α‐Dicarbonyl compounds (α‐DCs) are readily produced during the heating and storage of foods, mainly through the Maillard reaction, caramelization, lipid‐peroxidation, and enzymatic reaction. They ...contribute to both the organoleptic properties (i.e., aroma, taste, and color) and deterioration of foods and are potential indicators of food quality. α‐DCs are also important precursors to hazardous substances, such as acrylamide, furan, advanced lipoxidation end products, and advanced glycation end products, which are genotoxic, neurotoxic, and linked to several diseases. Recent studies have indicated that dietary α‐DCs can elevate plasma α‐DC levels and lead to “dicarbonyl stress.” To accurately assess their health risks, quantifying α‐DCs in food products is crucial. Considering their low volatility, inability to absorb ultraviolet light, and high reactivity, the analysis of α‐DCs in complex food systems is a challenge. In this review, we comprehensively cover the development of scientific approaches, from extraction, enrichment, and derivatization, to sophisticated detection techniques, which are necessary for quantifying α‐DCs in different foods. Exposure to α‐DCs is inevitable because they exist in most foods. Recently, novel strategies for reducing α‐DC levels in foods have become a hot research topic. These strategies include the use of new processing technologies, formula modification, and supplementation with α‐DC scavengers (e.g., phenolic compounds). For each strategy, it is important to consider the potential mechanisms underlying the formation and removal of process contaminants. Future studies are needed to develop techniques to control α‐DC formation during food processing, and standardized approaches are needed to quantify and compare α‐DCs in different foods.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Dear Editor, True hermaphroditism is a condition in which the gonads, genital morphology, and sexuality simultaneously show both male and female characteristics （ovaries and testes） or in which both ...types of gonadal tissue exist in a single gonad （known as an ovariotestis）. True hermaphroditism associated with a chimeric or 46, XX/46, XY karyotype is extremely rare, and the genitalia of those affected can be characterized as female, male, or mixed.1-3 The cause of true hermaphroditism has not been determined because the condition is relatively rare and has a diverse phenotype.4
Objective/Hypothesis
This study aimed at investigating the correlation between a battery of diagnostic symptoms of definite Meniere's disease (MD) and the degree of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in the ...inner ear.
Study Design
Prospective study.
Methods
Fifty‐four patients diagnosed with unilateral definite MD were enrolled in the study. The hearing levels of all patients at the low, middle, and high frequencies were evaluated. Three‐dimensional fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (3D‐FLAIR) and three‐dimensional real inversion recovery (3D‐real IR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed 24 hours after bilateral intratympanic injection of gadolinium to assess the presence and grading of EH.
Results
Various degrees of EH were observed in the vestibule and/or each turn of the cochlea in the affected ears of all patients. The duration of MD disease and low‐tone and middle‐tone hearing thresholds were proportional to the extent of EH in the vestibule and cochlear. However, no significant correlation was demonstrated between EH and other aspects of symptoms such as high‐tone hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Of all subjects, 16.7% exhibited bilateral EH on MRI exam who were diagnosed with unilateral MD based on diagnostic criteria.
Conclusions
EH in the inner ear of MD patients exhibits a progressive deteriorative trend over time. Low‐tone and middle‐tone hearing thresholds can indirectly reflect the severity of EH in the cochlea. EH may not be the primary cause of tinnitus and aural fullness in patients with MD. Patients diagnosed with unilateral MD should maintain long‐term regular follow‐ups for the possibility of developing bilateral EH.
Level of Evidence
4 Laryngoscope, 126:974–979, 2016
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates the efflux of cholesterol and phospholipids to lipid-poor apolipoproteins, which then form nascent HDL, a key step in the mechanism of reverse ...cholesterol transport (RCT). While a series of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as potent post-transcriptional regulators of lipid metabolism, their effects on ABCA1 function and associated mechanisms remain unclear.
ABCA1 was identified as a potential target of miR-144-3p, based on the results of bioinformatic analysis and the luciferase reporter assay, and downregulated after transfection of cells with miR-144-3p mimics, as observed with real-time PCR and western blot. Moreover, miR-144-3p mimics (agomir) enhanced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, in vivo and in vitro, inhibited cholesterol efflux in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells, decreased HDL-C circulation and impaired RCT in vivo, resulting in accelerated pathological progression of atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice. Clinical studies additionally revealed a positive correlation of circulating miR-144-3p with serum CK, CK-MB, LDH and AST in subjects with AMI.
Our findings clearly indicate that miR-144-3p is essential for the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory reactions, supporting its utility as a potential therapeutic target of atherosclerosis and a promising diagnostic biomarker of AMI.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Accumulated evidence shows that G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) plays a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Here, we explored the effect of GPR119 on cholesterol metabolism and ...inflammation in THP-1 macrophages and atherosclerotic plaque progression in apoE−/− mice. We found that oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) significantly induced long intervening noncoding RNA (lincRNA)-DYNLRB2-2 expression, resulting in the upregulation of GPR119 and ABCA1 expression through the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor signaling pathway. GPR119 significantly decreased cellular cholesterol content and increased apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. In vivo, apoE−/− mice were randomly divided into two groups and infected with lentivirus (LV)-Mock or LV-GPR119 for 8 weeks. GPR119-treated mice showed decreased liver lipid content and plasma TG, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, whereas plasma levels of apoA-I were significantly increased. Consistent with this, atherosclerotic lesion development was significantly inhibited by infection of apoE−/− mice with LV-GPR119. Our findings clearly indicate that, Ox-LDL significantly induced lincRNA-DYNLRB2-2 expression, which promoted ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux and inhibited inflammation through GPR119 in THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Moreover, GPR119 decreased lipid and serum inflammatory cytokine levels, decreasing atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice. These suggest that GPR119 may be a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
The antibacterial activity of propolis has long been of great interest, and the chemical composition of propolis is directly dependent on its source. We recently obtained a type of propolis from ...China with a red color. Firstly, the antibacterial properties of this unusual propolis were determined against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Studies on its composition identified and quantified 14 main polyphenols of Chinese red propolis extracts (RPE); quantification was carried out using liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ-MS/MS) and RPE was found to be rich in pinobanksin, pinobanksin-3-acetate, and chrysin. In vitro investigations of its antibacterial activity revealed that its activity against S. aureus and MRSA is due to disruption of the cell wall and cell membrane, which then inhibits bacterial growth. Despite its similar antibacterial activities against S. aureus and MRSA, metabolomic analysis further revealed the effects of RPE on bacteria metabolism were different. The untargeted metabolomic results showed that a total of 7 metabolites in 12 metabolic pathways had significant changes (Fold change > 2, p < 0.05 *) after RPE treatment in S. aureus, while 11 metabolites in 9 metabolic pathways had significant changes (Fold change > 2, p < 0.05 *) after RPE treated on MRSA. Furthermore, RPE downregulated several specific genes related to bacterial biofilm formation, autolysis, cell wall synthesis, and bacterial virulence in MRSA. In conclusion, the data obtained indicate that RPE may be a promising therapeutic agent against S. aureus and MRSA.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a rare disease associated with primary infertility; however, ~50% of the genetic alterations associated with MMAF remain unclear. ...Here, we reported the case of a 30-year-old infertile male from a consanguineous family. Whole-exome sequencing identified a homozygous mutation in the CEP135 gene (c.A1364T:p.D455V), with CEP135 previously reported to play a role in centriole biogenesis and specifically central pair assembly. D455V-mutated proteins formed protein aggregates in the centrosome and the flagella, which might potentially affect the function of centriole assembly. Moreover, intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed using sperm from this patient; however, pregnancy failed following embryo transfer. This represents the first report of a homozygous mutation of CEP135 associated with MMAF. These results provide researchers and clinicians with a deeper understanding of the gene involved with MMAF and will help predict and assess pregnancy outcomes associated with in vitro fertilization.
•We identified a novel gene (CEP135) and mutation that is associated with MMAF.•Whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous mutation in the CEP135 gene (c.A1364T:p.D455V).•The D455V mutation protein formed the protein aggregates in the centrosome and the flagella.•Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was carried out, but pregnancy was failed after embryo transfer.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
OBJECTIVE—Cardiovascular disease caused by atherosclerosis is the number one cause of death in Western countries and threatens to become the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Long ...noncoding RNAs are emerging as new players in gene regulation, but how long noncoding RNAs operate in the development of atherosclerosis remains unclear.
APPROACH AND RESULTS—Using microarray analysis, we found that long noncoding RNA RP5-833A20.1 expression was upregulated, whereas nuclear factor IA (NFIA) expression was downregulated in human acute monocytic leukemia macrophage–derived foam cells. Moreover, we showed that long noncoding RNA RP5-833A20.1 may decreases NFIA expression by inducing hsa-miR-382-5p expression in vitro. We found that the RP5-833A20.1/hsa-miR-382-5p/NFIA pathway is essential to the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory responses in human acute monocytic leukemia macrophages. Lentivirus-mediated NFIA overexpression increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol circulation, reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol circulation, decreased circulation of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein, enhanced reverse cholesterol transport, and promoted regression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice.
CONCLUSIONS—Our findings indicated that the RP5-833A20.1/miR-382-5p/NFIA pathway was essential to the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis and inflammatory reactions and suggested that NFIA may represent a therapeutic target to ameliorate cardiovascular disease.
Summary
Microbial fermentation as an excellent food processing technology has been used for improving the flavour and nutritional feature of food material. In this study, we compared the differences ...in the nutrient profile of bee pollen (rape bee pollen, Brassica campestris L., BP) fermented with different species of microbes, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast, and the two mixed. Based on the nutritional components and multivariate statistical analysis, yeast fermentation has more advantage for BP than fermentation with LAB or mixed microbes. The yeast‐fermented BP has an 83.5% reduction in fructose and 87.4% reduction in glucose, while phenolic compounds, oligopeptides and fatty acids were increased by 9.3%, 68.8% and 18.2%, respectively, compared with the BP without fermentation. The contents of riboflavin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and free amino acids in the pollen fermented by yeast were 2.4, 39.6, 4.6 and 4.8 times higher than those in raw BP, respectively. Additionally, in the fermentation process, wall‐breaking pollen showed more advantages in the transformation of nutrients, free amino acid increased by 11% at least, more low molecular weight peptides produced and nicotinic acid and nicotinamide increased by 7% at least, compared with fermented BP. Taken together, these results showed that BP with yeast fermentation has great potential in obtaining high available nutritional products.
Improved nutritional composition of bee pollen after different fermentation treatments.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are a rare type of male infertility. Mutations in DNAH1, CFAP43 and CFAP44 are the main aetiology of the disorder. Previously, good ...intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes were reported for MMAF patients with DNAH1 mutations. However, the ICSI prognosis for MMAF patients with CFAP43 or CFAP44 mutations was not known. We designed a retrospective cohort study. Molecular genetic testing identified six MMAF patients with biallelic CFAP44 (CFAP44+ group) or CFAP43 mutations and 12 patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous DNAH1 mutations (DNAH1+ group). A control group consisted of age‐matched, non‐MMAF men. For MMAF patients carrying CFAP44 mutations, the recorded rates of fertilisation, transferable embryos, pregnancy and delivery after ICSI were 76.47%, 88.46%, 50.0% and 50.0% respectively. The fertilisation rate was significantly higher in the CFAP44+ group than in the DNAH1+ group (76.47% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.0196). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of transferable embryos, implantation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage between the CFAP44+ group and either the DNAH1+ group or the age‐matched control group. Our results support a good ICSI prognosis for MMAF patients carrying CFAP44 or CFAP43 mutations.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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