Identification of novel deep intronic PAH gene variants in patients diagnosed with phenylketonuria.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene variants. Previously, 94.21% of variants were identified using Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. To investigate the remaining variants, we performed whole-genome sequencing for four patients with PKU and unknown genotypes to identify deep intronic or structural variants. We identified three novel heterozygous variants (c.706+368T>C, c.1065+241C>A, and c.1199+502A>T) in a deep PAH gene intron. We detected a c.1199+502A>T variant in 60% (6/10) of PKU patients with genetically undetermined PKU. In silico predictions indicated that the three deep variants may impact splice site selection and result in the inclusion of a pseudo-exon. A c.1199+502A>T PAH minigene and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) on blood RNA from a PKU patient with biallelic variants c.1199+502A>T and c.1199G>A confirmed that the c.1199+502A>T variant may strengthen the predicted branch point and leads to the inclusion of a 25-nt pseudo-exon in the PAH mRNA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the minigene revealed that c.706+368T>C may create an SRSF2 (SC35) binding site via a 313-nt pseudo-exon, whereas c.1065+241C>A may produce an 81-nt pseudo-exon that strengthens the predicted SRSF1 (SF2/ASF) binding site. These results augment current knowledge of PAH genotypes and show that deep intronic analysis of PAH can genetically diagnose PKU.

Proteins differentially expressed during limonene biotransformation by Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840 were examined using iTRAQ labeling coupled with 2D-LC-MS/MS.

This study focused on the differences in protein expression at various periods during limonene biotransformation by Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840. A total of 3644 protein-species were quantified by iTRAQ during limonene biotransformation (0 and 12 h). A total of 643 proteins were differentially expressed, 316 proteins were significantly up-regulated and 327 proteins were markedly down-regulated. GO, COG, and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins possessed catalytic and binding functions and were involved in a variety of cellular and metabolic process. Furthermore, the enzymes involved in limonene transformation might be related to cytochrome P-450. This study provided a powerful platform for further exploration of biotransformation, and the identified proteins provided insight into the mechanism of limonene transformation.

Optimisation of α-terpineol production by limonene biotransformation using Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840.

BACKGROUND: In this study, (R)-(+)-limonene biotransformation using three fungal strains was compared. Penicillium digitatum DSM 62840 was distinguished for its capacity to transform limonene into α-terpineol with high regioselectivity. Growth kinetics in submerged liquid culture and the effects of growth phase and contact time on biotransformation were studied using this strain. Substrate concentration, co-solvent selection, and cultivation conditions were subsequently optimised. RESULTS: The maximum concentration of α-terpineol (833.93 mg L(-1)) was obtained when the pre-culture medium was in medium log-phase by adding 840 mg L(-1) substrate dissolved in ethanol and cultivation was performed at 24 °C, 150 rpm, and pH 6.0 for 12 h. Addition of small amounts of (R)-(+)-limonene (84 mg L(-1)) at the start of fungal log-phase growth yielded a 1.5-fold yield of α-terpineol, indicating that the enzyme was inducible. CONCLUSION: Among these three strains tested, P. digitatum DSM 62840 was proved to be an efficient biocatalyst to transform (R)-(+)-limonene to α-terpineol. Further studies revealed that the optimal growth phase for biotransformation was in the medium log phase of this strain. The biotransformation represented a wide tolerance of temperature; α-terpineol concentration underwent no significant change at 8-32 °C. The biotransformation could also be performed using resting cells.

Attenuating the mortality risk of high serum uric acid: the role of physical activity underused.

BACKGROUND: High serum uric acid (sUA) has been associated with increased mortality risks, but its clinical treatment varied with potential side effects. The role of physical activity has received limited attention. METHODS: A cohort, consisting of 467 976 adults, who went through a standard health screening programme, with questionnaire and fasting blood samples, was successively recruited between 1996 and 2008. High sUA is defined as uric acid above 7.0 mg/dL. Leisure time physical activity level was self-reported, with fully active defined as those with 30 min per day for at least 5 days a week. National death file identified 12 228 deaths with a median follow-up of 8.5 years. Cox proportional model was used to analyse HRs, and 12 variables were controlled, including medical history, life style and risk factors. FINDINGS: High sUA constituted one quarter of the cohort (25.6%). Their all-cause mortality was significantly increased [HR: 1.22 (1.15-1.29)], with much of the increase contributed to by the inactive (HR: 1.27 (1.17-1.37)), relative to the reference group with sUA level of 5-6 mg/dL. When they were fully active, mortality risks did not increase, but decreased by 11% (HR: 0.89 (0.82-0.97)), reflecting the benefits of being active was able to overcome the adverse effects of high sUA. Given the same high sUA, a 4-6 years difference in life expectancy was found between the active and the inactive. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity is a valuable alternative to pharmacotherapy in its ability to reduce the increases in mortality risks from high sUA. By being fully active, exercise can extend life span by 4-6 years, a level greater than the 1-4 years of life-shortening effect from high sUA.

Characteristics of ß-glucosidase from oranges during maturation and its relationship with changes in bound volatile compounds.

BACKGROUND: The hydrolysis of glycosidically bound volatile compounds can release potential aromas in oranges during maturation. ß-Glucosidase is the key enzyme that influences the hydrolysis of bound volatiles. In this study the changes in ß-glucosidase and bound volatile compounds in Jincheng oranges during maturation were investigated. The relationship between ß-glucosidase activity and bound volatiles was analyzed. RESULTS: The optimal temperature and pH of ß-glucosidase from Jincheng oranges were 40 °C and 5-6 respectively. Its Km and Vmax values were 0.61 mmol L(-1) and 0.009 U mg(-1) respectively. The activity of ß-glucosidase was strongly inhibited by Zn(2+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+), Ag(+), Hg(2+) and Fe(3+). ß-Glucosidase activity in pulp increased gradually during maturation, while that in peel first increased and then decreased in November. In total, 12 and 14 bound volatiles were found in pulp and peel respectively of this orange during maturation. CONCLUSION: The concentration of bound volatiles in pulp and peel decreased with the rise in ß-glucosidase activity in pulp and peel during maturation. This indicated that bound volatiles in Jincheng oranges were released during maturation owing to the increase in ß-glucosidase.

Hungry bone syndrome after parathyroid surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Data on the incidence rates of hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy in patients on dialysis are inconsistent, as the published rates vary from 15.8% to 92.9%. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2019, 120 hemodialysis patients underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence (n = 100) or absence (n = 20) of hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy. FINDINGS: Subtotal parathyroidectomy was the most common surgery performed (76.7%), followed by total parathyroidectomy with autoimplantation (23.3%). Pathological examination revealed parathyroid hyperplasia. Hungry bone syndrome developed within 0.3 ± 0.3 months and lasted for 11.1 ± 14.7 months. After surgery, compared with patients without hungry bone syndrome, patients with hungry bone syndrome had lower levels of nadir corrected calcium (P < 0.001), as well as lower nadir (P < 0.001) and peak (P < 0.001) intact parathyroid hormone levels. During 59.3 ± 44.0 months of follow-up, persistence and recurrence of hyperparathyroidism occurred in 25 (20.8%) and 30 (25.0%) patients, respectively. Furthermore, patients with hungry bone syndrome had a lower rate of persistent hyperparathyroidism than those without hungry bone syndrome (P < 0.001). Four patients (3.3%) underwent a second parathyroidectomy. Patients with hungry bone syndrome received fewer second parathyroidectomies than those without hungry bone syndrome (P < 0.001). Finally, a multivariate logistic regression model revealed that the preoperative blood ferritin level was a negative predictor of the development of hungry bone syndrome (P = 0.038). DISCUSSION: Hungry bone syndrome is common (83.3%) after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and this complication should be monitored and managed appropriately.

[Association of interleukin-23 receptor gene polymorphisms with susceptibility and phenotypes of inflammatory bowel diseases in Jiangsu Han population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible association of interleukin-23 receptor (IL-23R) polymorphisms with the susceptibility and phenotype of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Jiangsu Han population. METHODS: We genotyped 178 IBD patients including 135 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 43 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and 134 healthy controls for rs11805303, rs1343151, rs11465804, rs11209032, rs17375018, rs11465788. RESULTS: Comparing with the controls (50.4%), there was a significant increase in the carriage of the T allele of rs11805303 in UC (60.4%)(P = 0.020). In genotype-phenotype correlation of rs17375018 in UC, clinical severity (UCDAI) was associated with the prevalence of the G allele showed a trend to mild activity. Genotype polymorphisms of rs17375018A was observed more in younger than 25 in the genotype-phenotype correlation in CD (41.7% vs 22.0%, P = 0.050, OR = 2.532, 95%CI 0.988 - 6.494), while rs11805303 was associated with age at diagnose and disease lesion (P = 0.039 and 0.044). The risk of extra intestinal manifestation in rs17375018A allele carriers was lower (23.1% vs 46.7%, P = 0.040, OR = 2.917, 95%CI 1.027 - 8.283). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the susceptibility of rs11805303 polymorphisms with UC and first demonstrated the genotype-phenotype correlation of rs11805303, rs17375018 with UC, CD in Jiangsu Han population.

Characterisation of free and bound volatile compounds from six different varieties of citrus fruits.

Free volatile compounds in six varieties of citrus juices were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bound fractions were isolated and extracted with methanol and Amberlite XAD-2 resin and then hydrolyzed by almond ß-glucosidase. A total of 43 free and 17 bound volatile compounds were identified in citrus. Free volatile contents in sweet orange were the most abundant, followed by those in grapefruits and mandarins. Among free volatiles, terpenes were the most abundant in citrus juice. Sensory analysis results showed that the flavor of the same citrus cultivars was similar, but the flavor of different cultivars varied. Among bound volatiles, benzenic compounds were the most abundant in these citrus juices. Bound volatiles also significantly differed among cultivars. In addition, only p-vinylguaiacol were detected in all of the samples.

Motivating patients to exercise: translating high blood pressure into equivalent risk of inactivity.

OBJECTIVE: Even with the 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans and the strong epidemiological evidence, physicians are not routinely emphasizing the importance of exercise. We try to explore an innovative way to communicate the benefits of physical activity in a term familiar to patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cohort of 470, 163 adults from a medical screening program in Taiwan were recruited between 1994 and 2008. Their vital status was followed up by matching with the National Death File. Individuals were classified as 'inactive', 'low active', or 'fully active', with 'fully active' meeting the current exercise recommendation of 150  min per week or more. Cox proportional model was used to calculate the hazard ratio. More than one-half of the cohort was inactive (54%), with one-quarter fully active (24%). One in seven was hypertensive (14%), defined as SBP at least 140  mmHg. Among the hypertensive individuals, mortality risks were increased by 37% for the inactive. Inactive individuals had higher all-cause mortality than active ones across all blood pressure (BP) levels. At 110-119  mmHg, the inactive had a risk as high as the risk at 155  mmHg, an increased mortality risk equivalent to a risk of BP increase of 41.2 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The mortality risk of being inactive was equivalent to an increase of around 40  mmHg in SBP or 20  mmHg in DBP, a number relevant to hypertensive patients. Appreciating this relationship may convince the inactive to start exercising, a behavior as important as controlling BP.

High serum iron is associated with increased cancer risk.

Epidemiologic studies linking high serum iron with cancer risks are limited and inconclusive, despite evidence implicating body iron in human carcinogenesis. A cohort of 309,443 adults in Taiwan who had no history of cancer had serum iron levels tested at the time of recruitment (1997-2008). Initially measured iron levels were associated with subsequent cancer risk by linking individuals with the National Cancer Registry and National Death File. HRs were calculated by the Cox model. One third of males (35%) and one fifth of females (18%) had high serum iron (≥120 µg/dL), which was associated with a 25% increase in risk for incidence of all cancers [HR, 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-1.35] and with a 39% increase in risk for mortality from all cancers (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.57). The relationship between serum iron and cancer risk was a J-shaped one, with higher cancer risk at both ends, either at lower than 60 µg/dL or higher than 120 µg/dL. At the higher end, cancer risk increased by 4% for every 10 µg/dL increment above 80 µg/dL, showing a dose-response relationship, with 60 to 79 µg/dL as a reference level. In a sensitivity analysis, the increases in risk were still observed after the first 5 years of cancer cases were excluded. Liver cancer risk was increased in HBV (-) non-hepatitis B carrier (3-fold) and HBV (+) hepatitis B carrier (24-fold). Lifestyle risks such as smoking, drinking, or inactivity interacted synergistically with high serum iron and significantly increased the cancer risks. The liver (HR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.97-3.16) and the breast (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01-1.70) were the two major cancer sites where significant cancer risks were observed for serum iron either ≥120 µg/dL or ≥140 µg/dL, respectively. This study reveals that high serum iron is both a common disorder and a marker of increased risk for several cancers.