Upregulation of α-ENaC induces pancreatic β-cell dysfunction,ER stress,and SIRT2 degradation

Islet beta cells(β-cells)produce insulin in response to high blood glucose levels,which is essential for preserving glucose homeostasis.Voltage-gated ion channels inβ-cells,including Na+,K+,and Ca2+channels,aid in the release of insulin.The epithelial sodium channel alpha subunit(α-ENaC),a voltage-independent sodium ion channel,is also expressed in human pancreatic endocrine cells.However,there is no reported study on the function of ENaC in theβ-cells.In the current study,we found thatα-ENaC was expressed in human pancreatic glandule and pancreatic isletβ-cells.In the pancreas of db/db mice and high-fat diet-induced mice,and in mouse isletβ-cells(MIN6 cells)treated with palmitate,α-ENaC expression was increased.Whenα-ENaC was overexpressed in MIN6 cells,insulin content and glucose-induced insulin secretion were significantly reduced.On the other hand,palmitate injured isletβ-cells and suppressed insulin synthesis and secretion,but increasedα-ENaC expression in MIN6 cells.However,α-ENaC knockout(Scnn1a−/−)in MIN6 cells attenuatedβ-cell disorder induced by palmitate.Furthermore,α-ENaC regulated the ubiquitylation and degradation of sirtuin 2 inβ-cells.α-ENaC also modulatedβ-cell function in correlation with the inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha/X-box binding protein 1(IRE1α/XBP1)and protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/C/EBP homologous protein(PERK/CHOP)endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways.These results suggest thatα-ENaC may play a novel role in insulin synthesis and secretion in theβ-cells,and the upregulation ofα-ENaC promotes isletβ-cell dysfunction.In conclusion,α-ENaC may be a key regulator involved in isletβ-cell damage and a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Enhancement of porcine in vitro embryonic development through luteolin‑mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway

Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Luteolin(Lut)has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies.However,its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored.This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results After undergoing parthenogenetic activation(PA)or in vitro fertilization,embryos supplemented with 0.5μmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates,with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control.Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control.Moreover,Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential.Intriguingly,activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut,leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels.To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development,we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol,with or without the inclusion of Lut.The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence,and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.

The Effect of Tuberculosis Infection on Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate how individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus’ pancreatic β-cell function index and insulin resistance index are affected by tuberculosis infection. Methods: The study group consisted of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis infection who were admitted to Jingzhou Chest Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. Gender and duration of diabetes were matching conditions. The control group was made up of 89 patients with type 2 diabetes who were admitted to Jingzhou Central Hospital’s endocrinology department during the same period. The two patient groups provided general information such as gender, age, length of diabetes, and blood biochemical indexes such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose (FPG), and fasting C-peptide (FC-P). The HOMA calculator was used to calculate the HOMA-β and the HOMA-IR, and intergroup comparisons and correlation analyses were carried out. Results: Regarding gender, age, disease duration, FC-P, and HbA1c, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, BMI, FPG, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the study group’s HOMA-β was lower and its HOMA-IR was greater. According to Spearman’s correlation analysis, HOMA-β had a negative association (P th FPG, HbA1c, and the length of the disease, and a positive correlation with BMI and FC-P. A positive correlation was found between HOMA-IR and BMI, FPG, and FC-P (P < 0.01), as well as a correlation with the length of the disease (P > 0.05) and HbA1c. Conclusions: In type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with tuberculosis infection, the patients had higher FPG levels and lower FC-P levels, the secretory function of pancreatic β-cells was more severely impaired, and insulin resistance was more obvious.

Effect of Different High CO_2 Concentrations on the Development of 2-cell Mouse Embryos in vitro

Objective To investigate effects of different high CO_2 concentrations on the development of 2-cell mouse embryos in vitro Methods At levels of 5% CO_2 (control group), 5.7% CO_2, 6.0% CO_2 and 15% CO_2, embryos were incubated in drops with CZB medium, respectively, and the drops were covered by paraffin oil which was treated with three-distilled water. In addition, at the level of 15% CO_2, there were another two groups, in which paraffin oil was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution or the drops were uncovered. The development of embryos in all stages was noted. Results The developmental rates of blastocysts in five experimental groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). At the level of 5.7% CO_2, the developmental rate of blastocysts was 4.3%, and those of other experimental groups were 0. At the levels of 5.7% and 6.0% CO_2, embryos were blocked in the 2-cell or the 4-cell stage, and no significant difference was showed between the two groups (P>0.05). At the level of 15% CO_2, 15% embryos developed in the 4-cell stage with irregular blastomere and degenerated quickly in the group which paraffin oil was treated with distilled water; 2.2% embryos developed in the 4-cell stage in the group which paraffin oil was treated with PBS and the rest stagnated in the 2-cell stage. Conclusions High CO_2 concentrations had toxic effect on the in vitro development of 2-cell mouse embryos, and was responsible for the inhibition of the embryos. It is important for the development of embryos in vitro to detect strictly CO_2 concentration.

Pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes:Implications of inflammation and oxidative stress

Insulin resistance and pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction are major pathological mechanisms implicated in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes(T2D).Beyond the detrimental effects of insulin resistance,inflammation and oxidative stress have emerged as critical features of T2D that defineβ-cell dysfunction.Predominant markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein,tumor necrosis factor alpha,and interleukin-1βare consistently associated withβ-cell failure in preclinical models and in people with T2D.Similarly,important markers of oxidative stress,such as increased reactive oxygen species and depleted intracellular antioxidants,are consistent with pancreaticβ-cell damage in conditions of T2D.Such effects illustrate a pathological relationship between an abnormal inflammatory response and generation of oxidative stress during the progression of T2D.The current review explores preclinical and clinical research on the pathological implications of inflammation and oxidative stress during the development ofβ-cell dysfunction in T2D.Moreover,important molecular mechanisms and relevant biomarkers involved in this process are discussed to divulge a pathological link between inflammation and oxidative stress duringβ-cell failure in T2D.Underpinning the clinical relevance of the review,a systematic analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials is covered,on the potential therapeutic effects of some commonly used antidiabetic agents in modulating inflammatory makers to improveβ-cell function.

CRISPR/Cas9技术高效制备山羊SOCS2基因编辑胚胎

旨在设计、筛选高效编辑山羊胚胎生长负调控因子SOCS2基因的sgRNA,为通过SOCS2基因编辑创制快长型山羊奠定技术基础。本研究利用在线网站对山羊SOCS2基因SH2结构域保守序列设计2条sgRNA,构建表达载体,体外转录获得sgRNA及Cas9 mRNA;体外检测sgRNA+Cas9蛋白切割靶DNA的效率;在此基础上将屠宰场山羊卵巢分离培养的442个孤雌胚胎进行分组,2个试验组显微注射sgRNA和Cas9 mRNA混合物,对照组注射超纯水,以单个囊胚全基因组DNA扩增产物为模板,PCR扩增靶区域并测序鉴定,发生编辑的样本进行T-A克隆测序检测编辑形式;根据在线网站预测,每条sgRNA选择5个错配数最少的潜在脱靶位点进行脱靶检测。结果表明,在SOCS2基因83和96号氨基酸密码子附近区域获得2条sgRNA并成功构建表达载体,体外转录获得高质量sgRNA和Cas 9 mRNA;两条sgRNA均可引导Cas9蛋白在体外完全切割靶DNA;SOCS2-sg-83对胚胎的编辑效率为94.1%,160个T-A克隆中有152个在靶位点出现插入、缺失或替换,概率为95.0%,其中81.3%发生了移码突变,9.4%的克隆缺失83号氨基酸密码子,累计90.6%的克隆实现了SOCS2基因功能性敲除;SOCS2-sg-96对胚胎的编辑效率为50.0%,80个T-A克隆中有70个在靶位点出现插入、缺失或替换,概率为87.5%,移码突变概率为75.0%,5.0%的克隆缺失了96号氨基酸密码子,累计80.0%的克隆实现了SOCS2基因功能性敲除。另外,在所有已编辑胚胎中均未发现脱靶。综上,SOCS2-sg-83可实现山羊胚胎SOCS2基因的高效、精准编辑和敲除,为高效制备SOCS2基因敲除山羊,培育快长型肉用山羊奠定了技术基础。

Cysteine dioxygenase and taurine are essential for embryo implantation by involving in E2-ERαand P_(4)-PR signaling in mouse

Background Taurine performs multiple physiological functions,and the maintenance of taurine level for most mammals relies on active uptake from diet and endogenous taurine synthesis through its synthesis enzymes,including cysteine dioxygenase(CDO).In addition,uterus tissue and uterus fluid are rich in to urine,and to urine synthesis is regulated by estrogen(E2)and progesterone(P_(4)),the key hormones priming embryo-uterine crosstalk during embryo implantation,but the functional interactions and mechanisms among which are largely unknown.The present study was thus proposed to identify the effects of CDO and taurine on embryo implantation and related mechanisms by using Cdo knockout(KO)and ovariectomy(OVX)mouse models.Results The uterine CDO expression was assayed from the first day of plugging(d 1)to d 8 and the results showed that CDO expression level increased from d 1 to d 4,followed by a significant decline on d 5 and persisted to d 8,which was highly correlated with serum and uterine taurine levels,and serum P_(4) concentration.Next,Cdo KO mouse was established by CRISPER/Cas9.It was showed that Cdo deletion sharply decreased the taurine levels both in serum and uterus tissue,causing implantation defects and severe subfertility.However,the implantation defects in Cdo KO mice were partly rescued by the taurine supplementation.In addition,Cdo deletion led to a sharp decrease in the expressions of P_(4)receptor(PR)and its responsive genes Ihh,Hoxa10 and Hand2.Although the expression of uterine estrogen receptor(ERa)had no significant change,the levels of ERa induced genes(Muc1,Ltf)during the implantation window were upregulated after Cdo deletion.These accompanied by the suppression of stroma cell proliferation.Meanwhile,E2inhibited CDO expression through ERa and P_(4)upregulated CDO expression through PR.Conclusion The present study firstly demonstrates that taurine and CDO play prominent roles in uterine receptivity and embryo implantation by involving in E2-ERa and P_(4)-PR signaling.These are crucial for our understanding the mechanism of embryo implantation,and infer that taurine is a potential agent for improving reproductive efficiency of livestock industry and reproductive medicine.

Effects of 5-aza-2’-deoxyctidine on the development of porcine parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer embryos

The current study was to investigate whether embryo or fetal fibroblast cells treated with 5-aza-2’-deoxyctidine (5-aza-dC) have a positive effect on the in vitro development of porcine parthenogenetic and cloned embryos. To this end, porcine fetal fibroblast cells were treated with different concentrations (5 nM, 50 nM and 500 nM) of 5-aza-dC for different exposure times (1, 6 and 20 hours), the results showed that DNA methylation in PRE-1 SINE region was gradually reduced over time in cells treated with 5-aza-dC. To determine the effect of 5-aza-dC on in vitro development of porcine activated oocytes, the parthenogenetic embryo was treated with 5-aza- dC. Notably, treatment with 5 nM 5-aza-dC for 1 hour led to a significant improvement in blastocyst development, compared with the control group. The effects of donor cell treatment with 5-aza-dC on porcine cloned embryos development were further examined by treating fetal fibroblast cells with various concentrations (5 nM, 50 nM and 500 nM) of 5-aza-dC for different exposure times (1, 6 and 20 hours). Exposure of cells in 5 nM 5-aza-dC for 1 - 20 hours led to a significant improvement in the percentage of developed blastocysts, while treatment with 500 nM 5-aza-dC did not affect blastocyst development, compared to untreated controls. These findings indicate that treatment of fetal fibro-blast cells with relatively low concentrations of 5-aza-dC for short exposure times improves subsequent blastocyst development of porcine cloned embryos.

不同质量浓度Cu^(2+)和Ag^(+)对大麦成熟胚组培特性的影响

【目的】探究不同质量浓度Cu^(2+)和Ag^(+)对大麦成熟胚组培特性的影响。【方法】以Bowman、北青7号和光头大麦的成熟胚为材料,研究不同质量浓度Cu^(2+)和Ag^(+)对大麦成熟胚愈伤诱导率、长根率、长芽率、褐化率、绿化率、再分化率和愈伤湿质量的影响。【结果】Bowman、北青7号和光头大麦成熟胚的7种组培特性间存在不同程度差异。与对照相比,0.75 mg/L Cu^(2+)可减少10.43%的成熟胚长根、7.48%的成熟胚长芽、8.24%的愈伤组织褐化、20.74 mg的愈伤湿质量;4.00 mg/L Ag^(+)可提高6.47%的愈伤组织诱导率,可减少9.08%的成熟胚长根、7.96%的成熟胚长芽和9.67%的愈伤褐化;0.75 mg/L Cu^(2+)和4.00 mg/L Ag^(+)对愈伤细胞转绿、愈伤增殖和再分化均无抑制。【结论】适宜质量浓度的Cu^(2+)和Ag^(+)可有效抑制大麦成熟胚长根、长芽和愈伤组织褐化,Ag+还可有效提高愈伤诱导率;在基于MS培养基的大麦成熟胚愈伤组织诱导和再分化培养中,Cu^(2+)和Ag^(+)的适宜质量浓度分别为0.75和4.00 mg/L。研究结果可为构建大麦成熟胚的愈伤诱导及其再分化技术体系提供理论支持。

Expression patterns of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 in goat preimplantation embryos from in vivo and in vitro

The transcription factors, including OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2, played crucial roles in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells （ESCs）. They expressed in preimplantation mammalian development with spa- tio-temporal pattern and took part in regulation of development. However, their expression and roles in goat had not been reported. In the present study, the expression of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 in goat preimplantation embryos both in vivo and in vitro were detected by real-time RCR and immunofluorescence. For in vivo fertilized embryos, the transcripts of OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 could be detected from oocytes to blastocyst stage, their expression in morula and blastocyst stages was much higher than other stage. OCT4 protein was detected from oocyte to blastocyst, but the fluorescence was more located-intensive with nuclei from 8-cell stage, its expression present in both inner cell mass （ICM） and trophoblast cells （TE） at blastocyse stage. NANOG protein was similar to OCT4, the signaling of fluorescence completely focused on cell nuclei, while the SOX2 firstly showed nuclei location in morula. Comparing to in vivo fertilized embryo, the mRNA of these three transcription factors could be detected at 8-cell stage in parthenogenetic embryos （in vitro）. Thereafter, the expressional level rose gradually along with embryo development. The locations of OCT4 and NANOG proteins were similar to in vivo fertilized embryos, and they located in cell nuclei from morula to blastocyst stage, while SOX2 protein firstly could be detected in cell nuclei at 8-cell stage. These differences suggested that OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2 played different function in regulating development of goat preimplantation embryos. These results may provide a novel insight to goat embryo development and be useful for goat ESCs isolation.

Insufficient TRPM5 Mediates Lipotoxicity-induced Pancreaticβ-cell Dysfunction

Objective:While the reduction of transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 5(TRPM5)has been reported in islet cells from type 2 diabetic(T2D)mouse models,its role in lipotoxicity-induced pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction remains unclear.This study aims to study its role.Methods:Pancreas slices were prepared from mice subjected to a high-fat-diet(HFD)at different time points,and TRPM5 expression in the pancreaticβcells was examined using immunofluorescence staining.Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion(GSIS)defects caused by lipotoxicity were mimicked by saturated fatty acid palmitate(Palm).Primary mouse islets and mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells were treated with Palm,and the TRPM5 expression was detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Palm-induced GSIS defects were measured following siRNA-based Trpm5 knockdown.The detrimental effects of Palm on primary mouse islets were also assessed after overexpressing Trpm5 via an adenovirus-derived Trpm5(Ad-Trpm5).Results:HFD feeding decreased the mRNA levels and protein expression of TRPM5 in mouse pancreatic islets.Palm reduced TRPM5 protein expression in a time-and dose-dependent manner in MIN6 cells.Palm also inhibited TRPM5 expression in primary mouse islets.Knockdown of Trpm5 inhibited insulin secretion upon high glucose stimulation but had little effect on insulin biosynthesis.Overexpression of Trpm5 reversed Palm-induced GSIS defects and the production of functional maturation molecules unique toβcells.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that lipotoxicity inhibits TRPM5 expression in pancreaticβcells both in vivo and in vitro and,in turn,drivesβ-cell dysfunction.

虾青素对镉离子(Cd^(2+))诱导下斑马鱼胚胎抗氧化指标的影响

(28.0±0.5)℃下,将100个产后1 h的斑马鱼(Danio rerio)胚胎放在120 mm培养皿中,暴露在<0.02%浓度的二甲基亚砜(DMSO,对照组)、50μg/L Cd^(2+)(低浓度暴露组)、500μg/L Cd^(2+)(高浓度暴露组)和Cd^(2+)+雨生红球藻(Haematococcus pluvialis)虾青素AST联合暴露组(50μg/L Cd^(2+)+100μg/L AST组和500μg/L Cd^(2+)+100μg/L AST组)5个处理组中,120 h后测定斑马鱼幼鱼活性氧(ROS)、丙二醛(MDA)和谷胱甘肽酶(GSH)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和总抗氧化能力(T-AOC),研究重金属镉离子(Cd^(2+))暴露下斑马鱼胚胎的抗氧化响应,探讨AST对斑马鱼机体氧化损伤的缓解效果。结果表明,斑马鱼胚胎Cd^(2+)暴露120 h后,体内活性氧(ROS)和丙二醛(MDA)含量随着Cd^(2+)浓度的升高而增加;GSH含量、SOD和T-AOC的活性随着Cd^(2+)浓度的增加而降低。说明Cd^(2+)可诱导斑马鱼机体出现氧化应激和氧化损伤。添加AST后,斑马鱼幼鱼体内ROS和MDA含量下降,GSH含量、SOD和T-AOC活性上升,说明添加AST可在一定程度上缓解重金属Cd^(2+)对斑马鱼体内抗氧化指标的负面影响。本研究结果可为AST作为新型鱼类饲料添加剂提供理论依据。

Hematomas and Limb Skeletal Malformations in Chicken Embryos Following Exposure to 5-Fluoro-2'-Deoxyuridine

Vascular injury or interruption may play a role in vertebrate limb teratogenesis. Since 5fluoro- 2'- deoxyuridine (FdU) can cause vascular injury in the murine limb and skull prior to the appearance of skeletal malformations in these structures, we studied the effects of this chemical on skeletal development in the chick embryo and noted any vascular injury. The yolk sacs of day three ehick embryos (Hamburger and Hamilton states 17-19) were injected with solutions of vary concentrations of FdU in saline. The embryos developed until the 10th day of incubation when they were fixed for study. Uninjected, saline injected, and sham injected control embryo were similarly fixed. Upon gross inspection, frequent diffuse and saccular hernatomas, as well as fluid-filled blisters, were noted in the limbs of embryos treated with FdU. After the embryos were fixed and cleared, and the skeletons stained, significant skeletal malformations were observed in these limbs. Bony elements of both the upper and lower limbs were affected in at least some of the embryos. The combination of FdU-induced hematomas and blisters with associated skeletal malformations in the same regions of some embryos suggests a relationship between these phenomena.

猪胚胎移植技术在预防猪圆环病毒2型感染中的应用

试验旨在研究猪胚胎移植技术在预防猪圆环病毒2型感染中的应用,为猪群的健康养殖提供参考。选取健康猪卵巢,挑选细胞质均匀的卵丘-卵母细胞复合体,培养并获取成熟卵母细胞。选择体重大于30 kg、处于正常发情期的成熟健康母猪,将成熟卵母细胞移植入母猪体内,并回收其早期胚胎。利用猪圆环病毒2型ELISA抗原检测试剂盒判别健康猪胚胎的防疫效果。结果表明:健康猪胚胎至少能够防疫浓缩3~4倍浓度的猪圆环病毒2型,防疫效果较好。说明猪胚胎移植技术能够在胚胎水平上建立健康种群,有效预防猪圆环病毒2型感染仔猪。

Embryo Glue和G2两种移植液对冻融卵裂胚移植结局的影响比较

目的:探讨Embryo Glue移植液和G2两种移植液对冻融卵裂胚移植的临床妊娠率、早期流产率、异位妊娠率的影响。方法:回顾性分析2015年1月~2017年5月底期间1 068例以Embryo Glue和G2为移植液的冻融卵裂胚的临床妊娠率、早期流产率、异位妊娠率。结果:以G2和Embryo Glue为移植液的1 068例冻融卵裂胚的临床妊娠率、早期流产率、异位妊娠率分别为50.99%vs 47.96%、10.34%vs10.88%、3.45%vs2.38%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:Embryo Glue移植液不能提高冻融周期的临床妊娠率、降低流产率,不能提高宫内妊娠率。

β-cell dysfunction: Its critical role in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes(T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Although, in contrast to type 1 diabetes, insulin resistance is assumed to be a major pathophysiological feature of T2 DM, T2 DM never develops unless β-cells fail to compensate insulin resistance. Recent studies have revealed that a deficit of β-cell functional mass is an essential component of the pathophysiology of T2 DM, implying that β-cell deficit is a common feature of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction is present at the diagnosis of T2 DM and progressively worsens with disease duration. β-cell dysfunction is associated with worseningof glycemic control and treatment failure; thus, it is important to preserve or recover β-cell functional mass in the management of T2 DM. Since β-cell regenerative capacity appears somewhat limited in humans, reducing β-cell workload appears to be the most effective way to preserve β-cell functional mass to date, underpinning the importance of lifestyle modification and weight loss for the treatment and prevention of T2 DM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on β-cell functional mass in T2 DM and discusses the treatment strategy for T2 DM.

2-cell超导腔的高阶模分析

阐述了2-cell Telsa腔的设计。用3维程序HFSS分析了其高阶模的特点,给出了高阶模的主要参数频率、品质因数、分路阻抗以及模式的电场分布,并且π模的电场分布与Superfish的模拟结果相比较,两者是一致的。最后,简要分析了各高阶模对电子加速的影响,分析表明高阶模降低了电子加速效率和束流的稳定性。

The relationship between insulin resistance/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus： the Desheng Diabetic Eye Study

AIM： To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance （IR）/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy （DR） in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, and to explore further whether there were differences in the relationship among diabetic patients with higher and lower body mass index （BMI）. METHODS： Cross-sectional study. A total of 1466 subjects with T2DM were recruited in a local Desheng Community of urban Beijing from November 2009 to June 2012 for the cohort of Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study. Standardized evaluation was carried out for each participant, including questionnaire, ocular and anthropometric examinations, and laboratory tests. Seven fields 30° color fundus photographs were used for DR grading according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocols. Homeostatis Model Assessment （HOMA） method was employed for IR and β-cell function assessment. RESULTS： After excluding those participants who were treated with insulin （n=352） or had missing data of fasting insulin （n=96）, and further excluding those with poor quality of retinal photographs （n=10）, a total of 1008 subjects were included for the final analysis, 406 （40.3%） were men and 602 （59.7%） were women, age ranging fiom 34 to 86 （64.87±8.28）y. Any DR （levels 14 and above） was present in 278 （27.6%） subjects. After adjusting for possible covariates, the presence of any DR did not correlate with HOMA IR [odds ratio （OR） 1.51, 95% confidence interval （Cl） 0.87-2.61, P=0.14] or HOMA β-cell （OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.40-1.26, P=0.25）. After stratification by BMI, the presence of any DR was associated positively with HOMA IR （OR 2.46, 95%CI： 1.18-5.12, P=0.016）, and negatively with HOMA β-cell （OR 0.40, 95%CI： 0.19-0.87, P=0.021） in the group of patients with higher BMI （225 kg/m2）. In the group of patients with lower BMI （〈25 kg/m2）, the presence of any DR was not associated with HOMA IR （OR 1.00, 95%C1： 0.43-2.33, P=I.00） or HOMA β-cell （OR 1.41, 95%CI： 0.60-3.32, P=0.43）. CONCLUSION： The data suggest that higher IR and lower 13-cell function are associated with the presence of DR in the subgroup of diabetic patients with higher BMI. However, this association is not statistically significant in diabetic patients with lower BMI.

Visfatin Protects Rat Pancreatic β-cells against IFN-γ-Induced Apoptosis through AMPK and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways

Objective Interferon-γ （IFN-γ） plays an important role in apoptosis and was shown to increase the riskof diabetes. Visfatin, an adipokine, has anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, and regulating inflammatoryproperties. In this study we investigated the effect of visfatin on IFN-γ-induced apoptosis in ratpancreatic β-cells.Methods The RINm5F （rat insulinoma cell line） cells exposed to IFN-γ were treated with or withoutvisfatin. The viability and apoptosis of the cells were assessed by using MTT and flow cytometry. Theexpressions of mRNA and protein were detected by using real-time PCR and western blot analysis.Results The exposure of RINm5F cells to IFN-γ for 48 h led to increased apoptosis percentage of thecells. Visfatin pretreatment significantly increased the cell viability and reduced the cell apoptosisinduced by IFN-γ. IFN-γ-induced increase in expression of p53 mRNA and cytochrome c protein,decrease in mRNA and protein levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 were attenuated by visfatinpretreatment. Visfatin also increased AMPK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the anti-apoptotic actionof visfatin was attenuated by the AMPK and ERK1/2 inhibitor.Conclusion These results suggested that visfatin protected pancreatic islet cells against IFN-γ-inducedapoptosis via mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. The anti-apoptotic action of visfatin ismediated by activation of AMPK and ERK1/2 signaling molecules.

Characterization of the imprinting and expression patterns of ZAG2 in maize endosperm and embryo

ZAG2 has been identified as a maternally expressed imprinted gene in maize endosperm.Our study revealed that paternally inherited ZAG2 alleles were imprinted in maize endosperm and embryo at 14 days after pollination(DAP), and consistently imprinted in endosperm at 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 DAP in reciprocal crosses between B73 and Mo17. ZAG2 alleles were also imprinted in reciprocal crosses between Zheng 58 and Chang7-2 and between Huang C and 178. ZAG2 alleles exhibited differential imprinting in hybrids of 178 × Huang C and B73 × Mo17, while in other hybrids ZAG2 alleles exhibited binary imprinting. The tissue-specific expression pattern of ZAG2 showed that ZAG2 was expressed at a high level in immature ears, suggesting that ZAG2 plays important roles in not only kernel but ear development.