Low skeletal muscle mass is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Korean adults： the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND： Sarcopenia and non-alcoholic fatty liver dis- ease （NAFLD） share similar pathophysiological mechanisms, and the relationship between sarcopenia and NAFLD has been recently investigated. The study investigated whether low skel- etal muscle mass is differentially associated with NAFLD by gender in Korean adults. METHODS： We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The skeletal muscle index （SMI） was obtained by the appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by the weight. NAFLD was defined as a fatty liver index （FLI） 〉60 in the absence of other chronic liver disease. RESULTS： Among the included subjects, 18.3% （SE： 1.4%） in men and 7.0% （SE： 0.7%） in women were classified as having FLI-defined NAFLD. Most of the risk factors for FLI-defined NAFLD showed a significant negative correlation with the SMI in both genders. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that low SMI was associated with FLI-defined NAFLD, inde- pendent of other metabolic and lifestyle parameters in both genders [males： odds ratio （OR）=1.35; 95% confidence inter- val （CI）： 1.17-1.54; females： OR=1.36; 95% CI： 1.18-1.55]. The magnitude of the association between FLI-defined NAFLD and low SMI was higher in middle aged to elderly males （OR-1.50; 95% CI： 1.22-1.84） than in males less than 45 years of age （OR=1.25; 95% CI： 1.02-1.52） and in premenopausal females （OR=l.50; 95% CI： 1.12-2.03） than in postmenopausal females （OR-1.36; 95% CI： 1.20-1.54）.CONCLUSIONS： Low SMI is associated with the risk of FLI- defined NAFLD independent of other well-known metabolic risk factors in both genders. This association may differ ac- cording to age group or menopausal status. Further studies are warranted to confirm this relationship.

Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity,Associated Behaviors,and Weight-related Perceptions in a National Survey of Primary School Children in China

Objective To in vestigate potential gender differences in the odds of overweight/obese, weight-related perceptions, and behaviors among Chinese school children. Methods Height, weight, and a survey of weight-related perceptions and behaviors were measured in a nationally representative survey of 12,811 children in primary schools in China. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess gender differences, adjusting for confounders. Results Boys had higher odds of being overweight/obese compared to girls within both urban [adjusted odds ratio （OR） 2.30, 95% CI 2.00 to 2.65] and rural areas （OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.20）. Girls reported healthier diets （e.g., daily vegetables OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.85） whereas boys consumed fried food （OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.38） and sugar-sweetened drinks more often （OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.65）. Gender differences included higher odds of boys perceiving themselves as overweight if they had more highly educated mothers （OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.68）, less educated fathers （OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99）, and if they frequently consumed carbonated drinks （OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.05）. Conclusion Childhood obesity prevention in China should be gender-focused, particularly for boys who reported an unhealthier diet but were less likely to see they were fat, even though more boys were overweight or obese than girls.

Environmental health perspectives for low- and middle-income countries

In recent decades, the ecological environment has been increasingly challenged by the development of global industrialization and urbanization all over the world, even as global attention for health has raised dramatically. Common global environmental issues, such as air pollution and noise pollution, are associated with lasting impacts on health and contribute significantly to the overall burden of disease. Moreover, a global disparity exists between the burden of such environmental health issues and the global resources available to address this issue. To alleviate the environmental health impacts and ensure a sustainable future for human beings, China has made an important contribution to improving access to ecological protection, environmental governance, patriotic health campaigns, smart city construction, and so on. Experiences gained in China may be useful for some other countries, particularly the low- and middle-income countries with limited sources.

The fidelity of DNA synthesis by eukaryotic replicative and translesion synthesis polymerases

In their seminal publication describing the structure of the DNA double helix , Watson and Crick wrote what may be one of the greatest understatements in the scientific literature, namely that ＂It has not escaped our notice that the specific pairing we have postulated immediately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material.＂ Half a century later, we more fully appreciate what a huge challenge it is to replicate six billion nucleotides with the accuracy needed to stably maintain the human genome over many generations. This challenge is perhaps greater than was realized 50 years ago, because subsequent studies have revealed that the genome can be destabilized not only by environmental stresses that generate a large number and variety of potentially cytotoxic and mutagenic lesions in DNA but also by various sequence motifs of normal DNA that present challenges to replication. Towards a better understanding of the many determinants of genome stability, this chapter reviews the fidelity with which undamaged and damaged DNA is copied, with a focus on the eukaryotic B- and Y-family DNA polymerases, and considers how this fidelity is achieved.

Facilities for Centralized Isolation and Quarantine for the Observation and Treatment of Patients with COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic increased the burden on many healthcare systems and in the process,exposed the need for medical resources and physical space.While few studies discussed the efficient utilization of medical resources and physical space so far.Therefore,this study aimed to summarize experiences related to facilities used for centralized isolation for medical observation and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to provide suggestions to further improve the management of confirmed cases,suspected cases,and close contacts.In China,three types of facilities for centralized isolation(Fangcang shelter hospitals,refitted non-designated hospitals,and quarantine hotels)underwent retrofitting for the treatment and isolation of confirmed and suspected cases.These facilities mitigated the immediate high demand for space.Moreover,in order to minimize infection risks in these facilities,regulators and governmental agencies implemented new designs,management measures,and precautionary measures to minimize infection risk.Other countries and regions could refer to China’s experience in optimally allocating social resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.As a conclusion,government should allocate social resources and construct centralized isolation and quarantine facilities for an emergency response,health authorities should issue regulations for centralized isolation facilities and pay strict attention to the daily management of these facilities,a multidisciplinary administration team is required to support the daily operation of a centralized isolation facility,in-depth studies and international collaboration on the centralized isolation policy are encouraged.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Distribution Patterns of Human Norovirus Outbreaks in China, 2012–2018

Objective To clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of human norovirus outbreaks in China, identify high-risk areas, and provide guidance for epidemic prevention and control.Methods This study analyzed 964 human norovirus outbreaks involving 50,548 cases in 26 provinces reported from 2012 to 2018. Epidemiological analysis and spatiotemporal scanning analysis were conducted to analyze the distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China.Results The outbreaks showed typical seasonality, with more outbreaks in winter and fewer in summer, and the total number of infected cases increased over time. Schools, especially middle schools and primary schools, are the most common settings of norovirus outbreaks, with the major transmission route being life contact. More outbreaks occurred in southeast coastal areas in China and showed significant spatial aggregation. The highly clustered areas of norovirus outbreaks have expanded northeast over time.Conclusion By identifying the epidemiological characteristics and high-risk areas of norovirus outbreaks, this study provides important scientific support for the development of preventive and control measures for norovirus outbreaks, which is conducive to the administrative management of high-risk settings and reduction of disease burden in susceptible areas.

Functional roles of ornithine decarboxylase and arginine decarboxylase during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy in sheep

Background: Polyamines stimulate DNA transcription and m RNA translation for protein synthesis in trophectoderm cells, as well as proliferation and migration of cells; therefore, they are essential for development and survival of conceptuses(embryo/fetus and placenta). The ovine conceptus produces polyamines via classical and non-classical pathways. In the classical pathway, arginine(Arg) is transformed into ornithine, which is then decarboxylated by ornithine decarboxylase(ODC1) to produce putrescine which is the substrate for the production of spermidine and spermine. In the non-classical pathway, Arg is converted to agmatine(Agm) by arginine decarboxylase(ADC), and Agm is converted to putrescine by agmatinase(AGMAT).Methods: Morpholino antisense oligonucleotides(MAOs) were designed and synthesized to inhibit translational initiation of the m RNAs for ODC1 and ADC, in ovine conceptuses.Results: The morphologies of MAO control, MAO-ODC1, and MAO-ADC conceptuses were normal. Double knockdown of ODC1 and ADC(MAO-ODC1:ADC) resulted in two phenotypes of conceptuses; 33% of conceptuses appeared to be morphological y and functional y normal(phenotype a) and 67% of the conceptuses presented an abnormal morphology and functionality(phenotype b). Furthermore, MAO-ODC1:ADC(a) conceptuses had greater tissue concentrations of Agm,putrescine, and spermidine than MAO control conceptuses, while MAO-ODC1:ADC(b) conceptuses only had greater tissue concentrations of Agm. Uterine flushes from ewes with MAO-ODC1:ADC(a) had greater amounts of arginine, aspartate, tyrosine, citrulline, lysine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, and glutamine, while uterine flushes of ewes with MAO-ODC1:ADC(b) conceptuses had lower amount of putrescine, spermidine, spermine, alanine, aspartate,glutamine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, and lysine.Conclusions: The double-knockdown of translation of ODC1 and ADC m RNAs was most detrimental to conceptus development and their production of interferon tau(IFNT). Agm, polyamines, amino acids, and adequate secretion of IFNT are critical for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy during the peri-implantation period of gestation in sheep.

Genetic Characteristics of Lipooligosaccharide and Capsular Polysaccharide of Campylobacter jejuni from Different Sources in China

Objective To determine the distribution of two important virulence factors[lipooligosaccharide(LOS)and capsular polysaccharide(CPS)]in Campylobacter jejuni(C.jejuni)isolated from different sources in China and to develop a rapid screening method for Guillain–Barrésyndrome(GBS)-associated strains.Methods Whole-genome sequencing was carried out for 494 C.jejuni strains.The Ortho MCL software was used to define the LOS/CPS gene clusters.CPS genotyping was performed with serotype-specific sequence alignment using the BLAST software.Real-time Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was developed with the unique sequences of specific CPS types.Results Nine novel and 29 previously confirmed LOS classes were identified.LOS classes A,B,and C were the most common(48.2%,238/494)among the 494 strains.Twenty-six capsular types were identified in 448 strains.HS2,HS4c,HS5/31,HS19,and HS8/17 were the most frequent CPS genotypes(58.7%,263/448).Strains of 17 CPS genotypes(strain number>5)had one or two prevalent LOS classes(P<0.05).Multiplex real-time PCR for rapid identification of HS2,HS19,and HS41 was developed and validated with strains of known serotypes.Conclusion Our results describe the genetic characteristics of the important virulence factors in C.jejuni strains in China.The multiplex real-time PCR developed in this study will facilitate enhanced surveillance of GBS-associated strains in China.

Associations of Sarcopenia, Handgrip Strength and Calf Circumference with Cognitive Impairment among Chinese Older Adults

Objective To evaluate the associations of sarcopenia,handgrip strength and calf circumference with cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults.Methods Totally 2,525 older adults were recruited from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study.Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination.Handgrip strength was calculated from the means of the right and left hand values.Calf circumference was measured at the site of maximum circumference of the non-dominant leg.The formula developed by Ishii was used to define sarcopenia.Multiple logistic regression was performed to evaluate the associations of sarcopenia,handgrip strength,and calf circumference with cognitive impairment.Results The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 34.36%.The adjusted odds ratio(OR)for cognitive impairment in individuals with sarcopenia was 2.55[95% confidence interval(95%CI):1.86-3.50].Compared with individuals in the first quartile(Q1)of calf circumference,the adjusted ORs in the second,third,and fourth quartiles(Q_(2),Q_(3),and Q_(4))were 0.75(95% CI:0.58-0.96),0.59(95% CI:0.44-0.79),and 0.62(95% CI:0.45-0.8),respectively.Compared with individuals in Q1 of handgrip strength,the adjusted ORs for Q_(2),Q_(3),and Q_(4) were 0.49(95%CI:0.38-0.62),0.31(95% CI:0.23-0.41),and 0.30(95%CI:0.21-0.44),respectively.Conclusion Sarcopenia,identified by low handgrip strength and low calf circumference,was positively associated with cognitive impairment.

Mapping of metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer by microcell-mediated chromosome transfer

Aim:To identify the metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer.Methods:A copy of human chromosomeswas introduced into the highly metastatic Dunning R-3327 rat prostate cancer cells by the use of microcell-mediatedchromosome transfer.Relationships between the size of human chromosomes introduced into microcell hybrid clonesand the number of lung metastases produced by the clones were analyzed to determine which part of human chromo-somes contained the metastasis suppressor gene(s)for prostate cancer.To determine portions of human chromosomesintroduced,G-banding chromosomal analysis,fluorescence in sim hybridization analysis,and polymerase chain reac-tion analysis were performed.Results:Each of microcell hybrid clones containing human chromosomes 7,8,10,11,12,or 17 showed decreased ability to metastasize to the lung without any loss of tumorigenicity.This demonstratesthat these human chromosomes contain metastasis suppressor genes for prostate cancer.Spontaneous deletion of portionsof human chromosomes was observed in the human chromosome 7,10,11,12,and 17 studies.In the human chromo-some 8 study,irradiated microcell-mediated chromosome transfer was performed to enrich chromosomal arm deletionsof human chromosome 8.Molecular and cytogenetic analyses of microcell hybrid clones demonstrated that metastasissuppressor genes on human chromosomes were located on 7q21-22,7q31.2-32,8p21-12,10q11-22,11p13-11.2,12p11-q13,12q24-ter,and 17pter-q23.KAII and MKK4/SEKI were identified as metastasis suppressor genes from11p11.2 and 17p12,respectively.Conclusion:This assay system is useful to identify metastasis suppressor gene(s)for prostate cancer.

Acute Effects of Individual Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter on Pulmonary Function in Schoolchildren

Objective This panel study aimed to determine the acute effects of exposure to fine particulate matter(PM2.5) on schoolchildren’s pulmonary function.Methods We selected 51 schoolchildren aged 9–12 years attending a full-time boarding school in Beijing, China, measured the indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations for five consecutive days,calculated the PM2.5 time-weighted individual exposure levels based on the school micro-environmental concentrations and the time activity pattern recorded by schoolchildren, measured schoolchildren’s pulmonary function on the fifth day. The survey was performed three times from December 2018 to April 2019. We used a linear mixed-effects model to evaluate the associations between PM2.5 and pulmonary function.Results During the three surveys, the median PM2.5 time-weighted individual exposure concentrations were 15.30 μg/m3, 48.92 μg/m^3, and 42.89 μg/m^3, respectively. There was a significant difference between the three surveys in vital capacity(VC), forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC)(P <0.05). The relevance analysis found that PM2.5 had lag effect on schoolchildren’s pulmonary function,each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 could cause largest decreases in FEF25%–75%, FEV1/FVC, FEF75%, and FEV1 on lag 0–1 d(80.44 mL/s, 35.85%, 78.58 mL/s, and 61.34 mL, respectively), and largest decreases in FEF25% on lag 1 d(83.68 mL/s), in VC on lag 4 d(32.34 mL), and in FVC on lag 0–4 d(37.76 mL). Gender subgroup analysis revealed that the increase in PM2.5 caused a decrease in FEV1/FVC and VC on the day of physical examination only in boys, and on lag days it caused changes in different pulmonary function indicators, both for boys and girls, but most of the pulmonary function indicators decreased more in boys than in girls.Conclusion Our findings show that acute PM2.5 exposure has significant effects on pulmonary function within 0–4 d, on both small airway indicators and large airway indicators. Boys’ pulmonary function is more sensitive to PM2.5 than girls.

Obesity is associated with decreased risk of microscopic colitis in women

BACKGROUND Microscopic colitis is a leading cause of diarrhea in the older adults.There is limited information about risk factors.We hypothesized that obesity would be associated with microscopic colitis.AIM To examine the association between obesity and microscopic colitis in men and women undergoing colonoscopy.METHODS We conducted a case-control study at the University of North Carolina Hospitals.We identified and enrolled men and women referred for elective,outpatient colonoscopy for chronic diarrhea.We excluded patients with a past diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.A research pathologist reviewed biopsies on every patient and classified them as microscopic colitis cases or non-microscopic colitis controls.Patients provided information on body weight,height and exposure to medications via structured interviews or Internet based forms.The analysis included 110 patients with microscopic colitis(cases)and 252 nonmicroscopic colitis controls.Multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals.RESULTS Cases were older and more likely than controls to be white race.Study subjects were well educated,but cases were better educated than controls.Cases with microscopic colitis had lower body mass index than controls and reported more weight loss after the onset of diarrhea.Compared to patients who were normal or under-weight,obese(BMI>30 kg/m2)patients were substantially less likely to have microscopic colitis after adjusting for age and education,adjusted OR(aOR)0.35,95%confidence interval(CI)0.18-0.66).When stratified by sex,the association was limited to obese women,aOR 0.21,95%CI:0.10-0.45.Patients with microscopic colitis were more likely to report weight loss after the onset of diarrhea.After stratifying by weight loss,there remained a strong inverse association between obesity and microscopic colitis,aOR 0.33,95%CI:0.10-1.11 among the patients who did not lose weight.Ever use of birth control pills was associated with lower risk of microscopic colitis after adjusting for age,education and BMI,aOR 0.38,95%CI:0.17-0.84.CONCLUSION Compared to controls also seen for diarrhea,microscopic colitis cases were less likely to be obese.Mechanisms are unknown but could involve hormonal effects of obesity or the gut microbiome.

Alcohol Cessation in Late Life is Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment among the Older Adults in China

Objective Evidence regarding alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment is controversial.Whether cessation of drinking alcohol by non-dependent drinkers alters the risk of cognitive impairment remains unknown.This study prospectively evaluated the potential association between the history of lifetime alcohol cessation and risk of cognitive impairment.Methods This study included 15,758 participants age 65 years or older,selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey(CLHLS)that covered 23 provinces in China.Current alcohol use status,duration of alcohol cessation,and alcohol consumption before abstinence were self-reported by participants;cognitive function was evaluated using Mini-mental State Examination(MMSE).Causespecific hazard models and restricted cubic splines were applied to estimate the effect of alcohol use on cognitive impairment.Results Among the 15,758 participants,mean(±SD)age was 82.8 years(±11.9 years),and 7,199(45.7%)were males.During a mean of 3.9 years of follow-up,3,404 cases were identified as cognitive impairment.Compared with current drinkers,alcohol cessation of five to nine years[adjusted HR,0.79(95%CI:0.66-0.96)]and more than nine years[adjusted HR,0.82(95%CI:0.69-0.98)]were associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment.Conclusion A longer duration of alcohol cessation was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment assessed by MMSE.Alcohol cessation is never late for older adults to prevent cognitive impairment.

On environmental threats to male infertility

The possibility that environmental pollutants damage human fertility is a topic of both public concern and scientific interest. The effect of environmental factors on male fertility （semen parameters） has been a special focus, stimulated in part by the dramatic damage inflicted by the pcstlcide DBCP on testicular function. Extensive searches for testicular toxicants （in particular, the proposed effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds through fetal exposure） have produced little hard evidence of impairment in humans. This scarcity of evidence may reflect the difficultles of studying human fertility. Future fertifity studies should consider the wide spectrum of environmental exposures that plausibly affect reproduction.

Activation/Inactivation of ion channels and pumps during apoptosis: a necessary role in the apoptotic volume decrease

During apoptosis cells undergo a series of evolutionary conserved biochemical and morphological changes that include the loss of cell volume or an apoptotic volume decrease (AVD). This AVD response distinguishes apoptosis from other forms of cell death such as necrosis. Experiments in our laboratory and others have shown that AVD is both an early and necessary component of apoptotic death. We have now investigated the molecular basis for the AVD response in Jurkat cells and Hepatoma cells induced to undergo apoptosis with a variety of death stimuli. Our data reveal significant alterations in the flux of both sodium

Comparative Toxicity of Nanomaterials to Air-blood Barrier Permeability Using an In Vitro Model

Objective To comparatively study the toxicity of four metal-containing nanoparticles(MNPs) and their chemical counterparts to the air-blood barrier(ABB) permeability using an in vitro model.Methods ABB model, which was developed via the co-culturing of A549 and pulmonary capillary endothelium, was exposed to spherical CuO-NPs(divided into CuO-40, CuO-80, and CuO-100 based on particle size), nano-Al2O3(sheet and short-rod-shaped), nano-ZnO, nano-Pb S, CuSO4, Al2(SO4)3, Zn(CH3COO)2, and Pb(NO3)2 for 60 min.Every 10 min following exposure, the cumulative cleared volume(ΔTCL) of Lucifer yellow by the model was calculated.A clearance curve was established using linear regression analysis of ΔTCL versus time.Permeability coefficient(P) was calculated based on the slope of the curve to represent the degree of change in the ABB permeability.Results The results found the increased P values of CuO-40, CuO-80, sheet, and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3, Al2(SO4)3, and Pb(NO3)2.Among them, small CuO-40 and CuO-80 were stronger than CuO-100 and CuSO4;no difference was observed between Al2(SO4)3 and sheet and short-rod-shaped nano-Al2O3;and nano-Pb S was slightly weaker than Pb(NO3)2.So clearly the MNPs possess diverse toxicity.Conclusion ABB permeability abnormality means pulmonary toxicity potential.More studies are warranted to understand MNPs toxicity and ultimately control the health hazards.

Burden of Outpatient Visits Attributable to Ambient Temperature in Qingdao,China

Climate change has been referred to as one of the greatest threats to human health,with reports citing likely increases in extreme meteorological events.In this study,we estimated the relationships between temperature and outpatients at a major hospital in Qingdao,China,during 2015–2017,and assessed the morbidity burden.The results showed that both low and high temperatures were associated with an increased risk of outpatient visits.

Verification on the Developmental Toxicity of Short-term Exposure to Phenol in Rats

Objective To verify the health advisory for short-term exposure to phenol.Methods The method of this validation experiment was the same as the US Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)methodology for toxicology experiments used to determine phenol drinking water equivalent level(DWEL).Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered phenol in distilled water by gavage at daily doses of 15,30,60,120,and 240 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)from implantation(the 6 th day post-mating)to the day prior to the scheduled caesarean section(the 20th day of pregnancy).The following information was recorded:general behavior;body weight;number of corpus luteum,live birth,fetus,stillbirth,and implantation;fetal gender;body weight;body length;tail length;and abnormalities and pathomorphological changes in the dams.Results In the 60 mg/kg b.w.dose group,the mortality of pregnant rats increased with increasing doses,suggesting maternal toxicity.Fetal and placental weights decreased as phenol dose increased from30 mg/kg b.w.,and were significantly different compared those in the vehicle control group,which suggested developmental toxicity in the fetuses.However,the phenol-exposed groups showed no significant change in other parameters compared with the vehicle control group(P>0.05).Conclusion Despite using the same method as the US EPA,a different NOEAL of 15 mg/(kg·d)was obtained in this study.

INDUCTION OF ETHOXYRESORUFIN-O-DEETHYLASE ACTIVITY IN HUMAN SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA CELLS BY 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-p-DIOXIN(TCDD)

Induction of the activity of ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase(EROD),one of the isozymes ofmixed function oxidase,in human squamouscarcinoma cells of the tongue(SCC-15G andSCC-25)treated with TCDD was invistigated.

Oxidative Damage to BV2 Cells by Trichloroacetic Acid:Protective Role of Boron via the p53 Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by trichloroacetic acid(TCA)and the possible protective mechanisms of boron(B).Mouse BV2 cells were treated with TCA(0,0.39,0.78,1.56,3.12,6.25,or 12.5 mmol/L)and B(0,7.8,15.6,31.25,62.5,125,500,or 1,000 mmol/L)for 3 h and 24 h,respectively.Then,reactive oxygen species,and supernatant proinflammatory cytokine and protein levels were analyzed after 24 h of combined exposure.Beyond the dose-dependent decrease in the cellular viability,it clearly increased after B supplementation(P<0.05).Moreover,B decreased oxidative damage,and significantly down-regulated IL-6 levels and up-regulated TNF-βproduction(P<0.05).B also decreased apoptosis via the p53 pathway.The present findings indicated that TCA may induce oxidative damage,whereas B mitigates these adverse effects by decreasing cell apoptosis.