bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary carotenoids on steroid hormone status in male mice lacking carotene‐15,15′‐monooxygenase (CMO‐I) or carotene‐9′,10′‐monooxygenase (CMO‐II)
Authors: Smith Joshua W. , Ford Nikki A. , Clinton Steven K. , Erdman John W. 
Published: June 2021

Higher serum levels of lycopene are inversely associated with prostate cancer incidence, while alterations in the gonadal hormones testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) modulate risk. Nine‐ to twelve‐week‐old male WT, CMO‐I KO and CMO‐II KO mice were fed either a control, lycopene beadlet‐ (LYC) or tomato powder‐supplemented (TP) diet for four days. Previously we reported that diet and genotype significantly interact, resulting in reduced testicular and total serum T in CMO‐I KO mice fed either TP or LYC, compared to WT mice. We hypothesized that CMO‐I KO genotype, but not CMO‐II KO genotype, would interact with LYC and/or TP to result in decreased serum E and alter testicular mRNA expression of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β‐HSD) 2 & 3. Compared to WT, CMO‐I KO genotype significantly reduced the testicular mRNA expression of both 17β‐HSDs 2 and 3 (p<0.05). Serum E was unchanged, although there were trends towards significant genotype‐diet interactions in the CMO‐I KO/TP (increased; p=0.06) and CMO‐I KO/LYC (decreased; p=0.08) groups, respectively, compared to WT. No changes in serum E were seen in any CMO‐II KO mice. Further work is underway to expand upon these findings.Grant Funding Source : NIH grant PHS‐1‐RO1 CA125384.
Biofortification of maize for nutritional security
Authors: Chaudhary Dharam Paul , Singh Sapna , Mandhania Shiwani , Srivastava Pallavi , Dass Sain , Kumar Ramanunjam S 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesMaize is the staple food for a large part of population in this planet. The nutritional quality of maize was significantly improved by the development of quality protein maize which could be further enriched through biofortification of maize with carotenoids and β‐carotene. Keeping this in mind we have planned to characterize maize germplasm for protein quality, carbohydrate profile, total fat and carotenoids composition.MethodsForty elite maize inbreds were used for this study. The samples were dried, ground to powder and analyzed for protein quality, oil, starch, sugars and carotenoids composition and the data was further processed to calculate Euclidean coefficient of dissimilarity among genotypes.ResultsThe results indicate that a significant number of inbreds posses quality protein. A few genotypes exhibit higher concentrations of starch. However, the starch is negatively correlated with oil content. A significant variation was observed in the total carotenoids composition. The inbreds could be grouped into five major categories based upon the Euclidean coefficient of dissimilarity in protein quality and carotenoids composition.ConclusionA significant variation was observed in the protein quality and carotenoids composition which could effectively be utilized in future breeding programme for the development of nutritionally improved maize hybrids.Source of research support: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, India.
The role of N‐linked glycosylation in the trafficking and transferrin binding of TfR2
Authors: Zhao Ningning , Enns Caroline A. 
Published: June 2021

Transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) belongs to the transferrin receptor‐like family and mediates cellular uptake of transferrin‐bound iron. TfR2 plays a key role in regulating iron homeostasis in the body. Mutations in this gene lead to a rare form of hereditary hemochromatosis. TfR2 is a type II protein with a single‐pass transmembrane region and four potential glycosylation sites on its ectodomain. The importance of glycosylation in TfR2 trafficking and function has not yet been studied. In the present study, we investigated the function of N‐linked glycosylation in the plasma membrane localization and transferrin binding of TfR2. We first used site‐directed mutagenesis to identify the glycosylation sites of TfR2. We found TfR2 is glycosylated at asparagines 240, 339 and 754, asparagine 540 is not glycosylated. By cell‐surface protein biotinylation and biotin‐labeled transferrin, we observed that without N‐linked glycan TfR2 can still traffic to the plasma membrane and bind to its ligand transferrin. Based on our analyses, we conclude that N‐linked glycosylation is dispensable for the cell‐surface expression and transferrin binding of TfR2.Grant Funding Source: NIH
Vitamin D status of immigrant mothers and infants in Metro Vancouver
Authors: Li Wangyang , Barr Susan I , Green Tim J , Whiting Susan J , Chapman Gwen E 
Published: June 2021

Recent studies suggest Canadian children from immigrant families may be at higher risk for rickets. However, little is known about the vitamin D status of immigrant mothers and infants in Canada. We measured 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in Asian and Middle Eastern immigrant (n=40) and White (n=40) mothers and their infants aged 2–4 months living in Vancouver (49°N). Mothers completed diet and sun exposure questionnaires. Mean 25OHD concentrations of immigrant mothers were lower than those of White mothers (68 vs 78 nmol/L; p=0.02), but 25OHD concentrations of their babies did not differ (82 vs 79 nmol/L; p=0.67). Only 1 White mother, 1 infant with a White mother, and 1 infant with a Middle Eastern mother had a 25OHD concentration indicative of severe deficiency (<25 nmol/L). However, 7 (18%) immigrant mothers and 2 (5%) White mothers (p=0.08) and 3 (8%) immigrants’ infants and 6 (15%) White infants (p=0.29) were vitamin D insufficient (<50 nmol/L). Multivariate analyses showed that ethnicity, body mass index, and vitamin D supplement use were significant predictors of 25OHD in mothers. Only supplement use was a significant predictor for infants. In conclusion, immigrant mothers were at marginally higher risk of vitamin D insufficiency than White mothers, but their infants had similar vitamin D status. (Supported by the Canadian Vitamin Class Action settlement)Grant Funding Source: Canadian Vitamin Class Action settlement
Monocarboxylate transporter‐1 genotype and breastfeeding status protect against elevated BMI in preschool aged Caucasian children
Authors: Wang Anthony An , Donovan Sharon M , Teran-Garcia Margarita 
Published: June 2021

The gut microbiota has been implicated in the development of obesity in part through fermenting dietary fibers to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The monocarboxylate transporter‐1 (MCT‐1), coded for by the SLC16A1 gene, facilitates the uptake of SCFAs in the colon. The association between genetic variants of the SLC16A1 gene at rs4839273 and obesity phenotypes in Caucasian 2–5 year‐old children (n=128) in the STRONG Kids Program was studied. The marker was in Hardy‐Weinberg Equilibrium (χ2=0.38, p=0.54) and polymorphic information content was 0.34. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples and was genotyped by fluorescence polarization. After adjusting for age, sex, and breastfeeding (BF) status, children with the CC genotype had lower BMI than children with CA or AA alleles (15.3 ± 0.6 vs. 16.6 ± 0.1, p=0.02). Breastfeeding status moderated this effect; individuals with CC genotype that were BF had lower BMI than those with CA or AA alleles who were not BF (15.9 ± 0.4 vs. 16.7 ± 0.2, p=0.05). Thus, genetic variation within the SLC16A1 gene was associated with BMI of the children in our study and this relationship was mediated by BF status.Grant Funding Source : UI Research Board
Regulation of the PBMCs gene expression profile with the Western dietary pattern in healthy men and women
Authors: Bouchard-Mercier Annie , Paradis Ann-Marie , Rudkowska Iwona , Lemieux Simone , Couture Patrick , Vohl Marie-Claude 
Published: June 2021

Diet regulates gene expression. The objective is to examine gene expression in relation with the Western dietary pattern.Methods30 Caucasians (13 males; 17 females) were recruited. Dietary patterns were derived from a food frequency questionnaire using factor analysis. RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), when subjects were in the fasting state. Expression levels of 47 231 mRNA transcripts (> 31000 genes) were assessed using the Illumina Human‐6 v3 Expression BeadChips®. Microarray data was processed with Flexarray software and pathway analysis was assessed using Ingenuity Pathway analysis (IPA).ResultsThe Western pattern was characterised by high intakes of refined grain products and meats. In subjects with high versus low scores for the Western pattern, 193 transcripts were upregulated and 197 were downregulated. IPA reveals that networks related to inflammatory response, immunological diseases and cancer were different in subjects with high versus low scores for the Western pattern.ConclusionStudying gene expression profiles according to dietary patterns may help to understand the overall effect of nutrition in chronic diseases development. CIHR (MOP229488)
Mucosal repair after tissue injury requires innate immune mediated neutrophil and macrophage recruitment via IL‐6 and MIP‐2 induction by symbiotic commensal bacteria
Authors: Meng Di , Zhu Weishu , Nanthakumar Nanda 
Published: June 2021

Intestinal injury leads to loss of epithelial barrier integrity and sepsis caused by microbial infiltration. The mucosal repair process includes accelerated epithelial restitution with concurrent induction of specific immune responses. To determine which arm of the immune system is responsible for tissue restoration, we used the mouse models of DSS, TNBS or OAA‐induced injury. The mouse raised in conventional facility was able to recover form injury, but the recovery from mucosal injury was compromised in bacteria‐depleted (BD) mice treated with DSS but not by TNBS or OAA. Also the ability to recruit neutrophils and macrophages after injury was significantly compromised in DSS‐treated BD mice. Gram (−) bacteria (B. fragilis and E. coli) or lipoplysaccharide (LPS) was sufficient to rescue the morbidity and mortality (40%) observed in DSS‐treated BD mice. But, Gram (+) bacteria were unable to rescue these mice. In addition, mucosal induction of MIP2 and IL6 were significantly compromised in DSS‐treated BD mice. Exogenous MIP2 was sufficient to rescue BD mice from DSS‐induced injury and to restored neutrophil and macrophage recruitment. However the ability to repair the mucosa after DSS‐induced injury was lost in IL‐6−/− mice. This suggests a previously unknown role for IL6 and MIP2 in restoring mucosal integrity by regenerating the epithelial barrier and by recruiting specific innate immune cells.Contact information: Dr. Nanthakumar; e‐mail: nanthaku@helix.mgh.harvard.eduSupported by NIH grant RO1HD059126
Smaller cerebrovascular arteries have a greater age‐related endothelial dysfunction and a blunted response to life‐long caloric restriction
Authors: Walker Ashley E , McCullagh Joesph P , Lesniewski Lisa A , Donato Anthony J 
Published: June 2021

Life‐long caloric restriction (CR) protects against age‐associated diseases, but its effect on cerebrovascular arteries of varying size is unknown. We measured ex vivo endothelium‐dependent dilation (EDD, response to acetylcholine [ACh]) of larger (carotid) and smaller (middle cerebral artery [MCA]) arteries from young (Y‐AL, 6 mo, n=12) and old (O‐AL, 29–31 mo, n=12) ad libitum fed and old CR (O‐CR, 29–31 mo, n=19, 40%<ad libitum) B6D2F1 mice. Aging leads to an increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure that was prevented by CR. In the carotid artery, O‐AL had lower EDD compared with Y‐AL and O‐CR (72±6 vs 95±2 and 91±2%, P<0.05). The reduction in EDD with age was greater in the MCA (O‐AL: 30±6 vs Y‐AL: 71±5%, P<0.01) compared to the carotid, but the preservation of EDD with CR was less (50±8%, P<0.05). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (L‐NAME) abolished the differences between groups (P>0.05). TEMPOL (superoxide dismutase mimetic) restored carotid artery EDD in O‐AL (91±3%, P<0.05), but had no effect in Y‐AL and O‐CR (P>0.05). In the MCA, TEMPOL restored EDD partially in O‐AL (43±16%, P<0.05), but diminished ACh‐induced dilation in O‐CR and Y‐AL (P<0.05). Thus, smaller cerebrovascular arteries have a greater age‐related reduction in endothelial function. Life‐long CR preserves endothelial function with age in larger arteries, but this response is blunted in smaller cerebrovascular arteries.Supported by AG029337, AG040297, AG033196
Renal vascular relaxation response to glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
Authors: Crajoinas Renato Oliveira , Savignano Fernanda Alcantara , Nakamuta Juliana Sanajotti , Girardi Adriana C 
Published: June 2021

Research in our laboratory and others have established that GLP‐1 causes diuresis and natriuresis in normotensive animals by means of tubular and hemodynamic mechanisms. Interestingly, we have recently observed that GLP‐1 does not affect renal hemodynamics in SHR. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the renal vascular effects of GLP‐1 on normotensive and hypertensive rats. By means of immunofluorescence, we verified that the GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) colocalized with endothelial and smooth muscle cell markers in renal arteries from both rat strains. However, it was noted that 100 nM GLP‐1 induced vasodilation in isolated renal arterial rings through an endothelial‐independent mechanism only in Wistar rats, and did not alter vascular reactivity in renal arteries from SHR. The lack of a vasodilator effect of GLP‐1 was not due to decreased expression of GLP‐1R in renal arteries from SHR. Besides, we observed that the activity and expression of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), responsible for GLP‐1 degradation, was significantly increased in the renal artery of SHR vs. Wistar. Furthermore, although there was no difference in basal concentrations of cAMP between renal arteries of Wistar and SHR, incubation of these vessels with GLP‐1 significantly raised cAMP concentration only in renal arterial rings from Wistar, while in the SHR cAMP concentration remained similar to baseline. These data suggest that GLP‐1 has a vasodilator effect in the Wistar renal artery through binding to its receptor and elevation of vascular smooth muscle cAMP. In addition, renal arteries from SHR do not respond to GLP‐1‐mediated vasorelaxation, at least in part due to higher levels of DPPIV activity and expression, and/or by an alteration in the signaling processes that link GLP‐1R activation with the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase.Support: FAPESP
Role of Glyoxalase System on Methylglyoxal Induced Peritoneal Thickeness in Glyoxalase Transgenic Rats
Authors: Ooba Ikuko , Mori Takefumi , Sato Emiko , Yoneki Yoshimi , Akao Kento , Ishikawa Mayuko , Kisu Kiyomi , Ito Hiroko , Saito Mai , Nakamichi Takashi , Kiyomoto Hideyasu , Miyazaki Mariko , Miyata Toshio , Sato Hiroshi , Ito Sadayoshi 
Published: June 2021

Methylglyoxal (MG) has been shown to involve in the peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis, which is metabolized by the glyoxalase system. The present study was designed to determine the role of glyoxalase system on peritoneal thickness induced by MG.MG was intraperitoneally administered daily to either rats overexpress human glyoxalase 1 (GLO1‐Tg rats) or control rats for two‐weeks. Saline was administered as sham group. Peritoneal equilibration test was performed at the end of the study, and thickness of peritoneum was determined.Administration of MG did not change systolic blood pressure measured by tail‐cuff method in either GLO1‐Tg rats or control rats. Significant reduction in peritoneal glucose transport was observed in MG treated control rats but was not recovered in GLO1‐Tg rats. D4/D0 glucose was reduced by MG treatment but was not altered in GLO1‐Tg rats. D/P urea did not change by MG treatment. MG increased peritoneal thickness in control rats which was attenuated in those of GLO1‐Tg rats.We conclude that MG induces peritoneal dysfunction associated with peritoneal thickness. Although enhanced glyoxalase system did not recover peritoneal dysfunction, these results indicate that glyoxalase is responsible for peritoneal thickness, which could be a target mechanism for peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis. (Support: KAKENHI23659438)
Calcium‐activated potassium channels expressed in retinal pigment epithelial cell
Authors: Kim Na-Hyun , Chang Jae-Seung , Cha Seung-Kuy , Kong In Deok 
Published: June 2021

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell serves very important functions to support vision. The aim of this study was to identify which the expression of KCa channels and ATP‐induced Ca2+ transient lead to the activation of SK channels as well as those of BK channels in the ARPE‐19 cells. We used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and electrophysiological patch clamp recordings to investigate the expression and characteristics of 3 types of the Kca channel subunits, BK, IK and SK.The presence of Ca2+ activated K+ channels were identified by expression profile of transcripts encoding BK and SK channel subunits (i.e., BK α1, BK β3, BK β4, SK1, SK3 and SK4/IK). 1‐ethyl‐2‐benzimidazolinone (EBIO), a specific SK channel activator, increased the whole‐cell current amplitude to 440.9% of control (at 50 mV, n = 8, p < 0.01), whereas apamin, a specific SK channel blockers, attenuated the outward currents by to 72.5% of control when BK and IK channels were blocked with iberiotoxin (IBTX) and clotrimazole (CLT) (at 50 mV, n = 6, p < 0.05). The single channel conductance of SK channel was 17.5 ± 0.8 pS in the symmetrical high K+ solutions (145/145 mM, n = 6). ATP (100μM) increased the NPo of the channels in cell‐attached patch mode (from 0.11 ± 0.26 to 0.40 ± 0.10 at 0 mV, n = 6, p < 0.05).We suppose that SK channels related closely to these purinergic signals may play a role of important functions in the physiology of RPE cells.
Mechanical stress activates ATP‐sensitive K+ channels in native pulmonary epithelium (Xenopus laevis)
Authors: Richter Katrin , Clauss Wolfgang , Fronius Martin 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe pulmonary epithelium is permanently exposed to mechanical forces (e.g. shear force, strain), but knowledge about their impact on pulmonary epithelial ion transport is scarce. Initial studies identified the activation of K+ channels in response to the application of hydrostatic pressure, although the identity of these channels is unknown. This study focuses on the potential contribution of ATP‐sensitive K+ channels (KATP) as part of the mechanosensitive complex in the lung epithelium.MethodsDissected lungs of Xenopus laevis were used for transepithelial Ussing‐chamber measurements. The Ussing‐chamber enabled an increase of the water column by 5 cm (hydrostatic pressure, HP) on the apical side that was used to mechanically stimulate the tissues while the short‐circuit current (ISC) was recorded. RT‐PCR experiments were performed to verify the expression of KATP channel subunit transcripts.ResultsUnder control conditions increased HP led to a decrease of the ISC (~20%, P<0.001). This effect was repeatable over a longer time scale of 30 min and sensitive to known KATP inhibitors glibenclamide and HMR1098. RT‐PCR experiments confirmed the expression of Kir6.1 and SUR1.ConclusionKATP channel subunits are expressed in Xenopus lung and activation of KATP by HP indicates that they are part of a mechanosensory complex in pulmonary epithelial cells.
Sampling method for morphometry of the myelinated fibers of sural nerves in adult rats
Authors: Silveira Fernando Braga Cassiano , Sanada Luciana Sayuri , Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli 
Published: June 2021

Morphometric analysis of peripheral nerves is time consuming, tedious, difficult to perform correctly and subject to many sources of errors. Researchers try to develop sampling methods to reduce the number of structures evaluated, particularly the myelinated fibers. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on which is the best sampling method or even if there is a method that reproduces with reliability the complete evaluation of the endoneural space of a determined nerve, investigated without any sampling method. We aimed to investigate a sampling method that is able to reproduce the data obtained by the integral morphometric analysis of the sural nerves in adult rats. Sural nerves were prepared for light microscopy and computer morphometry. Microscopic scanning of the endoneural space was completed by the automatically shifting of digitalized frames under the 100× lenses on the way that the sequenced digitalized frames, when put together, reproduce the complete image of the fascicle. Morphometric analysis was performed on 30%, 50% and 70%, and compared to 100% of the frames digitalized from the fascicle. The One Way ANOVA test was performed and no significant differences were found in any of the investigated parameters. The sampling methods were efficient in representing the evaluation of 100% of sural nerve fibers, being 30% enough on the morphometric evaluation of sural nerve in adult rats.Grant Funding Source : FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES and FAEPA
A role for stem‐loop 4 of U1 snRNA in splice site pairing
Authors: Sharma Shalini , Wongpalee Somsakul , Black Douglas 
Published: June 2021

Critical steps in the assembly of spliceosome are the association of the U1 snRNP with the 5′ splice site and of the U2 snRNP with the branch point/3′ splice site to form the prespliceosomal A complex. Interactions that pair the two splice sites within the prespliceosome are critical in committing the reaction to a particular splicing choice. These choices must occur with a high degree of specificity and fidelity for the appropriate expression of functional mRNAs. Candidate factors for mediating contact between the 5′ and 3′ splice site complexes include the U2 snRNP associated DEAD box protein Prp5 and SR related proteins. However, it is likely that additional interactions occur.Using a U1 snRNP suppression/complementation assay, we show that the stem‐loop 4 of U1 snRNP (U1‐SL4) is essential for splicing. Results show that the G‐C rich region at the base of the stem is important. Using a combination of Stable Isotopic Labeling of Amino Acids in Culture (SILAC), biotin/Neutravidin affinity pull down, and mass spectrometry we find that U1‐SL4 interacts with proteins of the SF3a complex, which is a component of the U2 snRNP. Addition of free SL4 to the splicing reaction inhibits splicing and blocks complex assembly at the transition from E to A complex, indicating a role for this region of U1 snRNA in splice site pairing and commitment to splicing.
Estimates of body composition during pregnancy using bioelectrical impedance analysis
Authors: Toro-Ramos Tatiana , Hoffman Daniel J. , Sichieri Rosely 
Published: June 2021

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used for body composition assessment, however prediction equations used by BIA equipment are developed in healthy populations from developed countries and the assumptions made regarding the body proportions may not apply to populations with altered body geometry, such as in pregnancy. BIA using body segments may estimate body composition better than whole body measurements in pregnant women. Study subjects included 209 pregnant women aged 15–40 years and between 18 to 22 weeks gestation. Percent fat mass (%FM) and fat‐free mass in kilograms (FFM) were estimated using whole body BIA and compared to the estimated parameters using two different sets of equations from body segment and whole body resistance (R) and impedance (Z). The estimates of %FM by the manufacturer were significantly lower (30% v. 34%) and significantly higher for FFM (47kg v. 43kg) compared to the equations by Baumgartner, (P<0.001) There was poor agreement between the body composition parameters estimated using prediction equations from segmental data and the parameters measured by whole body BIA. Thus, prediction equations based on segmental measurements and developed from non‐pregnant women are a poor estimate of body composition during pregnancy. Using whole body BIA may provide a more accurate estimate of maternal body composition.Grant Funding Source : The American Egg Board