Overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor prevents neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in experimental ischemic stroke

Neurotoxic astrocytes are a promising therapeutic target for the attenuation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Low-density lipoprotein receptor,a classic cholesterol regulatory receptor,has been found to inhibit NLR family pyrin domain containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in neurons following ischemic stroke and to suppress the activation of microglia and astrocytes in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.However,little is known about the effects of low-density lipoprotein receptor on astrocytic activation in ischemic stroke.To address this issue in the present study,we examined the mechanisms by which low-density lipoprotein receptor regulates astrocytic polarization in ischemic stroke models.First,we examined low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in astrocytes via immunofluorescence staining and western blotting analysis.We observed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor following middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.Second,we induced the astrocyte-specific overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor using astrocyte-specific adeno-associated virus.Low-density lipoprotein receptor overexpression in astrocytes improved neurological outcomes in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and reversed neurotoxic astrocytes to create a neuroprotective phenotype.Finally,we found that the overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injured astrocytes and that the addition of nigericin,an NLRP3 agonist,restored the neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype.These findings suggest that low-density lipoprotein receptor could inhibit the NLRP3-meidiated neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes and that increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor in astrocytes might represent a novel strategy for treating cerebral ischemic stroke.

Cortico-striatal gamma oscillations are modulated by dopamine D3 receptors in dyskinetic rats

Long-term levodopa administration can lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Gamma oscillations are a widely recognized hallmark of abnormal neural electrical activity in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Currently,studies have reported increased oscillation power in cases of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.However,little is known about how the other electrophysiological parameters of gamma oscillations are altered in levodopa-induced dyskinesia.Furthermore,the role of the dopamine D3 receptor,which is implicated in levodopa-induced dyskinesia,in movement disorder-related changes in neural oscillations is unclear.We found that the cortico-striatal functional connectivity of beta oscillations was enhanced in a model of Parkinson’s disease.Furthermore,levodopa application enhanced cortical gamma oscillations in cortico-striatal projections and cortical gamma aperiodic components,as well as bidirectional primary motor cortex(M1)↔dorsolateral striatum gamma flow.Administration of PD128907(a selective dopamine D3 receptor agonist)induced dyskinesia and excessive gamma oscillations with a bidirectional M1↔dorsolateral striatum flow.However,administration of PG01037(a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist)attenuated dyskinesia,suppressed gamma oscillations and cortical gamma aperiodic components,and decreased gamma causality in the M1→dorsolateral striatum direction.These findings suggest that the dopamine D3 receptor plays a role in dyskinesia-related oscillatory activity,and that it has potential as a therapeutic target for levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

STAT3-Dependent Effects of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor in Regulating Interleukin-17 Signaling and Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis

One-third of patients with autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The relevance of these variables,although unknown,is believed to be critical in AIH because of suspected interactions between the gut microbiome and genetic factors.Dysbiosis of the gut flora and elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR)levels have been observed in both patients and mouse models.Moreover,there is a direct relationship between pIgR expression and transaminase levels in patients with AIH.In this study,we aimed to explore how pIgR influences the secretion of regenerating islet-derived 3 beta(Reg3b)and the flora composition in AIH using in vivo experiments involving patients with AIH and a concanavalin A-induced mouse model of AIH.Reg3b expression was reduced in pIgR gene(Pigr)-knockout mice compared to that in wild-type mice,leading to increased microbiota disruption.Conversely,exogenous pIgR supplementation increased Reg3b expression and maintained microbiota homeostasis.RNA sequencing revealed the participation of the interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway in the regulation of Reg3b through pIgR.Furthermore,the introduction of external pIgR could not restore the imbalance in gut microbiota in AIH,and the decrease in Reg3b expression was not apparent following the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3).In this study,pIgR facilitated the upregulation of Reg3b via the STAT3 pathway,which plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of the intestinal microbiota in AIH.Through this research,we discovered new molecular targets that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.

Melanocortin 3,5 receptors immunohistochemical expression in colonic mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients:A matter of disease activity?

BACKGROUND Melanocortin 3 and 5 receptors(i.e.,MC3R and MC5R)belong to the melanocortin family.However,data regarding their role in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are currently unavailable.AIM This study aims to ascertain their expression profiles in the colonic mucosa of Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),aligning them with IBD disease endoscopic and histologic activity.METHODS Colonic mucosal biopsies from CD/UC patients were sampled,and immunohisto-chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate the expression of MC3R and MC5R.Colonic sampling was performed on both traits with endoscopic scores(Mayo endoscopic score and CD endoscopic index of severity)consistent with inflamed mucosa and not consistent with disease activity(i.e.,normal appearing mucosa).RESULTS In both CD and UC inflamed mucosa,MC3R(CD:+7.7 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01;UC:+12 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01)and MC5R(CD:+5.5 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01;UC:+8.1 fold vs normal mucosa,P<0.01)were significantly more expressed compared to normal mucosa.CONCLUSION MC3R and MC5R are expressed in the colon of IBD patients.Furthermore,expression may differ according to disease endoscopic activity,with a higher degree of expression in the traits affected by disease activity in both CD and UC,suggesting a potential use of these receptors in IBD pharmacology.

Replication of interleukin 23 receptor and autophagy-related 16-like 1 association in adult-and pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Italy

AIM: To investigate gene variants in a large Italian inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort, and to analyze the correlation of sub-phenotypes (including age at diagnosis) and epistatic interaction with other IBD genes. METHODS: Total of 763 patients with Crohn's disease (CD, 189 diagnosed at age < 19 years), 843 with ulcerative colitis (UC, 179 diagnosed <19 years), 749 healthy controls, and 546 healthy parents (273 trios) were included in the study. The rs2241880 [autophagy-related 16-like 1 (ATG16L1)], rs11209026 and rs7517847 [interleukin 23 receptor (IL23R)], rs2066844, rs2066845, rs2066847 (CARD15), rs1050152 (OCTN1), and rs2631367 (OCTN2) gene variants were genotyped. RESULTS: The frequency of G allele of ATG16L1 SNP (Ala197Thr) was increased in patients with CD compared with controls (59% vs 54% respectively) (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.08-1.45, P = 0.003), but not in UC (55%). The frequency of A and G (minor) alleles of Arg381Gln, rs11209026 and rs7517847 variants of IL23R were reduced significantly in CD (4%, OR = 0.62, CI = 0.45-0.87, P = 0.005; 28%, OR = 0.64, CI = 0.55-0.75, P < 0.01), compared with controls (6% and 38%, respectively). The A allele (but not G) was also reduced signifi cantly in UC (4%, OR = 0.69, CI = 0.5-0.94, P = 0.019). No association was demonstrated with sub-phenotypes and interaction with CARD15 , and OCTN1/2 genes, although both gene variants were associated with pediatric-onset disease. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the association of IL23R polymorphisms with IBD, and ATG16L1 with CD, in both adult- and pediatric-onset subsets in our study population.

BIRC3 induces the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt pathway activation to promote trastuzumab resistance in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Trastuzumab-targeted therapy is currently the standard of care for advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive gastric cancer.However,the emergence of resistance to trastuzumab poses significant challenges.AIM To identify the key genes associated with trastuzumab resistance.These results provide a basis for the development of interventions to address drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.METHODS High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics were used to identify the differentially expressed pivotal gene BIRC3 and delineate its potential function and pathway regulation.Tumor samples were collected from patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer to evaluate the correlation between BIRC3 expression and trastuzumab resistance.We established gastric cancer cell lines with both highly expressed and suppressed levels of BIRC3,followed by comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm the involvement of BIRC3 in trastuzumab resistance and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.RESULTS In patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer,there is a significant correlation between elevated BIRC3 expression in tumor tissues and higher T stage,tumor node metastasis stage,as well as poor overall survival and progressionfree survival.BIRC3 is highly expressed in trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer cell lines,where it inhibits tumor cell apoptosis and enhances trastuzumab resistance by promoting the phosphorylation and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt(PI3K-AKT)pathway in HER2-positive gastric cancer cells,both in vivo and in vitro.CONCLUSION This study revealed a robust association between high BIRC3 expression and an unfavorable prognosis in patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer.Thus,the high expression of BIRC3 stimulated PI3K-AKT phosphorylation and activation,stimulating the proliferation of HER2-positive tumor cells and suppressing apoptosis,ultimately leading to trastuzumab resistance.

Autosomal recessive 333 base pair interleukin 10 receptor alpha subunit deletion in very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND Interleukin 10 receptor alpha subunit(IL10RA)dysfunction is the main cause of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease(VEO-IBD)in East Asians.AIM To identify disease-causing gene mutations in four patients with VEO-IBD and verify functional changes related to the disease-causing mutations.METHODS From May 2016 to September 2020,four young patients with clinically diagnosed VEO-IBD were recruited.Before hospitalization,using targeted gene panel sequencing and trio-whole-exome sequencing(WES),three patients were found to harbor a IL10RA mutation(c.301C>T,p.R101W in one patient;c.537G>A,p.T179T in two patients),but WES results of the fourth patient were not conclusive.We performed whole-genome sequencing(WGS)on patients A and B and reanalyzed the data from patients C and D.Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from patient D were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS),interleukin 10(IL-10),and LPS+IL-10.Serum IL-10 levels in four patients and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)at Tyr705 and Ser727 in PBMCs was determined by western blot analysis.RESULTS The four children in our study consisted of two males and two females.The age at disease onset ranged from 18 d to 9 mo.After hospitalization,a novel 333-bp deletion encompassing exon 1 of IL10RA was found in patients A and B using WGS and was found in patients C and D after reanalysis of their WES data.Patient D was homozygous for the 333 bp deletion.All four patients had elevated serum IL-10 levels.In vitro,IL-10-stimulated PBMCs from patient D failed to induce STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 and only minimally suppressed TNF-αproduction induced by LPS.Phosphorylation at Ser727 in PBMCs was not affected by LPS or LPS+IL-10 in both healthy subjects and in patient D.CONCLUSION WGS revealed a novel 333-bp deletion of IL10RA in four patients with VEO-IBD,whereas the WES results were inconclusive.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy:Importance of direct evidence to support the roles of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and pyroptosis

Recently,the roles of pyroptosis,a form of cell death induced by activated NODlike receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome,in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)have been extensively investigated.However,most studies have focused mainly on whether diabetes increases the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis in the heart of type 1 or type 2 diabetic rodent models,and whether various medications and natural products prevent the development of DCM,associated with decreased levels of cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis.The direct link of NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis to the pathogenesis of DCM remains unclear based on the limited evidence derived from the available studies,with the approaches of NLRP3 gene silencing or pharmaceutical application of NLRP3 specific inhibitors.We thus emphasize the requirement for more systematic studies that are designed to provide direct evidence to support the link,given that several studies have provided both direct and indirect evidence under specific conditions.This editorial emphasizes that the current investigation should be circumspect in its conclusion,i.e.,not overemphasizing its role in the pathogenesis of DCM with the fact of only significantly increased expression or activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the heart of diabetic rodent models.Only clear-cut evidence-based causative roles of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of DCM can help to develop effective and safe medications for the clinical management of DCM,targeting these biomarkers.

Mudskipper interleukin-34 modulates the functions of monocytes/macrophages via the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor 1

Interleukin-34(IL-34)is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in innate immunity and inflammatory processes by binding to the colonystimulating factor-1 receptor(CSF-1R).However,information on the function of IL-34 in fish remains limited.In the present study,we identified an IL-34 homolog from mudskippers(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris).In silico analysis showed that the mudskipper IL-34(BpIL-34)was similar to other known IL-34 variants in sequence and structure and was most closely related to an orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides)homolog.BpIL-34 transcripts were constitutively expressed in various tissues,with the highest level of expression found in the brain.Edwardsiella tarda infection significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of BpIL-34 in the mudskipper tissues.The recombinant mature BpIL-34 peptide(rBpIL-34)was purified and used to produce anti-rBpIL-34 IgG.Western blot analysis combined with PNGase F digestion revealed that native BpIL-34 in monocytes/macrophages(MOs/MФs)was N-glycosylated.In vitro,rBpIL-34 treatment enhanced the phagocytotic and bactericidal activity of mudskipper MOs/MФs,as well as the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factorα(BpTNF-α)and BpIL-1βin these cells.Furthermore,the knockdown of mudskipper CSF-1R1(BpCSF-1R1),but not mudskipper BpCSF-1R2,significantly inhibited the rBpIL-34-mediated enhanced effect on MO/MФfunction.In conclusion,our results indicate that mudskipper BpIL-34 modulates the functions of MOs/MФs via BpCSF-1R1.

Molecular Characterization, 3D Modeling of Grass Carp Interleukin-10 Receptor 1 (IL10R1)

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important cytokine that plays a pivotal role in natural and adaptive immune systems. However, in lower vertebrates, especially in teleost the receptor of this cytokine is still largely unknown. This paper described the cloning and characterization of grass carp interleukin-10 receptor 1 (gcIL10R1) and the 3D structure of its extracellular domain was predicted. The gcIL10R1 cDNA included 180 bp5’ untranslated region (UTR), 870 bp3’ UTR and an open reading frame (ORF) of 1632 bp. The ORF was found to encode a 543 amino acid protein with a putative JAK1 binding site, one STAT3 binding site. The phylogenetic analysis clusters gcIL10R1 with other teleost IL10R1s but independently of the amphibian, avian and mammalian IL10R1s. The 3D structure of its extracellular domain was the first homology model of a fish IL10R1 that revealed a high similarity with its mammalian and avian counterparts.

Lonicera japonica-induced inhibition of interleukin-1 beta thermogenesis and E-type prostaglandin receptor-3 expression in the preoptic area of rabbits

BACKGROUND： It has been shown that interleukin-1β（IL-1β） can induce fever by activating vascular endothelial cells and macrophages of the supraoptic crest to generate prostaglandin E2, which binds with receptors of the thermo-sensitive hypothalamic neurons. Lonicera japonica is one of the medicinal plants used widely in Asia for its antipyretic properties. However, these mechanisms have not yet been intensively studied. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the antipyretic effect and mechanisms of Lonicera japonica on IL-1β- induced febrile New Zealand rabbits by observing expression changes of E-type prostaglandin receptor-3 （EP3） mRNA in the preoptic anterior hypothalamus （POAH）. DESIGN： A randomized controlled study. SETTING： Electrophysiological Laboratory at the Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Jinan University; Department of Orthopaedics, First Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Jinan University. MATERIALS： The experiment was performed from April to December 2005, using a total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes, weighing 1.5 2.0 kg. All the animal experiments were performed according to the internationally accepted ethical guidelines. Lonicera japonica injection was purchased from Huanghe pharmaceutical factory of Xi＇an, China. IL-1βwas purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： A total of 32 rabbits were divided randomly into four groups： ① Normal saline （NS） control group;② Lonicerajaponica treatment group; ③ IL-1βtreatment group; and ④Lonicerajaponica plus IL-1βtreatment group. In the first 3 groups, the rabbits were given separate intravenous （i.v.） injections of l mL NS, l mL Lonicera japonica, and 100 ng IL-l β （dissolved in 0.9% NS without pyrogen）. In the Lonicerajaponica plus IL-1βgroup each rabbit was given i.v. injections of l mL NS and, 30 minutes later, 100 ng IL-1 β. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Colonic temperature of each rabbit was measured at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 minutes after injection and the maximum temperature rise （ A T） and the temperature response index after l hour （TRII） was calculated. Subsequently, in situ hybridization （ISH） was done with an ISH kit, EP3 mRNA expression in the POAH of all groups was measured （number of positive cells and average gray scale value）. RESULTS： A total of 32 rabbits were included in the result analysis, without any loss, （i） A T and TRII： there was no significant difference between the Lonicera japonica group and NS group （P 〉 0.05）. The IL-1β group was significantly greater compared to NS group （P 〈 0.01）. The Lonicera japonica plus IL-1β group was significantly less than the IL-1β group （P 〈 0.05）. ② In the NS and Lonicera japonica groups, the EP3 mRNA expression was negative （no coloration） or only weakly positive （only a few brown yellow particles in the cytoplasm cells could not be identified）. The number of positive cells and the average gray scale value were not significantly different between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. In the IL-1β group, the number of positive cells was remarkably higher and the average gray scale value was lower than the NS group （P 〈 0.0 l）. In the Lonicera japonica plus IL-1β group, the number of positive cells was significantly less than the IL-1β group （P 〈 0.05）. However, the average gray scale value was greater than the IL-1β group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Lonicera japonica has obvious antipyretic effects on IL-1β-induced febrile rabbits and acts by inhibiting expression of EP3 mRNA in the POAH.

Nuclear receptors and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a median overall survival time of 5 mo and the five years survival less than 5%, a rate essentially unchanged over the course of the years. A well defined progression model of accumulation of genetic alterations ranging from single point mutations to gross chromosomal abnormalities has been introduced to describe the origin of this disease. However, due to the its subtle nature and concurring events PDAC cure remains elusive. Nuclear receptors (NR) are members of a large superfamily of evolutionarily conserved ligand-regulated DNA-binding transcription factors functionally involved in important cellular functions ranging from regulation of metabolism, to growth and development. Given the nature of their ligands, NR are very tempting drug targets and their pharmacological modulation has been widely exploited for the treatment of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. There are now clear evidences that both classical ligand-activated and orphan NR are involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC from its very early stages; nonetheless many aspects of their role are not fully understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the striking connections that link peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, retinoic acid receptors, retinoid X receptor, androgen receptor, estrogen receptors and the orphan NR Nur, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor II and the liver receptor homologue-1 receptor to PDAC development, connections that could lead to the identification of novel therapies for this disease.

Inhibition of 5-HT_3 Receptors-activated Currents by Cannabinoids in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons

This study investigated the modulatory effect of synthetic cannabinoids WIN55,212-2 on 5-HT3 receptor-activated currents (I5-HT3) in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons using whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that: (1) The majority of examined neurons (78.70%) were sensitive to 5-HT (3–300 μmol/L). 5-HT induced inward currents in a concentration-dependent manner and the currents were blocked by ICS 205-930 (1 μmol/L), a selective antagonist of the 5-HT3 receptor; (2) Pre-application of WIN55,212-2 (0.01–1 μmol/L) significantly inhibited I5-HT3 reversibly in concentration-dependent and voltage-independent manners. The concentra-tion-response curve of 5-HT3 receptor was shifted downward by WIN55,212-2 without any change of the threshold value. The EC50 values of two curves were very close (17.5±4.5) mmol/L vs. (15.2±4.5) mmol/L and WIN55,212-2 decreased the maximal amplitude of I5-HT3 by (48.65±4.15)%; (3) Neither AM281, a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, nor AM630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist reversed the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2; (4) When WIN55,212-2 was given from 15 to 120 s before 5-HT application, inhibitory effect was gradually increased and the maximal inhibition took place at 90 s, and the inhibition remained at the same level after 90 s. We are led to concluded that-WIN55,212-2 inhibited I5-HT3 significantly and neither CB1 receptor antagonist nor CB2 receptor antagonist could reverse the inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2. Moreover, WIN55,212-2 is not an open channel blocker (OCB) of 5-HT3 receptor. WIN55,212-2 significantly inhibited 5-HT-activated currents in a non-competitive manner. The inhibition of I5-HT3 by WIN55,212-2 is probably new one of peripheral analgesic mechanisms of WIN55,212-2, but the mechanism by which WIN55,212-2 inhibits I5-HT3 warrants further investigation.

Synergistic effect of interleukin-10-receptor variants in a case of early-onset ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigated the molecular cause of very early-onset ulcerative colitis (UC) in an 18-mo-old affected child.

Association of β3 Adrenergic Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma 2 Polymorphisms With Insulin Sensitivity:A Twin Study

Objective To study the effect of β3 adrenergic receptor （β3AR） Trp64Arg and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 （PPAR72） Prol2Ala polymorphisms on insulin resistance. Methods One hundred and eight dizygotic twin pairs were enrolled in this study. Microsatellite polymorphism was used to diagnose zygosity of twins. Insulin sensitivity was estimated with logarithm transformed homeostasis model assessment （HOMA）. PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to detect the variants. As a supplement to the sib-pair method, identity by state （IBS） was used to analyze the association of polymorphisms with insulin sensitivity. Results The genotype frequencies of Trp64Trg, Trp64Arg, and Arg64Arg were 72.3%, 23.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, while the genotype frequencies of Pro12Pro, Pro12Ala, and Ala12Ala were 89.9%, 9.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. For β3AR Trp64Arg the interclass co-twin correlations of Waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）, blood glucose （GLU）, and insulin （INS）, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） of the twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS were greater than those sharing 0-1 allele of IBS, and HOMA4R had statistic significance. For PPAR3t2 Prol2Ala most traits of twin pairs sharing 2 alleles of IBS had greater correlations and statistic significance in body mass index （BMI）, WHR, percent of body fat （PBF） and GLU, but there were low correlations of either insulin or HOMA-IR of twin pairs sharing 1 or 2 alleles of IBS. The combined effects of the two variations showed less squared significant twin-pair differences of INS and HOMA-IR among twins sharing 4 alleles of IBS. Condusions β3AR Trp64Arg and PPAR）,2 Pro 12Ala polymorphisms might be associated with insulin resistance and obesity, and there might be slight synergistic effects between this two gene loci, and further studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor modulate differently CYp3A-mediated metabolism in earlyand late-stage cholestasis

AIM To ascertain whether cholestasis affects the expression of two CYP3 A isoforms(CYP3 A1 and CYP3 A2) and of pregnane X receptor(PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor(CAR).METHODS Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation in 16 male Wistar rats; whereas 8 sham-operated rats were used as controls. Severity of cholestasis was assessed on histological examination of liver sections, and serum concentrations of albumin, AST, ALT, GGT, ALPK and bilirubin. Gene and protein expressions of PXR, CAR, CYP3 A1 and CYP3 A2 were assessed by means of q RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Alterations in CYP3 A activity were measured by calculating the kinetic parameters of 4-OH and 1'-OH-midazolam hydroxylation, marker reactions for CYP3 A enzymes.RESULTS The m RNA and protein expression of CYP3 A1 increased significantly in mild cholestasis(P < 0.01). At variance, m RNA and protein expression of CYP3 A2 didn't change in mild cholestasis, whereas the expression and activity of both CYP3 A1 and CYP3 A2 decreased dramatically when cholestasis became severe. Consistently with these observations, the nuclear expression of both PXR and CAR, which was measured because they both translocate into the cell nucleus after their activation, virtually disappeared in the late stage of cholestatic injury, after an initial increase. These results indicate that early-and late-stage cholestasis affects CYP3 Amediated drug metabolism differently, probably as consequence of the different activation of PXR and CAR.CONCLUSION Early-and late-stage cholestasis affects CYP3 Amediated drug metabolism differently. PXR and CAR might be targeted therapeutically to promote CYP3 Amediated liver detoxification.

Effect of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid on Toll-like Receptors in Patients with Severe Multiple Trauma

This study examined the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid（ω-3PUFA） on the expression of toll-like receptor 2（TLR2）,toll-like receptor 4（TLR4） and some related inflammatory factors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells（PBMCs） of patients with early-stage severe multiple trauma.Thirty-two patients who were admitted to the Department of Traumatic Surgery,Tongji Hospital（Wuhan,China） between May 2010 and November 2010,and diagnosed as having severe multiple trauma with a injury severity score（ISS） no less than 16,were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups at random（n=16 in each）：ω-3PUFA group and control group in which routine parenteral nutrition supplemented with ω-3PUFA or not was administered to the patients in two groups for consecutive 7 days.Peripheral blood from these patients was collected within 2 h of admission（day 0）,and 1,3,5 and 7 days after the nutritional support.PBMCs were isolated and used for detection of the mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 by using real-time PCR and flow cytometry respectively,the levels of NF-κB by quantum dots-based immunofluorescence assay,the levels of TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6 and COX-2 by ELISA,respectively.The results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in PBMCs was significantly lower in ω-3PUFA group than in control group 5 and 7 days after nutrition support（both P0.05）.The levels of TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6 and COX-2 were found to be substantially decreased in PBMCs in ω-3PUFA group as compared with control group at 5th and 7th day（P0.05 for all）.It was concluded that ω-3PUFA can remarkably decrease the expression of TLR2,TLR4 and some related inflammatory factors in NF-κB signaling pathway in PBMCs of patients with severe multiple trauma,which suggests that ω-3PUFA may suppress the excessive inflammatory response meditated by the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Free fatty acids receptors 2 and 3 control cell proliferation by regulating cellular glucose uptake

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a worldwide problem,which has been associated with changes in diet and lifestyle pattern.As a result of colonic fermentation of dietary fibres,short chain free fatty acids are generated which activate free fatty acid receptors(FFAR)2 and 3.FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes are abundantly expressed in colonic epithelium and play an important role in the metabolic homeostasis of colonic epithelial cells.Earlier studies point to the involvement of FFAR2 in colorectal carcinogenesis.AIM To understand the role of short chain FFARs in CRC.METHODS Transcriptome analysis console software was used to analyse microarray data from CRC patients and cell lines.We employed short-hairpin RNA mediated down regulation of FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes,which was validated using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.Assays for glucose uptake and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)generation was done along with immunofluorescence studies to study the effects of FFAR2/FFAR3 knockdown.For measuring cell proliferation,we employed real time electrical impedancebased assay available from xCELLigence.RESULTS Microarray data analysis of CRC patient samples showed a significant down regulation of FFAR2 gene expression.This prompted us to study the FFAR2 in CRC.Since,FFAR3 shares significant structural and functional homology with FFAR2,we knocked down both these receptors in CRC cell line HCT 116.These modified cell lines exhibited higher proliferation rate and were found to have increased glucose uptake as well as increased level of glucose transporter 1.Since,FFAR2 and FFAR3 signal through G protein subunit(Gαi),knockdown of these receptors was associated with increased cAMP.Inhibition of protein kinase A(PKA)did not alter the growth and proliferation of these cells indicating a mechanism independent of cAMP/PKA pathway.CONCLUSION Our results suggest role of FFAR2/FFAR3 genes in increased proliferation of colon cancer cells via enhanced glucose uptake and exclude the role of PKA mediated cAMP signalling.Alternate pathways could be involved that would ultimately result in increased cell proliferation as a result of down regulated FFAR2/FFAR3 genes.This study paves the way to understand the mechanism of action of short chain FFARs in CRC.

Expression of ΔDNMT3B Variants and Its Association with Estrogen/Progestogen Receptor Status in Breast Cancer

Objective： Our previous study has showed that △DNMT3B is the predominant form of DNMT3B in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression patterns of the △DNMT3B variants in breast cancer and to identify whether the pattern was similar to that in NSCLC or not and its clinical significance. Methods： Expression of seven △DNMT3B variants in 59 breast cancer and the corresponding normal tissue was measured using RT-PCR. The correlations between the expressions of △DNMT3B variants and the clinical parameters including ER/PR status, clincopathologic feature and survivals were analyzed. Results： There were significant differences in the expression ratios of △DNMT3B1-7 variants between breast cancer tissues and normal tissues （P〈0.001）. The positive ratio of △DNMT3B1-7 variants were 66%, 71%, 17%, 51%, 76.2%, 50% and 61% in tumor tissue, respectively; while 16%, 8.4%, 3.38%, 3.38%, 11.8%, 13.5% and 5.08% in the corresponding normal tissue, which was different from the pattern of △DNMT3B1-7 expression in NSCLC （62%, 76%, 2.5%, 46%, 18%, 27% and 16% in tumor tissue, respectively; while 18%, 11%, 0%, 3.3%, 0%, 0% and 0% in normal lung tissue, respectively; P〈0.0001）. Expressions of △DNMT3B2, 3B4 and 3B7 were higher in the patients with negative estrogen receptor （ER） than those with positive estrogen receptor （P=0.035, P=0.0141 and P=0.0219, respectively）. △DNMT3B7 expression was higher for the patients with negative progestogen receptor （PR） compared to those with positive progestogen receptor （P=0.0379）. Expression ratio of △DNMT3B5 in stage Ⅲ tumors is lower than that in stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ones （P= 0.041）. But we did not find any relation between the △DNMT3B variants and the patients＇ survival. Conclusion： The pattern of △DNMT3B variants in breast cancer is different from that in NSCLC. Expressions of △DNMT3B2, 3B4 and 3B7 are associated with estrogen receptors status. While △DNMT3B7 is associated with progestogen receptor. No relation between the △DNMT3B variants and the patients＇ survival were found.

Decoy receptor 3: Its role as biomarker for chronic inflammatory diseases

Members of the tumor-necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and TNF-α receptor(TNFR) superfamilies of proteins(TNFSF and TNFRSF, respectively) play important roles in the function of the immune system. Decoy receptor 3(Dc R3, TNFRSF6b) is a decoy receptor that binds to three TNFSF ligands, Fas L, LIGHT and TL1 A. Association to these ligands competes with the corresponding functional receptors and blocks downstream signaling, leading to immunomodulatory effects, including the prevention of apoptosis. Dc R3 lacks a transmembrane region and exists only as a secreted protein, which is detectable in biological fluids. Recent studies have shown that Dc R3 is upregulated and may be pathogenetically implicated in several and diverse chronic inflammatory diseases. The strongest associations have been described for rheumatological diseases, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and serious infectious conditions, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In the majority of these conditions, Dc R3 m RNA and protein expression is elevated both at the target tissues as well as in the systemic circulation. Dc R3 concentration in the serum is untraceable in the majority of healthy individuals but can be detected in patients with various inflammatory diseases. In mostsuch cases, soluble Dc R3 correlates with disease severity, as patients with severe forms of disease have significantly higher levels than patients with milder or no activity. In addition, effective anti-inflammatory treatment leads to the disappearance of soluble Dc R3 from the circulation. Taken together, current evidence suggests that serum Dc R3 may become a useful biomarker for chronic inflammatory disorders, as it is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, and may serve both as a prognostic marker for disease severity and as a surrogate indicator of response to treatment.