bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Modified Diabetic Splenocytes on Mice Injected with Multiple Low-Dose Streptozotocin
Authors: Pastorale Claudia , Arata Mabel , Caminos Andrea , Bruno Lidia , Basabe Juan , Chemes HÉctor
Published: July 2017

This work reports the effects of a previous injection of mitomycin-modified splenocytes from multiple-low dose streptozotocin-treated mice (mld-sz) on autoimmune diabetes produced by mld-sz. Our work shows that a previous inoculation of modified mononuclear splenocytes from mld-sz mice prevents alterations in glycemia, in insulin secretion (IS) pattern from isolated perifused islets, and in mass of pancreatic islets. Immunohistochemistry showed an alteration in the number of beta, but not of alpha or delta cells. While a mononuclear intra-islet infiltration was observed in mld-sz mice, a predominantly polar or peri-islet infiltration was seen in vaccinated mice. Islet-associated mononuclear cells from mld-sz mice produced diabetes and induced a diminished IS when transferred to normal receptors. Those cells from previously vaccinated mld-sz mice had no effect when injected into normal receptors. In addition, they also inhibited the damage induced in normal receptors by the islet-associated mononuclear cells from mld-sz animals. Cellular death was also prevented by previous vaccination. Our results suggest that vaccination with modified splenocytes from mld-sz mice is capable of shifting the islet cells infiltration pattern from an aggressive one toward a protective one and thus preventing the ß cell destruction observed in mld-sz mice.
Longer Life Spans and Delayed Maturation in Wild-Derived Mice
Authors: Miller Richard A. , Harper James M. , Dysko Robert C. , Durkee Stephen J. , Austad Steven N.
Published: July 2017

Nearly all the experimental mice used in aging research are derived from lineages that have been selected for many generations for adaptation to laboratory breeding conditions and are subsequently inbred. To see if inbreeding and laboratory adaptation might have altered the frequencies of genes that influence life span, we have developed three lines of mice (Idaho [Id], Pohnpel [Po], and Majuro [Ma]) from wild-trapped progenitors, and have compared them with a genetically heterogeneous mouse stock (DC) representative of the laboratoryadapted gene pool. Mean life span of the Id stock exceeded that of the DC stock by 24% (P < 0.00002), and maximal life span, estimated as mean longevity of the longest-lived 10% of the mice, was also increased by 16% (P < 0.003). Mice of the Ma stock also had a significantly longer maximal longevity than DC mice (9%, P = 0.04). The longest-lived Id mouse died at the age of 1450 days, which appears to exceed the previous longevity record for fully fed, non-mutant mice. The life table of the Po mice resembled that of the DC controls. Ma and Id mice differ from DC mice in several respects: both are shorter and lighter, and females of both stocks, particularly Id, are much slower to reach sexual maturity. As young adults, Id mice have lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), leptin, and glycosylated hemoglobin compared with DC controls, implicating several biochemical pathways as potential longevity mediators. The results support the idea that inadvertent selection for rapid maturation and large body size during the adaptation of the common stocks of laboratory mice may have forced the loss of natural alleles that retard the aging process. Genes present in the Id and Ma stocks may be valuable tools for the analysis of the physiology and biochemistry of aging in mice.
Neuroprotective and Neurotrophic Efficacy of Phytoestrogens in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Zhao Lixia , Chen Qi , Brinton Roberta Diaz
Published: July 2017

Epidemiological data from retrospective and case-control studies have indicated that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) can decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In addition, ERT has been found to promote cellular correlates of memory and to promote neuronal survival both in vivo and in vitro. Phytoestrogens have been proposed as potential alternatives to ERT. To determine whether phytoestrogens exert estrogen agonist effect in neural tissue, investigations of neuroprotective and neurotrophic efficacy of phytoestrogens were conducted. Six phytoestrogens, genistein, genistin, daldzein, daidzin, formononetin, and equol, were tested for their neuroprotective efficacy against two toxic insults, glutamate excitotoxicity and β-amyloid25–35. Neuronal membrane damage was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and neuronal mitochondrial viability was determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazoi-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromld (MTT) assay. Results of these studies demonstrated that all phytoestrogens induced a modest but significant reduction in LDH release following exposure to glutamate and β-amyloid25–35. In contrast, none of phytoestrogens induced a significant increase in reduced MTT levels, which occurred in the presence of a full estrogen agonist, 17β-estradiol. Analysis of the neurotrophic potential of genistein and daidzein, two phytoestrogens that exerted a significant reduction in LDH release, demonstrated that neither of these molecules promoted hippocampal neuron process outgrowth. Results of these analyses indicate that although phytoestrogens exert a neuroprotective effect at the plasma membrane, they do not sustain neuron mitochondrial viability nor do they induce cellular correlates of memory as neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis are putative mechanisms of memory. Data derived from these investigations would predict that phytoestrogens could exert some neuroprotective effects analogous to that of antioxidants, but that these molecules are not functional equivalents to endogenously active 17β-estradiol or to estrogen replacement formulations and, therefore, would raise the concern that they may not reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease or sustain memory function in postmenopausal women.
Influence of Ischemic Preconditioning on Intracellular Sodium, pH, and Cellular Energy Status in Isolated Perfused Heart
Authors: Babsky Andriy , Hekmatyar Shahryar , Wehrli Suzanne , Doliba Nicolai , Osbakken Mary , Bansal Navin
Published: July 2017

The possible relationships between intracellular Na+ (Na1+), bioenergetic status and intracellular pH (pH1) in the mechanism for ischemic preconditioning were studied using 23Na and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy in isolated Langendorff perfused rat heart. The ischemic preconditioning (three 5-min ischemic episodes followed by two 5-min and one 10-min period of reperfusion) prior to prolonged ischemia (20 min stop-flow) resulted in a decrease in ischemic acidosis and faster and complete recovery of cardiac function (ventricular developed pressure and heart rate) after 30 min of reperfusion. The response of Na1 during ischemia in the preconditioned hearts was characterized by an increase in Na+1 at the end of preconditioning and an accelerated decrease during the first few minutes of reperfusion.

During post-ischemic reperfusion, bioenergetic parameters (PCr/P1 and βATP/P, ratios) were partly recovered without any significant difference between control and preconditioned hearts. The reduced acidosis during prolonged ischemia and the accelerated decrease in Na1+ during reperfusion in the preconditioned hearts suggest activation of Na+/H+ exchanger and other ion transport systems during preconditioning, which may protect the heart from intracellular acidosis during prolonged ischemia, and result in better recovery of mechanical function (LVDP and heart rate) during post-ischemic reperfusion.
Antibodies to β-Amyloid Decrease the Blood-to-Brain Transfer of β-Amyloid Peptide1
Authors: Pan Weihong , Solomon Beka , Maness Lawrence M. , Kastin Abba J.
Published: July 2017

Amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) play an important role in the pathophysiology of dementia of the Alzheimer's type and in amyloid angiopathy. Aβ outside the CNS could contribute to plaque formation in the brain where its entry would involve interactions with the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Effective antibodies to Aβ have been developed in an effort to vaccinate against Alzheimer's disease. These antibodies could interact with Aβ in the peripheral blood, block the passage of Aβ across the BBB, or prevent Aβ deposition within the CNS. To determine whether the blocking antibodies act at the BBB level, we examined the influx of radiolabeled Aβ (125I-Aβ1-40) into the brain after ex-vivo incubation with the antibodies. Antibody mAb3D6 (élan Company) reduced the blood-to-brain influx of Aβ after iv bolus injection. It also significantly decreased the accumulation of Aβ in brain parenchyma. To confirm the in-vivo study and examine the specificity of mAb3D6, in-situ brain perfusion in serum-free buffer was performed after incubation of 125I-Aβ1-40 with another antibody mAbmc1 (DAKO Company). The presence of mAbmc1 also caused significant reduction of the influx of Aβ into the brain after perfusion. Therefore, effective antibodies to Aβ can reduce the influx of Aβ1-40 into the brain.
Effect of Sildenafil on Renin Secretion in Human Subjects
Authors: Chiu Yeong Jen , Reid Ian A.
Published: July 2017

Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of the cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5) that is very effective in the treatment of male impotence. It inhibits breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) formed in penile smooth muscle cells in response to stimulation by nitric oxide resulting in muscle relaxation. PDES is widely distributed in the body, being present in the vasculature, platelets, and kidneys. In the kidney, PDE5 is involved in the regulation of sodium excretion and renin secretion. The aim of the present investigation was to investigate the effect of sildenafil, in doses used clinically, on renin secretion in human subjects. The studies were performed in two groups of healthy normotensive subjects: one in which sodium intake was unrestricted, and one in which sodium intake was restricted to 600 mg/day. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored throughout the study, and blood samples for the measurement of plasma cGMP and cAMP concentrations and plasma renin activity (PRA) were collected. After control measurements, the subjects ingested a capsule containing sildenafil or placebo. Cardiovascular measurements and blood sampling continued for the next 120 min. Sildenafil had only minor cardiovascular effects. Diastolic pressure tended to be lower and heart rate was generally higher after sildenafil than after placebo, but the differences were small. Sildenafil caused a prompt and sustained increase in plasma cGMP concentration and a more gradual increase in plasma cAMP concentration. After the subjects received placebo, there was a progressive decrease in PRA during the 2-hr observation period, presumably reflecting the circadian rhythm in renin secretion. In contrast, PRA failed to decrease after the subjects received sildenafil, thus indicating that sildenafil exerts a stimulatory action on renin secretion. This action on renin secretion may help explain why sildenafil only has minor effect on blood pressure despite the widespread distribution of PDE5 in vascular tissues.
Basolateral Phosphate Transport in Renal Proximal-Tubule-Like OK Cells1
Authors: Barac-Nieto M. , Alfred M. , Spitzer A.
Published: July 2017

It is generally assumed that phosphate (Pi) effluxes from proximal tubule cells by passive diffusion across the basolateral (BL) membrane. We explored the mechanism of BL PI efflux in proximal tubule-like OK cells grown on permeable filters and then loaded with 32P. BL efflux of 32P was significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) by exposing the BL side of the monolayer to 12.5 mM Pi, to 10 mM citrate, or by acid-loading the cells, and was inhibited by exposure to 0.05 mM Pi or 25 mM HCO3; by contrast, BL exposure to high (8.4) pH, 40 mM K+, 140 mM Na gluconate (replacing NaCl), 10 mM lactate, 10 mM succinate, or 10 mM glutamate did not affect BL 32P efflux. These data are consistent with BL PI efflux from proximal tubule-like cells occurring, in part, via an electro-neutral sodium-sensitive anion transporter capable of exchanging two moles of intracellular acidic H2PO4– for each mole of extracellular basic HP04– or for citrate.
Leptin and Exercise
Authors: Kraemer Robert R. , Chu Hongnan , Castracane V. Daniel
Published: July 2017

Short-term exercise (<60 min) studies suggest that leptin concentrations are not acutely affected in healthy males and females. Most reports of reductions in serum leptin may be attributed to circadian rhythms or hemoconcentration. For long-term (≥60 min) exercise, a reduction in leptin concentrations reported from 1 to 3 hr of running or cycling has been attributed to diurnal reduction in circulating leptin, independent of exercise. Exercise that produces a sufficient energy imbalance (kilocalorie intake versus kilocalorie expenditure) suppresses 24-hr mean and amplitude of the diurnal rhythm of leptin in women. Suppression of leptin concentrations may be counterbalanced by feeding and may explain consistent reports of reductions in leptin concentrations following extreme bouts of exercise such as marathons or ultramarathons. In addition, leptin concentrations are reduced 48 hr after long-term aerobic exercise and long-term resistance exercise is associated with delayed leptin reduction 9 hr postexercise. Training studies have documented that short-term exercise training (≤12 weeks) does not affect leptin levels, with the exception of patients with type 2 diabetes. Exercise training protocols that result in reduced fat mass will lower leptin concentrations, thus, most investigators have reported leptin concentrations after accounting for fat loss. There are disparate findings concerning long-term (>12 weeks) training studies, with a number of studies finding no effect of training on leptin concentrations other than effects induced by fat loss, and other studies finding reductions in leptin concentrations after accounting for fat loss. Exercise training-induced reductions in leptin levels have been attributed to alterations in energy balance, improvements in insulin sensitivity, alterations in lipid metabolism, and unknown factors. Hormone replacement does not seem to affect leptin adaptations to training. Patients with type 2 diabetes show delayed effects of short-term resistance exercise on leptin concentrations, reduced leptin levels with long-term training, and appear to be more sensitive to training-induced leptin adaptations than other populations.
Metabolic Syndrome in the Rat: Females are Protected Against the Pro-Oxidant Effect of a High Sucrose Diet
Authors: Busserolles Jérôme , Mazur Andrzej , Gueux Elyett , Rock Edmond , Rayssiguier Yves
Published: July 2017

Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in men than in women. In an experimental dietary model of metabolic syndrome, the high-fructose–fed rat, oxidative stress has been observed in males. Given that estradiol has been documented to exert an antioxidant effect, we investigated whether female rats were better protected than males against the adverse effects of a high-sucrose diet, and we studied the influence of hormonal status in female rats. Males and females were first fed a sucrose-based or starch-based diet for 2 weeks. In the males, the plasma triglyceride (TG)-raising effect of sucrose was accompanied by significantly lowered plasma α-tocopherol and a significantly lowered α-tocopherol/TG ratio (30%), suggesting that vitamin E depletion may predispose lipoproteins to subsequent oxidative stress. In males, after exposure of heart tissue homogenate to iron-induced lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric reactive substances were significantly higher in the sucrose-fed than in the starch-fed rats. In contrast, in sucrose-fed females, neither a decrease in vitamin E/TG ratio nor an increased susceptibility of heart tissue to peroxidation was observed, despite both a significantly decreased heart superoxide dismutase activity (14%) and a significant 3-fold increase in plasma nitric oxide concentration compared with starch-fed females. The influence of hormonal status in female rats was then assessed using intact, ovariectomized, or estradlol-supplemented ovariectomized female rats fed the sucrose or starch diet for 2 weeks. After exposure of heart tissue to iron-induced lipid peroxidation, higher susceptibility to peroxidation was found only in ovariectomized females fed the sucrose diet compared with the starch group and not in intact females or ovariectomized females supplemented with estradiol. Thus, estrogens, by their effects on antioxidant capacity, might explain the sexual difference in the pro-oxidant effect of sucrose diet resulting in metabolic syndrome in rats.
Nulliparous CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Proteinδ (C/EBPδ) Knockout Mice Exhibit Mammary Gland Ductal Hyperlasia
Authors: Gigliotti Andrew P. , Johnson Peter F. , Sterneck Esta , DeWille James W.
Published: July 2017

CCAAT/Enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) are a family of nuclear proteins that function in the control of cell growth, death, and differentiation. We previously reported that C/EBPδ plays a key role in mammary epithelial cell G0growth arrest. In this report, we investigated the role of C/EBPδ in mammary gland development and function using female mice homozygous for a targeted deletion of C/EBPδ (C/EBPδ –/–). C/EBPδ –/– females develop normally and exhibit normal reproductive and lactational performance. Adult nulliparous C/EBPδ –/– females, however, exhibit mammary epithelial cell growth control defects. The mean number of mammary ductal branches is significantly higher in adult nulliparous C/EBPδ –/– females compared with C/EBPδ +/+ (wild-type control) females (66.8 ± 5.2 vs 42.9 * 6.3 branch points/field, P < 0.01). In addition, the mean total mammary gland cellular volume occupied by epithelium is significantly higher in adult nulliparous C/EBPδ –/– females compared with C/EBPδ +/+ controls (29.0± 1.4 vs 20.4 ± 1.3, P < 0.001). Our results showed that the BrdU labeling index was significantly higher in mammary epithelial cells from nulliparous C/EBPδ –/– females compared with C/EBPδ +/+ controls during the proestrus/estrus (4.55 ± 0.70 vs 2.14 ± 0.43, P < 0.01) and metestrus/diestrus (6.92 ± 0.75 vs 3.98 ± 0.43 P < 0.01) phases of the estrus cycle. In contrast, the percentage of mammary epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis during both phases of the estrus cycle did not differ between C/EBPδ –/– and C/EBPδ +/+ females. The increased epithelial cell content and proliferative capacity was restricted to the nulliparous C/EBPδ –/– females as no differences in mammary gland morphology, ductal branching or total epithelial content were observed between multiparous C/EBPδ –/– and C/EBPδ +/+ females. These results demonstrate that C/EBPδ plays a novel role in mammary epithelial cell growth control that appears to be restricted to the nulliparous mammary gland.
Description of a Novel Intimin Variant (Type ζ) in the Bovine O84:NM Verotoxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strain 537/89 and the Diagnostic Value of Intimin Typing
Authors: Jores Joerg , Zehmke Karen , Eichberg Juergen , Rumer Leonid , Wieler Lothar H.
Published: July 2017

Infections with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) has resulted in increasing numbers of human illnesses annually. These illnesses usually result from the ability of VTEC to cause the attaching and effacing lesions (AE lesion). The AE phenotype is encoded by the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) pathogenicity island. A key adhesion factor involved is the outer membrane protein intimin, encoded by the eae gene within the LEE. Intimin types α, β, γ, δ, and ε have been described previously. Each intimin represents distinct phylogenetic lineages of LEE-positive strains. A new intimin type ζ was identified in a VTEC strain of the serotype O84:NM (nonmotile) that was isolated from a calf with diarrhea. ζ intimin showed the highest similarity (88%) of its amino acid sequence to the α intimin. For diagnostic purposes, we established a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for diagnosis of the key virulence traits of VTEC (i.e., verotoxins and intimins). This method also distinguishes between the toxins (VT1 and VT2) and the six intimin types. By applying the PCR method, intimin ζ in strains of other VTEC serotypes O84:H2, O92:NM, O119:H25, and O150:NM was identified. Because the intimin types represent distinctive phylogenetic E. coli lineages, application of the intimin subtyping PCR offers significant benefits. These include improving diagnosis of VTEC infection and increasing the understanding of evolution of attaching and effacing VTEC and other LEE-positive bacteria.
Verotoxin 1 fromEscherichia coliAffects Gb3/CD77+Bovine Lymphocytes Independent of Interleukin-2, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, and Interferon-α
Authors: Menge Christian , Stamm Ivonne , Blessenohl Maike , Wieler Lothar H. , Baljer Georg
Published: July 2017

Verotoxin (VT)-induced immunomodulation has been implicated in the ability of VT-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) to cause persistent infections in cattle. VT1, also referred to as Shiga toxin 1, is a potent cytotoxin that modulates cytokine secretions and functions. This prompted the current investigation to examine whether the inhibiting effect of VT1 on bovine lymphocytes correlates with the expression of the cellular VT1 receptor Gb3/CD77 or is mediated instead via perturbation of cytokine secretion. Using blood mononuclear cells stimulated by mitogens as a model, VT1 significantly blocked lymphoblast transformation and proliferation in the BoCD8+T cell and BoCD21+B cell population. In contrast, VT1 dramatically reduced the number of viable Gb3/CDTZ+blast cells within all subpopulations identified (BoCD2+, BoCD4+, BoCD8+, WC1+[i.e., γδ T cells] BoCD21+, and BoCD25+). Similar effects of VT1 were observed when the culture medium was supplemented with selected cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α-sensitizing endothelial cells against VT1, interferon-a (IFN-α) as bovine IFN-α receptors are partially homologous to the B-subunit of VT1, and interleukin-2 that is critical for lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. The addition of these cytokines was neither able to mimic nor to overcome the effects of VT1. Therefore, it is concluded that VT1 directly acts on bovine lymphocytes rather than inducing a cytokine-mediated effect. VT1 considerably affects all main bovine lymphocyte subpopulations, implicating that the immune system is a predominant target for VT1 In cattle.
Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Pattern in Lean and Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Tafeit E. , Möller R. , Rackl S. , Giuliani A. , Urdl W. , Freytag U. , Crailsheim K. , Sudi K. , Horejsi R.
Published: July 2017

The new optical device, Lipometer, permits the noninvasive, quick, safe, and precise measurement of the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) layers at any given site of the human body. Fifteen anatomically well-defined body sites from neck to calf describe the SAT topography (SAT-Top) like an individual “fingerprint.” SAT-Top was examined in 33 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in 87 age-matched healthy controls and in 20 Type-II diabetic women. SAT-Top differences of these three groups were described, and, based on a hierarchical cluster analysis, two distinctly different groups of PCOS women, a lean (PCOSL) and an obese (PCOSO) cluster, were found. For visual comparison of the different types of body fat distribution, the 15-dimensional body fat information was condensed to a two-dimensional factor plot by factor analysis. For comparison of the PCOS like body fat distribution with the “healthy” fat pattern, the (previously published) SAT-Top results of 590 healthy women and men (20-70 years old) and 162 healthy girls and boys (7-11 years old) were added to the factor plot. PCOSO women showed a SAT-Top pattern very similar to that of women with Type-II diabetes, even though the diabetic women were on average 30 years older. Compared with their healthy controls, SAT-Top of these PCOSO patients was strongly skewed into the android direction, providing significantly decreased leg SAT development and significantly higher upper body obesity. Compared with healthy women, PCOSL patients had significantly lower total SAT development (even though height, weight, and body mass index did not deviate significantly), showing a slightly lowered amount of body fat in the upper region and a highly significant leg SAT reduction. This type of fat pattern is the same as found in girls and boys before developing their sex specific body fat distribution. We conclude that women with PCOS develop an android SAT-Top, but compared in more detail, we found two typical types of body fat distribution: the “childlike” SAT pattern in lean PCOS patients, and the “diabetic” body fat distribution in obese PCOS women.
Involvement of Rho and Rho-Associated Kinase in Sphincteric Smooth Muscle Contraction by Angiotensin II
Authors: Rattan Satish , Puri Rajinder N. , Fan Ya-Ping
Published: July 2017

The tonic smooth muscles of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) are subject to modulation by the neurohumoral agents. We report that angiotensin (Ang) II-induced contraction of rat IAS and LES smooth muscle cells (SMC) was Inhibited by Clostridium botulinum C3 exozyme, HA 1077 and Y 27632, suggesting a role for Rho kinase and a Rhoassociated kinase (ROK). Ang II-induced contraction of the SMC was also attenuated by genistein, antibodies to the pp60c-arc, p190 RhoGTPase-activating protein (p190 RhoGAP), carboxyl terminus of Gα13, carboxyl terminus peptide, and ADP ribosyiation factor (ARF) antibody. Ang II-induced increase in p190 RhoGAP tyrosine phosphorylation was attenuated by genistein. Furthermore, Ang II-induced increase in smooth muscle tone and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC; 20 kDa; MLC20-P) were attenuated by Y 27632 and genlstein. The results suggest an important role for Gα13 and pp60c-arc in the Intracellular events responsible for the activation of RhoA/ROK in Ang II-induced contraction of LES and IAS SMC.
Diabetes (db/db) Mutation-Induced Ovarian Involution: Progressive Hypercytolipidemia
Authors: Garris David R. , Garris Bryan L.
Published: July 2017

Ovarian atrophy and reproductive tract incompetence are recognized consequences of the progressive expression of the overt, diabetes-obesity syndrome (DOS) in C57BL/KsJ (db/db) mutant mice. The present studies evaluated the progressive changes in ovarian cytoarchitecture, endocrine expression, and reproductive tract cytolipidemic parameters that promote reproductive failure and ovarian involution during the pre-onset, initial, progressive, and chronic expression stages of the DOS. Paired littermate control (normal: +/?) and diabetic (mutant: db/db) C57BL/KsJ females were selected for analysis of ovarian parameters at 2 weeks (pre-onset expression of DOS), 4 weeks (initial DOS expression), 8 weeks (progressive DOS: hyperglycemic/lipidemic), and 16 weeks (overt/chronic DOS expression) of age. All 4- to 16-week-old (db/db) groups were obese, hyperglycemic, and hyperinsulinemic as compared with age-matched (+/?) controls. Prior to phenotypic expression of the DOS (2 week groups), ovarian interstitial cytolipidemia characterized the perifollicular and cortical regions of db/db tissue samples relative to +/? indices, while comparable body weight, blood glucose, as well as serum insulin and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations characterized both the +/? and db/db groups. Overt DOS expression in the 4-week-old db/db groups was characterized by body obesity, systemic hyperglycemia-hyperinsulinemia, and extensive hypercytolipidemia of ovarian folliculothecal compartments, as well as enhanced tissue lipase activities. By 8 weeks of age, progressive hypercytolipidemia characterized interstitial, thecal, and follicular granulosa cell layers of db/db tissue samples concurrent with suppressed ovarian steroid hormone production, enhanced lipid sequestration, and exacerbation of systemic hyperglycemia/insulinemia. By 16 weeks of age, the chronic-DOS was characterized by extensive ovarian follicular involution, cortical perivascular hyperlipidemic infiltration, thecal cell atrophy, and follicular granulosa lipid imbibition. These data indicate that db/db mutation-induced ovarian structural and functional involution is a direct reflection of the cellular metabolic shift towards lipogenesis, indicated by the progressive cytoarchitectural transformation into adipocyte-like entities. The cytological indications of cellular metabolic compromise, which precede the phenotypic expression of the DOS indices, suggests that correction of these abnormal shifts in ovarian endocrine and cellular metabolism may restore, delay, or prevent the further compromise of ovarian function by db/db mutation expression.
Alloimmune Injury and Rejection of Human Skin Grafts on Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte–Reconstituted Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficient β2-Microglobulin-Null Mice
Authors: Turgeon Nicole A. , Banuelos Scott J. , Shultz Leonard D. , Lyons Bonnie L. , Iwakoshi Neal , Greiner Dale L. , Mordes John P. , Rossini Aldo A. , Appel Michael C.
Published: July 2017

Small animal models with the capacity to support engraftment of a functional human immune system are needed to facilitate studies of human alloimmunity. In the present investigation, non-obese diabetic (NOD) severe combined immunodeficient ( scid) β2-microglobulin-null ( B2mnull) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL-NOD-sc/d B2mnull mice) were used as in vivo models for studying human skin allograft rejection. Hu-PBL-NOD- scid B2mnull mice were established by injection of human spleen cells or PBLs and transplanted with full-thickness allogeneic human skin. Human cell engraftment was enhanced by injection of anti-mouse CD122 antibody. The respective contributions of human CD4+ and CD8+ cells in allograft rejection were determined using depleting antibodies. Human skin grafts on unmanipulated NOD- scid B2mnull mice uniformly survived but on chimeric hu-PBL-NOD- scid B2mnull mice exhibited severe immune-mediated injury that often progressed to complete rejection. The alloaggressive hu-PBLs did not require prior in vitro sensitization to elicit targeted effector cell activity. Extensive mononuclear cell infiltration directed towards human-origin endothelium was associated with thrombosis and fibrin necrosis. No evidence of graft-versushost disease was detected. Either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells may mediate injury and alloimmune rejection of human skin grafts on hu-PBL-NOD-sc/d B2mnull mice. It is proposed that Hu-PBL-NOD-sc/d B2mnull mice engrafted with human skin will provide a useful model for analysis of interventions designed to modulate human allograft rejection.
Chylomicron Margination, Lipolysis, and Vitamin A Uptake in the Lactating Rat Mammary Gland: Implications for Milk Retinoid Content
Authors: Ross A. Catharine , Pasatiempo Ana Maria G. , Green Michael H.
Published: July 2017

We have reported previously that the concentration of vitamin A (VA) in the milk of lactating rats varies with dietary VA intake, even when plasma retinol concentration is unaffected. In the current study, we investigated the role of lipolysis in the uptake of chylomicron (CM) VA into mammary tissue of lactating rats and estimated the proportion of CM-VA that is associated with the mammary gland during CM clearance. Chylomicrons containing [3H]VA, mainly as retinyl esters, were prepared in donor rats and administered intravenously to lactating recipient rats. Chylomicron VA rapidly disappeared from plasma and appeared in mammary tissue (maximum within 2–3 mins), followed by a decline. Concomitantly, uptake by liver increased continuously, reaching a plateau within 20–30 mins. Active lipolysis in mammary tissue was necessary for rapid VA uptake, as significantly less CM-VA was recovered in mammary tissue of postlactating rats than of lactating rats, after heparin treatment in lactating rats, or after injection of preformed CM remnants in lactating rats. [3H]Vitamin A uptake by mammary tissue increased linearly with CM-VA dose over a 150-fold dose range (R2= 0.972, P = 0.0001), suggesting a high capacity for uptake and apparent first-order assimilation of CM-VA during CM remnant formation in situ. Model-based compartmental analysis using WinSAAM predicted that ~42% of CM-VA marginated, that is, were temporarily removed, from plasma to the mammary glands during lipolysis and that a total of 3.8% of CM-VA was transferred to mammary tissue. The model-predicted t1/2for CM remnants was 3.04 mins. The metabolism of CM-VA in the lactating mammary gland, in proportion to VA absorption and CM-VA contents, may explain how milk VA concentration varies even when plasma retinol levels are unchanged. The mechanism of CM margination and mammary gland uptake described here for VA may be similar for other lipophilic substances.
Rigorous Running Increases Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Without Altering Ghrelin
Authors: Kraemer R. R. , Durand R. J. , Acevedo E. O. , Johnson L. G. , Kraemer G. R. , Hebert E. P. , Castracane V. D.
Published: July 2017

It has been suggested that ghrelin may play a role in growth hormone (GH) responses to exercise. The present study was designed to determine whether ghrelin, GH, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were altered by a progressively intense running protocol. Six well-trained male volunteers completed a progressively intense intermittent exercise trial on a treadmill that included four exercise intensities: 60%, 75%, 90%, and 100% of Vo2max. Blood samples were collected before exercise, after each exercise intensity, and at 15 and 30 mins following the exercise protocol. Subjects also completed a separate control trial at the same time of day that excluded exercise. GH changed significantly over time, and GH area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher in the exercise trial than the control trial. Area under the curve IGF-I levels for the exercise trial were significantly higher than the control trial. There was no difference in the ghrelin and IGFBP-3 responses to the exercise and control trials. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed significant relationships between ghrelin and both IGF-I and IGFBP-3; however, no relationship between ghrelin and GH was found. In conclusion, intense running produces increases in total IGF-I concentrations, which differs from findings in previous studies using less rigorous running protocols and less frequent blood sampling regimens. Moreover, running exercise that produces substantial increases in GH does not affect peripheral ghrelin levels; however, significant relationships between ghrelin and both IGF-I and IGFBP-3 exist during intense intermittent running and recovery, which warrants further investigation.
Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Stewart LaMonica V. , Weigel Nancy L.
Published: July 2017

Vitamin D and its metabolites are best known for their actions in calcium and bone metabolism. However, epidemiological studies have suggested that an increased prostate cancer risk is associated with decreased production of vitamin D. in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), inhibits proliferation of cancer cells derived from multiple tissues, including the prostate. Although the mechanisms underlying the growth inhibitory effects of 1,25D have not been fully elucidated, in prostate cancer cells 1,25D reduces cell growth via a number of cellular pathways, including cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and altered activation of growth factor signaling. The hypercalcemia induced by 1,2SD in vivo limits its use clinically as a therapeutic agent. However, several 1,25D analogs have been developed that reduce prostate tumor growth in rodent xenograft models without causing hypercalcemia. Additional studies are required in order to determine whether these 1,25D analogs will be useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Fate of Bioterrorism-Relevant Viruses and Bacteria, Including Spores, Aerosolized into an Indoor Air Environment
Authors: Utrup Linda J. , Frey Allan H.
Published: July 2017

An aerosol physics test facility was used in a series of eight experiments to gather an integrated comprehensive broad base of data on the fate of surrogates of microorganisms that cause smallpox, plague, glanders, anthrax, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. The results are directly relevant to the public health issue of how to protect the occupants of buildings against bioterrorism. The test conditions were directly relevant to the indoor air environment situation, and the results can be generalized to buildings that are now occupied. The reductions in concentrations of relevant viruses and bacteria—including gram-negative fermenters and nonfermenters, gram-positive cocci and bacilli, and spores—were substantial and statistically robust. The data show that the bioterrorism-relevant aerosolized viruses and bacteria, including spores, respond like small particulates to the primary (electrical) forces that control the distribution of small particulates in a room. Further, these relevant microorganisms respond like small particulates to means designed to control airborne particulates. The results could be used to anticipate the effects of a bioterrorist attack on the public health, provide information on means that can be used to minimize such effects, and used to make decisions on how best to protect occupants of specific buildings at minimal cost and with assurance of success.
Hepatic HMG-CoA Reductase Expression and Resistance to Dietary Cholesterol
Authors: Ness Gene C. , Gertz Karen R.
Published: July 2017

The premise that the intrinsic level of expression of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase determines the relative sensitivity to the serum cholesterol raising action of dietary cholesterol was examined in 9 strains of rat. For further comparison purposes, hamsters were also examined. The basal expression of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase, extent of feedback regulation by cholesterol, and changes in serum cholesterol levels and the hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in response to cholesterol challenge were determined in these animals. The Sprague-Dawley, Wistar-Furth, Spontaneously Hypertensive, Lewis, and Wistar-Kyoto rats were all very resistant to dietary cholesterol and exhibited hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activities above 150 pmol/min-1 / mg-1. The Buffalo, Brown Norway, and Copenhagen 2331 rats had hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activities below 90 pmol / min-1 / mg-1 and had increases in serum cholesterol levels ranging from 12 to 33 mg/dl when given a 4-day, 1% cholesterol challenge. The extent of feedback regulation was reduced to only 3-fold in the Fisher 344 and Brown Norway rats that exhibited significant increases in serum cholesterol levels when given a cholesterol challenge. The Golden Syrian hamsters exhibited the largest increase (197 mg/dl) in serum cholesterol levels in response to dietary cholesterol and the lowest basal expression of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase (3.3 pmol / min-1 / mg-1). Hepatic LDL receptor levels were not significantly decreased by dietary cholesterol in any of the animals. The data from these inbred rats and the hamsters strongly support the conclusion that the animals expressing the highest levels of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase are the most resistant to the serum cholesterol raising action of dietary cholesterol.
Mesenchymal Stern Cells from Adult Human Bone Marrow Differentiate into a Cardiomyocyte Phenotype In Vitro
Authors: Xu Wenrong , Zhang Xiran , Qian Hui , Zhu Wei , Sun Xiaochun , Hu Jiabo , Zhou Hong , Chen Yongchang
Published: July 2017

A method for isolating adult human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was established, and the ability of human MSCs to differentiate into cells with characteristics of cardiomyocytes in vitro was investigated. Selected MSC surface antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry. The MSCs at Passage 2 were treated with 5-azacytidine to investigate their differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Characteristics of the Putative myogenic cells were determined by Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron and confocal microscopies. The expression of myogenic specific genes was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time quantitative PCR, and DNA sequencing. The MSCs were spindle-shaped with irregular processes and were respectively Positive for CD13, CD29, CD44, CD71 and negative for CD3, CD14, CD15, CD33, CD34 CD38, CD45, and HLA-DR. The myogenic cells differentiated from MSCs were positive for beta-myosin heavy chain (beta-MHC), desmin, and alpha-cardiac actin. When the pyogenic cells were stimulated with low concentration of K+ (5.0 mM), an increase in intracellular calcium fluorescence was observed. Myofilament-like structures were observed in electron micrographs of the differentiated myogenic cells. The mRNAs of beta-MHC, desmin, alpha-cardiac actin, and cardiac troponin T were highly expressed in the myogenic cells. These results indicate that 5-azacytidine can induce human MSCs to differentiate in vitro into cells with characteristics commonly attributed to cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes cultured from bone marrow sources are potentially valuable for repairing injured myocardium.
Citrus aurantium, an Ingredient of Dietary Supplements Marketed for Weight Loss: Current Status of Clinical and Basic Research
Authors: Fugh-Berman Adriane , Myers Adam
Published: July 2017

Seville orange (Citrus aurantium) extracts are being marketed as a safe alternative to ephedra in herbal weight-loss products, but C. aurantium may also have the potential to cause adverse health effects. C. aurantium contains synephrine (oxedrine), which is structurally similar to epinephrine. Although no adverse events have been associated with ingestion of C. aurantium products thus far, synephrine increases blood pressure in humans and other species, and has the potential to increase cardiovascular events. Additionally, C. aurantium contains 6′,7′-dihydroxybergamottin and bergapten, both of which inhibit cytochrome P450-3A, and would be expected to increase serum levels of many drugs. There is little evidence that products containing C. aurantium are an effective aid to weight loss. Synephrine has lipolytic effects in human fat cells only at high doses, and octopamine does not have lipolytic effects in human adipocytes.
The Consequences of Exhaustive Antiestrogen Therapy in Breast Cancer: Estrogen-Induced Tumor Cell Death
Authors: Osipo Clodia , Liu Hong , Meeke Kathleen , Jordan V. Craig
Published: July 2017

Forty years ago, the endocrine treatment for breast cancer was a last resort at palliation before the disease overwhelmed the patient (1). Ovarian ablation was the treatment of choice for the premenopausal patient, whereas either adrenalectomy or, paradoxically, high-dose synthetic estrogen therapy were used for treatment in postmenopausal patients. A reduction or an excess of estrogen provoked objective responses in one out of three women. Unfortunately, there was no way of predicting who would respond to endocrine ablation, and because so few patients responded there was no enthusiasm for developing new endocrine agents. All hopes for a cure for breast cancer turned to appropriate combinations of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Today tamoxifen, a nonsteroidal antiestrogen (2), has proven to be effective in all stages of premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, and several new endocrine strategies, including aromatase inhibitors, luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) superagonists, and a pure antiestrogen (fulvestrant), are now available for breast cancer treatment. Additionally, tamoxifen and raloxifene, a related compound, are used to reduce the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis, respectively, in high-risk groups (3). Hormonal modulation and strategies to prevent the actions of estrogen in the breast are ubiquitous. However, with successful changes in treatment strategies comes the consequence of change.

This minireview will describe the current strategies for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and present emerging new concepts about the consequences of exhaustive antiestrogen treatment on therapeutic resistance.
Modulation of Small Intestinal Nitric Oxide Synthase by Gum Arabic
Authors: Rehman Khalil U. , Codipilly Champa N. , Wapnir Raul A.
Published: July 2017

Preceding studies have revealed that gum arabic (GA), a natural proteoglycan (≥250, 000 Da), has proabsorptive properties—as shown by increased sodium and water absorption—in normal rats, and especially in two animal models of diarrhea. Because nitric oxide (NO) metabolism is linked to gastrointestinal Physiology, the goals of this study were to determine whether GA modulated NO and to determine intestinal function in vivo when NO production was enhanced by l-arginine (Arg), added at either 1 or 20 mM. Mechanistically, the goal was also to determine whether GA was a NO scavenger and a small intestinal NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Using a glucose-electrolyte solution in rat jejunal perfusions we found that GA at ± 10 μM (2.5 g/l) decreased nitrite and nitrate formation, tending to normalize water, sodium, and glucose absorption when modified by Arg addition. In vitro tests, with oxyhemoglobin as a marker, showed that GA at ≥5 μM scavenged NO. For GA effects on NOS, small intestinal homogenate supematants (10, 000 g) from frozen tissues of either adult or 2-day-old rats were incubated for 1 hour at 37°C in the presence of 2 mM Arg and increasing GA concentrations (0-100 μM). GA produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of NOS, reaching approximately 31% inhibition with 5 μM GA and up to 51% with 50 μM GA. GA at 100 μM produced no further inhibition. The data indicate that GA, in addition to its ability to remove NO diffused into the intestinal lumen, may also partially inhibit intestinal NOS end thus modulate intestinal absorption through these mechanisms. Use of GA as a food additive may help in restoring or improving small Intestinal function in conditions where functional damage has occurred.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Genes are Constitutively Overexpressed in the Heart in Experimental Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Brief Communication
Authors: Tomita Michiyo , Dragoman Monica , Worcester Heath , Conran Philip , Santoro Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

The heart is one of a number of organs that may be affected in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypic autoimmune disease. Potential anatomical sites of involvement include the myocardium, pericardium, endocardium, valves, conduction system and blood vessels that subserve the heart. Typically, the severity of cardiovascular disease in lupus correlates with the degree of systemic inflammation, which is mirrored by the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the plasma. C-reactive protein, in turn is regulated by proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins (ILs) 1ß and 6. These cytokines have been found in functionally and/or structurally damaged areas of the heart and have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. It has been assumed that the source of these putatively pathogenetically relevant cytokines in the compromised heart is infiltrating mononuclear cells. This study tests the hypothesis that cardiomyocytes per se may contribute to proinflammatory cytokine production in the setting of systemic inflammation. Using as the experimental model MRL/MpJ-rnfrs6lpr (MRL-lpr/ lpr) mice, which spontaneously manifest an autoimmune syndrome that has clinical features of SLE, we show that ventricular homogenates and ventricular cardiomyocytes constitutively overexpress genes encoding the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and gamma interferon. The results suggest the possibility that proinflammatory cytokines emanating from the heart may actually contribute to the high levels of CRP that appear to aid in predicting subsequent cardiac events. Viewed in this setting, CRP becomes a footprint of an ongoing pathogenic process mediated, in part, by the heart muscle itself.