Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) plays a limited role in murine lung tumorigenesis.

Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is a multifunctional intracellular enzyme that has received growing attention for its ability to modulate various aspects of normal and malignant cellular physiology. Recent research has revealed that PON2 is upregulated in tissues from patients with various types of solid tumors and hematologic cancers, likely due to its ability to suppress oxidative stress and evade apoptosis. However, the effects of PON2 on pulmonary oncogenesis are unknown. Here, we conducted studies to investigate how PON2 influences lung cancer cell proliferation in vitro and lung tumorigenesis in vivo using a variety of cellular and animal models. It was found that PON2 expression deficiency hampered the proliferation of cultured lung cancer cells with concomitant cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. In addition, the loss of endogenous PON2 expression impaired key aspects of oxidative metabolism in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, we investigated how the interplay between PON2 expression in lung tumors and host mice influences lung tumor initiation and progression. PON2 status in both transplanted tumor cells and mice failed to influence the development of subcutaneously grafted Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumors, orthotopically implanted LLC tumors, and oncogenic Kras-driven primary lung adenocarcinoma tumors. Importantly, the frequencies of tumor-infiltrating myeloid subsets that include myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages were not impacted by PON2 expression in LLC tumor-bearing mice. Overall, our studies indicate that PON2 plays a limited role in murine lung tumorigenesis.

Contamination of Selected Toxic Elements in Integrated Chicken-Fish Farm Settings of Bangladesh and Associated Human Health Risk Assessments.

The presence of trace elements in the environment can contaminate a food chain of an agro farm in various ways. Integrated chicken-fish farms (i.e., where poultry chicken and fish are cultivated in same places) are getting popular nowadays to meet the demands of a balanced diet. The present study conducted a health risk assessment on the basis of selected heavy metal (i.e., Cr and Pb) and metalloid (i.e., As) contamination in this type of farm in Bangladesh. Samples of various types were collected from different farms between September 2019 and March 2020. The concentrations of the elements were checked by Flame-AAS and HG-AAS. Our findings demonstrated that the elements' concentrations in fishes were simultaneously induced by the habitation and bioaccumulation through the food chain of the farm. The concentrations of As and Pb in the chicken parts and Cr and As in some fishes were greater than the highest limits set by different permissible standards. Overall, the metal concentration obtained in different samples was in descending order: sediment > droppings > different fish parts > various species of chicken > pond water. Among the pollutants, As gave target hazard quotient (THQ) values higher than 1 for all the species, suggesting health risks from the intake of fishes and chicken. However, there was non-target cancer risk present while considering all the elements together. Notably, the study found carcinogenic risks of As, Pb, and Cr for humans due to poultry and/or fish consumption; the identified health risks associated with the integrated farming setting will be crucial in further tackling strategies. Investigation of the possible sources of heavy metals in commercial chicken feeds and regular monitoring of groundwater used for agro-farming are highly recommended to reduce the burden.

Molecular epidemiology and surveillance of circulating rotavirus among children with gastroenteritis in Bangladesh during 2014-2019.

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the major health problems in children aged <5 years around the world. Rotavirus A (RVA) is an important pathogen of acute gastroenteritis. The burden of rotavirus disease in the pediatric population is still high in Bangladesh. This study investigated the prevalence of group A, B, and C rotavirus (RAV, RBV, RCV), norovirus, adenovirus (AdV) and human bocavirus (HBoV) infections in children with acute gastroenteritis in Bangladesh from February 2014 to January 2019. A total of 574 fecal specimens collected from children with diarrhea in Bangladesh during the period of February 2014-January 2019 were examined for RAV, RBV and RCV by reverse transcriptase- multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT- multiplex PCR). RAV was further characterized to G-typing and P-typing by RT-multiplex PCR and sequencing method. It was found that 24.4% (140 of 574) fecal specimens were positive for RVA followed by AdV of 4.5%. RBV and RCV could not be detected in this study. Genotype G1P[8] was the most prevalent (43%), followed by G2P[4] (18%), and G9P[8] (3%). Among other genotypes, G9P[4] was most frequent (12%), followed by G1P[6] (11%), G9P[6] (3%), and G11P[25] (3%). We found that 7% RVA were nontypeable. Mutations at antigenic regions of the VP7 gene were detected in G1P[8] and G2P[4] strains. Incidence of rotavirus infection had the highest peak (58.6%) during November to February with diarrhea (90.7%) as the most common symptom. Children aged 4-11 months had the highest rotavirus infection percentage (37.9%). By providing baseline data, this study helps to assess efficacy of currently available RVA vaccine. This study revealed a high RVA detection rate, supporting health authorities in planning strategies such as introduction of RVA vaccine in national immunization program to reduce the disease burden.