Evidence of Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Regulation by Mitochodria-Generated Reactive Oxygen Species in RGK1 Cells.

It has been known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). Majima et al. proved that mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) caused apoptosis for the first time in 1998 (Majima et al. J Biol Chem, 1998). It is speculated that mtROS can move out of the mitochondria and initiate cellular signals in the nucleus. This paper aims to prove this phenomenon by assessing the change in the amount of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) by MnSOD transfection. Two cell lines of the same genetic background, of which generation of mtROS are different, i.e., the mtROS are more produced in RGK1, than in that of RGM1, were compared to analyze the cellular signals. The results of immunocytochemistry staining showed increase of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1 and 2, MnSOD, GCL, GST, NQO1, GATA1, GATA3, GATA4, and GATA5 in RGK1 compared to those in RGM1. Transfection of human MnSOD in RGK1 cells showed a decrease of those signal proteins, suggesting mtROS play a role in cellular signals in nucleus.

Pain-side related difference in cross-sectional area of the longus colli muscle and its relationship with standing balance in persons with non-specific neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Longus colli muscle has a significant role in postural control. A reduction of longus colli cross-sectional area (CSA) has been demonstrated in neck pain patients. However, pain-side related difference and its relationship with clinical features and standing balance remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate side-to-side difference in the longus colli CSA and to determine the relationships of the CSA with clinical characteristics and standing balance in neck pain patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty participants with chronic non-specific neck pain (20 unilateral and 30 bilateral) were recruited. CSA of the longus colli muscle was measured using ultrasound imaging. Balance was measured using a force platform during a narrow stance with eyes open, eyes closed, and neck torsion (left and right). Balance outcomes were sway area and displacement in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions. Clinical characteristics were neck pain intensity, disability, and duration. RESULTS: The longus colli CSA was reduced on the painful side in patients with unilateral neck pain (p < 0.01). There was a trend towards reduced CSA on the more painful side in those with bilateral neck pain (p = 0.08). The reduced CSA was mostly correlated with the greater AP sway displacement and sway area (r ranged from -0.27 to -0.54, p < 0.05). The longus colli CSA was not correlated with pain intensity, disability, and duration (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The longus colli CSA was reduced on the painful side of neck pain. The reduced CSA was correlated with impaired standing balance, but not with clinical characteristics of neck pain.

Identifying indoor radon sources in Pa Miang, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Radon is the leading source of lung cancer mortality after smoking in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Finding a source of carcinogens is one of the important measures for preventing the cancer risk for this region. Specific sites at Pa Miang, Doi Saket have the highest incidences of lung cancer and have a combination of factors that influence indoor radon concentration. Our study identified the sources of indoor radon within several houses. The results indicate that geological and topographic characteristics, including active faults and mountain terraces, are the main sources of indoor radon, especially for wooden houses. Besides building materials, the design of the houses, ventilation conditions, and lifestyle choices are all factors influencing indoor radon concentrations and its associated risk. Although radon levels (29-101 Bq m-3) and total indoor annual effective doses (0.9-3.8 mSv year-1) received from all sources at these sites have shown no significant health risk due to radon exposure , this investigation will be useful as a starting point to guide strategies to respond and prevent the risk of lung cancer, especially in Chiang Mai.

Bone mineral density at distal forearm in men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in the distal forearm among Thai men over 40 years of age in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. METHODS: The subjects in this study were 194 Thai men, aged between 40 and 87 years who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Self-administered questionnaires were used for receiving the demographic characteristics information. BMD was measured by peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the nondominant distal forearm in all men. RESULTS: The BMD was highest in the age-group 40-49 years and lowest in the age-group 70-87 years. The average T-score at the distal forearm was also highest in the age-group 40-49 years and lowest in the age-group 70-87 years. The BMD decreased as a function of age-group (p < .05). In contrast, the BMD increased as a function of weight (p < .05). Height had weak impact on the BMD in the distal forearm (p > .05). The percentage of osteopenia and osteoporosis are increased as a function of age-group in, while decreased in that of normal bone density. CONCLUSIONS: We found the prevalence of osteoporosis in men who resided in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Fasciola gigantica: histology of the digestive tract and the expression of cathepsin L.

The digestive tract of Fasciola gigantica is composed of the oral sucker, buccal tube, pharynx, esophagus, and caecum. The tegumental-type epithelium lines the first four parts of the digestive tract while the caecal-type epithelium lines the remaining parts from the caecal bifurcation. The caecal-epithelial cells are classified into 3 types according to their staining properties and ultrastructural characteristics, as related to the amount of food contents in the caecal lumen. All caecal-type epithelial cells synthesize and secrete cathepsin L, a major group of enzymes in the digestive tract, as detected by in situ hybridization and immunolocalization. Moreover, the secreted cathepsin L is also adsorbed on the outer surface of the tegument and the glycocalyx coating of the surface of the tegument, whereas the tegumental cells and tegumental syncytium covering the parasite's body and lining the proximal part of the digestive tract exhibit no in situ hybridization signal and immunostaining for cathepsin L.