Associations of PFAS-related plasma metabolites with cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations.

The wide-spread environmental pollutants per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have repeatedly been associated with elevated serum cholesterol in humans. However, underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Furthermore, we have previously observed inverse associations with plasma triglycerides. To better understand PFAS-induced effects on lipid pathways we investigated associations of PFAS-related metabolite features with plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. We used 290 PFAS-related metabolite features that we previously discovered from untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectometry metabolomics in a case-control study within the Swedish Västerbotten Intervention Programme cohort. Herein, we studied associations of these PFAS-related metabolite features with plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in plasma samples from 187 healthy control subjects collected on two occasions between 1991 and 2013. The PFAS-related features did not associate with cholesterol, but 50 features were associated with triglycerides. Principal component analysis on these features indicated that one metabolite pattern, dominated by glycerophospholipids, correlated with longer chain PFAS and associated inversely with triglycerides (both cross-sectionally and prospectively), after adjustment for confounders. The observed time-trend of the metabolite pattern resembled that of the longer chain PFAS, with higher levels during the years 2004-2010. Mechanisms linking PFAS exposures to triglycerides may thus occur via longer chain PFAS affecting glycerophospholipid metabolism. If the results reflect a cause-effect association, as implied by the time-trend and prospective analyses, this may affect the general adult population.

Large Impact of the Decay of Niobium Isomers on the Reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} Summation Calculations.

Even mass neutron-rich niobium isotopes are among the principal contributors to the reactor antineutrino energy spectrum. They are also among the most challenging to measure due to the refractory nature of niobium, and because they exhibit isomeric states lying very close in energy. The ß-intensity distributions of ^{100gs,100m}Nb and ^{102gs,102m}Nb ß decays have been determined using the total absorption γ-ray spectroscopy technique. The measurements were performed at the upgraded Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility at the University of Jyväskylä. Here, the double Penning trap system JYFLTRAP was employed to disentangle the ß decay of the isomeric states. The new data obtained in this challenging measurement have a large impact in antineutrino summation calculations. For the first time the discrepancy between the summation model and the reactor antineutrino measurements in the region of the shape distortion has been reduced.

Strong-Isospin-Breaking Correction to the Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment from Lattice QCD at the Physical Point.

All lattice-QCD calculations of the hadronic-vacuum-polarization contribution to the muon's anomalous magnetic moment to date have been performed with degenerate up- and down-quark masses. Here we calculate directly the strong-isospin-breaking correction to a_{µ}^{HVP} for the first time with physical values of m_{u} and m_{d} and dynamical u, d, s, and c quarks, thereby removing this important source of systematic uncertainty. We obtain a relative shift to be applied to lattice-QCD results obtained with degenerate light-quark masses of δa_{µ}^{HVP,m_{u}≠m_{d}}=+1.5(7)%, in agreement with estimates from phenomenology.

Effects of developmental exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on long bone morphology and bone cell differentiation.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a ubiquitous and persistent environmental chemical, which has been used extensively due to its stability and surface tension-lowering properties. Toxicological effects include induction of neonatal mortality and reproductive toxicity. In this study, pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed orally to 0.3mg PFOA/kg/day throughout pregnancy, and female offspring were studied at the age of 13 or 17months. Morphometrical and biomechanical properties of femurs and tibias were analyzed with micro-computed tomography and 3-point bending, and bone PFOA concentrations were determined by mass spectrometry. The effects of PFOA on bone cell differentiation were studied in osteoclasts from C57BL/6 mice and in the MC3T3 pre-osteoblast cell line. PFOA exposed mice showed increased femoral periosteal area as well as decreased mineral density of tibias. Biomechanical properties of these bones were not affected. Bone PFOA concentrations were clearly elevated even at the age of 17months. In osteoblasts, low concentrations of PFOA increased osteocalcin (OCN) expression and calcium secretion, but at PFOA concentrations of 100µM and above osteocalcin (OCN) expression and calcium secretion were decreased. The number of osteoclasts was increased at all PFOA concentrations tested and resorption activity dose-dependently increased from 0.1-1.0µM, but decreased at higher concentrations. The results show that PFOA accumulates in bone and is present in bones until the old age. PFOA has the potential to influence bone turnover over a long period of time. Therefore bone is a target tissue for PFOA, and altered bone geometry and mineral density seem to persist throughout the life of the animal.

Single and Double Beta-Decay Q Values among the Triplet

The atomic mass relations among the mass triplet ^{96}Zr, ^{96}Nb, and ^{96}Mo have been determined by means of high-precision mass measurements using the JYFLTRAP mass spectrometer at the IGISOL facility of the University of Jyväskylä. We report Q values for the ^{96}Zr single and double ß decays to ^{96}Nb and ^{96}Mo, as well as the Q value for the ^{96}Nb single ß decay to ^{96}Mo, which are Q_{ß}(^{96}Zr)=163.96(13), Q_{ßß}(^{96}Zr)=3356.097(86), and Q_{ß}(^{96}Nb)=3192.05(16) keV. Of special importance is the ^{96}Zr single ß-decay Q value, which has never been determined directly. The single ß decay, whose main branch is fourfold unique forbidden, is an alternative decay path to the ^{96}Zr ßß decay, and its observation can provide one of the most direct tests of the neutrinoless ßß-decay nuclear-matrix-element calculations, as these can be simultaneously performed for both decay paths with no further assumptions. The theoretical single ß-decay rate has been re-evaluated using a shell-model approach, which indicates a ^{96}Zr single ß-decay lifetime within reach of an experimental verification. The uniqueness of the decay also makes such an experiment interesting for an investigation into the origin of the quenching of the axial-vector coupling constant g_{A}.

Synthesis of the copper chelator TGTA and evaluation of its ability to protect biomolecules from copper induced degradation during copper catalyzed azide-alkyne bioconjugation reactions.

One of the most successful bioconjugation strategies to date is the copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC), however, the typically applied reaction conditions have been found to degrade sensitive biomolecules. Herein, we present a water soluble copper chelator which can be utilized to protect biomolecules from copper induced degradation.

Oxidative stress-inducible lentiviral vectors for gene therapy.

Oxidative stress is important in several pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. An important mechanism for adaptation to oxidative stress is induction of genes through the antioxidant response element (ARE), which regulates the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes via the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2). As Nrf2-regulated genes are induced during oxidant stress occurring, for example, in reperfusion after ischemia, we took a novel approach to exploit ARE for the development of oxidative stress-inducible gene therapy vectors. To this end, one, two or three ARE-containing regions from human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit and mouse heme oxygenase-1 were cloned into a vector expressing luciferase under a minimal SV40 promoter. The construct, which was the most responsive to ARE-inducing agents, was chosen for further studies in which a lentiviral vector was produced for an efficient transfer to endothelial cells. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which has well-characterized anti-inflammatory properties, was used as the therapeutic transgene. In human endothelial cells, ARE-driven HO-1 overexpression inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB activation and subsequent vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha. We conclude that the ARE element is a promising alternative for the development of oxidative stress-inducible gene therapy vectors.

Perfluoroalkyl substances in human bone: concentrations in bones and effects on bone cell differentiation.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including two most commonly studied compounds perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are widely distributed environmental pollutants, used extensively earlier. Due to their toxicological effects the use of PFAS is now regulated. Based on earlier studies on PFOA's distribution in bone and bone marrow in mice, we investigated PFAS levels and their possible link to bone microarchitecture of human femoral bone samples (n = 18). Soft tissue and bone biopsies were also taken from a 49-year old female cadaver for PFAS analyses. We also studied how PFOA exposure affects differentiation of human osteoblasts and osteoclasts. PFAS were detectable from all dry bone and bone marrow samples, PFOS and PFOA being the most prominent. In cadaver biopsies, lungs and liver contained the highest concentrations of PFAS, whereas PFAS were absent in bone marrow. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was present in the bones, PFOA and PFOS were absent. In vitro results showed no disturbance in osteogenic differentiation after PFOA exposure, but in osteoclasts, lower concentrations led to increased resorption, which eventually dropped to zero after increase in PFOA concentration. In conclusion, PFAS are present in bone and have the potential to affect human bone cells partly at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Organic anion transporter 4 (OAT 4) modifies placental transfer of perfluorinated alkyl acids PFOS and PFOA in human placental ex vivo perfusion system.

INTRODUCTION: Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in industry and consumer products. Pregnant women are exposed to PFAAs and their presence in umbilical cord blood represents fetal exposure. Interestingly, PFAAs are substrates for organic anion transporters (OAT) of which OAT4 is expressed in human placenta. METHODS: To evaluate the contribution of OAT4 and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) proteins in the transplacental transfer of perfluoro octane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoro octanoate (PFOA) an ex vivo dual recirculating human placental perfusion was used. Altogether 8 placentas from healthy mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies were successfully perfused. RESULTS: Both PFOS and PFOA crossed the placenta as suggested by in vivo data in the literature. The expression of OAT4 and ABCG2 proteins were studied by immunoblotting and correlation with the transfer index %(TI %) of PFOS and PFOA at 120 and 240 min (n = 4) was studied. The expression of OAT4 was in negative correlation with TI % of PFOA (R(2) = 0.92, p = 0.043) and PFOS (R(2) = 0.99, p = 0.007) at 120 min while at 240 min the correlation was statistically significant only with PFOA. The expression of ABCG2 did not correlate with TI% of PFOS or PFOA. DISCUSSION: Data obtained in this study suggest the involvement of OAT4 in placental passage of PFAAs. Placental passage of PFOS and PFOA is modified by the transporter protein OAT4 but not by ABCG2. This is the first study indicating that OAT4 may decrease the fetal exposure to PFAAs and protect the fetus after maternal exposure to PFAAs but further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Predictors of light-limited growth and competition of phytoplankton in a well-mixed water column

Based on a model of light limited growth, Huisman and Weissing found that in a well mixed water column with constant light supply (energy reaching the water surface), equilibrium growth and competition of phytoplankton for light can be characterised by a critical light intensity at the base of the column (I*out). The present study attempts to give a further insight into this model. We first analyse the dependence of the critical light intensity on four parameters: initial slope of the photosynthesis-intensity (p-I) curve, maximal photosynthetic rate, the light-saturated parameter Ikand specific carbon loss rate. Increases in the first two parameters tend to reduce the critical light intensity and increases in the last two tend to increase the critical light intensity. Then we analyse the performance of a model under variable light supply with a time-scale of 1 day (24 hr). Within this time-scale, the critical light intensity changes with time. However, the equilibrium growth and the outcome of competition for light can be adequately characterised by critical light extinction defined as the upper limit of total light extinction due to both biomass and non-living matter in the water column. Under constant light supply, a critical light intensity uniquely corresponds to a critical light extinction. Therefore, critical light extinction can be utilised to predict the equilibrium growth and the outcome of competition under both constant and variable light supply. By changing the maximal light supply at noon, seasonal succession of species composition of communities is investigated. The possible effect of two typical photoresponses, photoadaptation and photoinhibition, on growth and competiton are discussed. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Occurrence of PCDD/F, PCB, PBDE, PFAS, and organotin compounds in fish meal, fish oil and fish feed.

We analysed polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/F, dioxins), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in 13 fish meal, five fish oil, and seven fish feed samples. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), organotin compounds (OTC), and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) were analysed in ten fish meal, two fish oil, and two fish feed samples. All measured TEQ concentrations of PCDD/F and PCB were below the maximum levels set by Directive 2002/32/EC. There was no correlation between concentrations of WHOPCDD/F-TEQ and indicator PCB in our samples. The most common congeners among PBDEs were BDE-47 and BDE-100. BDE-209 was present in five fish meals of the ten analysed. Tributyltin (TBT) was the predominant congener in all samples except in three fish meals, where monobutyltin (MBT) was the major congener. Perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) was the predominant congener in six fish meals of the ten analysed. There was large variation in concentrations and congener distributions of the studied compounds between our samples. Our results underline a need to pay special attention to the origin and purity of feed raw material of marine origin.

Cotargeting of VEGFR-1 and -3 and angiopoietin receptor Tie2 reduces the growth of solid human ovarian cancer in mice.

Despite optimal surgery and chemotherapy, the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients remains poor and new treatments are urgently needed. Solid tumors require the formation of new vessels for growth and metastasis. In the present study, we have used soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF) receptors sVEGFR-1 and -3, soluble receptors Tie1 and Tie2 and their combinations in an ovarian cancer xenograft model. Human ovarian cancer cells were injected intraperitoneally into nude mice (n=42) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used for confirming tumors before gene delivery. Treatment with combined AdsVEGFR-1, AdsVEGFR-3 and AdsTie2 significantly decreased the size of the intraperitoneal tumors compared with the controls (AdLacZ; P=0.038) with significantly less microvessels and vascular area. Unexpectedly, treatment with combined AdsTie1 and AdsTie2 led to a dramatic shortening of the survival which was not observed in the groups receiving either of the soluble receptors alone (P=0.031). The only difference to other treatments was liver toxicity observed after the combined Tie receptor treatment. In conclusion, combined inhibition of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-3 and Tie2 pathways was safe and provided efficient therapy for ovarian cancer in mice.

Gene transfer using the mature form of VEGF-D reduces neointimal thickening through nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.

Gene transfer to the vessel wall using vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) has shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of restenosis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of catheter-mediated adenoviral (Ad) gene transfer of the mature form of VEGF-D (VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC)) in balloon-denuded cholesterol-fed rabbit aorta. AdLacZ was used as a control. Transduced VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) mRNA was detectable in the arterial wall with RT-PCR at 6, 14 and 28 days. Gene transfer efficiency as detected with X-gal staining 6 days after the AdLacZ transduction was 1.91 +/- 1.32% in intima. AdVEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) gene transfer led to 52% reduction in intima/media ratio (I/M) as compared to the AdLacZ controls at 14 days time point. At 6 days there were no differences in I/M, but the number of macrophages in the vessel wall was 85% lower in the AdVEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) group as compared to the controls. The therapeutic effect was no longer detectable 28 days after the gene transfer. The therapeutic effect of VEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) was nitric oxide (NO)-dependent as the feeding of NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, blocked the reduction in intimal thickening. It is concluded that AdVEGF-D(DeltaNDeltaC) gene transfer reduces intimal thickening and macrophage influx into the vessel wall in balloon-denuded rabbit aortas.

Laser trabeculoplasty versus medication treatment as primary therapy for glaucoma.

The first-year results of a 5-year prospective randomized follow-up study on 39 glaucoma patients, of whom 19 patients received laser trabeculoplasty and 20 patients medication therapy as primary treatment of their newly detected open-angle glaucoma, are presented. The optic disc changes were recorded by measuring the magnification corrected neuroretinal rim area from stereoscopic optic disc photographs and the visual field changes with an automated perimeter. There were no statistically significant differences in success rate, intraocular pressure reduction, and optic disc or visual field changes between the two groups during the first year of follow-up. In half of the laser treated patients the intraocular pressure was below 22 mmHg without medication treatment. Many patients in the medication group required frequent modifications of their therapy. Laser trabeculoplasty has an important role as primary therapy in glaucoma.

Optimized in situ PCR method for the detection of gene transfer vector in histological sections.

BACKGROUND: Detection of transferred genes in histological sections has been problematic due to low transfection efficiency and copy number achieved with current vectors. In situ polymerase chain reaction (in situ PCR) is a new method for the detection of low-abundance nucleic acid targets in tissue sections. METHODS: We have adapted in situ PCR method for the detection and histological localization of transgene DNA after in vivo and ex vivo retroviral gene transfer by using mild fixation and permeabilization methods. We used 4% paraformaldehyde/15% sucrose fixation combined with proteinase K permeabilization and microwave treatment. PCR signal was detected with non-radioactive digoxigenin-dUTP tailed oligonucleotide sense-probe. RESULTS: The method was applicable for both paraffin-embedded and frozen tissue sections and reached the sensitivity to detect a few copies of target DNA sequence per cell. CONCLUSIONS: In situ PCR is a sensitive method to localize integrated gene transfer vectors and to analyze the relationship between expression of the treatment gene and biological effects in the transfected tissues.

Doxycycline-regulated lentiviral vector system with a novel reverse transactivator rtTA2S-M2 shows a tight control of gene expression in vitro and in vivo.

Regulated expression of therapeutic genes is required for long-term gene therapy applications for many disorders. Here we describe a doxycycline (dox)-regulated lentiviral vector system consisting of two HIV-1-based self-inactivating viruses. One of the vectors is constitutively expressing a novel improved version of the tetracycline reverse transactivator rtTA2(S)-M2 and the other has a rtTA responsive promoter driving the expression of beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ). The rtTA2(S)-M2 has highly improved properties with respect to specificity, stability and inducibility. Functionality of the system by dox was confirmed after in vitro cotransduction of Chinese hamster ovary and human endothelial hybridoma (EAhy926) cells. Regulation of the system showed tight control of the gene expression. Dose dependence for dox was seen with concentrations that can be obtained in vivo with doses normally used in clinical practice. LacZ expression could be switched on/off during long-term (3 months) culturing of cotransduced cells. The system was next tested in vivo after cotransduction into rat brain and studying expression of the lacZ gene in dox-treated and control rats. Nested RT-PCR confirmed that the tight control of the gene expression was achieved in vivo. Also, X-gal staining showed positive cells in the dox-treated rats, but not in the controls 10 days after cotransduction with 4 days preceding treatment with dox. It is concluded that our doxycycline-regulated vector system shows significant potential for long-term gene therapy treatments.