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Macrophages are major components of tuberculosis (TB) granulomas and are responsible for host defenses against the intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We herein showed the strong expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in TB granulomas and more rapid death of HIF-1α-conditional knockout mice than wild-type (WT) mice after M. tuberculosis infection. Although interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a critical host-protective cytokine against intracellular pathogens, HIF-1-deficient macrophages permitted M. tuberculosis growth even after activation with IFN-γ. These results prompted us to investigate the role of HIF-1α in host defenses against infection. We found that the expression of lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) was controlled by HIF-1α in M. tuberculosis -infected macrophages IFN-γ independently. LDH-A is an enzyme that converts pyruvate to lactate and we found that the intracellular level of pyruvate in HIF-1α-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was significantly higher than in WT BMDMs. Intracellular bacillus replication was enhanced by an increase in intracellular pyruvate concentrations, which were decreased by LDH-A. Mycobacteria in phagosomes took up exogenous pyruvate more efficiently than glucose, and used it as the feasible carbon source for intracellular growth. These results demonstrate that HIF-1α prevents the hijacking of pyruvate in macrophages, making it a fundamental host-protective mechanism against M. tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and p53 are involved in anticancer drug resistance under hypoxic conditions. Here, we found that the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and cisplatin) was lower at 1% O 2 than at 5% O 2. We examined the effects of these drugs on HIF-1α and p53 expression under different hypoxic oxygen concentrations. At 5% O 2 , the drugs decreased HIF-1α expression and increased p53 levels. At 1% O 2 , the drugs increased HIF-1α expression but did not alter p53 levels. When the HIF-1α protein was stabilized by DMOG under normoxic conditions, doxorubicin did not increase the level of p53 expression. These results show that the maintenance of HIF-1α expression blocked doxorubicin-dependent increases in p53 expression. We hypothesized the mechanism of HIF-1α protein translation might be different between at 5% and at 1% O 2 , because many reports indicate that the same mechanism of HIF-1α protein stabilization occurs under hypoxic conditions, such as 5% and 1% O 2. The level of phosphorylated-4E-BP1, which causes translation of HIF-1α, was higher at 1% O 2 than at 5% O 2. Our results suggest that the sensitivity of tumor cells to anticancer drugs is dependent oxygen concentrations under hypoxic conditions, and involves 4E-BP1-dependent stabilization of the HIF-1α protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although angiotensin II potently affects blood pressure and fluid balance, it is also involved in deterioration in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recently, angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers have been demonstrated to be effective in patients with atherosclerotic disease, but the exact mechanisms of these blockers are still controversial. Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by cholesterol ester accumulation and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) expression, which are both parameters of degeneration of macrophage-derived foam cells. We examined the effects of angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers on the formation of foam cells from macrophages. When macrophages from a human cell line were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), the angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers candesartan and losartan attenuated the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol ester and the increases in mRNA and protein levels of ACAT-1. Moreover, the increase in oxLDL-induced ACAT-1 was reduced by AG1478, an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Additionally, oxLDL up-regulated the protein level of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a ligand of the EGF receptor. Inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme affected neither cholesterol ester accumulation nor the expression of ACAT-1. Although oxLDL itself increased the secretion of angiotensin II, the amount of secreted angiotensin II was insufficient to induce expression of ACAT-1 protein. Thus, we first demonstrated that angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers suppress ACAT-1 expression and cholesterol ester accumulation through an oxLDL-activated EGF receptor, but it is unclear how oxLDL activates angiotensin AT1 receptor in an angiotensin II-independent manner. The therapeutic mechanism of angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers for atherosclerosis may be at least partially explained by our present results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Iron is an essential metal for living organisms but its level must be strictly controlled in cells, because ferrous ion induces toxicity by generating highly active reactive oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, through the Fenton reaction. In addition, ferric ion shows low solubility under physiological conditions. To overcome these obstacles living organisms possess Ferritin superfamily proteins that are distributed in all three domains of life: bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. These proteins minimize hydroxyl radical formation by ferroxidase activity that converts Fe2+ into Fe3+ and sequesters iron by storing it as a mineral inside a protein cage. In this study, we discovered that mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1), a histone-like protein, has similar activity to ferritin superfamily proteins. MDP1 prevented the Fenton reaction and protects DNA by the ferroxidase activity. The Km values of the ferroxidase activity by MDP1 of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Gue'rin (BCG-3007c), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv2986c), and Mycobacterium leprae (ML1683; ML-LBP) were 0.292, 0.252, and 0.129 mM, respectively. Furthermore, one MDP1 molecule directly captured 81.4±19.1 iron atoms, suggesting the role of this protein in iron storage. This study describes for the first time a ferroxidase-iron storage protein outside of the ferritin superfamily proteins and the protective role of this bacterial protein from DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we observed that low glucose or fructose reduces the increase in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein under hypoxic conditions. 6-Aminonicotinamide (6-AN), an inhibitor of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), also inhibited the increase of HIF-1α protein under hypoxic conditions, while the reduced protein levels of HIF-1α by low glucose were apparently recovered by the addition of MG-132 or NADPH. Moreover, siRNA for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which produces NADPH, reduced the increase in HIF-1α protein. On the other hand, cobalt-induced expression of HIF-1α protein was not affected by low glucose or 6-AN under normoxic conditions. In conclusion, glucose metabolism through the PPP, but not in glycolysis, plays an important role in the stabilization of HIF-1α protein under hypoxic conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated the role of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) as well as cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-dependent gene expression. An inhibitor of both iPLA2 and cPLA2, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), prevented hypoxia-induced erythropoietin mRNA expression without affecting HIF-1α accumulation in Hep3B cells. The DNA-binding of HIF-1α was suppressed by MAFP as confirmed by luciferase reporter gene assays with the hypoxia response element. Translocation of HIF-1α to the nucleus assessed by its presence in the nuclear extracts of cells exposed to hypoxia, was diminished by MAFP. However, hypoxia-dependent gene expression was not affected in mesangial cells obtained from cPLA2α null mice. Furthermore, a specific iPLA2 inhibitor, bromoenol lactone, suppressed erythropoietin mRNA expression and HIF-1α translocation to the nucleus under hypoxic conditions. Thus, iPLA2, but not cPLA2α, may play an important role in regulating the transport of HIF-1α to the nucleus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tuberculosis remains a large health threat, despite the availability of the tuberculosis vaccine, BCG. As BCG efficacy gradually decreases from adolescence, BCG-Prime and antigen-booster may be an efficient strategy to confer vaccine efficacy. Mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1, namely Rv2986c, hupB or HU) is a major Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein that induces vaccine-efficacy by co-administration with CpG DNA. To produce MDP1 for booster-vaccine use, we have created recombinant MDP1 produced in both Escherichia coli (eMDP1) and Mycolicibacterium smegmatis (mMDP1), an avirulent rapid-growing mycobacteria. We tested their immunogenicity by checking interferon (IFN)-gamma production by stimulated peripheral blood cells derived from BCG-vaccinated individuals. Similar to native M. tuberculosis MDP1, we observed that most lysin resides in the C-terminal half of mMDP1 are highly methylated. In contrast, eMDP1 had less post-translational modifications and IFN-gamma stimulation. mMDP1 stimulated the highest amount of IFN-gamma production among the examined native M. tuberculosis proteins including immunodominant MPT32 and Antigen 85 complex. MDP1-mediated IFN-gamma production was more strongly enhanced when combined with a new type of CpG DNA G9.1 than any other tested CpG DNAs. Taken together, these results suggest that the combination of mMDP1 and G9.1 possess high potential use for human booster vaccine against tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthy eating habits are essential for improving nutritional status and strengthening immunity against infectious diseases. This study examined the relationship between diet quality and stunting in school-aged children in an infectious disease-endemic area of western Kenya. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 260 school-aged children (age 9–17 years) enrolled in primary schools in Mbita Sub-county, western Kenya. The nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Dietary intake was measured using food frequency questionnaires and evaluated using the Food Pyramid (FP) score, which indicates adherence to the Kenyan food-based dietary guideline. Information on the children's age, sex, maternal education, and household wealth index was collected using a household-based questionnaire. Infections with the predominant parasites, such as Schistosoma (S.) mansoni, were detected via microscopy. The trend associations of the FP score with food group intake were examined to characterize the dietary intake of this population. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between stunting and FP score tertiles, adjusted for sociodemographic and economic indicators and parasitic infection status. Results: Among the studied schoolchildren, 15.0% exhibited stunting, while 76.2% were infected with S. mansoni. The mean FP score was 25.6 out of 50 points. A higher FP score was characterized by a high intake of roots and tubers, dairy products, pulses, and fruits and a low intake of cereals and animal-source foods. The analysis revealed a trend: a lower risk of stunting was evident in groups with elevated FP scores (p for trend = 0.065). However, these trend associations were observable among subjects with either negative or light S. mansoni infection (p for trend = 0.016). Conclusions: A higher quality diet, as evaluated by FP scores, was associated with a low risk of stunting among school-aged children. Notably, this association seemed to weaken in the presence of a high burden of S. mansoni infection. It highlights the importance of enhancing dietary quality through the promotion of diverse nutrient-dense foods alongside effective S. mansoni infection control for improved growth. This study contributes fundamental knowledge for understanding the diet–malnutrition relationship in areas endemic for S. mansoni infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Macrophages (Mφ) play major roles in innate immunity for host defense against infection with bacteria. Activated Mφ are classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes. Pro-inflammatory M1-Mφ have the function of phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. In contrast, M2-Mφ play an anti-inflammatory role and can decrease M1-derived immune reaction. However, an excessive or prolonged M1 polarization leads to tissue injury and chronic inflammation. Thus, it is an important to regulate M1/M2 balance. In this study, we investigated whether luteolin, including in many vegetables and fruit, affects M1 or M2 polarization, and this functional diversity. Materials & Methods Polarization of mice bone marrow-derived Mφ (BMDMs) was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)-γ to M1-Mφ) or by interleukin (IL) -4 and IL-13 to M2-Mφ. Additionally, BMDMs were cultured with luteolin during activation to M1 or M2 phenotype. The expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for M1-marker, and mannose receptor (MR), arginase-1 and Ym-1 for M2-marker were determined by Western blot or quantitative real-time PCR. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by Griess reaction and chemiluminescence assay, respectively. Results Mφ activated by LPS and IFN-γ increased the protein and mRNA levels for M1-marker and the productions of NOx and ROS. Mφ activated by IL-4 and IL-13 were up-regulated the expressions for M2-marker. Luteolin inhibited the increased in the expressions of each of marker. Both NOx and ROS production were suppressed by luteolin. Conclusion These results suggested that luteolin may modulate activation to M1/M2-Mφ from naïve Mφ. It will be also discussed the effect of luteolin on microbicidal function in each polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Decompensated cirrhosis with fibrosis progression causes portal hypertension followed by an oedematous intestinal tract. These conditions weaken the barrier function against bacteria in the intestinal tract, a condition called leaky gut, resulting in invasion by bacteria and bacterial components. Here, we investigated the role of outer‐membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Escherichia coli, which is the representative pathogenic gut‐derived bacteria in patients with cirrhosis in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. Methods: We investigated the involvement of OMVs in humans using human serum and ascites samples and also investigated the involvement of OMVs from E. coli in mice using mouse liver‐derived cells and a mouse cirrhosis model. Results: In vitro, OMVs induced inflammatory responses to macrophages and neutrophils, including the upregulation of C‐type lectin domain family 4 member E (Clec4e), and induced the suppression of albumin production in hepatocytes but had a relatively little direct effect on hepatic stellate cells. In a mouse cirrhosis model, administration of OMVs led to increased liver inflammation, especially affecting the activation of macrophages, worsening fibrosis and decreasing albumin production. Albumin administration weakened these inflammatory changes. In addition, multiple antibodies against bacterial components were increased with a progressing Child‐Pugh grade, and OMVs were detected in ascites of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, OMVs induce inflammation, fibrosis and suppression of albumin production, affecting the pathogenesis of cirrhosis. We believe that our study paves the way for the future prevention and treatment of cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Exosomes in porcine colostrum have gained attention as the possible key compounds involved in the growth and/or development of suckling piglets. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from suckling piglets were cultured with or without milk-derived exosomes (control) in vitro. Porcine colostral exosomes increased the proportion of cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, while this phenomenon was not observed in PBMC whose endocytosis was inhibited. Moreover, exosome-treated PBMCs had a higher cytokine IL-2 concentration in the culture supernatant than the control. The present study demonstrated that porcine colostral exosomes could increase the Tc cell proportion in the peripheral blood of a suckling piglet, with the underlying mechanism believed to be the stimulation of IL-2 production in PBMCs via endocytosis. Growing evidence indicates that porcine colostral exosomes may contribute to the healthy development of piglets. Here, we evaluated in vitro the effect of porcine milk-derived exosomes, in particular colostral exosomes, on T cells in the peripheral blood of suckling piglets. A total of seven sows and thirteen suckling piglets were used. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from suckling piglets were cultured with or without milk-derived exosomes (control). Using flow cytometry, the proportion of each T cell subset in cultured PBMCs was analyzed three days post-incubation. PBMCs cultured with porcine colostral exosomes had a higher proportion of CD3+CD4−CD8+ T cells (cytotoxic T cells; Tc) than the control. However, exosomes induced no increase in the Tc cell population in PBMC whose endocytosis was inhibited. We further measured the concentrations of cytokines in the culture supernatant. Exosome-treated PBMCs had a higher cytokine IL-2 concentration than the control. The present study demonstrated that porcine colostral exosomes could increase the Tc cell proportion in the peripheral blood of suckling piglets, with the underlying mechanism believed to be the stimulation of IL-2 production in PBMCs via endocytosis. Moreover, our results suggested that porcine colostral exosomes were involved in the development of cellular immunity in suckling piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Intestinal wound healing depends on the precise balance of restitution, proliferation, and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). In a previous study, we revealed that IEC proliferation was suppressed under histidine deficiency. However, the role of histidine in cell restitution is poorly understood. Meanwhile, addition of arginine to basal medium enhanced IEC restitution after wounding. However, there are no reports on whether histidine or arginine deficiency influences IEC restitution. We examined the roles of histidine and arginine in IEC restitution using the rat intestinal epithelial cell-6 (IEC-6) cell line. In the present study, the cell restitution in medium lacking histidine (ΔHis) or arginine (ΔArg) was most greatly decreased among media lacking each of the 20 intravital amino acids, compared with that in medium containing all 20 intravital amino acids (Full). TGF-β 1 is a known repair factor for cell restitution. The TGF-β 1 extracellular concentration and Tgf-β 1 mRNA level were decreased in ΔHis or ΔArg. Supplementation of 10 µM histidine to ΔHis or 50 µM arginine to ΔArg recovered the decreases in both cell restitution and TGF-β 1 extracellular concentration. Phosphorylation of Smad2, a signaling molecule for the TGF-β pathway, was decreased in ΔHis or ΔArg. Additionally, the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase were decreased in ΔHis or ΔArg. The present findings suggested that deletion of histidine or arginine led to a decrease in IEC restitution through a decrease in TGF-β 1. We revealed that histidine and arginine play important roles in IEC restitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rice, wheat, maize, and konjac extracts are rich in ceramide and used for cosmetic applications. However, the differences in efficacy between ceramides from different sources have not been elucidated. Therefore, we compared the anti‐melanogenesis effects of ceramide‐rich food extracts (yeast, rice, and maize) and purified food‐derived ceramides (from yeast, mushrooms, rice, wheat, and maize). We also investigated the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of yeast extract. The yeast extract suppressed melanogenesis to a greater extent than other food extracts; however, purified rice‐ and maize‐derived ceramides inhibited melanogenesis more than yeast‐derived ceramide. Additionally, ceramide‐free yeast extract suppressed melanogenesis in a dose‐dependent manner. In the melanin synthetic pathway, purified yeast‐derived ceramide attenuated melanogenesis by inhibition of tyrosinase. However, ceramide‐free yeast extract decreased the protein expression of tyrosinase related protein‐1 (TRP1), resulting in inhibition of melanogenesis. These results indicate that ceramides, as well as other unidentified components of yeast extract inhibit melanogenesis. Practical applications: The yeast extract might have two synergistic effects on melanogenesis; tyrosinase inhibition and tyrosinase related protein‐1 inhibition. The safety of yeast extract for human oral administration is already proven, and it can be supplied inexpensively using yeast fermentation systems. These characteristics are advantages of ceramide‐rich yeast extract over the existing ceramide‐rich food extracts. It is also expected that yeast extract could be developed as an effective skin‐whitening agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Large-scale schistosomiasis control programs are implemented in regions with diverse social and economic environments. A key epidemiological feature of schistosomiasis is its small-scale heterogeneity. Locally profiling disease dynamics including risk factors associated with its transmission is essential for designing appropriate control programs. To determine spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and its drivers, we examined schoolchildren in Kwale, Kenya. Methodology/Principal findings: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 368 schoolchildren from six primary schools. Soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni eggs in stool were evaluated by the Kato-Katz method. We measured the intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection by urine filtration. The geometrical mean intensity of S. haematobium was 3.1 eggs/10 ml urine (school range, 1.4–9.2). The hookworm geometric mean intensity was 3.2 eggs/g feces (school range, 0–17.4). Heterogeneity in the intensity of S. haematobium and hookworm infections was evident in the study area. To identify factors associated with the intensity of helminth infections, we utilized negative binomial generalized linear mixed models. The intensity of S. haematobium infection was associated with religion and socioeconomic status (SES), while that of hookworm infection was related to SES, sex, distance to river and history of anthelmintic treatment. Conclusions/Significance: Both S. haematobium and hookworm infections showed micro-geographical heterogeneities in this Kwale community. To confirm and explain our observation of high S. haematobium risk among Muslims, further extensive investigations are necessary. The observed small scale clustering of the S. haematobium and hookworm infections might imply less uniform strategies even at finer scale for efficient utilization of limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) is an intracellular molecular chaperone that is overexpressed in tumor cells, and has also been detected in extracellular regions such as the blood. HSP72 forms complexes with peptides and proteins that are released from tumors. Accordingly, certain HSP72-binding proteins/peptides present in the blood of cancer patients may be derived from tumor cells. In this study, to effectively identify low-abundance proteins/peptides in the blood as tumor markers, we established a method for isolating HSP72-binding proteins/peptides from serum. Nine HSP72-specific monoclonal antibodies were conjugated to N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide-activated Sepharose beads (NHq) and used to isolate HSP72 complexes from serum samples. Precipitated proteins were then identified by LC–MS/MS analysis. Notably, this approach enabled the isolation of low-abundance proteins from serum without albumin removal. Moreover, by subjecting the serum samples of ten patients with multiple myeloma (MM) to NHq analysis, we identified 299 proteins present in MM HSP72 complexes, including 65 intracellular proteins. Among the intracellular proteins detected, 21 were present in all serum samples tested, while 11 were detected in both the conditioned media from cultured multiple myeloma cells and serum from MM patients. These results suggest that the NHq method can be applied to discover candidate tumor markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterial pathogen. Mortality from tuberculosis was estimated at 1.5 million deaths worldwide in 2013. Development of new TB drugs is needed to not only to shorten the medication period but also to treat multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) grows slowly and only multiplies once or twice per day. Therefore, conventional drug screening takes more than 3 weeks. Additionally, a biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) facility is required. Thus, we developed a new screening method to identify TB drug candidates by utilizing luciferase-expressing recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guéren (rBCG). Using this method, we identified several candidates in 4 days in a non-BSL-3 facility. We screened 10,080 individual crude extracts derived from Actinomyces and Streptomyces and identified 137 extracts which possessed suppressive activity to the luciferase of rBCG. Among them, 41 compounds inhibited the growth of both Mtb H37Rv and the extensively drug-resistant Mtb (XDR-Mtb) strains. We purified the active substance of the 1904–1 extract, which possessed strong activity toward rBCG, Mtb H37Rv, and XDR-Mtb but was harmless to the host eukaryotic cells. The MIC of this substance was 0.13 μg/ml, 0.5 μg/ml, and 2.0–7.5 μg/ml against rBCG, H37Rv, and 2 XDR-strains, respectively. Its efficacy was specific to acid-fast bacterium except for the Mycobacterium avium intracellular complex. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed that the active substance of 1904–1 was cyclomarin A. To confirm the mode of action of the 1904-1-derived compound, resistant BCG clones were used. Whole genome DNA sequence analysis showed that these clones contained a mutation in the clpc gene which encodes caseinolytic protein, an essential component of an ATP-dependent proteinase, and the likely target of the active substance of 1904–1. Our method provides a rapid and convenient screen to identify an anti-mycobacterial drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) plays a critical role in endothelial survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis and is localized on the cell membrane by binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Here we established a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, 1B9B9, against FGF-2 using the rat medial iliac lymph node method. 1B9B9 blocked the binding of FGF-2 to its receptor, inhibiting FGF-2-induced proliferation and corresponding downstream signaling in endothelial cells. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with 1B9B9 reduced the basal phosphorylation levels of Akt and MAPK. Furthermore, continued treatment with 1B9B9 induced cell death by apoptosis. Compared with FGF-2 knockdown, 1B9B9 significantly reduced cell survival. In addition, the combination of FGF-2 siRNA and 1B9B9 showed a synergistic effect. The data indicate that 1B9B9 established by the rat iliac lymph node method is a fully compatible neutralizing antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A strategy to combat infectious diseases, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), will depend on the development of reliable epidemiological surveillance methods. To establish a simple and practical seroprevalence detection system, we developed a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay system and evaluated utility using samples obtained in Kenya. Methods: We developed a microsphere-based immuno-assay system to simultaneously measure the individual levels of plasma antibody (IgG) against 8 antigens derived from 6 pathogens: Entamoeba histolytica (C-IgL), Leishmania donovani (KRP42), Toxoplasma gondii (SAG1), Wuchereria bancrofti (SXP1), HIV (gag, gp120 and gp41), and Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin). The assay system was validated using appropriate control samples. The assay system was applied for 3411 blood samples collected from the general population randomly selected from two health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) cohorts in the coastal and western regions of Kenya. The immunoassay values distribution for each antigen was mathematically defined by a finite mixture model, and cut-off values were optimized. Findings: Sensitivities and specificities for each antigen ranged between 71 and 100%. Seroprevalences for each pathogen from the Kwale and Mbita HDSS sites (respectively) were as follows: HIV, 3.0% and 20.1%; L. donovani, 12.6% and 17.3%; E. histolytica, 12.8% and 16.6%; and T. gondii, 30.9% and 28.2%. Seroprevalences of W. bancrofti and V. cholerae showed relatively high figures, especially among children. The results might be affected by immunological cross reactions between W. bancrofti-SXP1 and other parasitic infections; and cholera toxin and the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), respectively. Interpretation: A microsphere-based multi-serological assay system can provide an opportunity to comprehensively grasp epidemiological features for NTDs. By adding pathogens and antigens of interest, optimized made-to-order high-quality programs can be established to utilize limited resources to effectively control NTDs in Africa. Author Summary: Monitoring the distribution of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is a key to controlling their spread in Africa. Currently, such surveillance is conducted independently for each NTD. To tackle this problem, we developed a microsphere-based system to permit simultaneous measurement of IgG antibody levels for antigens from six infectious diseases: Entamoeba histolytica, Leishmania donovani, Toxoplasma gondii, Wuchereria bancrofti, HIV, and Vibrio cholerae. Using this system, we conducted a serological survey using two health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) areas in coastal and western Kenya. We randomly selected 4,600 individuals according to sex and age group, of whom 3411 agreed to participate in the study. Mathematical analyses of the distributions of the participants' reactivity to each antigen and the reactivity of the sero-positive and -negative controls indicated that this system could be used to monitor infections, especially, those associated with HIV, filariasis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, and amebiasis. For the practical development and eventual implementation of actual programs in Africa, pathogens and antigens of interest can be added to optimize made-to-order monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A strategy to combat infectious diseases, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), will depend on the development of reliable epidemiological surveillance methods. To establish a simple and practical seroprevalence detection system, we developed a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay system and evaluated utility using samples obtained in Kenya. Methods: We developed a microsphere-based immuno-assay system to simultaneously measure the individual levels of plasma antibody (IgG) against 8 antigens derived from 6 pathogens: Entamoeba histolytica (C-IgL), Leishmania donovani (KRP42), Toxoplasma gondii (SAG1), Wuchereria bancrofti (SXP1), HIV (gag, gp120 and gp41), and Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin). The assay system was validated using appropriate control samples. The assay system was applied for 3411 blood samples collected from the general population randomly selected from two health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) cohorts in the coastal and western regions of Kenya. The immunoassay values distribution for each antigen was mathematically defined by a finite mixture model, and cut-off values were optimized. Findings: Sensitivities and specificities for each antigen ranged between 71 and 100%. Seroprevalences for each pathogen from the Kwale and Mbita HDSS sites (respectively) were as follows: HIV, 3.0% and 20.1%; L. donovani, 12.6% and 17.3%; E. histolytica, 12.8% and 16.6%; and T. gondii, 30.9% and 28.2%. Seroprevalences of W. bancrofti and V. cholerae showed relatively high figures, especially among children. The results might be affected by immunological cross reactions between W. bancrofti-SXP1 and other parasitic infections; and cholera toxin and the enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), respectively. Interpretation: A microsphere-based multi-serological assay system can provide an opportunity to comprehensively grasp epidemiological features for NTDs. By adding pathogens and antigens of interest, optimized made-to-order high-quality programs can be established to utilize limited resources to effectively control NTDs in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70) acts as a molecular chaperone for the maintenance of intracellular proteins, which allows cancer cells to survive under proteotoxic stress. We attempted to use Hsc70 to identify key molecules in cancer cell survival. Here, we performed mass-spectrometry-based proteomics analysis utilizing affinity purification with anti-Hsc70 antibodies; as a result, 83 differentially expressed proteins were identified under stress conditions. This result implies that there was a change in the proteins with which Hsc70 interacted in response to stress. Among the proteins identified under both serum-depleted and 5-fluorouracil-treated conditions, Rab1A was identified as an essential molecule for cancer cell survival. Hsc70 interacted with Rab1A in a chaperone-dependent manner. In addition, Hsc70 knockdown decreased the level of Rab1A and increased the level of its ubiquitination under stress conditions, suggesting that Hsc70 prevented the degradation of Rab1A denatured by stress exposure. We also found that Rab1A knockdown induced cell death by inhibition of autophagosome formation. Rab1A may therefore contribute to overcoming proteotoxic insults, which allows cancer cells to survive under stress conditions. Analysis of Hsc70 interactors provided insight into changes of intracellular status. We expect further study of the Hsc70 interactome to provide a more comprehensive understanding of cancer cell physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We characterize proteomic profiles of adipocyte-derived exosomes. [•] The protein content of the exosomes under hypoxia is compared with normoxia. [•] Hypoxia increases the total amount of exosomal proteins in adipocytes. [•] Hypoxic adipocyte-released exosomes have enzymes related to de novo lipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naive CD4+ T cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and differentiate into distinct types of helper T (Th) cells in the lymph node or spleen. Oxygen (O2) tension is generally low in these secondary lymphoid tissues compared with the bloodstream or atmosphere. However, the effect of changes in O2 concentration on the differentiation of Th cells remains unclear. Here, we established a novel model of Th-cell differentiation, which mimics physiological O2 conditions. We primed naive CD4+ T cells under 5% O2, which has been observed in the lymph node or spleen and reoxygenated under normoxia that mimicked the O2 concentration in blood. In this model, the differentiation of Th17 cells, but not Th1 or iTreg cells, was enhanced. Under the condition of 5% O2, mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was activated and led to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in Th17 cells. The activation of mTORC1 and the acceleration of Th17-cell differentiation, which occurred when cells were primed under 5% O2, were not observed in the absence of HIF-1α but were accelerated in the absence of von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor protein (vHL), a factor critical for HIF-1α degradation. Thus, a positive feedback loop between HIF-1α and mTORC1 induced by hypoxia followed by reoxygenation accelerates Th17-cell differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells cause immune suppression by inhibiting T cell effector functions and play pivotal roles not only in self-tolerance but also in immune response to parasitic microbial pathogens. Mycobacteria are major parasitic bacterial pathogens, but the role of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in mycobacterial infection is not yet defined. In this study we found that, at the early stage of infection, depletion of CD25+ cells reduced both bacterial load and granuloma formation in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, such as M. tuberculosis Erdman or M. tuberculosis Kurono. However, at a later stage of infection, bacterial burden and histopathology were similar regardless of depletion of CD25+ cells. Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice reconstituted with CD4+CD25− T cells alone or a combination of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25− T cells showed similar bacterial loads and survival kinetics after infection with M. tuberculosis Erdman. Consistent with in vivo data, in vitro studies revealed that mycobacterial antigens, purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD), failed to induce the suppressive function of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells to CD4+CD25− effector T cells, as demonstrated by the lack of response of CD4+CD25+ T cells to PPD, in mice chronically infected with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin and M. tuberculosis. Our data show that CD4+CD25+ Treg cells have a transient effect at the early stage of mycobacterial infection but, contrary to the expectation, have little impact on the overall course of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose Sustained hepatic inflammation derived from parenchymal liver injury is a major driving force of fibrogenesis. We synthesized S-allyl-glutathione (SAG) which regulates macrophage (MØ) polarization, and investigated whether SAG can improve liver fibrosis. Method Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl 4 injection twice a week for 9 weeks in rats. SAG was administered as a mixed diet from the starting CCl 4 . To study fibrosis regression, rats were orally administered SAG for 5 weeks after terminating CCl 4 . In vitro studies were performed effects of SAG (10 -14M~) on M1 or M2 polarization of isolated Kupffer cells (KCs) or bone marrow derived MØ (BMDM), and its interactions with isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Result and Discussion SAG markedly inhibited liver fibrogenesis in a dose-dependent manner and various fibrosis markers. In the fibrolysis stage, SAG accelerated fibrolysis after development of liver chirrosis and decreased the amount of M2 MØ. Both Col1A1 and HSP47 mRNA in day 6 HSCs were inhibited by the conditioned medium of SAG-treated MØ with M2 inducers onto day 3 HSCs. SAG did not directly inhibit HSC activation. In the M1 MØ, SAG also inhibited. These findings suggested that SAG could improve liver cirrhosis via the attenuation of excess polarization in KCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]