bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Role of Xanthophyll Metabolism Related Genes in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gong Xiaoming , Marisiddaiah Raju , Afeld Jamiee , Wiener Doris , Rubin Lewis P. 
Published: June 2021

Xanthophyll carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin) preferentially accumulate in the macula of the human retina. They play a critical role in protecting the macula from oxidant and photo‐damage. Previous studies have indicated macular pigment density (xanthophyll content) is inversely related to adult onset age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). The regulation of macular pigment density in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is under active investigation.We determined the expression of genes related to carotenoid uptake and metabolism in human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE‐19) cells using message (qRT‐PCR) and protein (Western blot). Xanthophyll uptake and transport were assayed using polarized ARPE cells grown to confluence.ARPE cells express scavenger receptors (SR‐B1, CD36, LDLR but not SR‐A), carotenoid cleavage enzymes (CMO1, CMO2) and transport related protein (ABCA1). RPE expresses high levels of SR‐B1, LDLR, CMO2 and ABCA1, and lower expression of CD36 and CMO1. RPE exposure to specific carotenoids (beta‐carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin) induces different expression patterns. Furthermore, gene expression profiles significantly changed when RPE cells were exposed to graded oxidative stress. Finally, we determined that lutein uptake and transport is directional across polarized ARPE monolayers: significantly higher from basolateral to apical surface than in the opposite direction. Of note, co‐incubation with beta‐carotene decreased lutein uptake and transport rates.These findings support the hypothesis that xanthophyll (especially lutein) uptake, metabolism, and transport are critical in macular pigment homeostasis. We speculate that altering RPE gene expression profiles by protective (xanthophyll) or deleterious (oxidative stress) factors point to molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AMD. (NIH HD42174, Muma Family Endowment)
Dietary Cod Protein Improves Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Partly Through Its High Levels of Arginine, Lysine, Glycine and Taurine
Authors: Dort Junio , Leblanc Nadine , Côté Claude , Jacques Hélène 
Published: June 2021

Feeding cod protein may beneficially influence the time course of inflammation during recovery following skeletal muscle injury. The objective of this study was to identify amino acids in cod protein having a beneficial impact on muscle repair. Male Wistar rats were fed isoenergetic diets containing either casein (C), cod protein (CP), or casein supplemented with arginine (1.9%), glycine (1.9%), taurine (0.7%) and lysine (1.7%) (C+). After 21 d of ad libitum feeding, one tibialis anterior muscle (TA) was injured by injecting 200μl of bupivacaine while the contra‐lateral TA was injected with saline and served as sham. Rats fed CP exhibited higher muscle weight at days 5, 14, and 28 post‐injury and higher myofiber cross‐sectional area at days 5 and 28 post‐injury compared with C. CP and C+ similarly modulated the inflammation as they decreased ED1+ macrophages and COX‐2 level at day 2 post injury compared with casein (p=0.01), and increased ED2+ macrophages compared with C. The C+ diet upregulated (p=0.02) whereas the CP diet tended to upregulate myogenin expression at day 5 post‐injury compared with C (p=0.06). These data support the hypothesis that the beneficial impact of cod protein on skeletal muscle recovery is partly attributed to the anti‐inflammatory and myogenic action of its high arginine, lysine, glycine and taurine levels.Supported by The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
The Effect of Feeding Cinnamon on Postprandial Blood Glucose and Lactate in Trained Endurance Athletes
Authors: Ongkoputro Ella , Burns-Whitmore B. , Spalding Thomas , Sokmen Bulent , Bidlack Wayne 
Published: June 2021

Research studies indicate polyphenol polymers, also found in cinnamon, have insulin‐potentiating properties. Our objective was to determine if six grams of cinnamon significantly reduces postprandial blood glucose and blood lactate in trained male endurance cyclists.Eleven trained male cyclists participated in the study (28.8 ±6.4 yo; maximal oxygen consumption of 57.9±7.5 ml&#8729;kg‐ 1&#8729;min‐1). Participants were randomly assigned to either a cinnamon (6 g) or control treatment along with a pre‐exercise meal: 76g of wheat bread, 7.5g of unsalted butter, and 6g of sugar. Blood glucose and blood lactate were measured at minute 0, 30, 60, 90 and end of exercise. Subjects finished both treatments.Results indicate a significant time main effect (p< 0.001); mean blood glucose at Min 0 was greater than before the meal, and mean blood glucose decreased significantly from Min 0 to Min 30 during exercise and remained stable through Min 90. The change pattern in mean blood lactate across time was similar in both conditions, and blood lactate did not rise above pre‐exercise levels during 90 minutes of exercise at 70% of VO2 max, but rose substantially and significantly as a result of exercise at 85% of VO2 max (p< 0.05).We conclude that ingestion of cinnamon prior to endurance exercise does not exert significant effects in lowering postprandial blood glucose and blood lactate in trained male endurance cyclists.
Lipocalin‐2 Serum Levels Decrease in a Randomized Dietary Feasibility Study for Stage II‐IV Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Authors: Garcia-Prieto Celia , Paxton Raheem , Berglund Maria , Hernandez Mike , Hajek Richard A. , Handy Beverly C. , Brown Jubilee , Jones Lovell A. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLipocalin 2 has been shown to be up‐regulated in ovarian cancers and correlated with disease progression but the role of fruit and vegetable consumption on serum levels in ovarian cancer survivors has not been studied.MethodsIn a randomized design, women diagnosed with stage II‐IV ovarian cancer were assigned to a low fat, high fiber diet or a modified National Cancer Institute diet supplemented with a soy‐based beverage and encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice concentrates (FVJCs). Blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 6 months and serum levels of lipocalin‐2 were determined using highly sensitive immunoassays.ResultsThe FVJC dietary intervention significantly lowered lipocalin‐2 serum levels compared to LFHF after 6 months (P<0.05). Those participants in the FVJC group above the average age and with no history of oral contraceptive use experienced the most significant decreases (P<0.05). Correlations between lipocalin‐2 levels with body mass index, or CA‐125 did not indicate significance.ConclusionThese results show evidence that a low fat, high fiber diet supplemented with fruit and vegetable juice concentrates can cause decreases in lipocalin‐2 serum levels after 6 months of consumption and suggest further studies are necessary to investigate mechanism.
Effects of prickly pear cactus (Opuntina ficus‐indica var. Saboten) intake on blood lipids, platelet aggregation, antioxidant and liver parameters in volunteer women
Authors: Han Sun-Geum , Kim Mi-Sook , Kang Young-Hee , Kang Jung-Sook 
Published: June 2021

We analyzed dietary effects of prickly pear cactus (Opuntina ficus‐indica var. Saboten) on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, hemolysis, plasma TBARS and liver parameters after daily intake of 20g cactus tea containing 27% prickly pear cactus powder for 4 weeks using 14 normotensive and 14 hypertensive volunteer diving women living in Jeju island, south Korea.Plasma total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were not changed in both groups of the normotensive and the hypertensive after cactus intake. Plasma triglyceride was decreased by 20% in the hypertensive and by 50% in the hyperlipidemic subjects (≥150mg/dl, n=9). Platelet aggregation in both maximum and initial slope were significantly decreased only in the normotensive or subject with normal cholesterol (<200mg/dl, n=11) after cactus intake (both, p<0.01). Total bilirubin was significantly decreased (p<0.05) and sGOT was significantly increased (p<0.05) in all categories (n=28) after cactus intake. Alkaline phosphatase was decreased significantly only in the hypertensive subjects after intake (p<0.05, n=14). Hemolysis after 6 hours isotonic incubation was significantly decreased in all categories after intake (p<0.01, n=28). TBARS production was significantly reduced only in the hypercholesterolemic (p<0.01, n=17) or in the hyperlipidemic (p<0.05, n=9) cases after cactus intake.Present study showed that flavonoids and soluble fiber rich prickly pear cactus may have hypolipidemic, antithrombotic, antioxidant effects differently depending on the subject conditions in term of blood pressure, plasma lipids and others cardiovascular related.
Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Ardisia japonica Blume (AJB) on plasma and liver lipids, platelet aggregation and RBC Na efflux channels in simvastatin treated hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs
Authors: Kang Min-Sook , Yang Hun-Mo , Kang Ja-Young , Kang Jung-Sook 
Published: June 2021

Forty guinea pigs were divided into four groups and fed 0.5% cholesterol based control diet, plus 0.05% simvastatin, statin plus 0.15% CoQ10 or 10% Ardisia japonica (AJB) leaves for 4 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly decreased in all groups fed statin containing diets compared with the control diet (p<0.01). Plasma and liver triglycerides were significantly decreased in group with statin plus CoQ10 compared with the control (both p<0.05). Maximum platelet aggregation was significantly higher in group with statin plus CoQ10 than other groups (p<0.05). Na‐K ATPase was increased in group with statin and decreased in group with statin plus CoQ10 and the difference between these two was significant (p<0.01). Na‐K cotransport and Na passive transport were significantly decreased in the control group compared with other groups (both p<0.05). Intracellular Na was the highest in group of statin and the lowest in group of statin plus CoQ10, correlating with Na‐K ATPase. TBARS productions in platelet rich plasma and liver tended to decrease in the groups with statin plus CoQ10 compared to other groups. sGOT and sGPT were significantly increased in group with statin compared with the control (p<0.05), and statin plus CoQ10 decreased the enzymes to the control levels.In present study, antioxidant rich AJB did not have positive effects in CVD parameters. Besides the beneficial effects as antioxidant and liver protection, statin plus CoQ10 seemed to decrease cholesterol more efficiently than statin alone.
Complementary food choices from 6–18 mo: effect on iron (Fe) status and inflammation
Authors: Sheng Xiao-Yang , Ma Jing-Qiu , Liu Jin-Rong , Hu Yan-Qi , Liu Shan-Shan , Zhang Jie , Westcott Jamie , Hambidge Michael , Krebs Nancy F 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo compare Fe status in rural poor 18 mo old toddlers fed 3 different complementary foods.MethodsThe study was a cross‐sectional convenience sub‐sample of a larger study in which 6 mo old infants were randomized to receive 50g/d pork (MG, n=137), an equi‐caloric micronutrient fortified cereal‐based supplement (FG,140) or local non‐fortified rice supplement (LG, 133) for 1 yr. Hb, sTfR, HsCRP, ferritin, AGP were measured in serum; calprotectin (FCP) was measured in feces. Body Fe =‐log (sTfR) × 1000/ferritin)‐2.8229]/0.1207. Fe deficiency=ferritin<12μg/L.ResultsMean (± SD) Hb, MCV, MCHC, sTfR, ferritin did not differ among groups. Significant differences were:

Parameter
MG
FG
LG
P‐value

Body Fe, mg/kg1
6.6 ± 3.1
7.6 ± 2.6
6.3 ± 3.4
<0.01

Fe deficiency, n (%)1
40 (34%)
26 (25%)
46 (41%)
0.03

AGP, g/L, (n)
0.75±0.21(37)
0.98±0.33(39)
0.83±0.35(31)
<0.01

FCP, μg/g, (n)
200±214(37)
413±491(39)
192±197(31)
<0.001

Excluded subjects with Hs‐CRP>3mg/L

ConclusionMicronutrient fortified cereal improved Fe status but was also associated with systemic and intestinal inflammation. Supported by Thrasher Research Fund; Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health.
Effect of selected dietary regimens on recovery from moderate acute malnutrition in young Malian children
Authors: Ackatia-Armah Robert S , McDonald Christine , Doumbia Seydou , Brown Kenneth H 
Published: June 2021

Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) remains a major public health concern and research is needed on optimal dietary treatment regimens. We randomly assigned 12 rural health centers in Dioila Health District, Mali to provide 1 of 4 dietary regimens approximating WHO recommended nutrient profiles: 1) lipid‐based, ready‐to‐use supplementary food (Plumpy'Sup, PS); 2) special corn soy blend for MAM (CSB++); 3) locally processed, fortified food (Misola); or 4) locally milled flours and micronutrient powder. 1284 non‐edematous children aged 6–35 mo with initial arm circumference (MUAC) <12.5 and ≥11.0 cm or weight‐for‐length Z‐score (WLZ) <‐2.0 WHO standard and ≥70 % NCHS reference median were offered ~500 kcal/d of assigned diet in addition to home food intake for 12 wks. Among 1121 children (87.3%) who completed the study, the mean±SD change in weight from baseline was greater with PS than all 3 other regimens, which did not differ from each other (1.15±0.57 kg, 0.96±0.55 kg, 0.96±0.53 kg, 0.91±0.54 kg for respective study groups, p<0.001 ANOVA). MUAC changes followed a similar pattern, but length did not differ significantly among groups. Recovery from MAM (WLZ>‐2.0, MUAC>12.5cm) was highest with PS compared with the 3 other regimens (71%, 56%, 59%, 53% for respective groups, p<0.001 Scheffe). PS is more effective than the other dietary regimens, but benefits must be considered in relation to product costs and availability. This study was supported by UNICEF and WFP.Grant Funding Source: UNICEF and WFP
Reversible tetracyline‐controlled transactivator (rtTA)‐ inducible expression of neuron‐targeted Cav‐1 and recovery after neuronal injury
Authors: Grove Anna M H , Kellerhals Sarah E , Stary Creed M , Patel Hemal H , Patel Piyush M , Head Brian P 
Published: June 2021

Decreased capacity for neuronal regeneration following brain injury or neurodegeneration is due to a growth inhibitory environment resulting from decreased expression of pro‐survival and pro‐growth pathways. Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), a protein found in membrane lipid rafts, regulates pro‐survival and pro‐growth signaling and cAMP formation. We have shown that synapsin driven neuron‐targeted Cav‐1 over‐expression (SynCav1) enhances pro‐growth signals, dendritic arborization, and axonal sprouting, even in the presence of growth inhibitors. To test the efficacy of SynCav1 in an injury model, we have generated a reversible tetracycline transactivator (rtTA) neuron‐targeted Cav‐1 vector (Syn‐rtTA‐tetO‐Cav1). Primary neurons transfected with Syn‐rtTA‐tetO‐ Cav1 and 72 hr doxycycline (DOX, 10 ug) treatment increased Cav‐1 expression. Based on such vector data, we have generated two novel transgenic mouse lines, a constitutively active (SynCav1TG) and an inducible (rtTA SynCav‐1rtTA) neuronal Cav‐1. These two transgenic lines will be tested in our traumatic brain injury model (controlled cortical impact). Neuron‐targeted Cav‐1 expression in the setting of injury may be a novel therapeutic control point for limiting spread of injury and neurodegeneration.This project was funded by VA CDA‐2
Synergistic interaction between scriptaid and proteasome inhibitors enhances the sensitivity of human colorectal cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Abaza Mohamed Salah , Bahman Abdul-Majeed , Al-Attiyah Rajaa 
Published: June 2021

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) represent a promising new class of compounds for the treatment of cancer. Exposure of cancer cells to HDACis leads to activation of nuclear factor kappa B, such finding raise the possibility that co‐administration of HDACis with proteasome inhibitors (PSis) which interrupt this pathway may be associated with enhanced anticancer activity. To address this issue we have examined the effects of combined treatment with HDACi, scriptaid and proteasome inhibitors; the molecular mechanisms of the combined treatment and its potential to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.Inhibition of colorectal cancer cell growth by scriptaid was potentiated by PSis, clastolactocystin, MG132, PSi‐I or epoxomocin in a dose dependent manner. The combined treatment inhibited cell cycle, induced apoptosis and differentially sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs of different mechanisms of action. Co‐administration of scriptaid and PSis is associated with enhanced anti‐proliferative activity, apoptosis and chemo‐sensitization of colorectal cancer cells through a selective induction or suppression of genes that play important roles in cell cycle and apoptosis.The present study provides evidence that the combination of scriptaid and proteasome inhibitors shows a strong synergistic interaction with chemotherapeutic drugs in colorectal cancer cells, providing the foundation for future clinical translation with HDAC and proteasome inhibitors for anticancer therapy.
Uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A) as a novel coronary vasodilator in health and disease: Role of purinergic P1 and P2 receptors
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Duncker Dirk Jan , Merkus Daphne 
Published: June 2021

Up4A is a potent endothelium‐derived contracting factor that contains purine and pyrimidine moieties and activates purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors. Up4A has recently been found to also have vasodilator effects. Here, we evaluated Up4A in isolated coronary small arteries from normal (N) swine and swine after myocardial infarction (MI), and studied the purinergic receptor subtypes involved. Surprisingly, Up4A (10−9–10−5 M) failed to induce contraction in small arteries from N and MI, but produced dose‐dependent relaxation in vessels from N and MI preconstricted with U46619. Sensitivity to Up4A was lower in MI than N. In N, Up4A induced vasodilation was reduced by nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with L‐NAME to a similar extent as by nonselective P1 antagonist 8PT and A2A antagonist SCH58261, while nonselective P2 antagonist PPADS, P2X1 antagonist MRS2159, and P2Y1 antagonist MRS2179 had no effect. In MI, dilation by Up4A was blunted by P2‐ (PPADS, MRS2159, MRS2179) and P1‐inhibition (8PT, SCH58261) and L‐NAME. Q‐PCR confirmed the presence of coronary P2X1, P2Y1 and A2A receptors. Thus, Up4A exerts a dilator rather than a constrictor effect in coronary microvessels which in N occurs via P1 (particularly A2A) mediated activation of NO, and both P1 and P2 in MI. These findings indicate that the mechanism of vasodilation by Up4A is different in the diseased heart.Supported by China Scholarship Council (2009624027)
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) improves function in cold storage hearts
Authors: Porter Karen , Mingo Tyler , Garry Glynnis A , Garry Mary G 
Published: June 2021

Bile acids have been used to improve various liver conditions and are now being investigated as putative therapies for neurological and cardiovascular pathologies. Tauroursodexycholic acid (TUDCA), a taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), has been demonstrated to reduce scar size and apoptosis resulting from myocardial infarction. Since TUDCA has been shown to protect against acute tissue injury, we hypothesized that addition of TUDCA to the cold storage solution, University of Wisconsin (UW), will improve heart function during reperfusion and lengthen the time the heart can be stored. Male rat hearts were explanted and perfused with either UW alone or UW+TUDCA (1 mM) then stored in the solution for 4 hours at 4°C. Following cold storage the hearts were reperfused with Krebs‐Henseleit buffer via a Langendorff isolated heart apparatus to measure cardiovascular function. Hearts stored in UW+TUDCA demonstrated increased left ventricular pressure (39.4 mmHg vs. 27.1 mmHg respectively) and developed pressure (90.8 vs. 64.4 mmHg respectively) compared to UW alone. Additionally, amount of time for relaxation of the heart was increased in the UW‐TUDCA group (−1648.9 mmHg/s vs. −1226.7 mmHg/s) demonstrating improvement in the heart function. These data indicate that bile acids may be beneficial in reducing tissue injury and increasing function of explanted hearts.Studies supported by AHC seed grant.
Anatomical and functional connections between the locus coeruleus (LC) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in neonatal rats
Authors: Lopes Luana Tenorio , Patrone Luis Gustavo Alexandre , Li Ke-yong , Imber Ann , Graham Cathy , Gargaglioni Luciane , Putnam Robert 
Published: June 2021

To study the communication among chemosensitive brainstem areas, we injected rhodamine beads into the LC in rat pups (P7–P10). After 8–10 days, retrograde labeling was seen in the brainstem, including neurons from many chemosensitive regions, such as contralateral LC, caudal NTS (cNTS), retrotrapezoid nucleus, medullary raphé and periaqueductal gray. Similar connections were seen with cNTS injection, although less labeling was seen in each area. We patched cNTS neurons that project to the LC and found that 4 of 5 retrogradely‐labeled cNTS neurons had increased firing rate (FR) in response to hypercapnic acidosis (HA‐15% CO2), even in synaptic blockade medium (SNB—high Mg2+/low Ca2+). In contrast, 2 of 3 retrogradely‐labeled LC neurons that project to the cNTS had reduced FR in response to HA both in the presence and absence of SNB. We loaded the patched neuron with Lucifer Yellow (LY) from the pipette and verified that the neuron was labeled for both rhodamine and LY. Our studies show: extensive connections among chemosensitive brainstem regions; HA‐induced increased FR of cNTS neurons results in increased action potentials (APs) to the LC; and HA‐induced decreased FR of LC neurons results in reduced APs to cNTS neurons. Complex interactions clearly exist among chemosensitive regions within the central respiratory control network.Supported by FAPESP, CAPES, CNPq, NIH R01‐HL‐56683 and WSU Research Incentive Grant
Relationship of three‐dimensional architecture of thin limbs of Henle's loops to the renal inner medullary concentrating mechanism
Authors: Westrick Kristen Y. , Dantzler William H. , Pannabecker Thomas L. 
Published: June 2021

Clusters of collecting ducts (CDs) form the lateral organizing structural motif for the arrangement of thin limbs of Henle's loops and of vasa recta in the renal inner medulla (IM). Within CD clusters (intracluster region), CDs, ascending vasa recta (AVR), and ascending thin limbs (ATLs), form transverse arrays of compartments called interstitial nodal spaces (INSs). The purpose of this study was to investigate quantitatively the relationship of inner medullary thin limbs of Henle's loops to the intracluster region and INSs. With serial section of the IM, Amira imaging software was used to determine the points AQP1‐null descending thin limbs (DTLs) and ATLs enter and exit INSs by tracking DTLs and ATLs as they descended/ascended through the IM. Their distance to the nearest CD was measured on each section. DTLs and ATLs contacting CDs were assumed to lie within the intracluster region, where they may contribute to the generation of an IM osmotic gradient by fluid and solute mixing within an INS. 40 AQP1‐null DTLs were on average 8.6 μm away from their nearest CDs at the base of the IM, and were on average 1.3 μm from CDs at the terminal portion of their length. 21 ATLs were on average 1.79 μm away from CDs as they began to ascend and were 8.02 μm on average from CDs at the IM base. The points at which DTLs and ATLs enter and exit CD clusters is likely related to NaCl reabsorption that occurs at the prebend and ATL.NIH DK 083338; NSF IOS‐0952885.