bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of fasting on adipose stress and inflammation
Authors: Torchon Tania , Wong Kristen , Ji Bo , Das Suchita , Spence Jason , Voy Brynn 
Published: June 2021

Fasting activates adipose tissue lipolysis and increases local levels of nonesterified fatty acids, which can alter adipocyte metabolism and inflammation by activating cell surface (TLR4) and nuclear (LXR and PPAR) receptors. We recently reported that an acute fast (5 hr) upregulated inflammatory signaling and fatty acid oxidation in white adipose tissue, using the domestic chicken as a model. Our objective was to determine if similar adipose response to fasting is observed in mice. The effect of an overnight (16 hr) fast on lipolysis, inflammation and fatty acid oxidation in perigonadal and inguinal adipose tissue was assessed in 8–10 week‐old male C57BL/6J mice. Multiplex adipokine assays (Milliplex®, Millipore.com) revealed that fasting significantly increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) in serum and in abdominal and inguinal adipose tissue (p<0.05). Leptin concentration and resistin levels in plasma but not adipose tissue were significantly decreased by fasting (p<0.05). Fasting significantly increased expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4), which enhances fatty acid oxidation by inactivating pyruvate dehydrogenase. Western blot analyses indicate that fasting upregulated p38MAPK stress kinase signaling. Collectively, these data indicate that fasting activates select inflammatory pathways that may mediate metabolic adaptations to energy deprivation.Grant Funding Source: UT AgInnovation
Effects of pioglitazone on fatty acid desaturation and fat accumulation in rat tissues
Authors: Ochiai Masaru , Matsuo Tatsuhiro 
Published: June 2021

Insulin resistance (IR) is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes, but little has been well known about metabolism of fatty acids (FA) in skeletal muscle with IR. Especially, the relationships between desaturation of FA in several tissues and IR have not well been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of repeated administration of pioglitazone (PGZ), an anti‐diabetic drug, on desaturation of FA and fat accumulation in rat tissues. Seventeen male Wistar rats divided into control (C, n=9) or PGZ (P, n=8) group, and then all rats were fed a diet high in fat and sucrose for 8 weeks. PGZ (3 mg/kg) or vehicle was orally administered daily to rats in the P group or C group, respectively. After the test period, all rats were sacrificed, and the samples were kept at −80°C until analysis. Levels of serum biochemical components, tissue triacylglycerols (TG), and FA compositions of serum and tissues were analyzed. TG and cholesterol contents in the liver were significantly lower in the P group than in the C group. In contrast, TG contents in the heart and skeletal muscles were significantly higher in the P group than in the C group. In parallel with the increase of tissue TG level, percentages of palmitoleic (C16:1) and oleic (C18:1) acids were significantly increased, and percentages of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids were conversely decreased by the administration of PGZ. Therefore, FA desaturation indexes, ratios of C16:1/C16:0 and C18:1/C18:0, of the heart and skeletal muscles were significantly higher in the P group than in the C group. The C18:1/C18:0 ratio of the liver was conversely lower in the P group than the C group. The administration of PGZ significantly suppressed serum glucose levels. In conclusion, the administration of PGZ influenced the fat accumulation and FA profiles tissue‐specifically. The FA desaturation indexes in the liver and skeletal muscles could be important indicators of IR in rat.Grant Funding Source: Kagawa University
Differential effects of caloric intake and vitamin A status on insulin‐regulated Pck1 and Srebp1c expression in hepatocytes from Zucker fatty rats
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Yang , Lee Howell Meredith , Chen Guoxun 
Published: June 2021

Insulin‐regulated hepatic gene expression is impaired in Zucker fatty (ZF) rats. This is corrected by fasting or introducing vitamin A (VA) deficiency. VA deficiency reduces VA status and caloric intake. To separate these two effects, the insulin‐regulated Pck1 and Srebp1c expression were analyzed in primary hepatocytes from ZF rats. ZF rats after weaning were fed ad libitum a VA deficient (VAD), an isocaloric VA sufficient (VAS) diet ad libitum or the same amount of VAS diet consumed by the VAD group in the previous day for 8 weeks. The Pck1 and Srebp1c mRNA levels after insulin stimulation for 6 hours in the primary hepatocytes of these rats were determined by real‐time PCR. In hepatocytes of ZF rats fed the VAS diet, the insulin‐mediated inhibition of Pck1 and induction of Srebp1c expressions were impaired. This impairment was partially restored in hepatocytes of ZF rats fed the VAD diet. In hepatocytes of ZF rats pair‐fed the VAS diet, the insulin‐inhibited Pck1 expression, but not insulin‐induced Srebp1c expression, returned to normal. We conclude that insulin‐regulated expressions of Pck1 and Srebp1c in the ZF rat hepatocytes are respectively affected by caloric intake and VA status of the rats.Grant Funding Source: AHA (09SDG2140003)
Intestinal resolution: helminth parasite clearance through selenoproteins
Authors: Nelson Shakira M , Urban Joseph , Prabhu K Sandeep 
Published: June 2021

Selenium (Se) in the form of selenoproteins, imparts many beneficial health and anti‐inflammatory properties. Using the tRNA[Ser]Sec (Trsp) KO mice macrophages that lack expression of selenoproteins, we previously demonstrated a complete abrogation of alternatively (M2) activated macrophage activity under high Se (250 nM) conditions, emphasizing the role of selenoproteins in resolution. Current in vivo studies, using the helminthic parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, showed Se supplementation significantly increased intestinal M2 marker expression, while decreasing intestinal worms and fecal eggs. To implicate macrophage‐specific selenoproteins in resolution, Se supplemented WT fl/fl mice, compared to Trspfl/flCreLysM mice, showed a complete abrogation in M2 marker expression with a significant increase in intestinal worms and fecal eggs. Moreover, inhibition of the COX pathway using indomethacin displayed stunted expression of M2 markers despite high Se levels. These data suggest that optimal Se status in the form of selenoproteins, and selenium‐produced anti‐inflammatory prostaglandins are critical to skew macrophage activation to promote resolution of (parasite) infection. NIH grant DK077152Grant Funding Source: NIH
Analysis of Se contents in Korean processed foods according to food type
Authors: Lee Okhee , Yu Jaeran , Chung Yongsam , Moon Jongwha 
Published: June 2021

Selenium is an essential micro‐mineral and antioxidant protecting from the free radical induced lipid peroxidation. However, there are little reports on the Se nutritional status of Koreans because of deficient Se database on foods. This study was aimed to evaluate Se contents in edible portion of processed foods using instrumental activation analysis (=INAA) method, which cause little Se loss during pre‐treatment. The most frequently consumed processed foods by Korean were selected for the analysis of Se contents. Each food samples were individually mixed using homogenizer made with titanium. The homogenized food samples of 10~20g were freeze‐dried at temperature of −60 C for 24~96 h and subsequently, used to analyze Se contents by INAA‐method. Analytical quality control was conducted using NIST SRMs. The analysis limit of Se in foods by INAA was 0.01ppm. Se contents in processed foods ranged from 0.22ug to 14.9ug in 100g foods. The selenium contents were various according to the type of processed foods. The mean Se contents in 100g Ramen, which is one of the most consumed foods among Koran people, was in 8.6ug. The selenium contents were 8.4ug, 6.4ug, 1.4ug in 100g cold noddle, wonton and instant coffee mixture, respectively. This result will be useful in establishing the food Se database for Koreans.Grant Funding Source: National Reserch Foundtion of Korea
Glutathione efficacy as a dietary antioxidant against azoxymethane‐induced colon carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: Waly Mostafa I. , Ali Badreldin H , Deth Richard C 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundGlutathione (GSH) protects against oxidative stress by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GSH against azoxymethane (AOM) ‐ induced colon cancer in rats.Methods40 Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats per group), control group, GSH‐fed group, AOM‐injected group, and GSH‐fed/AOM‐injected group. Animals were continuously fed ad‐libitum their specific basal or GSH‐diets for 16 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and the colon tissues were examined microscopically for lesions suspected of being tumors as well as for biochemical measurements of oxidative stress indices.FindingsThe results revealed a lower incidence of aberrant crypt foci in GSH‐fed/ AOM‐injected group as compared to AOM‐injected group. GSH augmented the AOM‐induced glutathione depletion and antioxidant enzymes inhibition in the examined colon tissues.ConclusionThe results obtained suggest that GSH inhibits the development of colonic premalignant lesions in an experimental AOM‐induced colon carcinogenesis model, at least in part, by abrogating oxidative stress and improving redox status of colonic cells.
Quercetin decreases tumorigenesis in a mouse model of breast cancer
Authors: Steiner Jennifer , Davis J Mark , McClellan Jamie , Murphy Angela 
Published: June 2021

Quercetin is a flavonol with anti‐inflammatory actions in macrophages; however no studies have investigated the benefits of quercetin (Quer) on tumorigenesis and inflammation in a mouse model of breast cancer (BrCa). Female C3(1)/SV40Tag mice were assigned to a Quer (0.2%) or control (AIN‐76A) diet (n=14–15) at 4wks of age and tumor number and volume were recorded bi‐weekly. At 20wks mice were sacrificed; tumors and mammary glands were analyzed for mRNA and protein expression. Quer significantly decreased tumor number (20wks) and volume (18.5–20wks); at sacrifice (20wks) average tumor volume was 2061.8 ± 977.0 mm3 in control mice and only 462.9 ± 75.9 mm3 with quercetin treatment. This was consistent with a reduction in invasiveness and numbers of ductal lesions in the mammary gland. Plasma MCP‐1 and tumor MCP‐1 protein was decreased with quercetin (P<0.05). Similarly, markers of pro‐tumor macrophages (CD206 and IL‐10) were reduced in the mammary gland of quercetin treated mice (P<0.05). However, tumor mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, MCP‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐alpha, and the macrophage marker, F4/80, did not differ between treatments. These data provide strong support for a beneficial effect of quercetin on inflammatory processes however, it is likely that inflammation‐independent pathways are also involved.Grant Funding Source: COBRE grant from NIH/NIGMS (1P20GM103641–01)
The Collected Research on Medical Food Bioefficacy in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Edelstein Sari F 
Published: June 2021

The objective of this collected work is to share peer‐reviewed studies on phytonutrient use in Alzheimer's disease.Example:Resveratrol: grapes, berries & peanuts“…enhances clearance of amyloid beta‐peptides and reduces neuronal damage”Resveratrol, a neuroprotective supplement for Alzheimer's disease.Li F. Curr Pharm Des, 2012; Vol. 18 (1), pp. 27–33.Phytic acid: food grains“protection against amyloid precursor protein‐C‐terminal fragment‐induced cytotoxicity” Phytic acid as a potential treatment for alzheimer's pathology: evidence from animal and in vitro models. Anekonda TS. J Alzheimers Dis, 2011; Vol. 23 (1), pp. 21–35.Many more will be presented in the poster.
Effect of oil palm phenolics (OPP) on pancreatic cancer (PC) in transgenic mouse model (KPC)
Authors: Vemuri Shilpa , Goja Arvind , Sadaat Nadia , Gowthaman Poornima , Chrusciel Michael , Gupta Smiti 
Published: June 2021

Patients of PC have poor prognosis in part due to poor therapeutic response. Phytochemicals may be beneficial against cancer progression. OPP, a water‐soluble extract from African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, has known anticancer properties. This study compared the effect of OPP with gemcitabine, the current drug treatment, in PC mouse model.MethodsKPC (KrasLSL.G12D/+; p53R172H/+; PdxCretg/+) mice were divided into groups: KC (control diet), KP (5% OPP diet), KG (gemcitabine), KPG (5% OPP diet + gemcitabine). Littermates without mutations served as controls: CC (control diet) and CP (5% OPP diet). PC stage was confirmed by staining tissues with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Blood smears were examined for changes in lymphocytes. Change in gene expression was evaluated by real time RT‐PCR.ResultsA significant decrease in Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) 1, 2, and 3 was observed in 5% OPP diet and gemcitabine groups. Blood smears showed a 4% increase in natural killer (NK) cells in the KP group relative to the KC group. Compared to the KC group, expression of MMP9, CCND1, and Bcl2 genes was down regulated in KP, KG, and KPG groups, with KPG showing the most significance.Taken together, the results show that addition of 5% OPP in the diet slowed down tumor progression in KPC mice, possibly via modulation of inflammatory, apoptotic and metastatic pathways. Further analysis is underway to confirm these results.Grant Funding Source: Malaysian Palm Oil Board
Phase angle in cancer predicts Quality of Life and prognosis
Authors: Almeida Ana Isabel , Ferreira Catarina , Grillo Isabel Monteiro , Camilo Maria , Ravasco Paula 
Published: June 2021

RationalePhase angle (PA) in cancer has been suggested as a potential prognostic disease indicator &, as a consequence, is likely to predict patients’ well‐being & Quality of Life (QoL), a gold standard for any clinical intervention. We aimed to assess the value of PA in predicting cancer patients’ QoL.Methods51 ambulatory cancer pts were evaluated. PA was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (Biodynamics 450®) & compared with age/sex reference percentiles. QoL was assessed by the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Comparisons were made using non‐parametric tests.ResultsPA<5th percentile was found in 16% of pts. Poorer SRHS was associated with PA<5th percentile (p<0.005); no statistically significant difference was found for global QoL score (p=0.07). PA<5th percentile did predict worse physical, role, emotional & social (p<0.05). Anorexia & insomnia were worse in pts with PA<5th percentile (p<0.05).ConclusionPA<5th percentile did predict poorer SRHS & anticipated impaired functional scores & worse symptoms. Thus, the PA 5th percentile cut‐off may allow the identification of pts with worse QoL dimensions, SRHS & symptoms, factors associated with poorer nutritional status & intake, all proven to be improved by individualised nutritional intervention, corroborating the need for adjuvant nutrition as therapy. No research support.
Weight Loss and other Adverse 0utcomes for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment
Authors: Hertroijs Dorijn , Platek Mary , Singh Anurag 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo describe the prevalence of weight loss, dysphagia and esophageal stricture in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) undergoing concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and to examine pretreatment weight status as a predictor of local regional progression (LRP).MethodsRetrospective review of 140 SCCHN patients definitively treated with CCRT from 2004 through 2010 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Patients were offered a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Nutrition follow‐up was by referral only. Patient information was collected from the electronic medical record.ResultsApproximately 93% had dysphagia, 19% had esophageal stricture and 22% with strictures required dilatation. Median pretreatment ideal body weight percentage (IBW%) was significantly different between patients without LRP (118%) and with LRP (n=18) (101.5%) (p=0.02), but was not an independent predictor of LRP when tested in a multivariate regression model. Both groups suffered weight loss of 9% during treatment despite nutrition support.ConclusionsPretreatment weight status, a very crude indicator of nutrition status, was not an independent predictor of LRP but may have prognostic value. Next steps include validated malnutrition screening and the testing of evidence based nutrition protocols to minimize weight loss and manage dysphagia.Research support: Nutritional Cancer Institute
The Effects of High Dietary Iron and Radiation Exposure on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Immune Status of Rats
Authors: Morgan Jennifer L. L. , Crucian Brian E. , Sams Clarence F. , Smith Scott M. , Zwart Sara R. 
Published: June 2021

During space flight astronauts are exposed to increased iron stores and radiation. These can independently cause oxidative damage leading to negative health effects including heart disease, cataracts, and cancer. We investigated the combined effects of high dietary iron (650 mg iron/kg diet vs. 45 mg iron/kg diet for controls) and radiation exposure (0.375 Gy of Cs‐137 every other day for 16 days, a total of 3 Gy) on markers of oxidative stress and immune system variables in Sprague‐Dawley rats (n=8/group). Oxidative stress was affected by both treatments, evidenced by increased liver glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.01) and serum catalase (P < 0.01). Effects of iron intake and radiation on the white blood cell count interacted significantly (P < 0.05), with iron increasing the cell count only in the non‐irradiated group. The T‐cell CD4:CD8 ratio was decreased by radiation (P < 0.0001). When various leukocyte subsets from treated rats were stimulated with mitogens, their cytokine production profiles were altered. Serum iron concentration was negatively correlated with monocyte production of cytokines after LPS stimulation. Both dietary iron and radiation, alone and interactively, contributed to increased oxidative stress and resulted in overall immune system alterations, which could contribute negatively to astronaut health during space flight.Grant Funding Source: Funded by the NASA Human Research Program.
Homocysteine Levels are Associated with HIV Disease Progression in HIV+ Adults in Miami
Authors: Martinez Sabrina S , Campa Adriana , Li Yinghui , Boyer Jacqueline Hernandez , Williams Shawn , Barr Shakira , Nagi Gagandeep , Greer Pedro , Gracia Deborah , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship of homocysteine levels to alcohol AUDIT score and HIV disease progression in HIV+ adults.MethodsAfter consenting 235 participants, blood was drawn for homocysteine. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as >;12μM/L. CD4 count and viral load were obtained from medical records. Questionnaires on demographics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were completed.ResultsMean age was 44.9±8.1 years, mean CD4 count was 499.1±341.3 cells/μL and 66.0% were male. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteninemia was 23.4% (N=56). Homocysteine levels were correlated with viral load (r=0.146, p=0.03) and AUDIT score (r=0.167, p=0.011). In multivariate linear regression, viral load remained significant after controlling for AUDIT score, age and gender (β=.188, p=0.006). Higher homocysteine were seen in those with CD4 cell count <200 cells/μL (11.2 vs. 9.8 μM/L, p=0.024) and those not currently on ART (10.4 vs. 9.4 μM/L, p=0.049).ConclusionsIn this HIV+ cohort, homocysteine was associated with HIV disease progression. Further studies on mechanisms through which homocysteine contributes to HIV disease progression are needed.Funded by NIAAA
A Rare Presentation of Intravascular Lymphoma in an HIV patient
Authors: Solomon Sanjeev , Dalal Rutul , Dunlap Shariff , Kurukumbi Mohankumar 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIntravascular lymphoma (IVL) is an extremely rare form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by almost exclusive growth of neoplastic lymphocytes within the blood vessel lumen. IVL is morphologically characterized in most instances by large cells with B‐cell lineage. There is a paucity of literature describing the association between HIV and intravascular lymphoma.Case Presentation43‐year‐old female with HIV presented with weakness involving her left arm and leg. Physical examination showed decreased strength in the left lower extremity and impaired sensory perception in the right lower extremity. Neuroimaging revealed a lesion in the spinal cord at the level of C5/6 and diffuse leptomeningeal and patchy enhancement in the left frontal lobe. CSF analysis was significant for positive JC virus PCR. The patient was considered to have progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; however, the clinical and neuroimaging findings did not support this diagnosis. Leptomeningeal biopsy showed focal infiltrations of large atypical lymphocytes confined within blood vessels with immunohistochemistry being positive for CD3. The morphological findings were consistent with intravascular diffuse large B cell lymphoma.ConclusionThis case highlights a rare occurrence of HIV infection and intravascular lymphoma and its inherent atypical presentation and diagnostic challenges.
Depletion of PINK1 mediates mitochondrial dynamics in chronic MPP+ toxicity
Authors: Zhu Jianhui , Dadga Ruben K , Chu Charleen 
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in sporadic and familial Parkinson disease (PD); however, the regulation of mitochondrial function during PD‐related cellular stress remains unclear. We previously found that low dose chronic MPP+ treatment over 2 weeks caused both fragmentation and enlargement of mitochondria accompanied by suppression of mtDNA encoded protein synthesis. Since the mitochondrial kinase PTEN‐induced kinase 1 (PINK1) may regulate the mitochondrial fission/fusion machinery, we hypothesized that alterations in endogenous PINK1 function contributes to chronic MPP+ induced mitochondrial dysfunction. We found that chronic MPP+ treatment caused a significant decrease in PINK1 expression, which is disproportionately greater than the reduction in other mitochondrial proteins by mitophagy. Both mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins DRP1 and MFN2 were also decreased. Over‐expressing Wt‐PINK restored levels of DRP1, MFN2 and mitochondrial transcription factor A involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. The mechanism underlying PINK1 depletion during chronic MPP+ treatment involved HSP90α phosphorylation through an ERK1/2‐dependent mechanism. Preventing ERK1/2 activation or overexpression of PINK1 ameliorated the mitochondrial fission and fusion protein imbalance in MPP+‐treated cells. In sum, depletion of endogenous PINK1 protein is implicated in chronic MPP+ induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Given that mutations in the PINK1 gene are linked to autosomal recessive parkinsonism, these data support PINK1 loss of function as a possible point of convergence for neurotoxic and genetic causes of PD.Supported in part by NIH grants NS065789 and AG026389.