothalami revealed that hypothalamic pathways most affected by intracerebroventricular (ICV) GIP stimulation were related to inflammatory-related responses. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that GIP administered either peripherally or centrally, increased proinflammatory-related factors such as Il-6 and Socs3 in the hypothalamus, but not in the cortex of C57BL/6J male mice. Consistently, hypothalamic activation of IκB kinase-β inflammatory signaling was induced by ICV GIP. Further, hypothalamic levels of proinflammatory cytokines and Socs3 were significantly reduced by an antagonistic GIP receptor (GIPR) antibody and by GIPR deficiency. Additionally, centrally administered GIP reduced anorectic actions of insulin in the brain and diminished insulin-induced phosphorylation of Protein kinase B and Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the hypothalamus. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for brain GIP signaling in diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in the hypothalamus.

FRI0368 GLUCOCORTICOID THERAPY MIGHT SUPPRESS WNT SIGNALING BY REDUCING THE RATIO OF SERUM WNT3A TO WNT INHIBITORS, SFRP-1 AND WIF-1, AND IMPAIR BONE FORMATION

Background:

Glucocorticoids decrease bone density by multiple mechanisms, including suppression of bone formationviaWnt/β-catenin signaling. Binding of Wnt ligands to a specific receptor and its co-receptors is required for activation of the Wnt pathway, whereas this pathway is inactivated by some negative regulators of Wnt signaling. Sclerostin (Scl) and Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) bind to Wnt co-receptors, and secreted Frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP-1) and Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (Wif-1) bind to Wnt ligand, thereby inactivating the Wnt pathway [1-4]. However, the detailed changes of Wnt signaling in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis have not been clarified.

Objectives:

We measured serum levels of Scl, Dkk-1 and Wnt3a before and after starting glucocorticoid therapy in our previous study, and the results suggested that suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by increasing serum Scl and Dkk-1 might impaired bone formation at least in the first week of the initiation of glucocorticoid therapy [5]. However, the involvement of Wnt signaling in subsequent suppression of bone formation was unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and its clinical significance after the early phase of glucocorticoid therapy in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Methods:

A total of 53 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases who received initial glucocorticoid therapy with prednisolone (30-60 mg daily) were prospectively enrolled. We measured serum levels of sFRP-1, Wif-1 and Wnt3a before starting glucocorticoid therapy and every week for four weeks after its initiation. Patients underwent measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-4) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry before starting therapy and after 16.3 ± 1.4 months (the mean ± SEM).

Results:

Serum sFRP-1 and Wif-1 level tended to decrease compared to before therapy from the first week. Serum level of Wnt3a also decreased from the first week. Both the ratio of Wnt3a to sFRP-1 and the ratio of Wnt3a to Wif-1 decreased from the first week onward. Moreover, we stratified the subjects into two groups according to the baseline serum sFRP-1 level at median and found that the decrease of BMD after initiation of glucocorticoid therapy in the High sFRP-1 group was larger than that in the Low sFRP-1 group. There was no difference in BMD changes between High Wif-1 and Low Wif-1 group, when stratified into two groups according to the median baseline serum Wif-1 level.

Conclusion:

Our previous study indicated that increase of Scl and Dkk-1 could inhibit Wnt signaling pathway in the early phase of glucocorticoid therapy. Current study suggested that the reduction in the ratio of Wnt3a to Wnt inhibitors, sFRP-1 and Wif-1, would suppress Wnt signaling, which might result in impairment of bone formation subsequent. Taken together, bone formation was impaired via suppressing Wnt signaling in patients treated with glucocorticoid. Furthermore, higher serum sFRP-1 level before glucocorticoid administration might be a predictor of future severity of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

References:

[1]Canalis E, et al. Osteoporos Int 2007; 18: 1319-1328.

[2]Ke HZ, et al. Endocr Rev 2012; 33: 747-783.

[3]Bodine PV, et al. J Cell Biochem 2005; 96: 1212-30.

[4]Surmann-Schmitt C, et al. J Cell Sci 2009; 122: 3627-37.

[5]Kawazoe M, et al. Clin Rheumatol 2018; 37: 2169-2178.

[6]Wang FS, et al. Endocrinology 2005; 146: 2415-23.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mai Kawazoe: None declared, Kaichi Kaneko: None declared, Toshihiro Nanki Grant/research support from: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Eisai Co., Ltd., Teijin Pharma Ltd., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Bristol-Myers K.K., Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Novartis Pharma K.K., Asahikasei Pharma Corp., Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Co., Astellas Pharma Inc., Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Pfizer Japan Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sanofi K.K., Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., Yutoku Pharmaceutical Ind. Co., Ltd., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Nihon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., Consultant of: UCB Japan Co., Ltd., Eisai Co., Ltd., and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Speakers bureau: Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Co., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Eisai Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Ayumi Pharmaceutical Co., Pfizer Japan Inc., Asahikasei Pharma Corp., Sanofi K.K., Novartis Pharma K.K., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd., Teijin Pharma Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd., and AbbVie GK.

Species-dependent patterns of incorporation of purine mononucleotides and nucleosides by lactic acid bacteria

Although most lactic acid bacteria do not directly incorporate purine nucleotides, the strain Lactobacillus gasseri PA-3 was found to incorporate purine mononucleotides. To determine whether the direct uptake of purine mononucleotides is dependent on the species or strain of lactic acid bacteria, incorporation of purine mononucleotides was assessed in L. gasseri, Lactcoccus lactis sbsp. lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and other species of lactic acid bacteria. Each bacterial strain was incubated with ³²P-AMP or ¹⁴C-adenosine and the incorporation of each purine was evaluated by measuring their radioactivity. All investigated strains of L. gasseri incorporated ³²P-AMP, whereas strains of S. thermophilus and most strains of L. lactis did not. Incorporation of ³²P-AMP into strains of Pediococcus was dependent on the strain or species of that genus of bacteria. All investigated strains, except for one strain of L. gasseri, incorporated ¹⁴C-adenosine, with S. thermophilus, L. lactis and Pediococcus generally displaying greater incorporation of ¹⁴C-adenosine than L. gasseri. Although most lactic acid bacteria such as S. thermophiles and L. lactis do not incorporate purine mononucleotides, some species such as L. gasseri directly incorporate purine mononucleotides. These findings indicate that the preferential incorporation of purine mononucleotides or nucleosides by lactic acid bacteria is dependent on the species or strain.

Functional Analysis of Rice Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase 9 (OsLACS9) in the Chloroplast Envelope Membrane

The long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (LACSs) are involved in lipid synthesis, fatty acid catabolism, and the transport of fatty acids between subcellular compartments. These enzymes catalyze the critical reaction of fatty acyl chains to fatty acyl-CoAs for the triacylglycerol biosynthesis used as carbon and energy reserves. In Arabidopsis, LACSs are encoded by a family of nine genes, with LACS9 being the only member located in the chloroplast envelope membrane. However, the comprehensive role of LACS9 and its contribution to plant metabolism have not been explored thoroughly. In this study, we report on the identification and characterization of LACS9 mutants in rice plants. Our results indicate that the loss-of-function mutations in OsLACS9 affect the architecture of internodes resulting in dwarf plants with large starch granules in the chloroplast, showing the suppression of starch degradation. Moreover, the plastid localization of α-amylase I-1 (AmyI-1)-a key enzyme involved in starch breakdown in plastids-was suppressed in the lacs9 mutant line. Immunological and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses showed that OsLACS9-GFP is located in the chloroplast envelope in green tissue. Microscopic analysis showed that OsLACS9s interact with each other in the plastid envelope membrane. Furthermore, OsLACS9 is also one of the proteins transported to plastids without a transit peptide or involvement of the Toc/Tic complex system. To identify the plastid-targeting signal of OsLACS9, the transient expression and localization of a series of N-terminal truncated OsLACS9-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins were examined. Truncation analyses identified the N-terminal 30 amino acid residues to be required for OsLACS9 plastid localization. Overall, the data in this study provide an advanced understanding of the function of OsLACS9 and its role in starch degradation and plant growth.

Control system for the new RIKEN 28-GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source for SRILAC

A new RIKEN 28-GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source (SC-ECRIS) has been installed for the superconducting RIKEN linear accelerator (SRILAC). The new SC-ECRIS control system mainly consists of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) embedded with the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System. To improve the reliability as compared with previous control systems, two types of PLC central processing units, sequential and Linux, have been installed in the same unit. Past experience has shown that new types of designs that can rapidly respond to system scalability are key. By connecting PLC stations using star-topology field buses, their rapid and cost-effective response to system changes is realized for the new devices. Furthermore, a unique data acquisition system employing a 920-MHz-band radio was developed to measure analog data such as the temperature at the high-voltage stage.

iTRAQ-Based Proteomic Analysis of Rice Grains

Cereal proteins have formed the basis of human diet worldwide, and their level of consumption is expected to increase. The knowledge of the protein composition and variation of the cereal grains is helpful for characterizing cereal varieties and to identify biomarkers for tolerance mechanisms. Grains produce a wide array of proteins, differing under conditions. Quantitative proteomics is a powerful approach allowing the identification of proteins expressed under defined conditions that may contribute understanding the complex biological systems of grains. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) is a mass spectrometry-based quantitative approach allowing, simultaneously, for protein identification and quantification from multiple samples with high coverage. One of the challenges in identifying grains proteins is their relatively high content (~90-95%) of carbohydrate (starch) and low protein (~4-10%) and lipid (~1%) fractions. In this chapter, we present a robust workflow to carry out iTRAQ quantification of the starchy rice grains.

Effects of environmental enrichment on autonomic nervous activity in NSY mice

Environmental enrichment (EE) can reduce anxiety and stress in experimental animals, while little is known about the influence on autonomic nervous activity especially in disease animal models. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, which can be characterized by a higher resting heart rate and a lower heart rate variability (HRV). We hypothesized that EE can enhance parasympathetic nervous activity while reducing disease progression in type 2 diabetic mice. A telemetry transmitter was implanted in NSY mice to continuously record electrocardiograms (ECG). Animals were kept in a cage with or without a nest box as EE. The autonomic nervous activity was evaluated using power spectral analysis of HRV. Four weeks of EE could increase high frequency (HF) power, but no change was observed in the absence of EE. Although animals showed impaired glucose tolerance at 48 weeks of age regardless of EE, a worsen case was observed in control. These results indicate that EE can be necessary for long-term housing of experimental animals and may reduce the risk of impaired glucose tolerance in NSY mice by enhancing parasympathetic nervous activity. In future, it is demanded whether increasing parasympathetic nervous activity, whatever the method is, can prevent diabetes from worsening.

Plant responses to fungal volatiles involve global posttranslational thiol redox proteome changes that affect photosynthesis

Microorganisms produce volatile compounds (VCs) that promote plant growth and photosynthesis through complex mechanisms involving cytokinin (CK) and abscisic acid (ABA). We hypothesized that plants' responses to microbial VCs involve posttranslational modifications of the thiol redox proteome through action of plastidial NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC), which regulates chloroplast redox status via its functional relationship with 2-Cys peroxiredoxins. To test this hypothesis, we analysed developmental, metabolic, hormonal, genetic, and redox proteomic responses of wild-type (WT) plants and a NTRC knockout mutant (ntrc) to VCs emitted by the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata. Fungal VC-promoted growth, changes in root architecture, shifts in expression of VC-responsive CK- and ABA-regulated genes, and increases in photosynthetic capacity were substantially weaker in ntrc plants than in WT plants. As in WT plants, fungal VCs strongly promoted growth, chlorophyll accumulation, and photosynthesis in ntrc-Δ2cp plants with reduced 2-Cys peroxiredoxin expression. OxiTRAQ-based quantitative and site-specific redox proteomic analyses revealed that VCs promote global reduction of the thiol redox proteome (especially of photosynthesis-related proteins) of WT leaves but its oxidation in ntrc leaves. Our findings show that NTRC is an important mediator of plant responses to microbial VCs through mechanisms involving global thiol redox proteome changes that affect photosynthesis.

Gut-derived GIP activates central Rap1 to impair neural leptin sensitivity during overnutrition

Nutrient excess, a major driver of obesity, diminishes hypothalamic responses to exogenously administered leptin, a critical hormone of energy balance. Here, we aimed to identify a physiological signal that arises from excess caloric intake and negatively controls hypothalamic leptin action. We found that deficiency of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (Gipr) for the gut-derived incretin hormone GIP protected against diet-induced neural leptin resistance. Furthermore, a centrally administered antibody that neutralizes GIPR had remarkable antiobesity effects in diet-induced obese mice, including reduced body weight and adiposity, and a decreased hypothalamic level of SOCS3, an inhibitor of leptin actions. In contrast, centrally administered GIP diminished hypothalamic sensitivity to leptin and increased hypothalamic levels of Socs3. Finally, we show that GIP increased the active form of the small GTPase Rap1 in the brain and that its activation was required for the central actions of GIP. Altogether, our results identify GIPR/Rap1 signaling in the brain as a molecular pathway linking overnutrition to the control of neural leptin actions.

Treatment of finger phalangeal fractures using the Ichi-Fixator system: A prospective study of 12 cases

External fixators are an effective treatment option for comminuted or unstable phalangeal fractures. We developed a new linked-wire type of external fixator (the Ichi-Fixator) for finger phalangeal fractures, which enables fine adjustment of the fixation under fluoroscopy guidance either in a static way or with distraction through small screws inside the fixator. This technique was designed to improve on the stability and rigidity of conventional percutaneous Kirchner wire fixation. We assessed the effectiveness of the fixator through 12 cases of open or percutaneous fixation in comminuted or unstable phalangeal fractures. All patients were examined for postoperative complications, functional recovery, pain on visual analog scale (VAS), and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score at the final follow-up visit. Patients could perform all routine activities with normal grip strength and a full range of hand motion without pain after treatment. This treatment, which reduces the postoperative discomfort and may allow an immediate return to work, will clearly boost patient satisfaction. Linked-wire type external fixation enhances the security of fixation, facilitates postoperative mobilization, and may allow an immediate return to work.

Salt Tolerance Improvement in Rice through Efficient SNP Marker-Assisted Selection Coupled with Speed-Breeding

Salinity critically limits rice metabolism, growth, and productivity worldwide. Improvement of the salt resistance of locally grown high-yielding cultivars is a slow process. The objective of this study was to develop a new salt-tolerant rice germplasm using speed-breeding. Here, we precisely introgressed the hst1 gene, transferring salinity tolerance from “Kaijin” into high-yielding “Yukinko-mai” (WT) rice through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker-assisted selection. Using a biotron speed-breeding technique, we developed a BC₃F₃ population, named “YNU31-2-4”, in six generations and 17 months. High-resolution genotyping by whole-genome sequencing revealed that the BC₃F₂ genome had 93.5% similarity to the WT and fixed only 2.7% of donor parent alleles. Functional annotation of BC₃F₂ variants along with field assessment data indicated that “YNU31-2-4” plants carrying the hst1 gene had similar agronomic traits to the WT under normal growth condition. “YNU31-2-4” seedlings subjected to salt stress (125 mM NaCl) had a significantly higher survival rate and increased shoot and root biomasses than the WT. At the tissue level, quantitative and electron probe microanalyzer studies indicated that “YNU31-2-4” seedlings avoided Na⁺ accumulation in shoots under salt stress. The “YNU31-2-4” plants showed an improved phenotype with significantly higher net CO₂ assimilation and lower yield decline than WT under salt stress at the reproductive stage. “YNU31-2-4” is a potential candidate for a new rice cultivar that is highly tolerant to salt stress at the seedling and reproductive stages, and which might maintain yields under a changing global climate.

Proteomics Analysis Reveals Non-Controlled Activation of Photosynthesis and Protein Synthesis in a Rice npp1 Mutant under High Temperature and Elevated CO₂ Conditions

Rice nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (NPP1) catalyzes the hydrolytic breakdown of the pyrophosphate and phosphodiester bonds of a number of nucleotides including ADP-glucose and ATP. Under high temperature and elevated CO₂ conditions (HT + ECO₂), the npp1 knockout rice mutant displayed rapid growth and high starch content phenotypes, indicating that NPP1 exerts a negative effect on starch accumulation and growth. To gain further insight into the mechanisms involved in the NPP1 downregulation induced starch overaccumulation, in this study we conducted photosynthesis, leaf proteomic, and chloroplast phosphoproteomic analyses of wild-type (WT) and npp1 plants cultured under HT + ECO₂. Photosynthesis in npp1 leaves was significantly higher than in WT. Additionally, npp1 leaves accumulated higher levels of sucrose than WT. The proteomic analyses revealed upregulation of proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism and the protein synthesis system in npp1 plants. Further, our data indicate the induction of 14-3-3 proteins in npp1 plants. Our finding demonstrates a higher level of protein phosphorylation in npp1 chloroplasts, which may play an important role in carbohydrate accumulation. Together, these results offer novel targets and provide additional insights into carbohydrate metabolism regulation under ambient and adverse conditions.

The observed variation in the purine composition of food after soaking in sake lees

In this study, we investigated the alterations in the purine composition of swordfish prepared using a traditional Japanese processing method of soaking in sake lees. These alterations are the byproducts of the yeast fermentation of rice-koji and are renowned for enhancing the umami nature of food. Using a conventional assay method for hydrolyzing all of the purines into four bases and our developed method for simultaneously analyzing purines, we observed the alterations in four purine bases in the soaked sake lees and swordfish. The findings showed that the total purine content, and hypoxanthine-related and guanine-related purines in swordfish decreased after soaking in sake lees. We also analyzed the free purine composition and showed that the ratio of IMP in swordfish was decreased by soaking, while that of inosine in sake lees was increased by soaking swordfish in it.

Simultaneous quantification by HPLC of purines in umami soup stock and evaluation of their effects on extracellular and intracellular purine metabolism

Ribonucleotide flavor enhancers such as inosine monophosphate (IMP) and guanosine monophosphate (GMP) provide umami taste, similarly to glutamine. Japanese cuisine frequently uses soup stocks containing these nucleotides to enhance umami. We quantified 18 types of purines (nucleotides, nucleosides, and purine bases) in three soup stocks (chicken, consommé, and dried bonito soup). IMP was the most abundant purine in all umami soup stocks, followed by hypoxanthine, inosine, and GMP. The IMP content of dried bonito soup was the highest of the three soup stocks. We also evaluated the effects of these purines on extracellular and intracellular purine metabolism in HepG2 cells after adding each umami soup stock to the cells. An increase in inosine and hypoxanthine was evident 1 h and 4 h after soup stock addition, and a low amount of xanthine and guanosine was observed in the extracellular medium. The addition of chicken soup stock resulted in increased intracellular and extracellular levels of uric acid and guanosine. Purine metabolism may be affected by ingredients present in soups.

Abstract P3-13-06: Tailored neoadjuvant endocrine and chemo-endocrine therapy for postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative primary breast cancer

Aims We investigated the efficacy and safety of initial neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with exemestane (EXE) alone followed by subsequent tailored treatment with EXE alone for responders or EXE plus oral metronomic cyclophosphamide (CPA) for non-responders.

Methods In this multicenter open-label phase II study, we enrolled postmenopausal patients with primary invasive estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative, stage I–IIIA (T1c–T3 N0–2 M0) breast cancer and Ki67 index ≤ 30%. Patients first received EXE 25mg/day for 12 weeks. Based on clinical response and change in Ki67 index in response to the initial therapy, patients who achieved complete response (CR), partial response (PR) with Ki67 index ≤5% after treatment, or stable disease (SD) with Ki67 index ≤5% both before and after treatment were defined as responders. Non-responders were defined as patients with PR and Ki67 index &gt;5% after treatment, or SD and Ki67 index &gt;5% before or after treatment. For the subsequent 24 weeks, responders continued the EXE monotherapy (continued EXE group), whereas non-responders switched to combination therapy with EXE plus CPA 50mg/day (EXE+CPA group). The primary endpoint was clinical response (CR and PR) at weeks 24 and 36.

Results A total of 59 patients (median age 69 years, range 53–86 years) were enrolled between January 2011 and July 2015. After exclusion of 3 (2 with progressive disease, 1 with an adverse event, AE) who discontinued treatment in the initial 12-week EXE monotherapy period, 56 remained enrolled to receive subsequent treatment. After 8–12 weeks of the initial EXE monotherapy, 14 patients were classified as responders (9 with PR and Ki67 index ≤5% after treatment; 5 with SD and Ki67 index ≤5% before and after treatment), whereas 42 were classified as non-responders (3 with PR and Ki67 index &gt;5% after treatment; 39 with SD and Ki67 index &gt;5% before or after treatment). Clinical response rates at weeks 24 and 36 were 85% (12/14, 95%CI 57.2–98.2%) and 76% (10/13, 95%CI 46.2–95.0%), respectively, in the continued EXE group, and 56% (23/41, 95%CI 39.7–71.5%) and 76% (30/39, 95%CI 60.7–88.9%), respectively, in the EXE+CPA group. At week 36, no significant difference was found in median Ki67 index between the continued EXE and EXE+CPA groups (3.5% and 4.0%, respectively). The proportion of patients with preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) 0 was also similar between the continued EXE and EXE+CPA groups (21.4% and 23.8%, respectively). The breast-conserving surgery rate was 71.4% and 69.0%, respectively. Grade 3 AEs were elevated liver enzymes (1 patient) in the continued EXE group, and gastritis, hypertriglyceridemia, and bone mineral density loss (1 patient each) in the EXE+CPA group.

Conclusion Switching from EXE monotherapy to EXE+CPA combination therapy based on clinical response and biological response (change in Ki67 index) to initial therapy improved subsequent clinical response in non-responders. Favorable clinical response to EXE alone was maintained in responders. Tailored neoadjuvant endocrine and chemo-endocrine therapy was shown to be effective in postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer patients. (JBCRG-11CPA; UMIN000004751)

Citation Format: Masuda N, Sato N, Morimoto T, Ueno T, Kanbayashi C, Kaneko K, Yasojima H, Saji S, Sasano H, Morita S, Ohno S, Toi M. Tailored neoadjuvant endocrine and chemo-endocrine therapy for postmenopausal patients with estrogen receptor-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative primary breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-06.

Proteomic Analysis of Rice Golgi Membranes Isolated by Floating Through Discontinuous Sucrose Density Gradient

The Golgi apparatus is an endomembrane system organelle and has roles in glycosylation, sorting, and secretion of proteins in the secretory pathway. It has a central function in living organism and is also essential for plant growth. Proteomic approaches to identify the Golgi membrane proteins have been performed in cell suspension cultures and many Golgi membrane-associated proteins were found, whereas it has well established in rice seedling yet. In this chapter, our recent improving published methods for isolated rice Golgi membranes by floating through a discontinuous sucrose density gradient are provided in detail with proteomic analyses.

Conceptualizing the origin of life in terms of evolution

In this opinion piece, we discuss how to place evolution in the context of origin-of-life research. Our discussion starts with a popular definition: 'life is a self-sustained chemical system capable of undergoing Darwinian evolution'. According to this definition, the origin of life is the same as the origin of evolution: evolution is the 'end' of the origin of life. This perspective, however, has a limitation, in that the ability of evolution in and of itself is insufficient to explain the origin of life as we know it, as indicated by Spiegelman's and Lincoln and Joyce's experiments. This limitation provokes a crucial question: What conditions are required for replicating systems to evolve into life? From this perspective, the origin of life includes the emergence of life through evolution: evolution is a 'means' of the origin of life. After reviewing Eigen's pioneering work on this question, we mention our ongoing work suggesting that a key condition might be conflicting multi-level evolution. Taken together, there are thus two questions regarding the origin of life: how evolution gets started, and how evolution produces life. Evolution is, therefore, at the centre of the origin of life, where the two lines of enquiry must meet.This article is part of the themed issue 'Reconceptualizing the origins of life'.