bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI polymorphisms influence body composition in physically active adolescent boys
Authors: Diogenes Maria Eduarda Leão , Bezerra Flávia F. , Oliveira Karla J.F. , Koury Josely C. , Cabello Giselda K. , Cabello Pedro H. , Mendonça Laura M.C. , Oliveira‐Junior Astrogildo V. , Donangelo Carmen M. 
Published: June 2021

Body composition, including bone, lean and fat mass, is known to be under complex physiologic and genetic regulation. The aim of the present study was to identify anthropometric, hormonal and genetic determinants of body composition in Brazilian physically active adolescent boys (12‐14y, n=47) by stepwise multiple regression analyze. Dependent variables were total body mineral content (TBMC), total body mineral density (TBMD), lean mass (LM) and percentage of body fat (%BF), assessed by DXA. Independent variables were chronological and bone age, weight, height, plasma testosterone and IGF‐1, serum iPTH, and VDR genotypes (FokI and TaqI). Results were as follows:*P<0.05, (P<0.01, #P<0.001Although body weight was the main factor influencing all the outcome variables, FokI polymorphisms appeared as a modest, but significant factor influencing TBMD and %BF. Our results support the complex regulation of body composition during adolescence. VDR‐ related mechanisms are possibly involved and appear to be sensitive to FokI polymorphisms.Financial support: CNPq and FAPERJ (Brazil).
Dietary selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) affect the activity and expression of the hepatic selenoprotein methionine sulfoxide reductase B (MsrB) in rats
Authors: Uthus Eric O 
Published: June 2021

As reported by Jenkinson et al. (J Nutr 1982) and Prohaska et al. (J Nutr Biochem 1992) Cu deficiency (CuD) decreases the activity and mRNA expression of the selenoprotein GPx. Because both Se and Cu are important in oxidative defense, we wanted to determine the effect of a combined deficiency on the methionine (Met) sulfoxide reductase system, which is comprised of MsrA and MsrB. MsrA reduces L‐methionine S‐sulfoxide to Met and MsrB (a selenoprotein) reduces L‐methionine R‐sulfoxide to Met. In a 2 x 2 experiment, male weanling Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed an amino acid‐based diet containing 0 or 0.2 µg Se (as selenite)/g and <1 or 6 µg Cu (as Cu carbonate)/g for 5 wk. Neither Se nor Cu had an effect on MsrA enzyme activity or mRNA expression. Se and Cu interacted to affect MsrB enzyme activity; both Se deficiency and CuD decreased the activity, however, the decrease by CuD was only significant in rats fed 0.2 µg Se. CuD resulted in downregulation of MsrB mRNA. CuD decreased GPx in Se adequate rats. The results show that Cu has a role in regulation of selenoproteins; whether this role is direct or indirect is not known.1Pooled SD. 2nmol/min/mg protein, N=4/group. 3fold change, N=7‐9/group. 4SD for delta Ct. 5U/mg protein, N=7‐8/group.
EFFECT OF FLAXSEED FEEDING VS OTHER SOURCES OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN QUALITY ON GROWTH'S RATS
Authors: FERNANDEZ INES , VIDUEIROS SILVINA MARIELA , PERRIS PAULA , PALLARO ANABEL 
Published: June 2021

Previous studies demonstrated that Flaxseed has a Biological Value of 67%. Weanling Wistar rats (n=24) were divided in groups that received flaxseed (F), wheat flour (W) or casein (C) diets to compare protein quality effects on body weight gain and nitrogen retention. A forth group received a mixture of casein:flaxseeds (70:30) (CL) to analyze the adverse effects of flaxseeds. Protein concentration was 8 % and all essential nutrient were added following AIN93. Food (FI) and protein intake (PI), initial (Bo) and final (Bf) body weight, body weight gain (BWG) and nitrogen retention (NR) were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using Anova‐SNK (a: p<0.01 respect W; b: p<0.01 respect F).BWG and NR of F were higher than W and lower than C and CL, being C and CL no different. The results are probably due to the different protein quality of the sources and suggest the addition of flaxseed to casein doesn't have an adverse effect on the growth of animals or the ability to retain nitrogen. Supported UBACYT‐B098.
Awareness of the birth process among university students: knowledge of risks associated with cesarean deliveries
Authors: Joyce Stephanie , Johnson Deborah , Nolte Joy V , Granger Lauren A , Kavanagh Katie F 
Published: June 2021

Traumatic birth experiences may have a direct impact on breastfeeding success. Our purpose was to collect baseline and follow‐up data on university students' knowledge of risks of cesarean deliveries (medically indicated or not), before and after screening of a documentary featuring natural childbirth as an option for those with low risk of complications. The event was free and included a discussion panel, comprised of a Certified Nurse Midwife, a Registered Nurse, and a Medical Doctor to answer audience questions. Pretests and posttests were administered. Chi‐squared tests were performed at the 0.05 level of significance. Of the 225 attendees, 205 completed the pretest and 162 completed the posttest. Participant knowledge regarding risks associated with cesarean delivery significantly increased. This included maternal recovery time (80.5 vs. 85.2%); respiratory distress in infants (28.3 vs. 45.1%); infant lethargy (25.4 vs. 42.6%); maternal mortality (33.2 vs. 67.9%); infant mortality (24.9 vs. 61.1%); and delayed initiation of breastfeeding (46.8 vs. 71%). Results indicate that exposure to the documentary and expert discussion panel did result in increased knowledge of risks of cesarean deliveries, especially those associated negatively impacting breastfeeding success. Funding: The Dept of Nutrition, Dean's Office, and The Center for Public Health at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.Grant Funding SourceInternal University funds
Differences in Dietary Habits, Serum Lipid Profiles, and interest in Health among Korean College Women stratified by BMI
Authors: Shin Kyung Ok , Hwang Hyo Jeong , An Chang Hun , Choi Kyung Soon , Chung Keun Hee 
Published: June 2021

The principal objective of this study was to compare the food habits, nutritional status, blood lipids, and health interest among these women, in accordance with their obesity status. The data utilized herein was collected from randomly selected groups in Seoul. The subjects, aged 20‐24 years old (n=419), participated by answering questionnaires. Our analysis showed significant differences among the underweight, normal weight, and obesity groups according to BMI, weight, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, fat free mass, percentage of body fat, waist‐hip ratio, and basal metabolism (p<0.05). Cholesterol intake in the obesity group (121.92 ?114.52mg) was lower than that of the underweight group (164.67 ?114.52mg) and normal‐weight group (143.31 ?99.58mg/dl) (p<0.05). Serum cholesterol in the normal group (189.46 ?29.05mg/dl) was significantly higher than in the underweight group (177.04 ?26.36mg/dl ) (p<0.05). Serum triacylglycerol in the obesity group (132.00 ? 64.66 mg/dl ) was higher than in the underweight and normal groups (p<0.05) The ratio of HDL‐C / LDL‐C in the obesity group (0.41 ?0.06) was higher than in the underweight (0.52 ?0.45) and normal groups (0.59 ?0.23). The number of subjects in the normal group that reported taking regular exercise was higher than in the other groups. The reported duration of exercise period ranged from 30 minutes to one hour in all groups. Interest in health was high among all groups.In conclusion, our results show that college‐aged women in Seoul should be encouraged to amend their overall dietary habits, make a dietary plan that fits their individual needs, and maintain an effective exercise schedule.
Genotype‐phenotype correlation of polymorphisms in cytochrome b5 and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase and hydroxylamine reduction in human breast
Authors: Rhoads Keelia Marie , Trepanier Lauren 
Published: June 2021

4‐aminobiphenyl (ABP), found in tobacco smoke, is oxidized to a hydroxylamine (ABP‐NHOH) and further bioactivated into a nitrenium ion that binds DNA. While these DNA adducts are thought to play a role in initiating breast cancer, epidemiological studies looking at the relationship between ABP exposure (via smoking) and breast cancer have been inconclusive. We have previously shown that hydroxylamines can be reduced back to their parent compounds by hepatic cytochrome b5 (cyt b5) and NADH cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R), but no studies have investigated these two enzymes in human breast. The aims of this study are to characterize variability in hydroxylamine reduction in 100 human breast samples, and to determine cDNA genotypes for cyt b5 and b5R in these same samples. Our overall goal is to determine how polymorphisms in these two enzymes may modulate local breast detoxification of ABP‐NHOH. Results to date indicate that the kinetic parameters for ABP‐NHOH reduction in breast tissue was similar to that previously found for human liver (Km =280 µM, Vmax =0.66 nmol/mg/min). cDNA sequencing has been complete for 95 samples. Two individuals were heterozygous for novel non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in either cyt b5 (H22R) or b5R (A158T). Work is ongoing to determine ABP‐NHOH reduction activities in these and other individual breast samples and to determine the relationship between these non‐synonymous cSNPs and altered reduction activities.Supported by NIH grant GM61753, NIEHS grant T32 ES007015
Inhibition of anion fluxes in Calu‐3 cells by polystyrene nanoparticles: role of lipid rafts
Authors: McCarthy Joanna , Duszyk Marek , Radomski Marek 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionThere is growing concern about the potential toxicity of non‐engineered and engineered nanoparticles. Lungs are particularly susceptible to the injury brought about by inhalation of gases and aerosols containing nanoparticles. Aims: We investigated the effects of apical exposure (up to 60 min) of cells to polystyrene nanoparticles (PNPs) (positive, negative, uncharged; 20, 50, 100nm) on transepithelial anion fluxes.MethodsCalu‐3 cells grown on inserts were mounted into modified Ussing chambers. Anion fluxes (measured as short‐circuit current, Isc) were stimulated with forskolin (10µM) in the presence or absence of PNPs (88‐104 µg/ml). In some experiments lipid rafts were disrupted by removing cell surface cholesterol with cyclodextrin (CD).ResultsForskolin resulted in mean peak increase in Isc from 29.4 to 108.4µA/cm2. All charged PNPs caused a significant (p<0.05, n.≥3) reduction of forskolin‐stimulated anion fluxes (from 24 to 40‰), an effect undetectable with uncharged particles. The CD treatment led to a significant potentiation of the inhibitory effects of 20 and 50nm PNPs. In contrast, the treatment abolished the inhibitory effects of 100nm PNPs.ConclusionOur results suggest that charge, size and interactions with lipid rafts are essential factors in determining the extent of PNPs‐mediated inhibition of forskolin‐stimulated anion fluxes in Calu‐3 cells.
Acute Exposure to Conventional Peritoneal Dialysis Fluids Does Not Alter the Hepatic Microcirculation
Authors: Patrick Amanda , Fox‐Robichaud Alison 
Published: June 2021

Peritioneal Dialysis (PD) has been associated with the development of structural and functional alterations of the peritoneal membrane and vasculature, including that of the liver. In this study, we investigated the contribution of pH buffers and glucose content of conventional PD fluids on the hepatic microvasculature.To determine whether acute exposure to a variety of PD solutions altered the hepatic inflammatory response, male C57BL/6 mice received TNF 500 ng intraperitoneally (IP) or 50 μl normal saline. At 3hrs, all mice received 2mL of one of eight PD fluids (IP), which varied in either sugar, concentration of sugar, or buffer. Controls received 2mL of lactated Ringer's. The hepatic microcirculation was examined at 1hr post‐PD by intravital microscopy.As expected, TNF‐treated mice showed significantly higher leukocyte recruitment as compared to controls in both post‐sinusoidal and sinusoidal venules (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in post‐sinusoidal rolling and adhesion or sinusoidal adhesion between any of the 8 PD fluids tested. White blood cells count did not differ significantly between all solutions (P<0.05).These data suggest that during an acute exposure to the tested PD fluids and with the variation in glucose content, sterilization and buffering methods, hepatic leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions were not significantly altered. Importantly, these effects were also not seen when the hepatic microcirculation was stimulated with the cytokine TNF. Compared to our corresponding work in the peritoneal microcirculation the liver may require a longer exposure to PD fluids.
Activation of Peroxisome‐Proliferator‐activated receptors alpha and gamma mediates remote ischemic preconditioning against myocardial infarction
Authors: Lotz Christopher , Redel Andreas , Stumpner Jan , Thorsten Smul , Tischer‐Zeitz Tobias , Schmidt Johannes , Wunder Christian , Lange Markus , Roewer Norbert , Kehl Franz 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRemote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) protects the heart against myocardial infarction. We tested the hypothesis that remote ischemic preconditioning is mediated by PPARα and PPARγ activation.MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits (n = 78) were subjected to a 30‐min coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion. 3 cycles of RIPC consisted of 10 minutes renal ischemia alternating with 10 minutes of reperfusion. In different groups animals received the PPARα‐Antagonist GW6471 or the PPARγ‐Antagonist GW9662 alone or in combination with RIPC. Infarct size (IS) was determined gravimetrically. Myocardial tissue levels of PGJ2 and nitrite/nitrate (NOx), as well as PPAR DNA binding activity were measured using specific assays. Data are mean±SD.ResultsRIPC significantly reduced myocardial infarct size (42.2±4.9%*, p<0.05), compared to control (61±1.9%), and increased PPAR DNA‐binding activity (189.6±19.8RLU*, p<0.05) and tissue levels of PGJ2 (179.7±7.9 pg/ml*, p<0.05). Infarct size reduction and increased PPAR DNA‐binding activity by RIPC was abolished by GW6471 (56.8±4.7% and 61.1±14.2RLU) or GW9662 (57.4±3.3% and 52.7±16.9RLU), in the presence of significantly reduced tissue levels of NOx (5.4±0.3μM* and 4.3±0.2μM*, p<0.05).ConclusionThe results obtained suggest a pathway whereby RIPC leads to the production of PGJ2, activating PPARα and PPARγ, in turn mediating the production of NO.
Evidence for the Involvment of Endothelial A2A Receptors in Adenosine Induced KATP Channel‐dependent Arteriolar Vasodilation
Authors: Maymon Nir , Sarelius Ingrid H 
Published: June 2021

Adenosine (ADO) has an important role in many vascular processes including vasodilation, inflammation, permeability and injury protection. We have shown previously that endothelium is required for ADO mediated arteriolar dilation (Duza et al, AJP 285:H26, 2003). In the present study we investigated the receptor subtype and signaling cascade that mediate the ADO induced vasodilation in mouse cremaster arterioles. We examined which receptor subtype is implicated in the ADO induced vasodilation using specific P1 receptor antagonists; DPCPX, SCH442416 and PSB603 for A1, A2A and A2B receptors respectively. Control ADO dilation of 16.3±1.3 ?m (n=19) was decreased to 3.4±1.2 ?m (n=4, P<0.05) with SCH442416 (A2A antagonist). DPCPX (A1‐ antagonist) and PSB603 (A2B antagonist) had no effect on the ADO induced dilation: 14.8±3.3 ?m (n=5, P>0.05) and 16±4.1 ?m (n=5, P>0.05) respectively. Additionally we used the KATP channel blocker Glibenclamide to test the involvement of KATP channels in A2A receptor mediated dilation using the A2A specific agonist CGS21680. Control dilation was reduced from 10.4±1.8 ?m to 2.3±1.1µm (n=6, P<0.05) with Glibenclamide.Immunohistochemistry revealed that both A2A and A2B receptors are located on the endothelium. Thus, our results suggest that the primary pathway for this endothelium‐dependent ADO vasodilation is through A2A receptors acting via KATP channels. (Supported by HL76414)
Uterine distension stimulates axial but not circumferential uterine vessel remodeling
Authors: Barron Carolyn Jane , Osol George 
Published: June 2021

During pregnancy, there is a dramatic increase in blood flow to the uterus. This process is facilitated by circumferential remodeling of uterine arteries that involves nitric oxide signaling. Significant axial growth also occurs, although the underlying mechanism is not known. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that arterial axial growth is stimulated by uterine myometrial stretch, which occurs secondary to placentation and fetal growth.To directly evaluate the effects of stretch, we developed a surgical procedure in which one rat uterine horn was injected with 0.3 ml of medical grade silicone. Animals were sacrificed 6‐8 weeks post surgery and uterine and vessel measurements were determined in unstressed conditions and compared to the unoperated horn.The procedure induced biaxial stretch of the uterine corpus, with increases of 120 and 250% in length and width, respectively. This uterine stretch caused 40‐60% increases in arterial length and a near doubling of the length of the segmental vessels which emanate from the main uterine artery and feed the uterine wall. No appreciable differences were noted in the circumferential remodeling of the main uterine artery, suggesting that: (1) the mechanisms that govern circumferential vs axial remodeling may be distinct, and (2) uterine stretch may specifically induce axial rather than circumferential gestational remodeling of uterine arteries.
Characterization of contraction to BzATP, a P2X7 agonist in rat mesenteric arteries
Authors: Chiao Chin‐Wei , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: June 2021

The P2X7 receptor is a uniquely bifunctional molecule through which ATP can open a small cationic channel typical of ionotropic receptors and also induce a large pore permeable to high molecular weight molecules. Until now, the physiological role of P2X7 receptors has not been clearly defined in the vasculature. According to our preliminary data, pretreatment with phenylephrine (PE) increased the contractile response to BzATP in rat mesenteric arteries. Thus we hypothesized that PE contributes to BzATP‐induced vasoconstriction in rat mesenteric arteries.Vascular reactivity was assessed in first‐order rat mesenteric arteries mounted in a myogragh, with or without endothelium. Arteries were pretreated with or without PE (10 μM), U46619 (0.3 μM) or KCl (60 mM) until a stable response was obtained, followed by treatment with BzATP (0.01 μM‐ 100 μM).BzATP (10 μM) alone did produced small contractile response (1.53±0.41 mN). Pretreated with PE or U46619 in endothelium‐intact mesenteric arteries, BzATP‐induced contractile responses were significantly increased (PE: 5.01±0.75 mN; U46619: 3.76±0.62 mN), but not in those pretreated with KCl (0.43±0.12 mN) or endothelium‐denuded mesenteric arteries pretreated with PE or U46619 (PE: 1.45±0.38 mN; U46619: 1.08±0.39 mN).Activation of P2X7 receptor induces vasoconstriction, which is endothelium dependent and may be mediated through a G protein‐coupled receptor pathway.
Aortic microRNA expression is altered with aging in mice
Authors: Lawson Brooke Renae , Magerko Katie A , Lesniewski Lisa A , Rippe Catarina , Seals Douglas R , Donato Anthony J 
Published: June 2021

Aging is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). MicroRNAs (miRNA) are novel posttranslational repressors of protein expression. We determined if miRNAs expressed in CV tissues and implicated in models of CVD change with aging. miRNA expression was determined by RT‐PCR in aortas from 9 old (31 mo) and 11 young (7 mo) B6D2F1 mice. miR‐92, which is predicted to repress translation of cellular stress proteins, was greater in old mice (1.64±0.79 vs. 0.00±0.21 Fold Change [FC], P<0.05) and this was associated with reduced aortic SIRT‐1 (0.9±0.05 vs. 1.1±0.1 au, P=0.05). miR‐222, which may repress nuclear factor κ B (NFκB) pro‐inflammatory signaling, was lower in old mice (0.00±0.19 vs. ‐1.13±0.46 FC, P<0.05) and this was associated with greater aortic NFκB protein (1.9±0.03 vs. 1.1±0.2 au, P<0.01). miR‐133, is predicted to repress several angiogenic factors such as angiopoetin and endothelial differentiation factor, was greater in old mice (1.40±0.41 vs. 0.00±0.31 FC, P=0.01). Expression of miR ‐21, ‐29, ‐125, ‐126, and ‐214 were not different in young and old mice. Our results indicate that expression of selective miRNA, including miR‐92, ‐133, and ‐222, change with age in aorta of mice and may contribute to proteomic and functional phenotypes. Thus, miRNA may represent a molecular target for interventions aimed at the prevention and treatment of arterial aging.NIH AG006537, AG013038, AG022241, AG015897, AG029337
Myosin heavy chain expression in emphysema induced hypertrophied right ventricles
Authors: Mattson John P , Helwig Bryan G 
Published: June 2021

Development of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is a marker of increased morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Cor pulmonale leading to RV failure accounts for 20% of heart failure hospital admissions. To this point, we know surprisingly little about the underlying cell signaling pathways activated in this condition.Myosin heavy chains (MHC) provide structural integrity involved in myocardial contractile and functional properties. Previous reports suggest that changes in either α‐ or β‐MHC lead to alterations in contractility. Furthermore, the proportion of α‐MHC has been demonstrated to decline in heart failure. Given their critical role, a time course of emphysema‐induced alterations in RV MHC expression was measured 4 and 8 months following saline (control) or elastase (emphysema (EMP)) instillation in hamsters.Excised lung volume (>140%) and RV mass (4‐month = 18%; 8‐month = 42%) increased with EMP at both time points. There were no differences in the protein expression of either α‐ or β‐MHC in the RVs of EMP animals at any time point. However, there was a trend for increased expression of both α‐ and β‐MHC in the RVs of 8‐month compared to 4‐month EMP animals. Furthermore, the ratio of β/α ‐ MHC was decreased in the RVs of 8‐month EMP animals. These data suggest α‐ and β‐MHC may have a progressive role in the RV pathogenesis of COPD patients.
Improvement in exercise hyperemia via ascorbic acid in older healthy adults: role for nitric oxide?
Authors: Crecelius Anne R , Voyles Wyatt F , Dumke Breanna R , Davis Julia A , Kirby Brett S , Dinenno Frank A 
Published: June 2021

Acute ascorbic acid (AA) administration increases muscle blood flow during dynamic exercise in older adults, and this is associated with improved endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Here, we test the hypothesis that the increase in muscle blood flow during AA administration is independently mediated via the endothelium‐dependent vasodilators nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs). In 7 healthy older adults (64±3 yrs), we measured forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler ultrasound) during rhythmic handgrip exercise at 10% maximum voluntary contraction. After 5 minutes of steady‐state exercise with saline, AA was infused via brachial artery catheter for 10 minutes during continued exercise, and this increased FBF ~23% from 126±20 to 154±22 ml/min (P<0.05). AA was infused for the remainder of the study. Next, subjects performed a 15 minute exercise bout where AA + saline was infused for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of the NO synthase inhibitor L‐NMMA, and then 5 minutes of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ketorolac. NOS inhibition reduced steady‐state FBF by ~19% (P <0.05) and FBF was no longer different than control exercise (118±16 ml/min). PG inhibition did not change FBF (Δ = 4±6%). Our preliminary data indicate that the increase in muscle blood flow during dynamic exercise during acute AA administration in older adults is mediated primarily via an endothelial NO‐dependent mechanism.Supported by AG‐027150