ELISA-based highly sensitive assay system for the detection of endogenous NGLY1 activity

Cytosolic peptide:N-glycanase (NGLY1, PNGase) is an enzyme that cleaves N-glycans from misfolded glycoproteins. In 2012, a human genetic disorder, NGLY1 deficiency, was first reported to be caused by mutations of the NGLY1 gene. Since then, there has been rapid progresses on NGLY1 biology, and gene therapy has been proposed as a promising therapeutic option for NGLY1 deficiency. While a plasma/urine biomarker has also been developed for this disease, detection of NGLY1 activity could be another viable option for early diagnosis of NGLY1 deficiency. Thus far, several in vitro and in cellulo NGLY1 assays have been reported, but those assay systems have several issues that must be addressed in order to develop an assay system compatible for routine clinical examination. Here, we show a facile, highly sensitive in vitro assay system that could be used to detect NGLY1 activity by utilizing its sequence editing function, i.e. conversion of glycosylated Asn into Asp, followed by a detection of newly generated epitope (HA)-tag by anti-HA antibody. Using this ELISA-based assay, we detected endogenous NGLY1 activity in as little as 2 μg of crude extract, which is the equivalent of 5 × 103 cells. Our system also detects NGLY1 activity from cells with compromised NGLY1 activity, such as iPS cells from patient samples. This assay system could be applied in future clinical examinations to achieve an early diagnosis of NGLY1 deficiency.

Intranasal oxytocin suppresses seizure-like behaviors in a mouse model of NGLY1 deficiency

NGLY1 deficiency is a genetic disease caused by biallelic mutations of the Ngly1 gene. Although epileptic seizure is one of the most severe symptoms in patients with NGLY1 deficiency, preclinical studies have not been conducted due to the lack of animal models for epileptic seizures in NGLY1 deficiency. Here, we observed the behaviors of male and female Ngly1-/- mice by video monitoring and found that these mice exhibit spontaneous seizure-like behaviors. Gene expression analyses and enzyme immunoassay revealed significant decreases in oxytocin, a well-known neuropeptide, in the hypothalamus of Ngly1-/- mice. Seizure-like behaviors in Ngly1-/- mice were transiently suppressed by a single intranasal administration of oxytocin. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of oxytocin for epileptic seizure in patients with NGLY1 deficiency and contribute to the clarification of the disease mechanism.

Development of a fluorescence and quencher-based FRET assay for detection of endogenous peptide:N-glycanase/NGLY1 activity

Cytosolic peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase/NGLY1 in mammals) catalyzes deglycosylation of N-glycans on glycoproteins. A genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NGLY1 gene leads to NGLY1 deficiency with symptoms including motor deficits and neurological problems. Effective therapies have not been established, though, a recent study used the administration of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing human NGLY1 to dramatically rescue motor functions in young Ngly1-/- rats. Thus, early therapeutic intervention may improve symptoms arising from central nervous system dysfunction, and assay methods for measuring NGLY1 activity in biological samples are critical for early diagnostics. In this study, we established an assay system for plate-based detection of endogenous NGLY1 activity using a FRET-based probe. Using this method, we revealed significant changes in NGLY1 activity in rat brains during aging. This novel assay offers reliable disease diagnostics and provides valuable insights into the regulation of PNGase/NGLY1 activity in diverse organisms under different stress conditions.

A commentary on 'Patient-derived gene and protein expression signatures of NGLY1 deficiency'

The cytosolic peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase; NGLY1 in human and PNG1 in budding yeast) is a deglycosylating enzyme widely conserved in eukaryotes. Initially, functional importance of this enzyme remained unknown as the png1Δ mutant in yeast did not exhibit any significant phenotypes. However, the discovery of NGLY1 deficiency, a rare genetic disorder with biallelic mutations in NGLY1 gene, prompted an intensification of research that has resulted in uncovering the significance of NGLY1 as well as the proteins under its influence that are involved in numerous cellular processes. A recent report by Rauscher et al. (Patient-derived gene and protein expression signatures of NGLY1 deficiency. J. Biochem. 2022; 171: 187-199) presented a comprehensive summary of transcriptome/proteome analyses of various cell types derived from NGLY1-deficient patients. The authors also provide a web application called 'NGLY1 browser', which will allow researchers to have access to a wealth of information on gene and protein expression signature for patients with NGLY1 deficiency.

Rat hepatocytes secrete free oligosaccharides

We recently established a method for the isolation of serum-free oligosaccharides, and characterized various features of their structures. However, the precise mechanism for how these glycans are formed still remains unclarified. To further investigate the mechanism responsible for these serum glycans, here, we utilized rat primary hepatocytes to examine whether they are able to secrete free glycans. Our findings indicated that a diverse array of free oligosaccharides such as sialyl/neutral free N-glycans (FNGs), as well as sialyl lactose/LacNAc-type glycans, were secreted into the culture medium by primary hepatocytes. The structural features of these free glycans in the medium were similar to those isolated from the sera of the same rat. Further evidence suggested that an oligosaccharyltransferase is involved in the release of the serum-free N-glycans. Our results indicate that the liver is indeed secreting various types of free glycans directly into the serum.

Excited state properties of 5-fluoro-4-thiouridine derivative†

The excited state properties of thionated 5-fluorouridine (2',3',5'-tri-O-acetyl-5-fluoro-4-thiouridine; ta5F4TUrd), synthesized with Lawesson's reagent, have been intensively investigated with nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, time-resolved thermal lensing, near-infrared emission, and quantum chemical calculation. The intrinsic triplet lifetime of ta5F4TUrd was determined to be4.2 ± 0.7 μs in acetonitrile, and the formation quantum yield of the excited triplet state was as large as0.79 ± 0.01 . The quenching rate constants of the triplet ta5F4TUrd by the dissolved oxygen molecule and by the self-quenching process were found to be nearly equal to the diffusion-controlled rate of acetonitrile. The quantum yield of the singlet molecular oxygen produced through energy transfer between the triplet ta5F4TUrd and the dissolved oxygen,Φ Δ , was successfully determined to be0.61 ± 0.02 under the oxygen-saturated condition. From the oxygen concentration dependence of theΦ Δ value, the fraction of triplet ta5F4TUrd quenched by dissolved oxygen which gives rise to the 1 O2 * formation,S Δ , was successfully obtained to be0.78 ± 0.01 , which was the largest among the thionucleobases and the thionucleosides reported so far. This could be due to the lower energy and/or the ππ* character of the triplet state.

Hydrolytic activity of yeast oligosaccharyltransferase is enhanced when misfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum

It is known that oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) has hydrolytic activity toward dolichol-linked oligosaccharides (DLO), which results in the formation of free N-glycans (FNGs), i.e. unconjugated oligosaccharides with structural features similar to N-glycans. The functional importance of this hydrolytic reaction, however, remains unknown. In this study, the hydrolytic activity of OST was characterized in yeast. It was shown that the hydrolytic activity of OST is enhanced in ubiquitin ligase mutants that are involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Interestingly, this enhanced hydrolysis activity is completely suppressed in asparagine-linked glycosylation (alg) mutants, bearing mutations related to the biosynthesis of DLO, indicating that the effect of ubiquitin ligase on OST-mediated hydrolysis is context-dependent. The enhanced hydrolysis activity in ubiquitin ligase mutants was also found to be canceled upon treatment of the cells with dithiothreitol, a reagent that potently induces protein unfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Our results clearly suggest that the hydrolytic activity of OST is enhanced under conditions in which the formation of unfolded proteins is promoted in the ER in yeast. The possible role of FNGs on protein folding is discussed.

Large-scale cultivation of human iPS cells in bioreactor with reciprocal mixing

A substantial number of human iPS cells (hiPSCs) is needed for cell therapy to be successful against various diseases. We previously reported on a bioreactor with reciprocal mixing that produces specific physical properties that differ from those of conventional bioreactors with rotary paddle stirring. Moreover, such reactors not only provide a homogeneous environment but also allow the control of spheroid size by changing the mixing speed. In this study, we applied this bioreactor to the large-scale cultivation of hiPSCs. Approximately 10 billion hiPSCs were obtained from 2.0 L of culture, and the high expression of pluripotency markers was maintained. Our findings indicate that a bioreactor with reciprocal mixing can be used for large-scale hiPSC cultivation.

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy as an expanding phenotype of NGLY1-associated congenital deglycosylation disorder: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

NGLY1-associated congenital disorder of deglycosylation (CDDG1: OMIM #615273) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a functional impairment of endoplasmic reticulum in degradation of glycoproteins. Neurocognitive dysfunctions have been documented in patients with CDDG1; however, deteriorating phenotypes of affected individuals remain elusive.

CASE PRESENTATION

A Japanese boy with delayed psychomotor development showed ataxic movements from age 5 years and myoclonic seizures from age 12 years. Appetite loss, motor and cognitive decline became evident at age 12 years. Electrophysiological studies identified paroxysmal discharges on myoclonic seizure and a giant somatosensory evoked potential. Perampanel was effective for controlling myoclonic seizures. Exome sequencing revealed that the patient carried compound heterozygous variants in NGLY1, NM_018297.4: c.857G > A and c.-17_12del, which were inherited from mother and father, respectively. A literature review confirmed that myoclonic seizures were observed in 28.5% of patients with epilepsy. No other patients had progressive myoclonic epilepsy or cognitive decline in association with loss-of-function variations in NGLY1.

CONCLUSION

Our data provides evidence that a group of patients with CDDG1 manifest slowly progressive myoclonic epilepsy and cognitive decline during the long-term clinical course.

NGLY1: A fascinating, multifunctional molecule

NGLY1, a cytoplasmic de-N-glycosylating enzyme is well conserved among eukaryotes. This enzyme has attracted considerable attention after mutations on the NGLY1 gene were found to cause a rare genetic disorder called NGLY1 deficiency. Recent explosive progress in NGLY1 research has revealed multi-functional aspects of this protein.

Conformational preference of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol studied by supersonic jet spectroscopy: Intramolecular OH/π interaction

A π-type hydrogen bonding between the OH group and the π electron is a crucial factor for the conformational preference of the molecular structure with a flexible group. However, the information on the effect of the substituent on the OH/π interaction is insufficient. The laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation, the dispersed fluorescence (DF), the IR-UV hole-burning, and the IR dip spectra of jet-cooled 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol were measured for the first time. Almost all bands observed in the spectral region of 35 550-36 500 cm-1 in the LIF excitation spectrum were successfully assigned with the DF and the IR-UV hole-burning spectra coupled with the quantum chemical calculation at M06-2x/6-311G and MP2/6-311G levels. Five conformers were found in the LIF excitation spectrum. The most stable conformer was Ggπ, and the second most stable conformer was Ggπ' (the trans rotamer of the methoxy group for Ggπ). Ggπ and Ggπ' had the OH group directed toward the π electron system of the benzene ring. The OH stretching frequency of Ggπ/Ggπ' of MPE in the IR dip spectra was red-shifted against that of Ggπ of phenylethanol, indicating that the introduction of the methoxy group would enhance the intramolecular OH/π interaction. In addition, the torsional vibration between the benzene ring and the side chain (-CH2CH2OH) (mode 63) was observed in the DF spectra of the Ggπ-00 and Ggπ'-00 band excitation, but their intensities were rather different, resulting from the different orientation of the OH group for each conformer toward the π electron system. The methoxy group would increase the negative charge on the benzene ring and would enhance the intramolecular OH/π interaction through the electrostatic interaction.

Effect of acid suppressant medications on the laxative action of magnesium preparations in patients with opioid-induced constipation: A pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Objective: Magnesium oxide is widely used for treating opioid-induced constipation, a serious analgesic-associated problem. Opioid analgesic users are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are sometimes combined with acid suppressants to prevent gastrointestinal adverse events. Magnesium preparations combined with acid suppressants may diminish magnesium preparations' laxative effect. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of magnesium preparations combined with acid suppressants on the incidence of opioid-induced constipation by using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. Methods: Adverse events were defined per the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities; the term 'constipation (preferred term code: 10010774)' was used for analysis. After adjusting for patient background factors using propensity score matching, acid suppressants' effect on constipation incidence was evaluated in opioid users prescribed magnesium preparations alone as laxatives by using a test for independence. Key Findings: The Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System contains 14,475,614 reports for January 2004 to December 2021. Significantly increased constipation incidence was related to magnesium preparations combined with acid suppressants, especially proton pump inhibitors (P < 0.0001, McNemar's test). Conclusion: Magnesium preparations combined with acid suppressants may diminish magnesium preparations' laxative effect; healthcare professionals should pay attention to this issue.

Amino acid editing of NFE2L1 by PNGase causes abnormal mobility on SDS-PAGE

NFE2L1 (also known as NRF1) is a member of the nuclear erythroid 2-like family of transcription factors and is critical for counteracting various types of cellular stress such as oxidative, proteotoxic or metabolic stress. This unique transcription factor is also known to undergo changes, including post-translational modifications, limited proteolysis or translocation into the nucleus, before it exerts full transcriptional activity. As a result, there are various molecular forms with distinct sizes for this protein, while the precise nature of each form remains elusive. In this study, the N-glycosylated status of NFE2L1 in cells was examined. The findings revealed that when NFE2L1 was deglycosylated by PNGase F, the size-shift on SDS-PAGE was minimal. This was in contrast to deglycosylation by Endo H, which resulted in a clear size-shift, even though N-linked GlcNAc residues remained on the protein. It was found that this unusual behavior of PNGase-deglycosylated NFE2L1 was dependent on the conversion of the glycosylated-Asn to Asp, resulting in the introduction of more negative charges into the core peptide of NFE2L1. We also demonstrate that NGLY1-mediated deglycosylation and DDI2-mediated proteolytic processing of NFE2L1 are not strictly ordered reactions. Our study will allow us to better understand the precise structures as well as biochemical properties of the various forms of NFE2L1.

Quantitative assessment of urinary equol levels, equol-producing bacteria, and the faecal microbiota in healthy Japanese individuals

Equol (4',7-isoflavandiol) has attracted considerable attention for its potential efficacy in treating hormonal diseases. In this study we collected samples from healthy Japanese individuals (n = 91) to observe the relationship between the abundance of equol-producing bacteria in their faeces and the concentration of equol in their urine. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the dihydrodaidzein reductase gene (dhdr) was used to detect equol-producing bacteria. Equol producers, who were defined as individuals with >1000 nmol/l equol in their urine, exhibited 4-8 log10 copies of dhdr/g faeces of equol-producing bacteria. We assessed the accuracy of these findings by determining the rate of correspondence between possessing equol-producing bacteria and producing urinary equol. Of the 91 participants, 33 were found to be positive for both equol-producing bacteria and urinary equol, 52 were negative for both, one was positive for equol-producing bacteria and negative for urinary equol, and five were negative for equol-producing bacteria and positive for urinary equol. The sensitivity and specificity of the qPCR for detecting equol-producing bacteria were 86.8% and 98.1%, respectively. On the whole, the presence of equol-producing bacteria and urinary equol displayed 93.4% concordance, with a kappa coefficient of 0.862. No apparent correlation was observed between dhdr copy number in the faeces and urinary equol concentrations. Analysis of the faecal microbiota showed that alpha diversity indices (OTU, ACE, Chao1, Shannon) were significantly higher in equol producers. Specifically, the relative abundance of phylum Pseudomonadota was increased in non-equol producers, while abundance of genus Alistipes, Barnesiella, Butyricimonas, Odoribacter, and Ruminococcus, which produce short chain fatty acids and/or hydrogen, were only observed in equol producers. These results suggest that a certain amount of equol-producing bacteria must be present in the intestine to produce detectable levels of equol, and that equol productivity might be affected by other components of the microbiota.

Lifestyle behaviour patterns in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Fukushima Health Database 2015-2020

OBJECTIVES

Lifestyle behaviours associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further clarification using health insurance data.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cohort study.

METHODS

In 2015, 193,246 participants aged 40-74 years attended the specific health checkups and were observed up to 2020 in Fukushima, Japan. Using the principal component analysis, we identified two patterns from ten lifestyle behaviour questions, namely, the "diet-smoking" pattern (including smoking, alcohol drinking, skipping breakfast, eating fast, late dinner, and snacking) and the "physical activity-sleep" pattern (including physical exercise, walking equivalent activity, walking fast, and sufficient sleep). Then, individual pattern scores were calculated; the higher the scores, the healthier the behaviours.

RESULTS

The accumulative incidence rate of T2DM was 630.5 in men and 391.9 in women per 100,000 person-years in an average of 4 years of follow-up. Adjusted for the demographic and cardiometabolic factors at the baseline, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of the highest versus lowest quartile scores of the "diet-smoking" pattern for T2DM risk was 0.82 (0.72, 0.92; P for trend = 0.002) in men and 0.87 (0.76, 1·00; P for trend = 0.034) in women; that of the "physical activity-sleep" pattern was 0.92 (0.82, 1·04; P for trend = 0.0996) in men and 0.92 (0.80, 1·06; P for trend = 0.372) in women. The "physical activity-sleep" pattern showed a significant inverse association in non-overweight men.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle behaviour associated with a healthy diet and lack of smoking may significantly lower the risk of T2DM in middle-aged Japanese adults.

Efficacy of zinc acetate hydrate for hypozincemia in the elderly is influenced by the initial accumulated exposure dose after taking zinc acetate hydrate

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of zinc acetate hydrate (ZAH) for hypozincemia in elderly hospitalized patients with an accumulated exposure of < 1000 mg of ZAH and to explore the factors affecting the therapeutic efficacy of ZAH. Seventy-four patients (mean age, 82 years) were enrolled in this study. All patients (n = 74) had low serum zinc levels (< 80 μg/dL), and the mean serum zinc concentration before ZAH administration was 53.6±10.7 μg/dL. The median serum zinc level (μg/dL) elevated per tablet (25 mg) of ZAH was 1.26 μg/dL, and the patients were divided into two groups, the slightly increased (< 1.26) and significantly increased (≥ 1.26) groups, based on the median cutoff value for the median increase in serum zinc level. A significant difference was found between the slightly increased (0.63±0.35 μg/dL, n = 36) and significantly increased (2.37±0.95 μg/dL, n = 38) groups (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Logistic regression analysis with the accumulated exposure dose of ZAH, sex, and body weight as multivariate variables showed a significant difference in the accumulated exposure dose (total number of tablets per 25 mg: odds ratio, 1.119; 95% confidence interval, 1.052???1.203; p = 0.0009). There was no effect of underlying disease or of diet or zinc-containing intravenous or enteral nutrition on serum zinc levels. These results suggest that at an accumulated exposure of < 1000 mg of ZAH, serum zinc levels tend to increase with smaller accumulated doses. Therefore, serum zinc concentrations should be measured at the accumulated exposure to 500-1000 mg after ZAH initiation for the treatment of zinc deficiency in elderly hospitalized patients.

Relationship between office blood pressure and actual antihypertensive drug use in patients with hypertension following the promulgation of the guidelines for hypertension (JSH2019)

To achieve appropriate blood pressure control in the treatment of hypertension in Japan, this study examined the relationship between office blood pressure and actual antihypertensive drug use in general hospitals following the promulgation of the guidelines for hypertension (JSH2019). This study focused on blood pressure levels and drug use in outpatients on antihypertensive treatment from June to July 2020. The subjects were 2,537 patients classified into four groups based on their medical history, patients with: hypertension only; hypertension and cardiovascular disease; hypertension and dyslipidaemia; and hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The results showed a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between patients with hypertension only and those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease (138.3±17.9 mmHg vs 135.6±19.9 mmHg, p<0.05). Regarding actual drug use, it was found that diuretics were prescribed more frequently in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease than in those with hypertension alone (15.5% vs 37.9%, p<0.05), even though the number of drugs for hypertension did not differ significantly. In addition, the dose of diuretics was greater only in patients with cardiovascular disease. These results show the actual drug use and blood pressure for each comorbidity. Furthermore, they suggest that the results of antihypertensive treatment may differ by changing the combination and dosage of antihypertensive drugs without changing the number of antihypertensive drugs used. The study also shows the problem of using less diuretics depending on the risk the patient has, and solving the problem may lead to achieving further antihypertensive goals.

Predicting habitual water intake from lifestyle questions

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have used selective recall and descriptive dietary record methods, requiring considerable effort for assessing food and water intake. This study created a simplified lifestyle questionnaire to predict habitual water intake (SQW), accurately and quickly assessing the habitual water intake. We also evaluated the validity using descriptive dietary records as a cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

First, we used crowdsourcing and machine learning to collect data, predict water intake records, and create questionnaires. We collected 305 lifestyle-related questions as predictor variables and selective recall methods for assessing water intake as an outcome variable. Random forests were used for the machine learning models because of their interpretability and accurate estimation. Random forest and single regression correlation analysis were augmented by the synthetic minority oversampling that trained the model. We separated the data by sex and evaluated our model using unseen hold-out testing data, predicting the individual and overall habitual water intake from various sources, including non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, and food.

RESULTS

We found a 0.60 Spearman's correlation coefficient for total water intake between the predicted and the selective recall method values, reflecting the target value to be achieved. This question set was then used for feasibility tests. The descriptive dietary record method helped to obtain a ground-truth value. We categorized the data by gender, season, and source: non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, food, and total water intake, and the correlation was confirmed. Consequently, our results showed a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.50 for total water intake between the predicted and the selective recall method values.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that dissemination of SQW can lead to better health management by easily determining the habitual water intake.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) amylase and pepsin levels as potential biomarkers of aspiration pneumonia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are currently no established markers for aspiration pneumonia. We hypothesized that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) amylase and pepsin might be candidate biomarkers for aspiration pneumonia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study reviewed consenting adults who underwent clinically-indicated bronchoscopy at Aizu Medical Center. BAL samples were obtained using standardized methods. Amylase levels were measured in our clinical laboratory, and pepsin levels were assessed by ELISA.

RESULTS

Aspiration pneumonia was clinically diagnosed based on the guidelines of the Japanese Respiratory Society in 48 of the 327 participants. Median BAL salivary amylase and pepsin levels in this group were 702.0 U/L and 12.7 ng/ml respectively, which were significantly higher than in non-aspiration pneumonia patients. BAL amylase ≥204 U/L had 77.1% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity as a diagnostic index, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.859 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.803-0.915). Similarly, BAL pepsin levels of ≥7.45 ng/ml had 87.2% sensitivity and 59.9% specificity for identifying aspiration, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.757 (95% CI, 0.688-0.826). Multivariate regression demonstrated that BAL amylase ≥204 U/L and BAL pepsin ≥7.45 ng/ml were associated with significantly higher odds for aspiration pneumonia (odds ratio (OR) 10.0, 95% CI, 4.51-22.2, and OR 8.81 95% CI, 3.32-23.4, respectively). There were no significant associations between risk factors for aspiration pneumonia and BAL amylase and pepsin levels.

CONCLUSION

BAL amylase and pepsin might be useful biomarkers for suggesting aspiration pneumonia, and could be objective markers without relying on known risk factors for aspiration.

PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor Dactolisib Attenuates Allergic Response Through Inhibitions of the Sensitization and Mast Cell Activation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-allergic potentials of dactolisib, a dual PI3K/mTOR kinase inhibitor, on two important events for allergy: sensitization and the onset of anaphylactic symptoms. After sensitization with the antigen ovalbumin (OVA), five successive oral administrations of dactolisib effectively decreased serum anti-OVA antibody-an indicator of sensitization-levels in mice. In parallel with the antibody levels in their serum, anaphylactic rectal temperature decrease induced by the re-administration of OVA to dactolisib-treated mice was strongly diminished compared to that in vehicle-treated mice. The inhibitor also inhibited ex vivo splenic B cell activation indicated by the increase of phosphorylation of Akt, CD69 expression levels, and proliferation upon anti-B cell receptor antibody treatment, suggesting that suppressive effects of the inhibitor on B cell activation plays a role in its ability to decrease sensitization in vivo. We concurrently observed the anti-anaphylactic ability of dactolisib in vivoand in vitro. A single oral administration of the inhibitor attenuated the anaphylactic rectal temperature decrease induced in a mouse model of passive systemic anaphylaxis. In in vitro mast cell models, pretreatment with the drug inhibited the degranulation response and cytokine production in RBL2H3 cells triggered by IgE and antigens, without affecting cell viability. These results suggest that dactolisib, as well as other PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, might be a good candidate for anti-allergic drugs that exhibit both anti-sensitizing and anti-anaphylactic effects.

Effects of Two Electron-Donating and/or -Withdrawing Substituents on Two-Photon Absorption for Diphenylacetylene Derivatives

Two-photon absorption for diphenylacetylene (DPA) derivatives with two substituents (-OMe and/or -NO₂) at the 4,4'-position was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The two-photon absorption spectra and the two-photon absorption cross-sections σ⁽²⁾ for DPA derivatives were obtained by optical-probing photoacoustic spectroscopy (OPPAS). The simulated two-photon absorption spectra of the DPA derivatives, obtained with the time-dependent density functional theory within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation, agreed well with the experimental ones. The mechanisms for enhancement of the σ⁽²⁾ for centrosymmetric and non-centrosymmetric DPA derivatives were found to be different. The large σ⁽²⁾ for centrosymmetric molecules (DPA-OMeOMe and DPA-NO₂NO₂) results from the magnitude of the transition dipole moment, while for non-centrosymmetric molecules (DPA-OMeNO₂), it is enhanced by the smaller detuning energy. Information on two-photon absorption properties of DPA derivatives obtained in this study will be important for the molecular design of two-photon absorption materials.

Development of advanced photon calibrator for Kamioka gravitational wave detector (KAGRA)

The Kamioka Gravitational wave detector (KAGRA) cryogenic gravitational-wave observatory has commenced joint observations with the worldwide gravitational wave detector network. Precise calibration of the detector response is essential for accurately estimating parameters of gravitational wave sources. A photon calibrator is a crucial calibration tool used in laser interferometer gravitational-wave observatory, Virgo, and KAGRA, and it was utilized in joint observation 3 with GEO600 in Germany in April 2020. In this paper, KAGRA implemented three key enhancements: a high-power laser, a power stabilization system, and remote beam position control. KAGRA employs a 20 W laser divided into two beams that are injected onto the mirror surface. By utilizing a high-power laser, the response of the detector at kHz frequencies can be calibrated. To independently control the power of each laser beam, an optical follower servo was installed for power stabilization. The optical path of the photon calibrator's beam positions was controlled using pico-motors, allowing for the characterization of the detector's rotation response. Additionally, a telephoto camera and quadrant photodetectors were installed to monitor beam positions, and beam position control was implemented to optimize the mirror response. In this paper, we discuss the statistical errors associated with the measurement of relative power noise. We also address systematic errors related to the power calibration model of the photon calibrator and the simulation of elastic deformation effects using finite element analysis. Ultimately, we have successfully reduced the total systematic error from the photon calibrator to 2.0%.

Relationship Between Cardiovascular Events and Serum Lipid and Plasma Fatty Acid Profile in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetic Mellitus

BACKGROUND/AIM

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially when the underlying disease is diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we investigated cardiovascular events and lipid and fatty acid profile in maintenance HD patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects were 123 patients undergoing HD at Oyokyo Kidney Research Institute Hirosaki Hospital, who were considered to have DKD as the underlying cause of dialysis induction. Among these patients, the lipid and fatty acid profile were examined in two groups, CVD group (n=53) and non-CVD group (n=70), according to the presence or absence of a history of cardiovascular events (coronary artery disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis obliterans, valvular disease, and aortic disease). For serum lipid profile, the levels of total-cholesterol (T-C), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, and for fatty acid balance, 24 fractions of fatty acid composition in plasma total lipids were measured. These markers were compared between the CVD and non-CVD groups.

RESULTS

The levels of T-C and TG were significantly lower in the CVD group compared with the non-CVD group (147.7±36.9 mg/dl vs. 159.2±35.6 mg/dl, p<0.05, 120.2±65.7 mg/dl vs. 143.8±124.4 mg/dl, p<0.05). In the plasma fatty acid composition, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were significantly lower in the CVD group compared with the non-CVD group (0.74±0.26 wt% vs. 0.84±0.31 wt%, p<0.05; 0.61±0.21 wt% vs. 0.70±0.30 wt%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal fatty acid balance, especially low levels of ALA and DPA, rather than serum lipids, are more likely the factors associated with cardiovascular events in maintenance HD patients with underlying DKD.

Prevalence trends of metabolic syndrome in residents of postdisaster Fukushima: a longitudinal analysis of Fukushima Health Database 2012-2019

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to evaluate the long-term metabolic risk profiles of Fukushima residents after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional and a longitudinal design.

METHODS

The Fukushima Health Database (FDB) contains 2,331,319 annual health checkup records of participants aged 40-74 years between 2012 and 2019. We checked the validity of the FDB by comparing the prevalence of metabolic factors with the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB). We applied a regression analysis to determine the changes and project the trends of metabolic factors over the years.

RESULTS

Compared to the NDB, the prevalence of metabolic factors in Fukushima was higher than the country average from 2013 to 2018, and they showed the same trends as those from the FDB. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increased from 18.9% in 2012 to 21.4% in 2019 (an annual increase of 2.74%) in men and from 6.8 to 7.4% (an annual increase of 1.80%) in women in Fukushima. The standardized prevalence of MetS, being overweight, and diabetes is projected to continue increasing, with disparities among subareas being higher in evacuees than in non-evacuees. An annual decrease of 0.38-1.97% in hypertension was mainly observed in women.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metabolic risk is higher in Fukushima as compared to the country average. The increasing metabolic risk in subareas, including the evacuation zone, highlights the need to control MetS in Fukushima residents.

Non-invasive classification of single and double-yolk eggs using Vis-NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis

1. This study was conducted to develop an efficient technique for separating double-yolked (DY) from single-yolked (SY) light brown broiler eggs with comparable shape and size, that were hard to distinguish merely by their external characteristics, using Vis-NIR transmission spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis.2. Spectroscopic transmission (200-900 nm) was measured after collecting the eggs, and the yolk number was verified by breaking the eggs after boiling. The absorbance of important spectral wavelengths sensitive to yolk amount were identified using feature selection techniques (Principal Component Analysis and Genetic Algorithm).3. Discriminant analysis (DA) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were used to develop classification models for DY and SY eggs using the selected important spectral wavelengths.4. When compared to alternative nonlinear techniques, the developed model applying linear discriminant analysis produced greater accuracies in the first (96%) and second (100%) experiments, implying lower inter-egg variability from spectral data and a linear relationship between classes. However, the position and orientation of yolks in DY eggs may limit the classification accuracy of the eggs.

Synthesis of azafluoranthenes by iridium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition and evaluation of their fluorescence properties

We report a method for the synthesis of azafluoranthenes under neutral reaction conditions in a highly atom-economical manner by the iridium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,8-dialkynylnaphthalenes with nitriles. A variety of nitriles react with methyl- or phenyl-substituted 1,8-dialkynylnaphthalenes to give a wide range of azafluoranthenes. Azafluoranthenes bearing an amino group show intense fluorescence at around 500 nm. Comparison of the fluorescence properties of amine-substituted azafluoranthenes with related compounds revealed the importance of the amine moiety for obtaining a high fluorescence quantum yield. The choice of the solvent affected the emission maxima and the fluorescence quantum yield. Azafluoranthenes bearing pyrrolidine exhibited blue-shifted emission bands in a non-polar solvent and gave a fluorescence quantum yield of 0.76 in toluene. A Lippert-Mataga plot and computational studies provide insight into the origin of the fluorescence of azafluoranthenes. Furthermore, cellular experiments using human breast adenocarcinoma cells SK-BR-3 demonstrated the feasibility of using azafluoranthenes as fluorescent probes.

Proton Distribution Radii of ^{16-24}O: Signatures of New Shell Closures and Neutron Skin

The root mean square radii of the proton density distribution in ^{16-24}O derived from measurements of charge changing cross sections with a carbon target at ∼900A  MeV together with the matter radii portray thick neutron skin for ^{22-24}O despite ^{22,24}O being doubly magic. Imprints of the shell closures at N=14 and 16 are reflected in local minima of their proton radii that provide evidence for the tensor interaction causing them. The radii agree with ab initio calculations employing the chiral NNLO_{sat} interaction, though skin thickness predictions are challenged. Shell model predictions agree well with the data.

Si1-xGex anode synthesis on plastic films for flexible rechargeable batteries

SiGe is a promising anode material for replacing graphite in next generation thin-film batteries owing to its high theoretical charge/discharge capacity. Metal-induced layer exchange (LE) is a unique technique used for the low-temperature synthesis of SiGe layers on arbitrary substrates. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of Si_1-xGe_x (x = 0-1) layers on plastic films using Al-induced LE. The resulting SiGe layers exhibited high electrical conductivity (up to 1200 S cm^-1), reflecting the self-organized doping effect of LE. Moreover, the Si_1-xGe_x layer synthesized by the same process was adopted as the anode for the lithium-ion battery. All Si_1-xGe_x anodes showed clear charge/discharge operation and high coulombic efficiency (≥ 97%) after 100 cycles. While the discharge capacities almost reflected the theoretical values at each x at 0.1 C, the capacity degradation with increasing current rate strongly depended on x. Si-rich samples exhibited high initial capacity and low capacity retention, while Ge-rich samples showed contrasting characteristics. In particular, the Si_1-xGe_x layers with x ≥ 0.8 showed excellent current rate performance owing to their high electrical conductivity and low volume expansion, maintaining a high capacity (> 500 mAh g^-1) even at a high current rate (10 C). Thus, we revealed the relationship between SiGe composition and anode characteristics for the SiGe layers formed by LE at low temperatures. These results will pave the way for the next generation of flexible batteries based on SiGe anodes.

[Reviewing the Model Core Curriculum for Pharmacy Education and Fundamental Capacities to Become a Pharmacist with a 20-year Perspective on Human Resources Development]

The model core curriculum for pharmacy education (core curriculum) specifies the basics of 6-year pharmacy education. Pharmacy education is currently being provided based on the revised version of the core curriculum created in 2013 (revised core curriculum), with the aim of training pharmacists with the ability to fulfill social needs. The revised core curriculum also defines the "fundamental capacities to become a pharmacist" that should be acquired by the time of graduation. As education based on the revised core curriculum has been progressing, various challenges of this version, which may also be related to the basis of 6-year pharmacy education, have been identified. Measures to address these challenges, including: clearly indicating the number of goals in each area and the relationship between basic and clinical pharmacy; demonstrating the basic ideas of 2 areas differing from those for knowledge acquisition, 〈basic items〉 and 〈pharmacological research〉; and defining 〈clinical pharmacy〉 and the 〈fundamental capacities to become a pharmacist〉 in the context of pharmacy education, should be discussed in the future. Students educated based on a new version of the core curriculum, which will be created during the next term, are supposed to be active in society as pharmacists 20 or 30 years later. With this taken into account, this paper discusses the revised core curriculum currently in use, and proposes improvement plans for the new version, such as specifying parameters to evaluate learning achievements and the hierarchical relationships among areas.

POS0467 DERSIMELAGON, A NOVEL ORAL MELANOCORTIN 1 RECEPTOR AGONIST, DEMONSTRATES DISEASE-MODIFYING EFFECTS IN PRECLINICAL MODELS OF SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background

Activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is known to have broad anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis murine model is well-established for systemic sclerosis (SSc). α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, an endogenous ligand of MC1R, inhibits skin fibrosis and MC1R knock-out enhances skin fibrosis in this model. These pieces of evidence suggest that MC1R agonism has potential in the treatment of SSc.

Objectives

Dersimelagon phosphate (MT-7117) is an investigational small molecule that is an orally administered, selective agonist for MC1R. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of MT-7117 as a therapeutic agent for SSc by evaluating its efficacy and mechanism of action in complementary preclinical models. The expression and distribution of MC1R in the skin of SSc patients was investigated.

Methods

The effects of MT-7117 on skin fibrosis and lung inflammation were evaluated in BLM-induced SSc murine models that were optimized for prophylactic and therapeutic evaluation. Microarray-based gene expression analysis and serum protein profiling were performed to investigate the mechanism of action of MT-7117 in the BLM-induced SSc models. The effect of MT-7117 on TGF-β-induced activation of human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses of MC1R expression in skin samples from SSc patients were performed.

Results

Prophylactic treatment with MT-7117 (≥0.3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly inhibited the increase in collagen content of the skin, the serum level of surfactant protein D, and the weight of the lungs from BLM-induced skin fibrosis and lung inflammation model. Therapeutic treatment with MT-7117 (≥3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly suppressed skin thickening and the numbers of myofibroblasts in pre-established BLM-induced skin fibrosis model. Gene array analysis using the BLM-induced SSc model demonstrated changes in numerous categories related to macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils, followed by endothelial cell-related categories after treatment with MT-7117. In the analysis that focused on biological functions, categories of inflammatory response, activation of antigen-presenting cells, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, vasculogenesis, and vaso-occlusion were suppressed by MT-7117. In the analysis that focused on molecular signaling pathways, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1, IL-6, and oncostatin M involved in inflammation, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor that is related to fibrosis were all affected by MT-7117. Serum protein profiling using BLM-induced SSc model revealed that multiple SSc-related biomarkers including P-selectin, osteoprotegerin, cystatin C, growth and differentiation factor-15 and S100A9 were suppressed by MT-7117. MT-7117 inhibited the activation of human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing TGF-β-induced ACTA2 (encoding α-smooth muscle actin) mRNA elevation in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that MC1R positivity was observed in 40 of 50 diffuse cutaneous SSc patients. MC1R was expressed by monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, blood vessels (endothelial cells), fibroblasts, and epidermis (keratinocytes) in the skin of SSc patients.

Conclusion

MT-7117 demonstrates disease-modifying effects in preclinical models of SSc. Investigations of its mechanism of action and target expression analyses indicate that MT-7117 exerts its positive effects by affecting the pathologies of inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and fibrosis through inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. In view of its potent beneficial impact on all these three main pathologies of SSc, MT-7117 is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of clinically challenging SSc, which has diverse and difficult to treat symptoms. A phase 2 clinical trial investigating the efficacy and tolerability of MT-7117 in patients with early, progressive diffuse cutaneous SSc is currently in progress.

Disclosure of Interests

Masahiro Kondo Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Tsuyoshi Suzuki Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Yuko Kawano Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Shinji Kojima Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Masahiko Miyashiro Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Atsuhiro Matsumoto Employee of: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Gabriela Kania: None declared, Przemyslaw Blyszczuk: None declared, rebecca ross: None declared, Panji Mulipa: None declared, Francesco Del Galdo Grant/research support from: Prof. F. Del Galdo received fees and research support from Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Capella, Chemomab, Kymab, Janssen and Mitsubishi-Tanabe., Yun Zhang: None declared, Jörg H.W. Distler Grant/research support from: Prof. J.H.W. Distler received consulting fees, lecture fees, and/or honoraria from Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, ARXX, aTyr, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, RedX, RuiYi and UCB. J. H. W. Distler is stock owner of 4D Science and Scientific head of FibroCure.

TMEM2 expression is downregulated as bladder cancer invades the muscle layer

Cell surface hyaluronidase transmembrane protein 2 (TMEM2), which also serves as a reportedly functions in malignancy of several solid tumors. However, TMEM2 involvement in bladder cancer (BCa) is unknown. Therefore, we investigate potential changes in expression of TMEM2 during BCa invasion and over the course of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Immunohistochemical analysis of 127 clinical specimens revealed that TMEM2 expression changed with pathological stage (pT) and infiltration pattern (INF) and was highest in pTa-pT1 of INFa tumors and significantly lower at stages from pTa-pT1 to pT2 or 3 in INFb or INFc. E-cadherin expression was highest in INFa and lowest in INFc, a pattern comparable to TMEM2 expression. TMEM2 protein expression analysis of BCa cell lines showed that muscle-invasive T24 and YTS-1 cells with low TMEM2 expression exhibited EMT phenotypes in vitro, in contrast to high TMEM2-expressing non-muscle invasive RT4 cells. EMT-induced non-muscle invasive RT4 cells also showed significantly decreased plasma membrane expression of TMEM2. Our data suggested TMEM2 expression is higher in non-invasive cancers, whereas invasive cancer cells are less likely to express TMEM2 during muscle-invasion and "partial EMT".

Melanogenic effect of dersimelagon (MT-7117), a novel oral melanocortin 1 receptor agonist

Background

The activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes stimulates the production of eumelanin. A tridecapeptide α melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH) is known to induce skin pigmentation.

Objectives

We characterised the properties of a novel oral MC1R agonist dersimelagon (MT‐7117) with respect to its specific binding to MC1R, downstream signalling and eumelanin production in experimental models.

Methods

The competitive binding and production of intracellular cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate in cells expressing recombinant melanocortin receptors were examined. A mouse melanoma cell line B16F1 was used for the evaluation of in vitro melanin production. The in vitro activity of MT‐7117 was determined with αMSH and [Nle⁴, D‐Phe⁷]‐αMSH (NDP‐αMSH) as reference comparators. The change of coat colour and skin pigmentation were evaluated after repeat administration of MT‐7117 by oral gavage to C57BL/6J‐A^y/+ mice and cynomolgus monkeys, respectively.

Results

MT‐7117 showed the highest affinity for human MC1R compared to the other melanocortin receptors evaluated and agonistic activity for human, cynomolgus monkey and mouse MC1R, with EC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range. In B16F1 cells, MT‐7117 increased melanin production in a concentration‐dependent manner. In vivo, MT‐7117 (≥0.3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly induced coat colour darkening in mice. MT‐7117 (≥1 mg/kg/day p.o.) induced significant skin pigmentation in monkeys and complete reversibility was observed after cessation of its administration.

Conclusions

MT‐7117 is a novel oral MC1R agonist that induces melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential application for the prevention of phototoxic reactions in patients with photodermatoses, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria and X‐linked protoporphyria.

Photochemical Reaction of Ketoprofen with Proteinogenic Amino Acids

Ketoprofen (KP) is one of the most popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; however, drug-induced photosensitivity of KP has been reported as a serious adverse effect. KP incorporated into a protein can produce an allergen under UV irradiation, which causes drug-induced photosensitivity. The photochemistry of KP with 20 kinds of proteinogenic amino acids in phosphate buffer solutions at pH 7.4 was studied by transient absorption spectroscopy. The KP carboxylate anion (KP^-) gave rise to a carbanion via a decarboxylation within a laser pulse, and the carbanion yielded 3-ethylbenzophenone ketyl biradical (3-EBPH) through a proton transfer reaction. Twelve kinds of proteinogenic amino acids obviously accelerated the reaction. Structural information on the complexes of KP docked in the binding sites of human serum albumin (HSA) was obtained by molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. The photochemical reaction of KP^- with amino acid residues in HSA was discussed on the basis of the experimental and calculational results. The information on the reactivity of KP with the amino acids and the stable structures of the KP-HSA complexes should be essential for understanding of the initial step for drug-induced photosensitivity.

Luminescence Detection of Peptide:N-Glycanase Activity Using Engineered Split Inteins

A split intein-based method has been developed to detect peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase) activity in live cells. PNGase cleaves the linkage between N,N’-diacetylchitobiose and the Asn side chain of N-intein peptides and...

Ever-Expanding NGLY1 biology

The cytosolic peptide:N-glycanase (PNGase; NGLY1 in humans) is a deglycosylating enzyme that is widely conserved in eukaryotes. This enzyme is involved in the degradation of misfolded N-glycoproteins that are destined for proteasomal degradation in the cytosol, a process that is called endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). Although the physiological significance of NGLY1 remained unknown until recently, the discovery of NGLY1 deficiency, a human genetic disorder bearing mutations in the NGLY1 gene, has led to explosive research progress regarding the functional characterization of this enzyme. For example, it is now known that NGLY1 can also act as an "editing enzyme" to convert N-glycosylated asparagine residues to aspartate residues, thus introducing negative charges into a core peptide and modulating the function of the target molecule. Diverse biological processes have also been found to be affected by compromised NGLY1 activity. In this special issue, recent research progress on the functional characterization of NGLY1 and its orthologues in worm/fly/rodents, assay methods/biomarkers useful for the development of therapeutics, and the comprehensive transcriptome/proteome of NGLY1-KO cells as well as patient-derived cells are discussed.