bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An inverse Association of Vitamin D Serum Concentration with Inflammatory markers among older Puerto Ricans
Authors: Jamal‐Allial Aziza , Tucker Katherine L. 
Published: June 2021

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome and autoimmune diseases.Several reports suggest an association between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D concentration (25(OH)D) and inflammation. We examined, cross‐sectionally, the relation between serum 25(OH)D concentration and serum inflammatory markers in 963 Puerto Rican adults, 268 men and 695 women, aged 45–75 years. After adjusting for age, sex and seasonality, serum 25(OH)D was significantly negatively associated with tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (P<0.01 and P<0.04 respectively), but not with insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) or high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). The associations remained significant with further adjustment for waist circumference (WC), total body fat, abdominal fat mass, smoking status, alcohol intake, vitamin D supplement use and physical activity score. In conclusion, lower serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly associated with higher concentrations of inflammatory markers in this population of older Puerto Rican adults living in the Boston area. This is important, as this population has high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and of chronic conditions. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal pathways.
Effect of social mobility on body mass index from birth to adolescence: a cohort study
Authors: Muraro Ana Paula , Gonçalves‐Silva Regina Maria Veras , Ferreira Márcia Gonçalves , Sichieri Rosely 
Published: June 2021

It was evaluated the effect of family socioeconomic status (SES) and social mobility on the trajectory of Body Mass Index (BMI) from birth to adolescence. A population based sample of 2405 children aged 0 to 5 years, living in the city of Cuiabá‐MT, Brazil in 1999, was followed. Socioeconomic Status was classified by an asset‐based wealth index called in: low, middle and high classes. Anthropometric data were measured at childhood and adolescence. Weight and length at birth were those from hospital records. Linear mixed effect models were used (using SAS Proc MIXED). A total of 1716 adolescents were followed to adolescence (71.4% of baseline) and 51.2% were male. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 20.4% in childhood and 27.7% in adolescence. At adolescence, higher family SES was associated with higher prevalence of overweight/obesity. Expressive social mobility occurred, mainly among lowest SES group. There was a greater rate of change of BMI from birth to adolescence among those who were from higher SES in childhood and those who remained in the higher SES from childhood to adolescence. In conclusion, tracking a high BMI from childhood to adolescence occurred in the families of high SES at childhood, with no effect of social mobility.Financial support:CNPq and FAPEMAT.
Plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Alcohol Dependence and HIV Disease Progression in HIV‐Infected Adults
Authors: Martinez Janet Diaz , Campa Adriana , Parsons Mary , Martinez Sabrina Sales , Williams Shawn , Barr Shakira , Greer Pedro , Baum Marianna K 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveChronic alcohol consumption is associated with increased oxidative stress (OS) resulting in alcohol‐induced liver injury. Since plasma TAC may be an early marker of OS, we examined the relationship between plasma TAC levels and HIV disease progression in HIV+ adults with alcohol dependence as compared to those who were not alcohol dependent.MethodsAfter consenting, TAC was determined using a copper‐reducing antioxidant power assay in 34 alcohol dependent and 34 not dependent HIV infected participants. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores ≥13 for women and ≥15 for men were categorized as alcohol dependence. CD4 cell and viral load were obtained from medical records.ResultsParticipants were 67.6% male, 67.2% African American; mean age was 44.9±7.2 years. The mean TAC in HIV‐1 alcohol dependent participants was 0.038±0.026 μM copper reducing equivalents, and was significantly lower than the TAC mean of the group not alcohol dependent (0.069±0.071 μM copper reducing equivalents, [p<0.01]). TAC was positively associated with viral load in HIV+ alcohol dependent participants (β=5.78, SE=2.56, p=0.032), after controlling for age.ConclusionOur results show that alcohol dependence has a detrimental effect on plasma TAC in HIV+ adults. TAC can be used as an early marker of OS and may help to optimize and monitor antioxidant therapy in this population.Supported by NIAAA
Fish oil disrupts B cell MHC class II lateral organization in the murine immunological synapse
Authors: Rockett Benjamin Drew , Melton Mark , Teague Heather , Harris Mitchel , Bridges Lance , Shaikh Saame Raza 
Published: June 2021

Fish oil enriched long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids disrupts the lateral organization of proteins on the T cell side of the immunological synapse. However, the impact of fish oil on the antigen presenting cell side of the immunological synapse is unclear. We previously demonstrated that B cells isolated from mice fed fish oil suppressed B cell microdomain clustering as well as the ability to activate naïve CD4+ T cells through antigen presentation. In this study, using a combination of quantitative imaging methods, we tested the effect of fish oil on the lateral organization of B cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules involved in forming the immunological synapse. Fish oil had no impact on pre‐synaptic B cell MHC II clustering. However, fish oil did suppress the recruitment of MHC class II to the synapse. As a consequence, T cell PKCθ recruitment to the synapse was also diminished. The effects were independent of changes in B‐T cell adhesion. Finally, we compared the impact from fish oil to cholesterol depletion using methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin treatment and found similar results. Overall, the results reveal commonality in the mechanism by which fish oil manipulates protein lateral organization of B cells compared to T cells. Furthermore, the data establish MHC class II lateral organization on the B cell side of the immunological synapse as a novel molecular target of fish oil.NIH R15AT006122
Histopathologic changes in S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine treated patients with alcoholic liver disease: an in‐depth look at data from a double‐blinded, randomized, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Le Mary D , Enbom Elena , Traum Peter K , Medici Valentina , Halsted Charles H , French Samuel W 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess if there were any changes in liver biopsies after treatment with S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAMe) in alcoholic liver disease patients.DesignLiver biopsies of 14 patients were randomized for SAMe treatment at week 0 (biopsy #1) and at 24 weeks (biopsy #2). Patients received 1.2 g of SAMe or placebo by mouth daily and stopped alcohol intake. Biopsies were semi‐quantitatively scored for: necrosis, tunnel formation, smooth muscle actin, kupffer cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lipogranules, lymphocytes, balloon cell formation, and duct metaplasia.ResultsComparing treatment arm to placebo arm, no significant difference was found between biopsy #1 and biopsy #2. However, when both study arms were grouped together, there was decrease in smooth muscle actin stain, where the p‐value=0.027.ConclusionTreatment with SAMe did not show a statistically significant difference in the characteristics studied. However, when both the treatment and placebo arm data were grouped together to increase the n and power, there was a decrease in the smooth muscle actin stain, reflecting a decrease in stellate cells activation, likely due to the alcohol abstinence. This study shows that it may not be beneficial to wait for more definitive treatment, like liver transplant, because the liver tissue will remain with the same degree of pathology six months out, regardless.
Angiotensin II and its role in fat embolism‐induced lung pathology
Authors: Abbas Fizza , Herndon Betty , Quinn Tim , Likhitsup Alisa , Salzman Gary , Molteni Agostino 
Published: June 2021

Fat embolism (FE) after bone fractures increases pulmonary pathology. Our data suggests that lung damage in rats is less severe when angiotensin blocking drugs including captopril or losartan are given. Preliminary to my study, fat embolism was induced by i.v. injection of 0.2 ml triolein into 60 rats. Some animals received 50 mg/kg captopril i.p. or 10 mg/kg losartan i.p. one hour after triolein. Lungs were fixed for histology, or frozen for later study at 24–96 hr. Angiotensin peptides, detected by histochemistry, were increased by triolein‐induced FE compared to saline controls, and both captopril and losartan reduced the histochemical inflammation and fibrosis. Angiotensin II (A II) appeared to be mediating FE ‐induced pathology. To determine relationship of histology to tissue AII, lungs of 60 rats were homogenized into 500 μL protein buffer with protease inhibitor. Peptides were purified on micro C‐18 columns then tested by ELISA for AII.The angiotensin peptide present in lungs of rats with fat embolism syndrome increased from 24 (0.049) to 96 hr (0.062). The drugs produced significant increases in AII in the lungs (0.14 – 0.17 at 48 hr; p=0.001). Both ACE inhibitor captopril and AT1 blocker losartan partly improved pulmonary histology in animals given fat embolism in vivo. Comparison of pulmonary histology and A II peptide levels in the lungs continues with more mechanistic study. Funding: Gelmacher Foundation
Moderate intensity exercise does not modulate myostatin and follistatin gene expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of spontaneously hypertensive rats with heart failure
Authors: Damatto Ricardo Luiz , Pagan Luana , Lima Aline , Cezar Marcelo , Martinez Paula , Bonomo Camila , Guizoni Daniele , Gomes Mariana , Okoshi Katashi , Okoshi Marina 
Published: June 2021

The myostatin/follistatin pathway modulates skeletal muscle trophism. Physical exercise has an important role in the heart failure treatment. In this study we evaluated the effects of moderate aerobic physical training on myostatin and follistatin gene expression and trophism in the gastrocnemius of spontaneously hypertensive rats with heart failure. Sixteen‐month‐old SHRs and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats were assigned to sedentary or trained groups. Exercise was performed on treadmill, 30 min/day, 5 days/week, 12 m/min for 4 months. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed at the end of experiment. Gene expression was evaluated by real time RT‐PCR. Fiber cross‐sectional area was measured in HE‐stained histological sections.Statistical analysistwo‐way ANOVA and Tukey.ResultsEchocardiography showed left cardiac chambers dilation and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in both SHR groups compared to the WKY groups. Gene expression of myostatin and follistatin did not differ between groups. Cross‐sectional area was reduced in both SHR groups compared to WKY and was not changed by exercise.ConclusionPhysical exercise does not modulate skeletal muscle trophism and myostatin and follistatin gene expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats with heart failure.
Protection from DNBS‐induced colitis by ozonized olive oil in rats
Authors: Abu‐Gharbieh Eman F. , Bayoumi Fatehia A. , Shehab Naglaa G. 
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of ozonized olive oil (OZO) in 2,4‐dinitrobenzene sulphuric acid (DNBS) induced colitis in rats and to elucidate the role of some antioxidant enzymes in this effect.The parameters including peroxide, acid and iodine values of OZO were evaluated. The Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 15mg/rat DNBS in rats. Animals were divided into groups, group A: is the control, B and C received 5ml/kg of OZO and olive oil (OO) respectively. Colitis was induced in groups D, E, F and G. Animals in groups E, F received OZO orally in the doses of 2.5 and 5 ml/kg, respectively and group G received 5ml/kg OO for 7 days, starting the day before colitis induction. Colitis was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic damage scores. The levels superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. Results showed that the damage scores were significantly reduced in a dose response manner in rats pretreated with OZO but not with OO. CAT, GSH‐Px and SOD activities were significantly increased in the inflamed colon in animals pretreated with OZO with respect to inflamed animals. In conclusion, results showed that OZO pretreatment exerts protective effects in DNBS induced colitis and this effect is mediated by stimulation of some antioxidant enzymes.This research has been funded by the Medical Research Fund‐Dubai Medical College
Screening of novel small molecule inhibitors of NF‐κB activation in lung cancer
Authors: Umstead MaKendra , Du Yuhong , Yoo Min Heui , Khuri Fadlo , Fu Haian 
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Inflammation of the lung resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke and other contributors may exacerbate the initiation, promotion, and development of lung cancer. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is a key transcription factor involved in both inflammation and cancer. NF‐κB remains inactive when sequestered in the cytoplasm by IκB. Activating signals release NF‐κB, allowing translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear NF‐κB initiates transcription of genes related to proliferation, chronic inflammation, and blockage of apoptosis.Curcumin, a natural product, has been shown to inhibit NF‐κB activation; however, lack of adequate solubility and oral bioavailability reduce its therapeutic potential. Our goal was to identify novel small molecule inhibitors of NF‐κB activation using an image‐based high content screening (HCS) assay for monitoring NF‐κB nuclear translocation. Initial drug discovery efforts screened a small compound library for efficacy in A549 lung cancer cells. This campaign identified promising candidate compounds for animal studies. Large scale HCS resulted in potent compounds that effectively block nuclear translocation of NF‐κB. Selected compounds are under investigation.Research support provided by the US National Institutes of Health grants P01 CA116676.
Elevated preload is critical for synchronization of myocardial lengthening (é) and mitral inflow (E) in acute ischemic acute heart failure
Authors: How Ole‐Jakob , Næsheim Torvind , Bakkehaug Jens Petter , Kondratiev Timofey , Remme Espen , Myrmel Truls 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTachycardia in ischemic acute heart failure (AHF) is believed to be a compensatory response to sustain cardiac output and perfusion pressure. Little is known about early diastole in this setting.MethodsIn a pig model (n=8, mean±SD) we simultaneously measured myocardial strain (sonometric crystals), mitral‐inflow (conductance‐catheter) and mitral‐pressure difference MITRP (LV‐LA micromanometer). Pacing‐induced tachycardia was induced in the control state and in ischemic AHF (following coronary microembolization).ResultsTachycardia (160 bpm) shortened the long axis é‐delay (see Figure) from 43±30 to 20±21 ms (p=0.0066), compared to E wave in control, but not in AHF (22±13 to 25±17 ms). Interestingly, by reducing preload to similar levels as control, the é‐delay became evident also in the AHF condition (22±13 vs 48±23 ms p=0.0067). Additionally, tachycardia increased peak MITRP from 4±1 to 9±4 (p=0.007) mmHg in control, but not in AHF (6±2 to 7±2 mmHg). The enhanced relaxation following tachycardia caused a maintained potential energy across the mitral valve in early filling phase (MITRPINTG) in control (0.4±0.2 to 0.4±0.2 mmHg*s), which was reduced following tachycardia in AHF (0.6±0.2 to 0.4±0.2 mmHg*s p=0.0246).ConclusionTachycardia during AHF fails to hasten é and thereby amplifying the pressure driving force across the mitral valve.
The effects of estrogen and exercise on cardiac telomere related factors in ovariectomized mice
Authors: Patel Anisha , Witkowski Sarah 
Published: June 2021

Loss of estrogen plays a key role in the cardiovascular health of women, and may be linked to cellular aging. While physical activity has been associated with changes in telomere shelterin components and telomerase activity in the heart, the effects of estrogen are unknown.ObjectiveTo determine whether estrogen and/or exercise alters cardiac telomere‐related gene expression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.MethodsMyocardial gene expression was examined in four groups: OVX, sham surgery (SHAM), OVX with exercise (OVX‐EX, 8 weeks of wheel running), and OVX with estrogen supplement (OVX+E2). Telomere length was determined by PCR by telomere Ct to single copy gene Ct ratio (Cawthon 2002, Callicott and Womack 2006). Gene expression was determined via RT‐PCR for mTERT, Acd, Trf1, Trf2, Pot1a, Pot1b, Ku70, Ku80, and normalized to GAPDH. 1‐way ANOVAs with appropriate post‐hoc tests were used to determine differences between groups.ResultsTelomere length (TL) was significantly lower in OVX+E2 compared with SHAM (p=0.008). Expression of mTERT, Acd, and Ku80 were lower in OVX compared with SHAM but were also lower in OVX‐EX and OVX+E2 (all p<0.05). Expression of Pot1b was higher in OVX+E2 compared with OVX‐EX (p=0.009).ConclusionOVX, E2 and EX appear to alter cardiac telomere related factors however, neither EX nor E2 attenuated the gene expression changes related to OVX.Research Funding: UMass Faculty Research Grant
Targeting the melanocortin receptor system to reduce leukocyte recruitment following stroke
Authors: Holloway Paul M , Getting Stephen J , Gavins Felicity N E 
Published: June 2021

Leukocyte recruitment has been shown to contribute to a destructive inflammatory response following stroke which exacerbates injury. The melanocortin receptor system (MRS) has been shown to reduce leukocyte recruitment in a number of disease models however the relative contribution of the receptors that mediate these effects (MC1, MC3 and MC4) have yet to be determined. This study aims to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory potential of the MRS in stroke.In a murine model of global stroke, intravital microscopy revealed significant recruitment of leukocytes within 40 minutes of reperfusion. This leukocyte recruitment was found to be enhanced in MC1 mutant (recessive yellow) mice but not in MC3 null. In WT mice Treatment with the pan receptor agonist α‐MSH reduced leukocyte recruitment. However antagonism of MC3 and MC4 failed to abrogate the anti‐inflammatory effects of α‐MSH by 40 minutes of reperfusion, but was able to blunt these effects at 2h. In vitro experiments using human cells in a flow chamber leukocyte recruitment model, confirmed α‐MSH to reduce leukocyte endothelial interactions in human cells and was found to act upon neutrophils but not the endothelium.These results suggest an important role of MC1 in reducing leukocyte recruitment early in reperfusion following stroke. However as the inflammatory reaction progresses the role of other MCs may become more prominent.Funded by the British Heart Foundation
Dyslipidemia in adult offspring induced by high fat diet rats at perinatal period.
Authors: Neto Mario Matiotti , Santos Robervan Vidal , Melo Vitor Ulisses , Macedo Fabrício , de Brito Alves José Luiz , Santos Márcio Roberto Viana , Oliveira Larissa Resende , Santana Michael Nadson Santos , Brito Luciana Catunda , Silva João Henrique Costa , Nasciment Elizabeth , Santos Pauliana Ribeiro dos 
Published: June 2021

Studies have shown that hormonal, metabolic and nutritional disorders during the early phase of development and/or in the gestation may lead to transitory or permanent structural and functional changes of several organs of the offspring. Our aim was to investigate the impact of high fat diet during the gestation and lactation on biochemical parameters in the offspring of rats. High fat diet was given from day 1 of gestation until weaning of puppies. The biochemical evaluation was performed at 30, 60 and 90 days after birth from High Fat Diet dams (HFDD, n= 6) or Normal Diet dams (NDD, n= 6). Animals from HFDD group presented hyperglycemia starting from day 30 (119 ± 1.6 vs 94.03 ± 2 mg/dl, p<0.05) and LDL (45 ± 7 vs 23 ± 4 mg/dl, p<0.05). In the day 60 OHFD showed difference at TAG ( 61 ± 3 vs 51 ± 1 mg/dl, p<0.05), TC ( 98 ± 5 vs 75 ± 2 mg/dl, p<0.05), VLDL ( 13 ± 0.69 vs 10 ± 0.2 mg/dl, p<0.05) and decrease HDL (42 ± 3 vs 61.42 ± 4 mg/dl, p<0.05). These findings suggest that high fat diet during pregnancy and lactation leads dyslipidemia in adult offspring rats.Support: CNPq, Fapitec and CAPES
Exercise‐induced up‐regulation of skeletal muscle Nampt protein is independent of α2 AMP‐activated protein kinase
Authors: Brandauer Josef , Vienberg Sara Gry , Andersen Marianne Agerholm , Kristensen Jonas Møller , Wojtaszewski Jørgen FP , Richter Erik A , Treebak Jonas T 
Published: June 2021

Deacetylases such as sirtuins convert nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to nicotinamide (NAM). NAM must be reconverted to NAD by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) to ensure maintenance of deacetylase activity. We employed murine models of reduced skeletal muscle activity of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) to determine whether exercise‐mediated increases in skeletal muscle Nampt are dependent on AMPK activity.A single bout of acute exercise (90 min, 10 – 17 m/s, 10% slope) increased skeletal muscle Nampt mRNA to similar degrees in both wild type (WT) and AMPKα2 knockout (KO) mice three hours after exercise cessation (WT sedentary vs. exercise, 1.00±0.17 vs. 1.55±0.23 arbitrary units [AU, mean ± SEM], KO sedentary vs. exercise, 0.97±0.22 vs. 1.29±0.19, n=6–7, p<0.05). Nampt protein in quadriceps muscle of AMPKα2 kinase dead (KD) mice was reduced relative to WT mice (p<0.05), and 6.5 weeks of combined voluntary wheel cage (7 d/week) and forced treadmill (5 d/week) exercise training increased quadriceps Nampt protein content of WT and KD animals to a similar degree (WT sedentary vs. trained 1.00±0.07 vs. 1.24±0.08 p<0.05, KD sedentary vs. trained, 0.89±0.05 vs. 1.05±0.07 AU, n=12–15, p<0.05).Despite reduced Nampt protein concentrations in skeletal muscle lacking a functional AMPKα2 subunit, exercise‐mediated Nampt protein gains do not appear to be dependent on α2 AMPK activity.
Effect of a work‐matched bout of lengthening or shortening contractions on satellite cell proliferation in human muscle
Authors: Hyldahl Robert D , Olson Ty , Magoffin Ryan , Leavitt Michael G , Parcell Allen C 
Published: June 2021

PurposeTo determine the extent of satellite cell (SC) activity following a work‐matched bout of lengthening (LC) or shortening (SHC) contractions.MethodsParticipants (aged 22.6 ± 1.5 years) were assigned to either LC (n=6) or SHC (n=6). A control muscle biopsy was taken from the non‐exercised leg prior to exercise. Subjects performed a bout of unilateral LC or SHC of the knee extensors. A biopsy was obtained from the exercised leg 24 h after exercise. Muscle soreness and strength were assessed pre‐, immediately post‐exercise, and every 24 h for 4 d. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify total and fiber‐type specific SC content from exercised and control legs in LC and SHC. Repeated‐measures ANOVA (p<0.05) was used to analyze data.ResultsParticipants performed 40.8 ± 2.9 KJ of work, with no differences between groups (p=0.65). LC caused greater soreness than SHC (p<0.01). LC resulted in prolonged strength loss that recovered 4 days post‐exercise (p<0.01). SHC caused immediate but not prolonged strength loss. SC per muscle fiber increased following LC (0.106 ± 0.031 and 0.126 ± 0.048 pre‐ and post‐exercise, respectively; p=0.028), while SHC caused no change in SC number (0.095 ± 0.025 and 0.101 ± 0.032 pre‐ and post‐exercise, respectively). There was no fiber type‐specific SC response.ConclusionWe confirm SC activation following LC and show that a single bout of non‐damaging SHC does not stimulate SC activity.