Non‐invasive transcriptomic analysis using mRNAs in skin surface lipids obtained from children with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis

Background

Specimens for analysing the molecular pathology of skin disease are generally obtained through invasive methods, such as biopsy. However, less burdensome methods are desirable for paediatric patients. We recently established a method that comprehensively analyses RNA present in sebum (skin surface lipid–RNAs: SSL‐RNAs) using a next‐generation sequencer. Using this method, biological information can be obtained from the skin in a completely non‐invasive manner.

Objectives

To verify the applicability of the SSL‐RNA method for analysis of paediatric skin and analyse the molecular pathology of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.

Methods

We collected sebum specimens from the whole faces of 23 healthy children and 16 children with mild‐to‐moderate AD (eczema area and severity index (EASI) score: 5.9 ± 2.6) ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years, using an oil‐blotting film. We then extracted SSL‐RNAs from the samples and performed an AmpliSeq transcriptomic analysis.

Results

The expressions of genes related to keratinization (LCE, PSORS1C2, IVL and KRT17), triglyceride synthesis and storage (PLIN2, DGAT2 and CIDEA), wax synthesis (FAR2), ceramide synthesis (GBA2, SMPD3 and SPTLC3), antimicrobial peptides (DEFB1) and intercellular adhesion (CDSN), all of which are related to the skin barrier, are lower in children with AD than in healthy children. The children with AD also have higher expression of CCL17, a Th2‐cytokine and an increased Th2‐immune response as demonstrated by a gene set variation analysis. Moreover, KRT17 and CCL17 expression levels are significantly correlated with the EASI score.

Conclusions

Molecular changes associated with abnormal immune responses and the epidermal barrier in children with mild‐to‐moderate AD can be determined using the SSL‐RNA method. This non‐invasive method could therefore be a useful means for understanding the molecular pathology of paediatric AD.

Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization increases the risk of cedar pollinosis

Background

One‐third of the people in Japan are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and suffer from virulence factor‐mediated subclinical inflammation of the nares. We investigated whether subclinical inflammation contributed to cedar pollinosis affecting 20 million people annually.

Methods

The study participants were 814 inhabitants of the A or B prefectures. We compared the colonization rate and population structure of S. aureus, in association with the prevalence of cedar pollinosis, between participants in these two areas.

Results

A prefecture had twice the annual amount of airborne cedar pollen compared with B. The prevalence of cedar pollinosis was significantly higher in A (23.5%) than in B (13.1%) (p = 0.0004). Moreover, the prevalence of cedar pollinosis was higher in female participants (23.3%) than in male participants (14.7%) (p = 0.003). In addition, the prevalence of cedar pollinosis was higher in S. aureus carriers (24.2%) than in S. aureus noncarriers (17.9%) (p = 0.03). The isolation rate of clonal complex (CC) 508 was higher in the A group (21%) than in the B group (7%) (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

Nasal colonization of S. aureus is a major risk factor for cedar pollinosis. However, the direct mechanism of this risk is currently unknown.

The prevalence of cedar pollinosis in the research area was proportional to the amount of cedar pollen. The prevalence of cedar pollinosis was higher in S. aureus carriers (24.2%) than in S. aureus noncarriers (17.9%) (p = 0.03). The prevalence of cedar pollinosis was higher in female participants (23.3%) than in male participants (14.7%) (p = 0.003).

Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-γ in the Kidneys of Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ plays an important role in various cellular functions and its activation exerts protective effects in kidney diseases. In the present study, chronic kidney disease in cats was examined, and changes in renal expression of PPARγ were observed by use of immunohistochemistry. In normal kidneys, nuclei of the superficial cortical tubules, medullary tubules and glomerular cells expressed PPARγ. The vascular walls (tunica media) also showed positive expression. In diseased kidneys, the expression of PPARγ varied between the cases. Some cases showed strong expression, while others had weak expression. PPARγ expression in the nuclei of infiltrating mononuclear cells was also detected in over half of the cases. Although there was no significant relationship between the expression of renal PPARγ and the severity of kidney disease, the fact that there were many cases where the expression of renal PPARγ was reduced was an important finding, and might be one of the possible mechanisms underlying feline chronic kidney diseases.

Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among healthcare professionals in a university hospital in Japan

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are important sources of nosocomial transmission. MRSA may be transmitted from hospitalized patients to healthcare professionals and vice versa.

METHODS

The prevalence of MRSA colonization among forty-five healthcare professionals in a Japanese hospital was determined by performing surveillance cultures to identify unrecognized carriers of MRSA. All MRSA isolates were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify the transmission routes.

RESULTS

The proportion of MRSA colonization was significantly higher in healthcare professionals (11.1%) than in community residents (0.72%; P < 0.0001) or admission case (2.5%; P = 0.018). MLST analysis revealed that both the ST8 and ST764 strains were identified in residents, patients, and healthcare professionals. MRSA colonization was more frequently observed among physicians (4/13; 31%) than nurses (1/32; 3%) (P = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

Multilocus sequence typing results suggest that ST8 and ST764 are involved in the occurrence of nosocomial MRSA infections. These findings emphasize the necessity for the effective education of physicians to prevent MRSA transmissions.

Newly manufactured Marukome MK-34-1 miso with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity and its antihypertensive effects in genetic hypertensive rat models

We newly manufactured miso rich in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (Marukome MK-34-1, shinki miso) and investigated its antihypertensive properties in rat models of genetic hypertension. ACE inhibitory activity was tenfold higher in shinki miso than in commercially available Marukome Nenrin miso (nenrin miso). The inhibitory activity of shinki miso was confined to <3 kDa fractions and was detected in several fractions with high polarity by C₁₈ high-performance liquid chromatography. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased age-dependently in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP/Izm) given a 0.6% (w/v) NaCl solution (salt solution group) that matched the salt content of the miso solutions. This SBP increase was attenuated in both the 5% nenrin and 5% shinki miso solution groups compared to the salt solution group. The reduction in SBP was greater in rats fed shinki than in rats fed nenrin miso. Similarly, in a salt-induced hypertension model with Dahl rats, the 5% nenrin miso solution attenuated the rising SBP observed in the salt solution group. Moreover, combining 5% nenrin miso with 5% shinki miso (2:1, v/v) (awase miso group) significantly decreased the SBP per gram salt intake by 8% compared with the nenrin miso treatment. However, there were no differences in urinary Na excretion between the nenrin and awase miso groups. In conclusion, we produced a new miso with potent ACE inhibitory activity that reduced spontaneous and salt-induced hypertension. These results suggest that salt sensitivity is decreased by the addition of shinki miso to nenrin miso.

Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an acute care hospital in Japan

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are important sources of nosocomial transmission. However, the route of transmission of MRSA is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to calculate MRSA transmission rates in a hospital with a high MRSA infection/colonization density and inadequate hand hygiene compliance.

METHODS

The prevalence of MRSA colonization among 157 patients at the time of admission to and discharge from a medical school hospital in Japan was determined by performing surveillance cultures. All MRSA isolates were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify the transmission routes.

RESULTS

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was prevalent in 1.9% of our study population. MRSA was acquired during hospitalization at a rate of 4.0/1000 patient-days. At discharge, 5.1% of the patients exhibited MRSA colonization; this was significantly higher than the prevalence noted upon admission (P < 0.001). MLST documented three possible nosocomial transmission events. MRSA colonization was detected using surveillance cultures prior to being identified by conventional, clinically oriented examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilocus sequence typing results suggested that patients who were colonized with MRSA acquired it during hospitalization. These results reinforce the importance of infection control for preventing nosocomial MRSA transmission in hospitalized patients.

Prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community residents of Japan

Background

To implement effective precautions to avoid methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial infections, it is important to clarify when, how, and from whom MRSA was transmitted to the patients. However, MRSA strains obtained from outpatient population were not analyzed, and the transmission routes of MRSA in the community are not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether MRSA is spreading in community settings or whether MRSA transmission still occurs only in healthcare institutions.

Methods

Surveillance cultures of 1274 residents living in a community were performed in two different areas, Kochi and Osaka prefectures of Japan. All isolated MRSA strains were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to clarify the transmission routes of MRSA. The results were compared with those of inpatients. Moreover, written questionnaires and medical records were analyzed.

Results

Analysis of surveillance cultures from residents living in the community in Japan revealed an MRSA colonization rate of 0.94%. The proportion of MRSA to S. aureus colonization was 2.6% in the 310 residents, which was significantly lower than in the 393 hospitalized patients (63.1%; P < .0001). MRSA strains in residents are different from the endemic strains in the hospitalized patients. Previous hospital admission is a risk factor for MRSA infection of the endemic strain in hospital.

Conclusions

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in community setting is rare in Japan. MLST results suggest that some MRSA strains are moving to the community through previous hospital admissions; however, MRSA is not spreading in community settings.

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 promotes chondrogenic differentiation during bone growth as a cartilage matrix factor

OBJECTIVE

Chondrocyte differentiation is crucial for long bone growth. Many cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins reportedly contribute to chondrocyte differentiation, indicating that mechanisms underlying chondrocyte differentiation are likely more complex than previously appreciated. Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a secreted factor normally abundantly produced in mesenchymal lineage cells such as adipocytes and fibroblasts, but its loss contributes to the pathogenesis of lifestyle- or aging-related diseases. However, the function of ANGPTL2 in chondrocytes, which are also differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells, remains unclear. Here, we investigate whether ANGPTL2 is expressed in or functions in chondrocytes.

METHODS

First, we evaluated Angptl2 expression during chondrocyte differentiation using chondrogenic ATDC5 cells and wild-type epiphyseal cartilage of newborn mice. We next assessed ANGPTL2 function in chondrogenic differentiation and associated signaling using Angptl2 knockdown ATDC5 cells and Angptl2 knockout mice.

RESULTS

ANGPTL2 is expressed in chondrocytes, particularly those located in resting and proliferative zones, and accumulates in ECM surrounding chondrocytes. Interestingly, long bone growth was retarded in Angptl2 knockout mice from neonatal to adult stages via attenuation of chondrocyte differentiation. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments show that changes in ANGPTL2 expression can also alter p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity mediated by integrin α5β1.

CONCLUSION

ANGPTL2 contributes to chondrocyte differentiation and subsequent endochondral ossification through α5β1 integrin and p38 MAPK signaling during bone growth. Our findings provide insight into molecular mechanisms governing communication between chondrocytes and surrounding ECM components in bone growth activities.

Serum Prostaglandin D Synthase Level after Coronary Angioplasty May Predict Occurrence of Restenosis

Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), which is responsible for the biosynthesis of PGD2, has recently been found to be present in the atherosclerotic plaque of the human coronary artery and also to be secreted in human serum. We measured the serum L-PGDS level and compared it with the expressions of the platelet membrane surface glycoprotein and neutrophil adhesion molecule in patients undergoing PTCA. The L-PGDS level significantly decreased (P < 0.01) and the platelet surface expression of CD62P (P-selectin) significantly increased (P < 0.01) immediately after PTCA in the coronary sinus blood. Both changes were inversely correlated (R = −0.72, P < 0.001). Although the L-PGDS level in the coronary sinus blood remained equivalent to the baseline level in patients who experienced restenosis, the level increased over the baseline level (P < 0.01) at 48 h after PTCA in patients without restenosis. Neutrophil surface expression of CD11b (a subunit of Mac-1) significantly increased at 24 h (P < 0.01) to 48 h (P < 0.001) after PTCA in the coronary sinus blood in patients with restenosis but the change showed less significant in patients without restenosis. The changes in the L-PGDS level and the CD11b expression at 48 h after PTCA were inversely correlated (R = −0.55, P < 0.05). An increased serum L-PGDS level at 48 h after PTCA possibly predicts the avoidance of late restenosis. It is suggested that reduction in PGD2 synthesis triggers platelet activation and that a subsequent increase in the PGD2 synthesis suppresses inflammatory reaction at the intervention site indicated by neutrophil activation and inhibits development of restenosis. Pharmacological or biological intervention that increases endogenous PGD2 synthesis should be tested as a new strategy to prevent restenosis.

Surfactant protein D inhibits activation of non-small cell lung cancer-associated mutant EGFR and affects clinical outcomes of patients

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-sensitive and TKI-resistant mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with lung adenocarcinoma. EGFR mutants were previously shown to exhibit ligand-independent activation. We have previously demonstrated that pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D, SFTPD) suppressed wild-type EGFR signaling by blocking ligand binding to EGFR. We herein demonstrate that SFTPD downregulates ligand-independent signaling in cells harboring EGFR mutations such as TKI-sensitive exon 19 deletion (Ex19del) and L858R mutation as well as TKI-resistant T790M mutation, subsequently suppressing cellular growth and motility. Lectin blotting and ligand blotting in lung cancer cell lines suggested that EGFR mutants express oligomannose-type N-glycans and interact with SFTPD directly. Cross-linking assay indicated that SFTPD inhibits ligand-independent dimerization of EGFR mutants. We also demonstrated that SFTPD reduced dimerization-independent phosphorylation of Ex19del and T790M EGFR mutants using point mutations that disrupted the asymmetric dimer interface. It was confirmed that SFTPD augmented the viability-suppressing effects of EGFR-TKIs. Furthermore, retrospective analysis of 121 patients with lung adenocarcinoma to examine associations between serum SFTPD levels and clinical outcome indicated that in TKI-treated patients with lung cancer harboring EGFR mutations, including Ex19del or L858R, high serum SFTPD levels correlated with a lower number of distant metastases and prolonged overall survival and progression-free survival. These findings suggest that SFTPD downregulates both TKI-sensitive and -resistant EGFR mutant signaling, and SFTPD level is correlated with clinical outcome. These findings illustrate the use of serum SFTPD level as a potential marker to estimate the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs.

Impact of inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy on mortality in patients with bacteraemic cholangitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Acute cholangitis is a common cause of bacteraemia resulting in severe sepsis or septic shock. The impact of the appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy on short-term mortality in bacteraemic cholangitis has not been well investigated.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with bacteraemic cholangitis at two large tertiary care centres in Tokyo, Japan between 2009 and 2015. We determined the factors associated with 30-day all-cause mortality from the date of drawing the first positive blood culture, using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 573 patients with bacteraemic cholangitis (median age, 77 years; male, 58.3%). The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 6.6% (38/573). Inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy occurred in 133 (23.2%) patients. Factors associated with 30-day all-cause mortality included the Charlson co-morbidity index score >3 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.12; 95% CI 1.18-14.38), jaundice (total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL) (aOR 3.39; 95% CI 1.46-7.89), septic shock within 48 h of the first positive blood culture (aOR 3.34; 95% CI 1.42-7.89), biliary obstruction due to hepatobiliary malignancy (aOR 8.00; 95% CI 2.92-21.97), and inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy (aOR 2.78; 95% CI 1.27-6.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy was an important, modifiable determinant of survival.

TRPV currents and their role in the nociception and neuroplasticity

Transient receptor potential channels sensitive to vanilloids (TRPVs) are group of ion channels which are sensitive to various tissue damaging signals and their activation is generally perceived as pain. Therefore, they are generally named as nociceptors. Understanding their activation and function as well as their interaction with intracellular pathways is crucial for the development of pharmacological interference in order to reduce pain perception. The current review summarizes basic facts in regard to TRPV and discusses their relevance in the sensing of (pain-) signals and their intracellular processing, focussing on their modulation of the intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) signal. Furthermore we discuss the basic mechanisms how the modification of [Ca(2+)]i through TRPV might induce long-term-potentiation (LTP) or long-term- depression (LTD) and from "memories" of pain. Understanding of these mechanisms is needed to localize the best point of interference for pharmacological treatment. Therefore, high attention is given to highlight physiological and pathological processes and their interaction with significant modulators and their roles in neuroplasticity and pain modulation.

Caffeine and cardiovascular diseases: critical review of current research

Caffeine is a most widely consumed physiological stimulant worldwide, which is consumed via natural sources, such as coffee and tea, and now marketed sources such as energy drinks and other dietary supplements. This wide use has led to concerns regarding the safety of caffeine and its proposed beneficial role in alertness, performance and energy expenditure and side effects in the cardiovascular system. The question remains "Which dose is safe?", as the population does not appear to adhere to the strict guidelines listed on caffeine consumption. Studies in humans and animal models yield controversial results, which can be explained by population, type and dose of caffeine and low statistical power. This review will focus on comprehensive and critical review of the current literature and provide an avenue for further study.

Influence of gestational salt restriction in fetal growth and in development of diseases in adulthood

Recent studies reported the critical role of the intrauterine environment of a fetus in growth or the development of disease in adulthood. In this article we discussed the implications of salt restriction in growth of a fetus and the development of growth-related disease in adulthood. Salt restriction causes retardation of fatal growth or intrauterine death thereby leading to low birth weight or decreased birth rate. Such retardation of growth along with the upregulation of the renin angiotensin system due to salt restriction results in the underdevelopment of cardiovascular organs or decreases the number of the nephron in the kidney and is responsible for onset of hypertension in adulthood. In addition, gestational salt restriction is associated with salt craving after weaning. Moreover, salt restriction is associated with a decrease in insulin sensitivity. A series of alterations in metabolism due to salt restriction are probably mediated by the upregulation of the renin angiotensin system and an epigenetic mechanism including proinflammatory substances or histone methylation. Part of the metabolic disease in adulthood may be programmed through such epigenetic changes. The modification of gene in a fetus may be switched on through environment factors or life style after birth. The benefits of salt restriction have been assumed thus far; however, more precise investigation is required of its influence on the health of fetuses and the onset of various diseases in adulthood.

Orthostatic hypotension in diabetic patients-10-year follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in diabetics is a common but often underestimated and underdiagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. One of the most clinical apparent forms of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is orthostatic hypotension.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess the association of the orthostatic hypotension (OH) with macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and to determine its effect on mortality.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 187 patients with diabetes mellitus (60 patients with diabetes type 1 and 127 patients with diabetes type 2). Patients were divided into groups according to presence or absence of OH and type of diabetes. Association of OH with macrovascular and microvascular complications was evaluated and the effect of OH on 10-year all-cause mortality was also assessed.

RESULTS

OH was present in 31.7% of patients with diabetes type 1 (DM1) and in 32.3% of patients with diabetes type 2 (DM2). OH was positively associated with the prevalence of myocardial infarction in DM1 (OR=10.67) and with prevalence of stroke in DM2 (OR=3.33). There was also a strong association of OH and the prevalence of peripheral artery disease in both DM1 (OR=14.18) and DM2 (OR=3.26). Patients with both types of diabetes and OH had significantly higher prevalence of nephropathy (DM1 OR=8.68, DM2 OR=3.24), retinopathy (DM1 OR=8.09, DM2 OR=4.08) and peripheral neuropathy (DM1 OR=17.14, DM2 OR=7.51) Overall 10year mortality rate was higher in diabetic patients with OH.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of OH in diabetics is associated with higher prevalence of macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and also with higher 10-year mortality.

Impaired response of regulator of Gαq signaling-2 mRNA to angiotensin II and hypertensive renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats are prone to salt-dependent hypertension with severe organ damage, including stroke, cardiac failure and renal insufficiency. The mechanism for this susceptibility to kidney injury has not been elucidated. The present study proposed that an upregulation of intracellular signaling of angiotensin II (Ang-II) is responsible for the susceptibility to hypertensive kidney injury in Dahl S rats. Spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibited higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and lower kidney damage than Dahl S rats fed a high-salt diet for 2 weeks. Ang-II infusion for 4 weeks significantly increased SBP in Dahl S and Dahl salt-resistant (Dahl R) rats fed a low-salt diet. The increase in SBP in Dahl S rats was associated with significant kidney injury with greater glomerular sclerosis (P<0.001). The expression of regulatory protein of Gαq signaling-2 (RGS2) mRNA in the aortic walls in response to Ang-II infusion was lower in Dahl S than Dahl R rats (P<0.05). Ang-II significantly increased RGS2 mRNA in the aorta in Dahl R rats, but the response was apparently blunted in Dahl S rats. These results suggest that Dahl S rats exhibit a blunted RGS2 response to Ang-II, and this blunted response may be partially responsible for the susceptibility to renal injury in Dahl S rats.

Poor survival of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on inanimate objects in the public spaces

We investigated the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on shopping baskets in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Multilocus sequence typing was performed to determine the genotypes of S. aureus isolates, and then a polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect staphylococcal enterotoxins and antibiotic resistance genes. In addition, desiccation tolerance of S. aureus isolates was evaluated in vitro. Forty‐six (6.2%) S. aureus isolates were collected from 740 shopping baskets, though only one MRSA strain was identified. In multilocus sequence typing findings, ten sequence types and 24 singletons were classified, which were divided into ten clonal complexes and six singletons. The most frequent staphylococcal enterotoxin gene was seg (30.4%). Our in vitro findings demonstrated that 70% of the S. aureus isolates, including the MRSA strain, became undetectable at 12 h after desiccation at an appropriate cell density, while the others remained viable for up to 24 h. Thus, it is difficult for MRSA organisms to survive on dry surfaces found in public areas. We speculated that inanimate objects in the community are unlikely to be a potential source for transmission of MRSA and that S. aureus on such objects outside of hospital settings is not a public health threat.

The role of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injury

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been implemented in clinical settings for a long time for their anti-inflammatory effects. With the number of NSAID users increasing, gastroenterological physicians and researchers have worked hard to prevent and treat NSAID-induced gastric mucosal injury, an effort that has for the large part being successful. However, the struggle against NSAID-induced mucosal damage has taken on a new urgency due to the discovery of NSAID-induced small intestinal mucosal injury. Although the main mechanism by which NSAIDs induce small intestinal mucosal injury has been thought to depend on the inhibitory effect of NSAIDs on cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, recent studies have revealed the importance of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which occurs independently of COX-inhibition. ROS production is an especially important factor in the increase of small intestinal epithelial cell permeability, an early stage in the process of small intestinal mucosal injury. By clarifying the precise mechanism, together with its clinical features using novel endoscopy, effective strategies for preventing NSAID-induced small intestinal damage, especially targeting mitochondria-derived ROS production, may be developed.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis contributes to articular cartilage degeneration via C/EBP homologous protein

OBJECTIVE

When endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, i.e., the excessive accumulation of unfolded proteins in ER, endangers homeostasis, apoptosis is induced by C/EBP homologous protein (Chop). In osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage, Chop expression and apoptosis increase as degeneration progresses. We investigated the role of Chop in murine chondrocyte apoptosis and in the progression of cartilage degeneration.

METHOD

We induced experimental OA in Chop-knockout (Chop(-/-)) mice by medial collateral ligament transection and meniscectomy and compared cartilage degeneration, apoptosis, and ER stress in Chop(-/-)- and wild-type (Chop(+/+)) mice. In our in vitro experiments we treated murine Chop(-/-) chondrocytes with the ER stress inducer tunicamycin (TM) and evaluated apoptosis, ER stress, and chondrocyte function.

RESULTS

In vivo, the degree of ER stress was similar in Chop(-/-)- and Chop(+/+) mice. However, in Chop(-/-) mice apoptosis and cartilage degeneration were lower by 26.4% and 42.4% at 4 weeks, by 26.8% and 44.9% at 8 weeks, and by 26.9% and 32.3% at 12 weeks after surgery than Chop(+/+) mice, respectively. In vitro, the degree of ER stress induction by TM was similar in Chop(-/-)- and Chop(+/+) chondrocytes. On the other hand, apoptosis was 55.3% lower and the suppression of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA was 21.0% and 23.3% less, and the increase of matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA was 20.0% less in Chop(-/-)- than Chop(+/+) chondrocytes.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Chop plays a direct role in chondrocyte apoptosis and that Chop-mediated apoptosis contributes to the progression of cartilage degeneration in mice.

Blood pressure reduction by Japanese traditional Miso is associated with increased diuresis and natriuresis through dopamine system in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the antihypertensive mechanism of long-term Miso soup consumption in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats with salt-induced hypertension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Female Dahl S rats fed a low-salt (0.3% NaCl) diet were divided into three groups: (1) six rats given water, (2) six rats given 0.65% (w/v) saline solution or (3) eight rats given 5% (w/v) Miso soup containing 0.65% (w/v) saline solution. They were followed for 12 weeks. Variables in the plasma or 24-h urine were determined. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the tail-cuff method.

RESULTS

The SBP increased in an age-dependent manner in Dahl S rats drinking saline solutions. The elevation of SBP was significantly attenuated in Dahl S rats given Miso soup although the ultimate cumulative salt loading was much greater in the Miso group than those given the saline solutions. This SBP reduction in the Miso group was associated with an increase in fractional excretion of Na (FENa) and free water clearance in the kidney. Urinary dopamine excretions were increased in the Miso group compared with that in the saline group. The increase in urinary dopamine excretions was associated with a decrease in brain oxidative stress. Urinary dopamine excretions were an independent predictor of SBP in the Miso group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term consumption of Miso soup attenuated blood pressure elevation in Dahl salt-sensitive rats with salt-induced hypertension. The blood pressure reduction was due to, at least in part, constituent(s) of the Miso that increase natriuresis and diuresis and enhance dopaminergic nervous activity in the kidney.

Subcutaneous administration of sodium alginate oligosaccharides prevents salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the mechanism of antihypertensive effects of sodium alginate oligosaccharides, which are enzymatic products of high-molecular-weight natural alginate from seaweeds, in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dahl S rats fed a high-salt (4% NaCl) diet were subcutaneously administered sodium alginate oligosaccharides (60 mg/day using a continuous osmotic mini-pump) for 14 days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using the tail-cuff method, and we determined the influence of the alginate treatment on the metabolism of sodium by measuring sodium excretions in the feces and urine.

RESULTS

SBP increased in an age-dependent manner in the untreated Dahl S rats. Sodium alginate oligosaccharide treatment via the subcutaneous route almost completely abolished salt-induced hypertension in Dahl S rats fed a high-salt diet. The level of fecal or urinary sodium excretion did not significantly change during the treatment period with the alginate oligosaccharides. The reduction in SBP rapidly recovered after cessation of the treatment. Moreover, the level of urinary protein excretion was lower in the treated Dahl S rats than in the untreated rats during the experimental period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that sodium alginate oligosaccharides attenuate salt-induced hypertension in Dahl S rats not through reducing salt absorption, but probably through a direct action on vascular vessels.

Japanese traditional miso soup attenuates salt-induced hypertension and its organ damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of long-term miso soup drinking on salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats.

METHODS

Dahl S rats were divided into four groups that consumed 1) water, 2) a 0.9% NaCl solution, 3) a 1.3% sodium NaCl solution, or 4) miso soup containing 1.3% NaCl. They were followed for 8 wk. Systolic blood pressure and hypertensive organ damage were determined.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure increased in an age- and dose-dependent manner in Dahl S rats drinking salt solutions. The systolic blood pressure increase was significantly less in the Dahl S rats that drank miso soup, although the ultimate cumulative salt loading was greater than that in the Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. This blood pressure decrease was associated with a morphologic attenuation of glomerular sclerosis in the kidney and collagen infiltration in the heart. Urinary protein excretions were less in the miso group than in the rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. The fractional excretion of sodium was increased and that of potassium was decreased in Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution, and these effects were reversed in rats given miso soup toward the values of the control.

CONCLUSION

We found that long-term miso soup drinking attenuates the blood pressure increase in salt-induced hypertension with organ damage. This may be caused by a possible retardation of sodium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or by the direct effects of nutrients in the miso soup from soybeans. The decrease was associated with decreases in cardiovascular and renal damage.

Sodium alginate oligosaccharides attenuate hypertension and associated kidney damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet

OBJECTIVES

In this article, the antihypertensive effects of sodium alginate oligosaccharides, enzymatic products of high molecular natural alginate from sea weeds, in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats were investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dahl S rats fed a high-salt (4% NaCl) diet were treated with sodium alginate oligosaccharides (4% or 8% w/w) for 7 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the tail-cuff method, and hypertensive cardiovascular benefits and kidney damage were assessed. Glomerular function and morphological sclerosis were determined.

RESULTS

SBP increased in an age-dependent manner in the untreated Dahl S rats. Sodium alginate oligosaccharide treatment attenuated the increase in SBP in a dose-dependent manner. The heart and aortic walls weighed less in the rats treated with sodium alginate oligosaccharides than in the untreated rats. The SBP reduction was associated with a decrease in urinary protein excretion and an increase in the creatinine clearance rate. Sodium alginate oligosaccharides significantly attenuated hypertensive glomerular sclerosis and arterial injury in the kidney. Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) decreased in low-salt Dahl S rats and increased with a salt challenge. The alginate oligosaccharides decreased FENa in high-salt Dahl S rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that sodium alginate oligosaccharides attenuate salt-induced hypertension in Dahl S rats. This reduction is associated with decreases in cardiovascular and renal damage.

Effect of chronic kidney disease on excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common sleep disorder in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Non-ergot dopamine agonists increase the risk of unanticipated sleep episodes.

OBJECTIVE

  We aimed to assess the influence of renal function on EDS in patients with PD.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients treated with ropinirole or pramipexole were recruited for this study. We evaluated the historical and clinical characteristics including the motor symptom rating scales, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An ESS score of 10 or greater was defined as EDS. Participants with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) were determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of EDS.

RESULTS

Chronic kidney disease was found to be a significant predictive factor for EDS in all patients (P = 0.014). We observed a negative correlation between the severity of daytime sleepiness and renal function in patients treated with pramipexole alone (r(s) = -0.637, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic kidney disease may be a risk factor for EDS, especially in patients treated with pramipexole, which is directly excreted in the urine.

Clonal distribution of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus on handles of handheld shopping baskets in supermarkets

AIMS

Shopping carts and handheld shopping baskets in supermarkets are subject to accidental bacterial contamination through contacts with a variety of food. We investigated the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on the handles of handheld shopping baskets in four supermarkets distantly located in Osaka district, Japan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fifty two strains of Staph. aureus were isolated from 760 basket handles. Among these, six strains were positive for staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) production, representing 12% of total. This SEB producer ratio is considerably higher than among Staph. aureus isolated from nasal swabs of the supermarket workers (2%) and from independently collected clinical specimens (4%). These SEB-producing Staph. aureus strains from the basket handles are clonal and belong to ST12. Coagulase typing showed that they are in group VII, which is the most common cause of food poisoning in Japan. Biofilm assays indicated that SEB gene (seb)-positive strains including this clone produced a significantly higher amount of biofilm than seb-negative strains.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequent isolation of seb-positive Staph. aureus on shopping basket handles raises the possibility that they could be a hidden reservoir for Staph. aureus with a potential to cause food poisoning and draws attention to the importance of shopping basket sanitation.

Staphylococcus epidermidis Esp inhibits Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and nasal colonization

Commensal bacteria are known to inhibit pathogen colonization; however, complex host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions have made it difficult to gain a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of colonization. Here we show that the serine protease Esp secreted by a subset of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a commensal bacterium, inhibits biofilm formation and nasal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, a human pathogen. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the presence of Esp-secreting S. epidermidis in the nasal cavities of human volunteers correlates with the absence of S. aureus. Purified Esp inhibits biofilm formation and destroys pre-existing S. aureus biofilms. Furthermore, Esp enhances the susceptibility of S. aureus in biofilms to immune system components. In vivo studies have shown that Esp-secreting S. epidermidis eliminates S. aureus nasal colonization. These findings indicate that Esp hinders S. aureus colonization in vivo through a novel mechanism of bacterial interference, which could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to prevent S. aureus colonization and infection.