bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testosterone induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy via Akt/mTOR/S6K1 pathway and the androgen receptor
Authors: Basualto-Alarcón Carla , Jorquera Gonzalo , Jaimovich Enrique , Estrada Manuel 
Published: June 2021

The anabolic hormone testosterone is associated with muscle hypertrophy, but the intracellular mechanisms involved are poorly known. We studied whether signal transduction pathways and the androgen receptor are necessary to elicit hypertrophy in skeletal muscle myotubes. Testosterone induced an increase in myotube cross sectional area (control=134,5±10,2 μm2; testosterone=181,9±14,4 μm2) and in α‐actin protein levels at 12 hours. Morphological development of myotube sarcomerisation was more clearly established in testosterone stimulated myotubes at this time. Earlier times of testosterone stimulation showed increased transcription of α‐actin gene, concomitantly with no changes in atrogenes (MAFfbx and MuRF‐1) activity at 6 hours. Characteristic hypertrophy pathways were studied at short times: ERK1/2 and Akt showed an increase in phosphorylation status after testosterone at 5 and 15 minutes, respectively. S6K1 was phosphorilated at 60 minutes. This response was inhibited with LY294002, Akt‐inhibitor‐VIII and Rapamycin but not by PD98059. Similarly, the hypertrophic response at 12 hours was abolished with these inhibitors as well as partly by a siRNA against androgen receptor but not by PD98059. These results suggest interlink between pathways involving intracellular signal cascades and the classical genomic actions of androgens for testosterone‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy.FONDECYT 1090276, FONDAP 15010006
Secretory klotho interacts with parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptors
Authors: Takenaka Tsuneo , Inoue Tsutomu , Miyazaki Takashi , Suzuki Hiromichi 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWe have previously demonstrated that chronic administration of secretory klotho into rats with adriamycin nephropathy retards renal injury and reduced vitamin D without changes in PTH levels (J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011; 22: 776A). Membrane‐type klotho acts as a receptor for FGF23. Klotho is expressed on cell membrane of parathyroid glands. Although FGF23 can act on parathyroid glands, direct effects of secretory klotho on PTH receptors have not been examined. Klotho is known to binds to receptors to WNT and TGF‐beta.MethodsThe interactions of secretory klotho and PTH receptors were examined under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Sepharose‐beads coated with protein G was mixed with antibody to PTH receptors in test tube. Then, PTH receptor was added to the tube, finally secretory klotho (10−8 to 10−11 M) was added. Tube was centrifugated, and supernant was discarded. Beads were washed three times with PBS. Residual proteins on the beads were detected. Under anesthesia, rats were treated with PTH (100 miicro‐g/Kg) in the presence and absence of secretory klotho (10 micro‐g/Kg). Urinary c‐AMP was measured.ResultsKlotho, PTH receptor, antibody to PTH receptor were found as the remaining proteins on the beads. Klotho was detectable at 10−9 M or more as the residual protein. Increases in urinary c‐AMP excretion by PTH were attenuated by the pretreatment with secretory klotho (3.0±0.5 vs 5.6±0.8 folds, p<0.05).ConclusionSecretory klotho binds to PTH receptors, inhibiting its signaling.
Vagal control of heart rate is increased during post‐exercise recovery
Authors: White Daniel Wade , Carlton Joshua , Kay Victoria , Eubank Wendy , Raven Peter B 
Published: June 2021

Increases in exercise intensity are known to reset, in an upward and rightward direction, the arterial baroreflex (ABR) control of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). ABR function during recovery from exercise has not been extensively studied and therefore is unreported in the literature. We hypothesized that carotid baroreflex (CBR) function curves would recover with a trend opposite to the original intensity related resetting following exercise. To test this hypothesis, healthy young subjects performed cycling exercise at two workloads to establish HRs of 120 and 150 bpm. CBR function curves were collected using the neck pressure/neck suction technique. An increase in HR during recovery vs. rest (p=0.032) was recorded in all subjects without a change in MAP. From rest to recovery there were significant increases in the response range (RR) of HR (p=0.029) and the sensitivity or gain of the ABR function curves (p=0.036). The increase in HR without an increase in MAP was expected, but the RR increase during recovery due to an increase in threshold without a concomitant increase in saturation point was not. It is concluded that vagal control of HR during recovery from exercise is increased without a change in the CBR control of blood pressure.Supported by a TACSM SRDA.
Mitochondrial sensitivity to ADP in permeabilized fibers changed as a function of cardiac muscle compartments: left/right atria and ventricles of sheep heart
Authors: Chapolard Mathilde , Vaillant Fanny , Jais Pierre , Haissaguerre Michel , Dos Santos Pierre , Diolez Philippe , Deschodt‐Arsac Veronique 
Published: June 2021

Because of the balance between ATP supply and ATP demand, alterations in cardiac energetics potentially affect cardiac work and may explain pathologies. Neverthelesss energetics alterations in each compartment remain unknown. Since mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is the main process of energy supply, mitochondrial sensitivity to energetic intermediates (e.g. ADP) is here investigated in a compartment‐specific way.KmADP were obtained in sheep permeabilized fibers of right and left ventricles and atria using O2 consumption measurements (OROBOROS Oxygraph‐2k), carried out in Mir05 with glutamate (5 mM) and malate (2 mM), at 25Â°C.Basal respiration (V0) and maximal ADP‐stimulated respiration (Vmax) were similar among atria or ventricles (meanV0 = 33 Â± 3.9 and meanVmax = 72 pmol.sec−1.mg−1 dry wt). Interestingly, KmADP were significantly higher in atria, especially in right one, than in ventricles, that were consequently characterized by a 1.5 to 3‐fold higher sensitivity to ADP compared to left and right atria.In beating heart, for a given energy state of the cell, mitochondria are more responsive in ventricles than in atria and more responsive in the left than in the right atrium. Interestingly mitochondrial responsiveness is likely in adequation with requested work in each chamber of the healthy heart and may be closely related to the ventricle ability to withstand problems of arrhythmias.
Identifying chemotaxis protein‐protein interactions in Epulopiscium sp. Type B using a yeast two hybrid system
Authors: Levesque Brié , Piefer Andrew J. 
Published: June 2021

Epulopiscium sp. Type B (Epulo) is a large symbiotic aquatic bacterium that resides in the gut of surgeon fish. From genomic data, Epulo is predicted to have a chemotactic sensory and motility system similar to Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Our experiments are designed to test the protein‐protein interactions between methyl accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) and the Che proteins, CheA (a sensory kinase) and CheW (a coupling protein), through the use of a yeast‐2‐hybrid (Y2H) genetic assay. We hypothesize based on genetic homology that Epulo chemotaxis proteins will behave in a similar fashion to their orthologs in B.subtilis and E.coli. The Y2H tests protein‐protein interactions through metabolic and drug selection in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The genes in question; MCP3, MCP6 and CheW will be cloned into pGADT7 vector while CheA will be inserted into pGBKT7. Preliminary results confirmed an interaction between CheA and CheW; other interactions have yet to be detected; possibly because CheW is mildly toxic to the yeast strain Y187. Alternatively, a CheA+CheW+MCP ternary complex may be necessary for MCP binding.This research is funded by a Hartwick College Faculty Research Grant awarded to AJP.
Food insecurity in Palestinian and Iraqi refugees in Lebanon
Authors: Ghattas Hala , Sahyoun Nadine R , Seyfert Karin , Sassine AnnieBelle J 
Published: June 2021

The Middle East region has 1.8m refugees, the majority of which are Palestinians and Iraqis. In Lebanon, their legal status is compromised resulting in high rates of poverty and potential vulnerability to food insecurity. We aimed to assess food insecurity and its predictors in two surveys conducted in Palestinian (n=2575) and Iraqi (n=630) refugee households living in Lebanon. Food security was assessed using a 6‐item food security survey module. The prevalence of food insecurity was 41.2% in Palestinian and 35.5% in Iraqi households and that of severe food insecurity (SFI) was 20.8% and 45.9%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, the major variables associated with SFI in Palestinians and Iraqis were self‐reported mental health (OR=2.8, p=0.000; OR=1.7, p=0.019) respectively, and ownership of food‐related assets (OR=0.71, p=0.003; OR=0.75, p=0.039). Poverty, acute illnesses, and head of household primary education were associated with SFI in Palestinians, whereas number of children under‐15 and poor housing quality predicted SFI in Iraqis. Severely food insecure households in both refugee populations reported a significant reduction in intakes of fruits, meat and dairy products. Future interventions on food insecurity in Palestinian and Iraqi refugees should address mental health issues, education and dietary diversity.This research was funded by the EU and UNHCR, Lebanon.
A prospective study of body image dissatisfaction and BMI change in school children
Authors: Duchin Ofra , Mora‐Plazas Mercedes , Marin Constanza , de Leon Carlos Mendes , Lee Joyce M , Baylin Ana , Villamor Eduardo 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the associations of body image dissatisfaction (BID) with body mass index (BMI) change in a longitudinal study of school children from Bogotá, Colombia.MethodsWe recruited 630 children 5–12 y‐old from public schools in Bogotá, Colombia and measured their height and weight annually for a median 2.5 y. At recruitment, BID was estimated from children's ratings of Stunkard‐style scales depicting progressively larger body figurines as current minus desired body image. Sex‐specific BMI‐for‐age curves were estimated by baseline BID levels, using mixed effects models with restricted cubic splines.ResultsIn multivariable analyses, thin boys who desired to be thinner gained 4.4 kg/m2 more BMI from ages 6–14 y than boys without BID (P= 0.009). Overweight boys who desired to be larger or thinner gained significantly more BMI than boys with no BID. Thin girls who desired to be larger or thinner gained significantly less BMI than girls with no BID, but overweight girls who desired to be larger gained 4.7 kg/m2 more BMI than girls without BID (P=0.001). BID was not related to BMI change in normal‐weight children.ConclusionsBID plays a sex‐specific role in BMI change among school children.The Bogota School Children Cohort is currently sponsored by the ASISA Research Fund at the University of MichiganGrant Funding Source: The Bogota School Children Cohort is currently sponsored by the ASISA Research Fund at the University of Michigan
When obesity begins: anthropometric and demographic characteristics of California WIC child participants
Authors: Papathakis Peggy Callaghan , Nazmi Aydin , Phelan Suzanne , Engle Patrice 
Published: June 2021

Aimto determine rates of overweight (OW) and obesity (OB) by demographic and anthropometric factors in children enrolled in 2004–2009 in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara county WIC programs.Methodslongitudinal measurements were collected on 60,190 mother/child pairs. Using CDC growth standards, weight‐forlength z‐ scores (WLZ) were calculated from birth through 24 mo; BMI z‐ scores (BMIZ) were calculated from 24 to 57 mo. Proportion OW and OB were defined as WLZ and BMIZ ≥1.036 (>;85%tile)and >;1.645 respectively (>;95%tile).ResultsThe overall prevalence of OW/OB was 28.9%/13.2% at 12 mo, 27.8%/12.4% at 24 mo, and 40.1%/22.2% at 57 months. At 12 mo, OW was significantly (p<0.05) higher in children who were male (30.6 vs 27.2%), non‐white Hispanic (29.5 vs 26.3% in whites) and formula fed for 6 months (39.0 vs 25.5% in breastfed). OW children had mothers who were <100% of poverty level (29.5 vs 27.1% in 185% poverty), with no education (33.8 vs 26.3% in 13+ yr education) and BMI >;30 (33.6 vs 24.4% in BMI 18.5–24.9). Similar demographic characteristics were observed at 57 months and for obese children.ConclusionObesity begins in early life and is particularly prevalent among low income, non‐white Hispanic children whose mothers are obese and with low education.
Impact of high saturated lipids diet on serum fatty acid profile in rats.
Authors: Perris Paula Daniela , Silva Carolina , Fernandez Inés , Mambrin Cecilia , Slobodianik Nora , Feliu María Susana 
Published: June 2021

Objetiveto examine the effect of high saturated lipids diet on serum fatty acid profile. Weaning Wistar rats were fed with experimental diet containing 45kcal% fat provided by butter, complete in all nutrients. Group S1 received the diet for 10 days; S2 for 40 days; S3 received stock diet for 30 days and then 40 days of experimental diet. Control groups (C1, C2, C3) received normocaloric diet for the same time. Serum fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography. Results (area%±SD) were:

S 1
C1
S 2
C 2
S 3
C 3

Palmitic
18.10 ±6.48
17.84 ±2.12
20.63 ±2.35 *
16.08 ±2.15
17.25 ±2.15 *
16.44 ±1.62

Oleic
19.12 ±5.18 *
10.60 ±2.01
20.37 ±2.06 *
11.29 ±2.27
17.71 ±2.85 *
10.08 ±1.34

Linoleic
8.91± 1.79*
19.99 ±4.68
9.79± 1.04*
17.45 ±4.11
8.38± 0.79*
17.82 ±3.38

αLinolenic
0.49± 0.32*
1.02± 0.46
0.44± 0.13*
0.81± 0.22
0.43± 0.11*
0.93± 0.18

Arachidonic
6.36± 1.45
8.59± 2.15
10.77 ±1.05 *
16.32 ±4.27
17.52 ±2.30 *
22.78 ±1.98

EPA
0.93± 0.82
0.83± 0.44
1.01± 0.15
1.13± 0.48
2.10± 0.20
1.83± 1.17

DHA
1.22± 0.30
1.25± 0.24
2.76± 0.35
2.22± 0.75
1.76± 0.78
2.17± 1.10

p<0.01
Experimental groups showed higher serum oleic acid levels with lower α‐linolenic and linoleic acids levels compared with control groups. Serum fatty acid levels changed in response to high fat% of experimental diet, the fatty acid profile, ‐which promotes ω9 pathway and decreases essential fatty acids‐, and to the time of administration.Supported by UBACyT 20020100200078
MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (MIF) DECREASES NEUROINFLAMMATION IN THE SOLITARY TRACT NUCLEUS (NTS) OF SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS (SHR).
Authors: Freiria‐Oliveira Andre H , Blanch Graziela T , Li Hongwei , Colombari Debora S A , Colombari Eduardo , Sumners Colin 
Published: June 2021

Increasing MIF levels in the NTS reduces blood pressure in SHR. Since inflammation has an important role in hypertension we investigated whether increasing MIF in the NTS of SHR alters inflammatory cytokine levels and microglial activation. Male SHR and normotensive (NT) rats (8 weeks old) were microinjected in the NTS with either AAV2‐CBA‐MIF or AAV2‐CBA‐eGFP to elicit chronic increases in MIF and GFP (control) expression. Thirty days later, we analyzed inflammatory cytokine mRNAs or microglial activation in the NTS. Baseline levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine (PIC) mRNAs such as IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNFα were significantly greater (0.5 to 3 fold) in the NTS of SHR vs. NT rats (p<0.05). The baseline level of IL‐10 mRNA (anti‐inflammatory cytokine) was significantly reduced by 3 fold in SHR vs. NT rats. MIF over expression in the NTS did not alter cytokine mRNA levels in NT rats, but in SHR normalized the levels of PIC and IL‐10 mRNAs in the NTS towards those observed in NT rats (p<0.05). Qualitative assessment of microglial activation via Iba‐1 immunohistochemistry indicated greater microglial activation in the NTS of SHR vs. NT rats, and this was reversed by MIF over expression. The results suggest that MIF over expression in the NTS of SHR can reduce neuroinflammation at this site, and this may contribute to the reduce blood pressure observed in these animals.Grant Support: FAPESP/PRONEX, CNPq, NIH (HL076803)
MC3R activation does not attenuate pro‐inflammatory macrophage‐induced reductions in myoblast proliferation
Authors: Kump David S , Brooks Sarah , Kump Rachel A 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundActivation of the melanocortin‐3‐receptor (MC3R) has potent anti‐inflammatory effect on macrophages. Acute muscle injury (AMI) is followed by an invasion of pro‐inflammatory macrophages (MΦ1).ObjectiveThe objective of this experiment was to determine whether 1) MΦ1would affect myoblast proliferation, a key step in recovering from AMI and 2) whether MC3R activation would alleviate the effects of MΦ1 on myoblast proliferation.Methods and ResultsRAW 264.7 MΦ (2.0 × 106 in a 10‐cm dish) were treated with 10 ng/ml for 24 hours. Conditioned media was added to 0.5 × 106 C2C12 myoblasts in a 24‐well plate for 48 hours, then proliferation of the myoblasts was measured via the MTT assay. Proliferation of myoblasts treated with MΦ1‐conditioned media was significantly lower than controls from non‐activated MΦ1. Alternatively, the MΦ1were scraped, and 5,000 MΦ1were co‐cultured with 0.5 × 106 C2C12 myoblasts in a 24‐well plate for 48 hours. Myoblasts in the presence of MΦ1also had significantly decreased proliferation, providing additional evidence that MΦ1 reduce myoblast proliferation. Pre‐treatment of the MΦ for 24 hours with 100 nM MT‐II, a MC3R agonist, did not attenuate the decreased proliferation. Current experiments are examining the possibility of a dose‐response relationship.Supported by Winston‐Salem State University Department of Life Sciences.
Wound healing effect of TENS in rodents.
Authors: Barreto André Sales , de Souza Siqueira Barreto Rosana , de Souza Siqueira Quintans Jullyana , de Oliveira Donato Isabela , Cardoso Roberta Santana Deodorio , Soares Rosilene Calazans , Albuquerque‐Júnior Ricardo Luiz Cavalcante , de Lucca Waldeci , de Santana Josimari Melo , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo José 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the wound healing activity of low frequency and high frequency TENS on excision wound model in rats.Excision wound:Thirty rats, Wistar, 250–300 g were anesthetized and an excisional wound was performed. The animals was treated with placebo ‐ TENS simulation (equipment off), low‐frequency TENS (2 Hz) and high‐frequency TENS (100 Hz) for 7 days. The residual wounds were analyzed and removed. Experimental protocols were approved by the animal care and use committee at Federal University of Sergipe (CEPA 69/2011). Serial histological sections were obtained and stained by histochemical techniques (Hematoxilin‐Eosin – HE and Sirius red) and immunohistochemical techniques. The results suggest that the high‐frequency TENS reduced (p < 0.05) wound areas. This evidence shows that high‐frequency TENS modulates the wound healing process.
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure Inhibits Neurite Outgrowth Through RAGE Pathway and Activates Altered Expression of Pro‐addictive Cytokines in Primary Neuronal and Glial Cell Cultures
Authors: Johnson Marquita L , Womble Tracy , Jackson Tanise L 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe prevalence of neonates exposed to cociane continues to be an endemic within the U.S. An overwhelming amount of evidence has shown that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with numerous neurological and behavioral abnormalities, as well as structural damage and a deficiency in neurodevelopment with no established underlying mechanisms.PurposeThe present study was designed to investigate biochemical events coupled to cocaine‐induced cytotoxicity of neurons and glial cells seen in exposed offspring.Research Approach:Time pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated with 40 mg/kg of cocaine HCl on gestational day (GD) 10–21. On postnatal day (PND) 3 the brain tissue of the pups was harvested to yield mixed neuronal and glial cell cultures. A cytokine antibody array determined a decrease in RAGE expression and an increase in TIMP‐1 expression in prenatally exposed pups. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) showed decreased neurite outgrowth in prenatally exposed neurons. ICC also determined there was an increase in dopamine (DA) in prenatally exposed primary cell cultures indicating the presence of DA receptors on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.. Western Blot analysis quantitatively determined a variation of amphoterin (HMGB1) which is necessary for RAGE activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) protein expressions between the control and cocaine treated pups.ConclusionThrough in vivo and in vitro studies exposure to cocaine during gestation leads to marked alterations in morphology and function of primary neuronal and glial cell cultures. These findings suggest that exposure to cocaine in utero can ultimately increase the incidence of addiction and development of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathologies in the affected offspring.
Bioinformatic analysis of microglia‐neural stem cell interactions: a role for wnt5a?
Authors: Woodbury Maya , Ingraham Kaitlin , Freilich Robert , Ikezu Tsuneya 
Published: June 2021

In the adult mammalian brain, neural stem and progenitor cells (NSCs, NPCs) persist in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ). The SGZ microenvironment contains various cell types in close association with NSCs, and signaling within this environment regulates maintenance, proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. Signaling from astrocytes to neurons in hippocampal neurogenesis has been described, but factors neurons receive from microglia are rather unexplored.Using genome‐wide microarray analysis, we assessed gene expression in microglia and embryonic NSCs co‐cultured with conditioned media from microglia (MCM) treated to induce pro‐inflammatory (M1) or protective (M2) conditions.We identified Wnt5a as a growth/differentiation factor highly expressed by microglia. In NSCs, we observed differential expression of Wnt5a target genes in each condition. NSCs co‐cultured with M2 MCM showed upregulation of growth/differentiation‐related genes vs. those with M1 MCM. Wnt5a knockdown in microglia was associated with decreased NR2B expression in co‐cultured NPCs vs. control, implying that Wnt5a is an essential microglia‐derived factor for synaptic maturation. These data suggest that microglia play a key role in regulating neurogenesis, and highlight the Wnt5a microglia‐neuron pathway as a potential target for neurodegeneration and developmental disorders.
Neutralization of TNFα improves endothelial function and reduces vascular calcification in advanced atherosclerosis
Authors: Roos Carolyn M , Hagler Michael A , Kafa Rami , Zhang Bin , Miller Jordan D 
Published: June 2021

Endothelial dysfunction and vascular calcification are major problems associated with prolonged hypercholesterolemia and aging, and are strongly associated with increases in TNFα. We hypothesized that inhibition of TNF‐α would reduce inflammatory and pro‐osteogenic gene expression in aorta, leading to improved endothelial function and reductions in intimal plaque calcification. We used hypercholesteremic mice (Ldlr−/−, apoB100/100) fed Western Diet for 6 months, at which point they received either intraperitoneal injections of saline (CTRL) or Infliximab (INX) for 3 additional months. Expression of the pro‐inflammatory genes TNF‐α, VCAM, and ICAM were all reduced in the INX group (qRT‐PCR). INX treatment improved endothelium‐dependent relaxation compared to the CTRL group (acetylcholine responses in isolated organ chamber; 50.7±3.4%, 43.7±3.7%; respectively), but treatment did not affect relaxation to nitroprusside. Furthermore, expression of the osteogenic gene MSX2 was reduced in INX mice, PPARγ target gene expression was increased, and intimal plaque calcification was reduced in aorta (Alizarin Red; CTRL = 13.7±2.9%, INX = 5.4±1.3%, respectively). In conclusion, blockade of TNF‐α may be a viable therapeutic target to reduce inflammation, improve endothelial dysfunction, and attenuate vascular calcification in the advanced atherosclerotic lesions commonly found in aging humans.NHLBI