A Case-control Study of Environmental Risk Factors for Nonsyndromic Cleft of the Lip and/or Palate in Xuzhou,China

In this study, we sought to determine the association between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate （NSCLP） to understand the etiology of the disease. A total of 200 NSCLP cases and 327 controls were recruited at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Xuzhou City. We conducted face-to-face interviews with the mothers of both cases and controls. The factors increasing the risk of NSCLP were a positive family history [odds ratio （OR）=56.74], pesticide exposure （OR=8.90）, and indoor decoration pollution （OR= 4.32）. On the other hand, the factors decreasing the risk of NSCLP were a high education level （OR=0.22） and supplementation of folic acid （OR=0.23） and multivitamins （OR=0.16）. Positive family history, pesticide exposure, and indoor decoration pollution are associated with the risk of NSCLP. In contrast, high education level and folic acid and multivitamin supplementation are protective factors against NSCLP.

Overexpression of YOD1 Promotes the Migration of Human Oral Keratinocytes by Enhancing TGF-β3 Signaling

Objective To investigate the effects of YOD1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of human oral keratinocytes（HOKs）, and to clarify whether the mechanisms involve transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） signaling. Methods HOKs were transfected with the plasmid p EGFP-N3-YOD1 containing YOD1. The mR NA levels of YOD1 and TGF-β were determined by q PCR. The protein expressions of YOD1, TGF-β, Smad2/3, Smad4, and phospho-Smad2/3 were determined by western blotting. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Results The m RNA and protein levels of YOD1 were higher in HOKs transfected with YOD1. YOD1 overexpression significantly enhanced the migration of HOKs. The mR NA and protein levels of TGF-β3 were increased by YOD1 overexpression. HOKs transfected with YOD1 exhibited increased phospho-Smad2/3 levels. Conclusion YOD1 overexpression enhances cell migration by promoting TGF-β3 signaling which may play an important role in lip and palate formation. YOD1 mutation may contribute to aberrant TGF-β3 signaling associated with decreased cell migration resulting in NSCLP.

Effects of Cypermethrin on Male Reproductive System in Adult Rats

Objective To evaluate effects of cypermethrin on the testis histology and testosterone, LH and FSH in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Methods The intact adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups and were treated with cypermethrin at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg per day by oral gavage for 15-days. After the treatments, serum was collected for hormone assays. The testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, and prostates were excised and weighed. The right testis was frozen for daily sperm production and the left one was processed for histopathology. Results Daily sperm production decreased significantly in 30 and 60 mg/（kg.day） groups. Testicular structure abnormalities included atrophic and distorted seminiferous tubules, deformed and disordered arrangement of germ cells, reduced germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, vacuolization and multinucleated formations of spermatids in the cypermethrin-treated rats. Vacuolization was found in Sertoli cells and the deformed nucleus was noted in Leydig cells. Serum testosterone reduced significantly in 30 and 60 mg/（kg.day） groups. Serum FSH increased significantly in 60 mg/（kg.day） group. Conclusion Cypermethrin induces impairments of the seminiferous tubules structure and spermatogenesis in the rats. The damages of the male reproductive system may be attributed to the imbalance of circulating testosterone.

Inhibitory Effects of Cypermethrin on Interactions of the Androgen Receptor with Coactivators ARA70 and ARA55

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-androgenic mechanism of cypermethrin involving coactivators.Methods Mammalian two-hybrid assays were performed to study the effects of cypermethrin on interactions of the androgen receptor(AR)with the coactivators androgen receptor-associated protein70(ARA70)and androgen receptor-associated protein 55(ARA55).Results The results showed that AR–ARA70 and AR–ARA55 interactions were remarkably enhanced by dihydrotestosterone(DHT,P≤0.05).Cypermethrin inhibited DHT-induced AR–ARA70 and AR–ARA55 interactions significantly(P≤0.05).Conclusion The study indicates that cypermethrin exhibits inhibitory effects on AR transcription associated with repression of AR–ARA70 and AR–ARA55 interactions in a ligand-dependent manner.The data show novel anti-androgenic mechanisms of cypermethrin that contribute to male reproductive toxicology.

Prenatal Exposure to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate impairs Placental Angiogenesis and Induces Aberrant Expression of LncRNA Xist

Perfluorooctane sulfonate （PFOS） is a class of stable organic compounds with wide industrial,commercial, and consumer applications, such as in textiles, paper, pesticides, and shampoos;. It is readily absorbed, but poorly eliminated, with the elimination half-life of approximately 5 years;.Hence, there have been concerns regarding its potential damage to human health. Some studies