bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Endogenous Retrovirus HERV-K14 Families: Status, Variants, Evolution, and Mobilization of Other Cellular Sequences
Authors: Flockerzi Aline , Burkhardt Stefan , Schempp Werner , Meese Eckart , Mayer Jens
Published: February 2005

The human genome harbors many distinct families of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that stem from exogenous retroviruses that infected the germ line millions of years ago. Many HERV families remain to be investigated. We report in the present study the detailed characterization of the HERV-K14I and HERV-K14CI families as they are represented in the human genome. Most of the 68 HERV-K14I and 23 HERV-K14CI proviruses are severely mutated, frequently displaying uniform deletions of retroviral genes and long terminal repeats (LTRs). Both HERV families entered the germ line ∼39 million years ago, as evidenced by homologous sequences in hominoids and Old World primates and calculation of evolutionary ages based on a molecular clock. Proviruses of both families were formed during a brief period. A majority of HERV-K14CI proviruses on the Y chromosome mimic a higher evolutionary age, showing that LTR-LTR divergence data can indicate false ages. Fully translatable consensus sequences encoding major retroviral proteins were generated. Most HERV-K14I loci lack anenvgene and are structurally reminiscent of LTR retrotransposons. A minority of HERV-K14I variants display anenvgene. HERV-K14I proviruses are associated with three distinct LTR families, while HERV-K14CI is associated with a single LTR family. Hybrid proviruses consisting of HERV-K14I and HERV-W sequences that appear to have produced provirus progeny in the genome were detected. Several HERV-K14I proviruses harbor TRPC6 mRNA portions, exemplifying mobilization of cellular transcripts by HERVs. Our analysis contributes essential information on two more HERV families and on the biology of HERV sequences in general.
Growth of Hepatitis A Virus in a Mouse Liver Cell Line
Authors: Feigelstock Dino A. , Thompson Peter , Kaplan Gerardo G.
Published: February 2005

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been adapted to grow efficiently in primate and some nonprimate cell lines but not in cells of murine origin. To understand the inability of the virus to grow in mouse cells, we studied the replication of HAV in immortalized and nontransformed MMH-D3 mouse liver cells, which require growth factors and collagen to maintain their phenotype. HAV grew in MMH-D3 cells transfected with virion RNA but not in those infected with viral particles, indicating a cell entry block for HAV. However, MMH-D3 cells cultured under suboptimal conditions in the absence of growth factors acquired susceptibility to HAV infection. Serial passages of the virus in MMH-D3 cells under suboptimal growth conditions resulted in the selection of HAV variants that grew efficiently in MMH-D3 cells cultured under both optimal and suboptimal conditions. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the MMH-D3 cell-adapted HAV revealed that N1237D and D2132G substitutions were present in the capsid regions of six viral clones. These two mutations are most likely located on the surface of the virion and may play a role in the entry of HAV into the mouse liver cells. Our results demonstrate that mouse hepatocyte-like cells code for all factors required for the efficient growth of HAV in cell culture.
Lactoferrin Prevents Dendritic Cell-Mediated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission by Blocking the DC-SIGN—gp120 Interaction
Authors: Groot Fedde , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Sanders Rogier W. , Baldwin Christopher E. , Sanchez-Hernandez Marta , Floris René , van Kooyk Yvette , de Jong Esther C. , Berkhout Ben
Published: February 2005

One of the cell types first encountered by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) following sexual transmission are dendritic cells (DC). DC capture HIV-1 through C-type lectin receptors, of which the best studied example is DC-SIGN, which mediates HIV-1 internalization. DC can keep the virus infectious for several days and are able to transmit HIV-1 to CD4
+
T cells. We tested proteins from milk and serum for their ability to block DC-mediated HIV-1 transmission, of which bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is the most potent inhibitor. bLF binds strongly to DC-SIGN, thus preventing virus capture and subsequent transmission. Interestingly, bLF is a much more efficient inhibitor of transmission than human lactoferrin. Since bLF is nontoxic and easy to purify in large quantities, it is an interesting candidate microbicide against HIV-1. Another advantage of bLF is its ability to block HIV-1 replication in T cells. DC-mediated capture of a bLF-resistant HIV-1 variant that was selected during long-term culturing in T cells could still be blocked by bLF. This underscores the usefulness of bLF as a microbicide drug to prevent HIV-1 transmission.
Identification and Genomic Characterization of a New Virus (
Tymoviridae
Family) Associated with Citrus Sudden Death Disease
Authors: Maccheroni Walter , Alegria Marcos C. , Greggio Christian C. , Piazza João Paulo , Kamla Rachel F. , Zacharias Paula R. A. , Bar-Joseph Moshe , Kitajima Elliot W. , Assumpção Laura C. , Camarotte Giovana , Cardozo Jussara , Casagrande Elaine C. , Ferrari Fernanda , Franco Sulamita F. , Giachetto Poliana F. , Girasol Alessandra , Jordão Hamilton , Silva Vitor H. A. , Souza Leonardo C. A. , Aguilar-Vildoso Carlos I. , Zanca Almir S. , Arruda Paulo , Kitajima João Paulo , Reinach Fernando C. , Ferro Jesus A. , da Silva Ana C. R.
Published: February 2005

Citrus sudden death (CSD) is a new disease that has killed approximately 1 million orange trees in Brazil. Here we report the identification of a new virus associated with the disease. RNAs isolated from CSD-affected and nonaffected trees were used to construct cDNA libraries. A set of viral sequences present exclusively in libraries of CSD-affected trees was used to obtain the complete genome sequence of the new virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this virus is a new member of the genus
Marafivirus
. Antibodies raised against the putative viral coat proteins allowed detection of viral antigens of expected sizes in affected plants. Electron microscopy of purified virus confirmed the presence of typical isometric
Marafivirus
particles. The screening of 773 affected and nonaffected citrus trees for the presence of the virus showed a 99.7% correlation between disease symptoms and the presence of the virus. We also detected the virus in aphids feeding on affected trees. These results suggest that this virus is likely to be the causative agent of CSD. The virus was named
Citrus sudden death-associated virus
.
Processing and Presentation of Exogenous HLA Class I Peptides by Dendritic Cells from Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Persons
Authors: Huang Xiao-Li , Fan Zheng , Colleton Bonnie A. , Buchli Rico , Li Hongyi , Hildebrand William H. , Rinaldo Charles R.
Published: February 2005

Dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with viral peptides are a potential form of immunotherapy of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. We show that DCs derived from blood monocytes of subjects with chronic HIV-1 infection on combination antiretroviral drug therapy have increases in expression of HLA, T-cell coreceptor, and T-cell activation molecules in response to the DC maturation factor CD40L comparable to those from uninfected persons. Mature DCs (mDCs) loaded with HLA A*0201-restricted viral peptides of the optimal length (9-mer) were more efficient at activating antiviral CD8+T cells than were immature DCs or peptide alone. Optimal presentation of these exogenous peptides required uptake and vesicular trafficking and was comparable in DCs derived from HIV-1-infected and uninfected persons. Furthermore, DCs from HIV-1-infected and uninfected persons had similar capacities to process viral peptides with C-terminal and N-terminal extensions through their proteasomal and cytosolic pathways, respectively. We conclude that DCs derived from HIV-1-infected persons have similar abilities to process exogenous peptides for presentation to CD8+T cells as those from uninfected persons. This conclusion supports the use of DCs loaded with synthetic peptides in immunotherapy of HIV-1 infection.
Anatomical and Cellular Requirements for the Activation and Migration of Virus-Specific CD8+T Cells to the Brain during Theiler's Virus Infection
Authors: Mendez-Fernandez Yanice V. , Hansen Michael J. , Rodriguez Moses , Pease Larry R.
Published: February 2005

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection of the brain induces a virus-specific CD8+T-cell response in genetically resistant mice. The peak of the immune response to the virus occurs 7 days after infection, with an immunodominant CD8+T-cell response against a VP2-derived capsid peptide in the context of the Dbmolecule. The process of activation of antigen-specific T cells that migrate to the brain in the TMEV model has not been defined. The site of antigenic challenge in the TMEV model is directly into the brain parenchyma, a site that is considered immune privileged. We investigated the hypothesis that antiviral CD8+T-cell responses are initiated in situ upon intracranial inoculation with TMEV. To determine whether a brain parenchymal antigen-presenting cell is responsible for the activation of virus-specific CD8+T cells, we evaluated the CD8+T-cell response to the VP2 peptide in bone marrow chimeras and mutant mice lacking peripheral lymphoid organs. The generation of the anti-TMEV CD8+T-cell response in the brain requires priming by a bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cell and the presence of peripheral lymphoid organs. Although our results show that activation of TMEV-specific CD8+T cells occurs in the peripheral lymphoid compartment, they do not exclude the possibility that the immune response to TMEV is initiated by a brain-resident, bone marrow-derived, antigen-presenting cell.
Quasispecies Heterogeneity within the E1/E2 Region as a Pretreatment Variable during Pegylated Interferon Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Chambers Thomas J. , Fan Xiaofeng , Droll Deborah A. , Hembrador Edgardo , Slater Tiffany , Nickells Michael W. , Dustin Lynn B. , DiBisceglie Adrian M.
Published: February 2005

A series of 29 patients undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection with pegylated alpha-2a interferon plus ribavirin were studied for patterns of response to antiviral therapy and viral quasispecies evolution. All patients were treatment naive and had chronic inflammation and fibrosis on biopsy. As part of an analysis of pretreatment variables that might affect the outcome of treatment, genetic heterogeneity within the viral E1-E2 glycoprotein region (nucleotides 851 to 2280) was assessed by sequencing 10 to 15 quasispecies clones per patient from serum-derived PCR products. Genetic parameters were examined with respect to response to therapy based on serum viral RNA loads at 12 weeks (early viral response) and at 24 weeks posttreatment (sustained viral response). Nucleotide and amino acid quasispecies complexities of the hypervariable region 1 (HVR-1) were less in the responder group in comparison to the nonresponder group at 12 weeks, and genetic diversity was also less both within and outside of the HVR-1, with the difference being most pronounced for the non-HVR-1 region of E2. However, these genetic parameters did not distinguish responders from nonresponders for sustained viral responses. Follow-up studies of genetic heterogeneity based on the HVR-1 in selected responders and nonresponders while on therapy revealed greater evolutionary drift in the responder subgroup. The pretreatment population sequences for the NS5A interferon sensitivity determinant region were also analyzed for all patients, but no correlations were found between treatment response and any distinct genetic markers. These findings support previous studies indicating a high level of genetic heterogeneity among chronically infected HCV patients. One interpretation of these data is that early viral responses are governed to some extent by viral factors, whereas sustained responses may be more influenced by host factors, in addition to effects of viral complexity and diversity.
Recombinant Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain A59 from Cloned, Full-Length cDNA Replicates to High Titers In Vitro and Is Fully Pathogenic In Vivo
Authors: Coley Scott E. , Lavi Ehud , Sawicki Stanley G. , Fu Li , Schelle Barbara , Karl Nadja , Siddell Stuart G. , Thiel Volker
Published: February 2005

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is the prototype of group II coronaviruses and one of the most extensively studied coronaviruses. Here, we describe a reverse genetic system for MHV (strain A59) based upon the cloning of a full-length genomic cDNA in vaccinia virus. We show that the recombinant virus generated from cloned cDNA replicates to the same titers as the parental virus in cell culture (∼10
9
PFU/ml), has the same plaque morphology, and produces the same amounts and proportions of genomic and subgenomic mRNAs in virus-infected cells. In a mouse model of neurological infection, the recombinant and parental viruses are equally virulent, they replicate to the same titers in brain and liver, and they induce similar patterns of acute hepatitis, acute meningoencephalitis, and chronic demyelination. We also describe improvements in the use of the coronavirus reverse genetic system based on vaccinia virus cloning vectors. These modifications facilitate (i) the mutagenesis of cloned cDNA by using vaccinia virus-mediated homologous recombination and (ii) the rescue of recombinant coronaviruses by using a stable nucleocapsid protein-expressing cell line for the electroporation of infectious full-length genomes. Thus, our system represents a versatile and universal tool to study all aspects of MHV molecular biology and pathogenesis. We expect this system to provide valuable insights into the replication of group II coronaviruses that may lead to the development of novel strategies against coronavirus infections, including the related severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
The Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen of Rhesus Monkey Rhadinovirus Inhibits Viral Replication through Repression of Orf50/Rta Transcriptional Activation
Authors: DeWire Scott M. , Damania Blossom
Published: February 2005

Rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV) is a gamma-2-herpesvirus that is closely related to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus-8. We have previously reported that the transcript for RRV latency-associated nuclear antigen (R-LANA) is expressed during lytic replication in rhesus fibroblasts. In this article, we report the development of a latent culture system for RRV and show that mRNA specific for R-LANA is expressed during latency as well. We have characterized the R-LANA protein and demonstrate that it exhibits a nuclear speckled localization and possesses the ability to homodimerize. When expressed in rhesus fibroblasts, R-LANA can inhibit RRV lytic replication in vitro. We have investigated the mechanism behind this inhibition and find that, while R-LANA itself has very little effect on lytic promoters, it can dramatically decrease the transactivation function of RRV Orf50 (Rta), which is the major viral transcription factor. We further show that the mechanism for this repression involves the recruitment of histone deacetylase complexes (HDACs), because R-LANA's ability to repress Orf50 transactivation is completely reversed by the addition of the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). We also report that TSA alone can significantly reactivate RRV from latently infected cells. We propose that the repressive effects of R-LANA on RRV Orf50 transactivation serve to downregulate the transcription of early genes at late times during the lytic cycle and also help to maintain viral latency by preventing viral reactivation.
Species-Specific Variation in the B30.2(SPRY) Domain of TRIM5α Determines the Potency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Restriction
Authors: Stremlau Matthew , Perron Michel , Welikala Sohanya , Sodroski Joseph
Published: February 2005

Retroviruses encounter dominant postentry restrictions in cells of particular species. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is blocked in the cells of Old World monkeys by TRIM5α, a tripartite motif (TRIM) protein composed of RING, B-box 2, coiled-coil, and B30.2(SPRY) domains. Rhesus monkey TRIM5α (TRIM5α
rh
) more potently blocks HIV-1 infection than human TRIM5α (TRIM5α
hu
). Here, by studying chimeric TRIM5α proteins, we demonstrate that the major determinant of anti-HIV-1 potency is the B30.2(SPRY) domain. Analysis of species-specific variation in TRIM5α has identified three variable regions (v1, v2, and v3) within the B30.2 domain. The TRIM5α proteins of Old World primates exhibit expansion, duplication, and residue variation specifically in the v1 region. Replacement of three amino acids in the N terminus of the TRIM5α
hu
B30.2 v1 region with the corresponding TRIM5α
rh
residues resulted in a TRIM5α molecule that restricted HIV-1 nearly as efficiently as wild-type TRIM5α
rh
. Surprisingly, a single-amino-acid change in this region of TRIM5α
hu
allowed potent restriction of simian immunodeficiency virus, a phenotype not observed for either wild-type TRIM5α
hu
or TRIM5α
rh
. Some of the chimeric TRIM5α proteins that are >98% identical to the human protein yet mediate a strong restriction of HIV-1 infection may have therapeutic utility. These observations implicate the v1 variable region of the B30.2(SPRY) domain in TRIM5α
rh
antiviral potency.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 3-Independent Double-Stranded RNA-Induced Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Replicons in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells
Authors: Ali Samir , Kukolj George
Published: February 2005

The treatment of human embryonic kidney 293 cells harboring a hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicon with the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimic poly(I · C) inhibits HCV RNA replication through an undefined mechanism. Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF 3) has been widely postulated to mediate various antiviral responses, and its role in mediating the response to dsRNA in 293 cells was examined. Treating the cells with dsRNA did not induce IRF-3 activation, as measured by nuclear localization or the induction of reporter genes. Moreover, the expression of a dominant negative form of IRF-3 did not affect either colony formation upon transfection of subgenomic replicon RNA or the inhibition of the HCV replicon by dsRNA. Our results suggest that the inhibition of HCV RNA replication by poly(I · C) in 293 cells is independent of IRF-3 activation.
Alternative tRNA Priming of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcription Explains Sequence Variation in the Primer-Binding Site That Has Been Attributed to APOBEC3G Activity
Authors: Das Atze T. , Vink Monique , Berkhout Ben
Published: February 2005

It is generally assumed that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) uses exclusively the cellular

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molecule as a primer for reverse transcription. We demonstrate that HIV-1 uses not only

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but also an alternative tRNA primer. This tRNA was termed

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, and the near completion of the human genome project has allowed the identification of four

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encoding genes. Priming with

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results in a single nucleotide polymorphism in the viral primer-binding site that is present in multiple natural and laboratory HIV isolates. This sequence variation was recently attributed to APOBEC3G activity. However, our results show that alternative tRNA priming can cause this mutation in the absence of APOBEC3G.
Interleukin 7 Increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 LAI-Mediated Fas-Induced T-Cell Death
Authors: Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Petit Frédéric , Arnoult Damien , Ameisen Jean-Claude , Estaquier Jérôme
Published: February 2005

Fas-mediated T-cell death is known to occur during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In this study, we found that HIV type 1 LAI (HIV-1LAI) primes CD8+T cells from healthy donors for apoptosis, which occurs after Fas ligation. This effect is counteracted by a broad caspase inhibitor (zVAD-fmk). Fas-mediated cell death does not depend on CD8+T-cell infection, because it occurred in the presence of reverse transcriptase inhibitors. However, purified CD8+T cells are sensitive to Fas only in the presence of soluble CD4. Finally, we found that interleukin 7 (IL-7) increases Fas-mediated CD4+and CD8+T-cell death induced by HIV-1LAI. Since high levels of IL-7 are a marker of poor prognosis during HIV infection, our data suggest that enhancement of Fas-mediated T-cell death by HIV-1LAIand IL-7 is one of the mechanisms involved in progression to AIDS.
Entry of Pseudorabies Virus: an Immunogold-Labeling Study
Authors: Granzow Harald , Klupp Barbara G. , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: February 2005

Herpesviruses infect cells by fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes, primarily the plasma membrane. During this process structural components of the mature virion are lost from the invading nucleocapsid, which then travels along microtubules to the nuclear pore. We examined the penetration process by immunoelectron microscopy and analyzed which of the major tegument proteins remained associated with the incoming capsid. We show that the UL36, UL37, and US3 proteins were present at intracytoplasmic capsids after penetration, whereas the UL11, UL47, UL48, and UL49 tegument proteins were lost. Thus, the three capsid-associated tegument proteins are prime candidates for viral proteins that interact with cellular motor proteins for transport of nucleocapsids to the nucleus.
The Coiled-Coil Domain of the Adenovirus Type 5 Protein IX Is Dispensable for Capsid Incorporation and Thermostability
Authors: Vellinga Jort , van den Wollenberg Diana J. M. , van der Heijdt Stephanie , Rabelink Martijn J. W. E. , Hoeben Rob C.
Published: February 2005

The 14.4-kDa hexon-associated protein IX (pIX) acts as a cement in the capsids of primate adenoviruses and confers a thermostable phenotype. Here we show that deletion of amino acids 100 to 114 of adenovirus type 5 pIX, which eliminates the conserved coiled-coil domain, impairs its capacity to self-associate. However, pIXΔ100-114 is efficiently incorporated into the viral capsid, and the resulting virions are thermostable. Deletion of the central alanine-rich domain, as in pIXΔ60-72, does not impair self-association, incorporation into the capsid, or the thermostable phenotype. These data demonstrate, first, that the self-association of pIX is dispensable for its incorporation into the capsid and generation of the thermostability phenotype and, second, that the increased thermostability results from pIX monomers binding to different hexon capsomers rather than capsid stabilization by pIX multimers.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8 RTA Reactivates Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 from Latency
Authors: Rickabaugh Tammy M. , Brown Helen J. , Wu Ting-Ting , Song Moon Jung , Hwang Seungmin , Deng Hongyu , Mitsouras Katherine , Sun Ren
Published: February 2005

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are all members of the gammaherpesvirus family, characterized by their ability to establish latency in lymphocytes. The RTA protein, conserved in all gammaherpesviruses, is known to play a critical role in reactivation from latency. Here we report that HHV-8 RTA, not EBV RTA, was able to induce MHV-68 lytic viral proteins and DNA replication and processing and produce viable MHV-68 virions from latently infected cells at levels similar to those for MHV-68 RTA. HHV-8 RTA was also able to activate two MHV-68 lytic promoters, whereas EBV RTA was not. In order to define the domains of RTA responsible for their functional differences in viral promoter activation and initiation of the MHV-68 lytic cycle, chimeric RTA proteins were constructed by exchanging the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of the RTA proteins. Our data suggest that the species specificity of MHV-68 RTA resides in the N-terminal DNA binding domain.
REGULATION OF LYMPHOID DEVELOPMENT, DIFFERENTIATION, AND FUNCTION BY THE NOTCH PATHWAY
Authors: Maillard Ivan , Fang Terry , Pear Warren S.
Published: February 2005

▪ Abstract  The Notch pathway is gaining increasing recognition as a key regulator of developmental choices, differentiation, and function throughout the hematolymphoid system. Notch controls the generation of hematopoietic stem cells during embryonic development and may affect their subsequent homeostasis. Commitment to the T cell lineage and subsequent stages of early thymopoiesis is critically regulated by Notch. Recent data indicate that Notch can also direct the differentiation and activity of peripheral T and B cells. Thus, the full spectrum of Notch effects is just beginning to be understood. In this review, we discuss this explosion of knowledge as well as current controversies and challenges in the field.
MACROPHAGE RECEPTORS AND IMMUNE RECOGNITION
Authors: Taylor P.R. , Martinez-Pomares L. , Stacey M. , Lin H-H. , Brown G.D. , Gordon S.
Published: February 2005

▪ Abstract  Macrophages express a broad range of plasma membrane receptors that mediate their interactions with natural and altered-self components of the host as well as a range of microorganisms. Recognition is followed by surface changes, uptake, signaling, and altered gene expression, contributing to homeostasis, host defense, innate effector mechanisms, and the induction of acquired immunity. This review covers recent studies of selected families of structurally defined molecules, studies that have improved understanding of ligand discrimination in the absence of opsonins and differential responses by macrophages and related myeloid cells.
Chronic ethanol feeding and folate deficiency activate hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in micropigs
Authors: Esfandiari Farah , Villanueva Jesus A. , Wong Donna H. , French Samuel W. , Halsted Charles H.
Published: February 2005

Previously, we showed that feeding micropigs ethanol with a folate-deficient diet promoted the development of hepatic injury while increasing hepatic levels of homocysteine and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and reducing the level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and the SAM-to-SAH ratio. Our present goals were to evaluate mechanisms for hepatic injury using liver specimens from the same micropigs. The effects of ethanol feeding or folate-deficient diets, singly or in combination, on cytochrome P-450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and signal pathways for apoptosis and steatosis were analyzed using microarray, real-time PCR, and immunoblotting techniques. Apoptosis was increased maximally by the combination of ethanol feeding and folate deficiency and was correlated positively to liver homocysteine and SAH. Liver CYP2E1 and the endoplasmic reticulum stress signals glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), caspase 12, and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) were each activated in pigs fed folate-deficient or ethanol diets singly or in combination. Liver mRNA levels of CYP2E1, GRP78, and SREBP-1c, and protein levels of CYP2E1, GRP78, nuclear SREBP, and activated caspase 12 each correlated positively to liver levels of SAH and/or homocysteine and negatively to the SAM-to-SAH ratio. The transcripts of the lipogenic enzymes fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase were elevated in the ethanol-fed groups, and each was positively correlated to liver homocysteine levels. The induction of abnormal hepatic methionine metabolism through the combination of ethanol feeding with folate deficiency is associated with the activation of CYP2E1 and enhances endoplasmic reticulum stress signals that promote steatosis and apoptosis.
Impaired flow-induced dilation in mesenteric resistance arteries from receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase-μ-deficient mice
Authors: Koop Elianne A. , Gebbink Martijn F. B. G. , Sweeney Terrence E. , Mathy Marie-Jeanne , Heijnen Harry F. G. , Spaan Jos A. E. , Voest Emile E. , VanBavel Ed , Peters Stephan L. M.
Published: February 2005

The transmembrane receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase-μ (RPTPμ) is thought to play an important role in cell-cell adhesion-mediated processes. We recently showed that RPTPμ is predominantly expressed in the endothelium of arteries and not in veins. Its involvement in the regulation of endothelial adherens junctions and its specific arterial expression suggest that RPTPμ plays a role in controlling arterial endothelial cell function and vascular tone. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed myogenic responsiveness, flow-induced dilation, and functional integrity of mesenteric resistance arteries from RPTPμ-deficient (RPTPμ−/−) mice and from wild-type littermates. Here, we show that cannulated mesenteric arteries from RPTPμ−/−mice display significantly decreased flow-induced dilation. In contrast, mechanical properties, myogenic responsiveness, responsiveness to the vasoconstrictors phenylephrine or U-46619, and responsiveness to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators methacholine or bradykinin were similar in both groups. Our results imply that RPTPμ is involved in the mechanotransduction or accessory signaling pathways that control shear stress responses in mesenteric resistance arteries.
Cytokines and vascular reactivity in resistance arteries
Authors: Vila Elisabet , Salaices Mercedes
Published: February 2005

Cytokine levels are elevated in many cardiovascular diseases and seem to be implicated in the associated disturbances in vascular reactivity reported in these diseases. Arterial blood pressure is maintained within a normal range by changes in peripheral resistance and cardiac output. Peripheral resistance is mainly determined by small resistance arteries and arterioles. This review focuses on the effects of cytokines, mainly TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, on the reactivity of resistance arteries. The vascular effects of cytokines depend on the balance between the vasoactive mediators released under their influence in the different vascular beds. Cytokines may induce a vasodilatation and hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of septic shock. Cytokines may also induce vasoconstriction or increase the response to vasoconstrictor agents and impair endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. These effects may help predispose to vessel spasm, thrombosis, and atherogenesis and reinforce the link between inflammation and vascular disease.
Toward functional genomics of flow-induced outward remodeling of resistance arteries
Authors: De Mey Jo G. R. , Schiffers Paul M. , Hilgers Rob H. P. , Sanders Marijke M. W.
Published: February 2005

In resistance-sized arteries, a chronic increase in blood flow leads to increases in arterial structural luminal diameter and arterial wall mass. In this review, we summarize recent evidence that outward remodeling of resistance arteries 1) can help maintain and restore tissue perfusion, 2) is not intimately related to flow-induced vasodilatation, 3) involves transient dedifferentiation and turnover of arterial smooth muscle cells, and 4) is preceded by increased expression of matricellular proteins, which have been shown to promote disassembly of focal adhesion sites. Studies of experimental and physiological resistance artery remodeling involving differential gene expression analyses and the use of knockout and transgenic mouse models can help unravel the mechanisms of outward remodeling.
Shed membrane microparticles from circulating and vascular cells in regulating vascular function
Authors: Martínez M. Carmen , Tesse Angela , Zobairi Fatiha , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: February 2005

Inflammation has a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerosis and acute activation of the vascular wall with consecutive local thrombosis and altered vasomotion. This process is orchestrated by the interactions between inflammatory cells, such as platelets and T and B lymphocytes, and vascular cells, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. When they are activated by an agonist, shear stress, or apoptosis, these cells release vesicles shed from the blebbing plasma membrane called microparticles. Microparticles harbor cell surface proteins and contain cytoplasmic components of the original cell. They exhibit negatively charged phospholipids, chiefly phosphatidylserine, at their surface, which accounts for their procoagulant character and proinflammatory properties, including alteration of vascular function. Elevated levels of circulating microparticles have been detected in pathological states associated with vascular dysfunction, including attenuation of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and/or alteration of responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle to vasoconstrictor stimuli in conductance and resistance arteries. This review points out the characteristics of microparticles as well as the biological messages they can mediate. In particular, it summarizes the signaling cascades involved in microparticle-induced vascular dysfunction with special attention to the cellular origin of these vesicles (platelet, endothelial, and leukocytic), which may explain their differential consequences on vascular remodeling. The available information provides a rationale for the paracrine role of microparticles as vectors of transcellular exchange of message between circulating cells and cells from the vascular wall.
Contraction-induced increases in Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA levels in human skeletal muscle are not amplified by activation of additional muscle mass
Authors: Nordsborg Nikolai , Thomassen Martin , Lundby Carsten , Pilegaard Henriette , Bangsbo Jens
Published: February 2005

The present study tested the hypothesis that exercise with a large compared with a small active muscle mass results in a higher contraction-induced increase in Na+-K+-ATPase mRNA expression due to greater hormonal responses. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Na+-K+-ATPase subunit α1, α2, α3, α4, β1, β2, and β3mRNA in human skeletal muscle was investigated. On two occasions, eight subjects performed one-legged knee extension exercise (L) or combined one-legged knee extension and bilateral arm cranking (AL) for 5.00, 4.25, 3.50, 2.75, and 2.00 min separated by 3 min of rest. Leg exercise power output was the same in AL and L, but heart rate at the end of each exercise interval was higher in AL compared with L. One minute after exercise, arm venous blood lactate was higher in AL than in L. A higher level of blood epinephrine and norepinephrine was evident 3 min after exercise in AL compared with L. Nevertheless, none of the exercise-induced increases in α1, α2, β1, and β3mRNA expression levels were higher in AL compared with L. The most abundant Na+-K+-ATPase subunit at the mRNA level was β1, which was expressed 3.4 times than α2. Expression of α1, β2, and β3was less than 5% of the α2expression, and no reliable detection of α3and α4was possible. In conclusion, activation of additional muscle mass does not result in a higher exercise-induced increase in Na+-K+-ATPase subunit-specific mRNA.
Glutamine-dependent inhibition of pial arteriolar dilation to acetylcholine with and without hyperammonemia in the rat
Authors: Kawaguchi Tetsu , Brusilow Saul W. , Traystman Richard J. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: February 2005

Glutamine has been shown to influence endothelial-dependent relaxation and nitric oxide production in vitro, possibly by limiting arginine availability, but its effects in vivo have not been well studied. Hyperammonemia is a pathophysiological condition in which glutamine is elevated and contributes to depressed CO2 reactivity of cerebral arterioles. We tested the hypothesis that acute hyperammonemia decreases pial arteriolar dilation to acetylcholine in vivo and that this decrease could be prevented by inhibiting glutamine synthetase with l-methionine- S-sulfoximine (MSO) or by intravenous infusion of l-arginine. Pial arteriolar diameter responses to topical superfusion of acetylcholine were measured in anesthetized rats before and at 6 h of infusion of either sodium or ammonium acetate. Ammonium acetate infusion increased plasma ammonia concentration from ∼30 to ∼600 μM and increased cerebral glutamine concentration fourfold. Arteriolar dilation to acetylcholine was intact after infusion of sodium acetate in groups pretreated with vehicle or with MSO plus methionine, which was coadministered to prevent MSO-induced seizures. In contrast, dilation in response to acetylcholine was completely blocked in hyperammonemic groups pretreated with vehicle or methionine alone. However, MSO plus methionine administration before hyperammonemia, which maintained cerebral glutamine concentration at control values, preserved acetylcholine dilation. Intravenous infusion of l-arginine during the last 2 h of the ammonium acetate infusion partially restored dilation to acetylcholine without reducing cerebral glutamine accumulation. Superfusion of 1 or 2 mM l-glutamine through the cranial window for 1 h in the absence of hyperammonemia attenuated acetylcholine dilation but had no effect on endothelial-independent dilation to nitroprusside. We conclude that 1) hyperammonemia reduces acetylcholine-evoked dilation in cerebral arterioles, 2) this reduction depends on increased glutamine rather than ammonium ions, and 3) increasing arginine partially overcomes the inhibitory effect of glutamine.
Role of NPY and its receptor subtypes in foraging, food hoarding, and food intake by Siberian hamsters
Authors: Day Diane E. , Keen-Rhinehart Erin , Bartness Timothy J.
Published: February 2005

Fasting has widespread physiological and behavioral effects such as increases in arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression in rodents, including Siberian hamsters. Fasting also stimulates foraging and food hoarding (appetitive ingestive behaviors) by Siberian hamsters but does relatively little to change food intake (consummatory ingestive behavior). Therefore, we tested the effects of third ventricular NPY Y1 ([Pro34]NPY) or Y5 ([d-Trp34]NPY) receptor agonists on these ingestive behaviors using a wheel running-based food delivery system coupled with simulated burrow housing. Siberian hamsters had 1) no running wheel access and free food, 2) running wheel access and free food, or 3) foraging requirements (10 or 50 revolutions/pellet). NPY (1.76 nmol) stimulated food intake only during the first 4 h postinjection (∼200–1,000%) and mostly in hamsters with a foraging requirement. The Y1 receptor agonist markedly increased food hoarding (250–1,000%), increased foraging as well as wheel running per se, and had relatively little effect on food intake (<250%). Unlike NPY, the Y5 agonist significantly increased food intake, especially in foraging animals (∼225–800%), marginally increased food hoarding (250–500%), and stimulated foraging and wheel running 4–24 h postinjection, with the distribution of earned pellets favoring eating versus hoarding across time. Across treatments, food hoarding predominated early postinjection, whereas food intake tended to do so later. Collectively, NPY stimulated both appetitive and consummatory ingestive behaviors in Siberian hamsters involving Y1/Y5 receptors, with food hoarding and foraging/wheel running (appetitive) more involved with Y1 receptors and food intake (consummatory) with Y5 receptors.
PPARGC1Agenotype (Gly482Ser) predicts exceptional endurance capacity in European men
Authors: Lucia Alejandro , Gómez-Gallego Félix , Barroso Inês , Rabadán Manuel , Bandrés Fernando , San Juan Alejandro F. , Chicharro José L. , Ekelund Ulf , Brage Soren , Earnest Conrad P. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Franks Paul W.
Published: February 2005

Animal and human data indicate a role for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α ( PPARGC1A) gene product in the development of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2 max), a determinant of endurance capacity, diabetes, and early death. We tested the hypothesis that the frequency of the minor Ser482 allele at the PPARGC1A locus is lower in World-class Spanish male endurance athletes (cases) [ n = 104; mean (SD) age: 26.8 (3.8) yr] than in unfit United Kingdom (UK) Caucasian male controls [ n = 100; mean (SD) age: 49.3 (8.1) yr]. In cases and controls, the Gly482Ser genotype met Hardy-Weinberg expectations ( P > 0.05 in both groups tested separately). Cases had significantly higher V̇o2 max[73.4 (5.7) vs. 29.4 ml·kg−1·min−1(3.8); P < 0.0001] and were leaner [body mass index: 20.6 (1.5) vs. 27.6 kg/m2(3.9); P < 0.0001] than controls. In unadjusted χ2analyses, the frequency of the minor Ser482 allele was significantly lower in cases than in controls (29.1 vs. 40.0%; P = 0.01). To assess the possibility that genetic stratification could confound these observations, we also compared Gly482Ser genotype frequencies in Spanish ( n = 164) and UK Caucasian men ( n = 381) who were unselected for their level of fitness. In these analyses, Ser482 allele frequencies were very similar (36.9% in Spanish vs. 37.5% in UK Caucasians, P = 0.83), suggesting that confounding by genetic stratification is unlikely to explain the association between Gly482Ser genotype and endurance capacity. In summary, our data indicate a role for the Gly482Ser genotype in determining aerobic fitness. This finding has relevance from the perspective of physical performance, but it may also be informative for the targeted prevention of diseases associated with low fitness such as Type 2 diabetes.
Exercise training prevents the inflammatory response to hypoxia in cremaster venules
Authors: Orth Teresa A. , Allen Julie A. , Wood John G. , Gonzalez Norberto C.
Published: February 2005

Systemic hypoxia produces microvascular inflammation in several tissues, including skeletal muscle. Exercise training (ET) has been shown to reduce the inflammatory component of several diseases. Alternatively, ET could influence hypoxia-induced inflammation by improving tissue oxygenation or increasing mechanical antiadhesive forces at the leukocyte-endothelial interface. The effect of 5 wk of treadmill ET on hypoxia-induced microvascular inflammation was studied in the cremaster microcirculation of rats using intravital microscopy. In untrained rats, hypoxia (arterial Po2= 32.3 ± 2.1 Torr) increased leukocyte-endothelial adherence from 2.3 ± 0.4 to 10.2 ± 0.3 leukocytes per 100 μm of venule ( P < 0.05) and was accompanied by extravasation of FITC-labeled albumin after 4 h of hypoxia (extra-/intravascular fluorescence intensity ratio = 0.50 ± 0.07). These responses were attenuated in ET (leukocyte adherence was 1.5 ± 0.4 during normoxia and 1.8 ± 0.7 leukocytes per 100 μm venule after 10 min of hypoxia; extra-/intravascular fluorescence intensity ratio = 0.11 ± 0.02; P < 0.05 vs. untrained) despite similar reductions of arterial (32.4 ± 1.8 Torr) and microvascular Po2(measured with an oxyphor-quenching method) in both groups. Shear rate decreased during hypoxia to similar extents in ET and untrained rats. In addition, circulating blood leukocyte count was similar in ET and untrained rats. The effects of ET on hypoxia-induced leukocyte-endothelial adherence remained up to 4 wk after discontinuing training. Thus ET attenuated hypoxia-induced inflammation despite similar effects of hypoxia on tissue Po2, venular shear rate, and circulating leukocyte count.
Effect of sustained hypobaric hypoxia during maturation and aging on rat myocardium. I. Mechanical activity
Authors: La Padula Pablo , Costa Lidia E.
Published: February 2005

Long-lasting cardioprotection may be attained by chronic hypoxia. The basal parameters of contractile function and their response to hypoxia/reoxygenation were measured under isometric conditions, in papillary muscles isolated from left ventricle of rats that were submitted to 53.8 kPa in a hypobaric chamber from 7 wk of age and for their lifetime and of their siblings kept at 101.3 kPa. During acclimatization, hematocrit increased, body weight gain decreased, and heart weight increased with right ventricle hypertrophy. Papillary muscle cross-sectional area was similar in both control and hypoxic groups up to 45 wk of exposure. Developed tension (DT) was 34–64% higher in rats exposed to hypoxia for 10, 26, and 45 wk than in their age-matched controls, whereas resting tension was unchanged. Maximal rates of contraction and relaxation showed a similar pattern of changes as DT. Recovery of DT and maximal rates of contraction and relaxation after 60-min hypoxia and 30-min reoxygenation was also improved in adult hypoxic rats to values similar to those of young rats. Heart acclimatization was lost after 74 wk of exposure. Results are consistent with the development of cardioprotection during high-altitude acclimatization and provide an experimental model to study the mechanisms involved, which are addressed in the accompanying paper.
Six sessions of sprint interval training increases muscle oxidative potential and cycle endurance capacity in humans
Authors: Burgomaster Kirsten A. , Hughes Scott C. , Heigenhauser George J. F. , Bradwell Suzanne N. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: February 2005

Parra et al. ( Acta Physiol. Scand 169: 157–165, 2000) showed that 2 wk of daily sprint interval training (SIT) increased citrate synthase (CS) maximal activity but did not change “anaerobic” work capacity, possibly because of chronic fatigue induced by daily training. The effect of fewer SIT sessions on muscle oxidative potential is unknown, and aside from changes in peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2 peak), no study has examined the effect of SIT on “aerobic” exercise capacity. We tested the hypothesis that six sessions of SIT, performed over 2 wk with 1–2 days rest between sessions to promote recovery, would increase CS maximal activity and endurance capacity during cycling at ∼80% V̇o2 peak. Eight recreationally active subjects [age = 22 ± 1 yr; V̇o2 peak = 45 ± 3 ml·kg−1·min−1 (mean ± SE)] were studied before and 3 days after SIT. Each training session consisted of four to seven “all-out” 30-s Wingate tests with 4 min of recovery. After SIT, CS maximal activity increased by 38% (5.5 ± 1.0 vs. 4.0 ± 0.7 mmol·kg protein−1·h−1) and resting muscle glycogen content increased by 26% (614 ± 39 vs. 489 ± 57 mmol/kg dry wt) (both P < 0.05). Most strikingly, cycle endurance capacity increased by 100% after SIT (51 ± 11 vs. 26 ± 5 min; P < 0.05), despite no change in V̇o2 peak. The coefficient of variation for the cycle test was 12.0%, and a control group ( n = 8) showed no change in performance when tested ∼2 wk apart without SIT. We conclude that short sprint interval training (∼15 min of intense exercise over 2 wk) increased muscle oxidative potential and doubled endurance capacity during intense aerobic cycling in recreationally active individuals.