Heat-treated and/or lysozyme-treated Enterococcus faecalis (FK-23) improves the progression of renal disease in a unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury rat model.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing owing to the elderly population. Here, we investigated the effects of heat-treated Enterococcus faecalis (FK-23) and lysozyme-treated FK-23 (LFK) on the progression of CKD in rats. A CKD model was established using male Wistar rats by subjecting them to right nephrectomy (1K), followed by ischemia and reperfusion (IR). FK-23 or LFK was fed ad libitum as a mixed diet after right nephrectomy. Animals subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) showed increased plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Furthermore, in the kidneys, collagen accumulation and α-smooth muscle actin, indicative of fibroblast activation and fibrosis-related gene and protein expression, increased 3 weeks after IRI. FK-23 and LFK suppressed the increase in the mRNA levels of some of these genes. The increase in oxidative stress markers, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and nitrotyrosine in the kidney, as well as increased plasma uremic toxins after IRI, were also ameliorated by FK-23 and LFK. Metagenomic analysis of fecal samples revealed that gut microbial alteration caused by IRI was also ameliorated by LFK treatment. These results suggest that Enterococcus faecalis ingredients may improve CKD progression by suppressing oxidative stress and correcting the balance of the intestinal microflora.

Escherichia coli-derived outer-membrane vesicles induce immune activation and progression of cirrhosis in mice and humans.

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.

Adduct Formation of Delamanid with NAD in Mycobacteria.

Delamanid (DLM), a nitro-dihydroimidazooxazole derivative currently approved for pulmonary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) therapy, is a prodrug activated by mycobacterial 7,8-didemethyl-8-hydroxy 5-deazaflavin electron transfer coenzyme (F420)-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn). Despite inhibiting the biosynthesis of a subclass of mycolic acids, the active DLM metabolite remained unknown. Comparative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of DLM metabolites revealed covalent binding of reduced DLM with a nicotinamide ring of NAD derivatives (oxidized form) in DLM-treated Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. Bacille de Calmette et Guérin. Isoniazid-resistant mutations in the type II NADH dehydrogenase gene (ndh) showed a higher intracellular NADH/NAD ratio and cross-resistance to DLM, which were restored by complementation of the mutants with wild-type ndh Our data demonstrated for the first time the adduct formation of reduced DLM with NAD in mycobacterial cells and its importance in the action of DLM.

Metabolic adaptation to glycolysis is a basic defense mechanism of macrophages for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

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.

Effects of orally active hypoxia inducible factor alpha prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, FG4592 on renal fibrogenic potential in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model.

Orally active hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors that stabilize HIF protein and stimulate the production of erythropoietin have been approved to treat renal anemia. Our previous report suggested that HIF-1α dependent fibrogenic mechanisms are operating at the early onset of renal fibrosis and its contribution declines with the progression in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. The aim of the study is to evaluate the renal fibrogenic potential of FG4592, a recently approved orally active HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor in mouse UUO model. Male C57BL/6J mice orally given FG-4592 (12.5 mg/kg/day and 50 mg/kg/day) were subjected to UUO. Neither dose of FG-4592 affected renal fibrosis or macrophage infiltration. FG-4592 had no effects on increased mRNA of collagen I, collagen III or transforming growth factor-ß1. At 3 days after UUO, higher dose of FG-4592 potentiated the increased mRNA expression of profibrogenic molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (Pai-1) and connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) but such potentiation disappeared at 7 days after UUO. It is suggested that FG-4592 used in the present study had little effects on renal fibrosis even though high dose of FG-4592 used in the present study transiently potentiated gene expression of Pai-1 and Ctgf in the UUO kidney.

Bordet-Gengou agar medium supplemented with albumin-containing biologics for cultivation of bordetellae.

Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica cause respiratory infections in mammals, including humans, and are generally cultivated on Bordet-Gengou (BG) agar plates in laboratories. The medium requires animal blood as a supplement for better bacterial growth. However, using blood is problematic, as its constant supply is occasionally difficult because of the limited shelf-life. This study proposes modified BG agar plates supplemented with bovine serum albumin and fetal bovine serum as a simple and convenient medium that confers sufficient growth of bordetellae.

Serum antibody profiles in individuals with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

One-third of the world's humans has latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), representing a large pool of potentially active TB. Recent LTBI carries a higher risk of disease progression than remote LTBI. Recent studies suggest important roles of antibodies in TB pathology, prompting us to investigate serum antibody profiles in a cohort with LTBI. In this single-center prospective observational study, we analyzed IgG-antibody concentrations against five major Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigens (including 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT6), CFP10, and antigen 85A, which are expressed mainly in the growth phase; and mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1) and alpha-crystallin like protein (Acr), which are expressed in the dormant phases) in individuals with recent (n=13) or remote (n=12) LTBI, no Mtb infection (n=19), or active TB (n=15). Antibody titers against ESAT6 and MDP1 were significantly higher in individuals with recent LTBI than in those with no Mtb infection or remote LTBI. All pairwise antibody titers against these five major antigens were significantly correlated throughout the stages of Mtb infection. Five individuals with recent LTBI had significantly higher antibody titers against ESAT6 (P = 0.03), Ag85A (P = 0.048), Acr (P = 0.057), and MDP1 (P = 0.0001) than in individuals with remote LTBI; they were also outside the normal range (+2 SDs). One of these individuals was diagnosed with active pulmonary TB at 18-month follow-up examination. These findings indicated that concentrations of antibodies against both multiplying and dormant Mtb are higher in recent LTBI and that individuals with markedly higher antibody titers may be appropriate candidates for prophylactic therapy.

A dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, linagliptin, attenuates cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction independently of DPP-4.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors not only improve impaired glucose tolerance in diabetes, but also have pleiotropic extra-pancreatic effects such as preconditioning effect for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Here, we investigated the anti-remodeling effects of linagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, by use of DPP-4-deficient rats. After the induction of myocardial infarction (MI), Fischer 344 rats with inactivating mutation of DPP-4 were orally administrated with a DPP-4 inhibitor, linagliptin (5 mg kg-1·day-1), or vehicle in drinking water for 4 weeks. Linagliptin did not affect hemodynamic status, body weight, and infarct size. In echocardiography, linagliptin tended to improve left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and significantly improved LV diastolic function, surprisingly. Interstitial fibrosis in marginal region and macrophage infiltration were significantly lower in the linagliptin group than those in the vehicle group. Fibrosis-related gene expressions, such as collagen I and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and inflammation-related expressions, such as macrophage chemotactic protein 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), were significantly suppressed in marginal area of the linagliptin-treated rats compared with the vehicle rats. The TGF-ß1 and MMP-2 protein levels were attenuated by linagliptin in DPP-4-deficient cardiac fibroblasts. Linagliptin can attenuate MI-induced cardiac remodeling via a DPP-4-independent pathway.

S-allyl-glutathione improves experimental liver fibrosis by regulating Kupffer cell activation in rats.

S-allyl-glutathione (SAG) is one of the metabolites of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a component of garlic. DAS has shown preventative effects on carcinogenesis in animal models. However, whether synthetic SAG can improve liver fibrosis has not been investigated. We examined the potential preventive effects of SAG on acute and chronic models of liver fibrosis by chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. SAG inhibited liver fibrogenesis induced by CCl4 in a dose-dependent manner and reduced heat shock protein-47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific chaperone, and other fibrosis markers. In fibrosis regression models, after administration of either CCl4 for 9 wk or dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN) for 6 wk, SAG markedly accelerated fibrolysis in both models. In the regression stage of DMN-treated liver, SAG normalized the ratio of M2 phenotype (expression of mannose receptor) in Kupffer cells (KCs). Consistent with these results, the culture supernatants of SAG-treated M2-phenotype KCs inhibited collagen-α1(I) chain (COL1A1) mRNA expression in primary culture-activated rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, SAG did not directly inhibit HSC activation. In an acute model of CCl4 single injection, SAG inhibited hepatic injury dose dependently consistent with the inhibited the elevation of the bilirubin and ALT levels. These findings suggest that SAG could improve the fibrogenic and fibrolysis cascade via the regulation of excess activated and polarized KCs. SAG may also serve as a preventive and therapeutic agent in fibrosis of other organs for which current clinical therapy is unavailable. NEW & NOTEWORTHY S-allyl-glutathione (SAG) is a metabolite of diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic. SAG increased hepatic glutathione levels and GSH-to-GSSG ratio in normal rats. SAG treatment before or after liver fibrosis from chronic CCl4 administration improved liver fibrosis and regression. SAG decreased heat shock protein-47 (HSP47), a collagen-specific chaperone, and other fibrosis markers in CCl4-treated livers. SAG-treated Kupffer cell conditioned medium also inhibited collagen-α1(I) chain (COL1A1) mRNA expression and other markers in primary culture hepatic stellate cells.

Red ginseng extracts attenuate skin inflammation in atopic dermatitis through p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase activation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with increased immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) signaling is known to occur in the inflammatory regions of AD skin. We previously demonstrated that red ginseng extract (RGE), as an anti-inflammatory agent, had potential for treating AD. However, it is still unclear whether RGE inhibits mTOR/p70S6K signaling. Thus, we examined the anti-inflammatory effects of RGE on IgE or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) induced signaling pathways. In KU812 human basophils, activation of Fcε receptor type Iα (FCεRI), also known as the high affinity IgE receptor, induced phosphorylation of both mTOR and p70S6K. Moreover, levels of phosphorylated p70S6K (p-p70S6K), but not p-mTOR, were decreased by RGE. RGE also decreased p-p70S6K levels in IFN-γ-stimulated human keratinocytes, suppressing the IFN-γ induced increase in levels of C-C chemokine ligand 2 mRNA. Interestingly, the increased p70S6K phosphorylation in skin lesions of AD model mice was attenuated by RGE treatment. In conclusion, RGE is a potential therapy against inflammatory responses involving the p70S6K signaling pathway.

Role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in the development of renal fibrosis in mouse obstructed kidney: Special references to HIF-1 dependent gene expression of profibrogenic molecules.

The aim of the study is to clarify the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in the development of renal fibrosis in mouse obstructive nephropathy. We used mice with floxed HIF-1α alleles and tamoxifen-inducible Cre/ERT2 recombinase under ubiquitin C promoter to induce global HIF-1α deletion. Following tamoxifen administration, mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). At 3, 7 and 14 days after UUO, renal gene expression profiles and interstitial fibrosis were assessed. HIF-1 dependent up-regulation of prolyl hydroxylase 3 and glucose transporter-1 was observed in the obstructed kidney at 3 and 7 days but not at 14 days after UUO. Various factors promoting fibrosis were up-regulated during the development of fibrosis. HIF-1 dependent gene expression of profibrotic molecules, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, connective tissue growth factor, lysyl oxidase like 2 and transglutaminase 2 was observed in the obstructed kidney but such HIF-1 dependency was limited to the early onset of renal fibrosis. Global HIF-1 deletion tended to attenuate interstitial collagen I deposition at 3 days but had no effects thereafter. It is suggested that HIF-1 dependent profibrogenic mechanisms are operating at the early onset of renal fibrosis but its contribution declines with the progression in mouse UUO model.

Myeloid HIF-1 attenuates the progression of renal fibrosis in murine obstructive nephropathy.

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Although the role of macrophage infiltration in the progression of renal fibrosis is well known, the role of macrophage HIF-1 remains to be revealed. To address this question, myeloid specific conditional HIF-1 knock out mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Renal interstitial deposition of collagen Ⅲ and mRNA expressions of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were markedly increased at 7 days after UUO and myeloid HIF-1 depletion significantly accelerated these increases. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometric analysis revealed that renal infiltrating macrophages were increased with duration of UUO but myeloid HIF-1 depletion did not affect these changes. Myeloid HIF-1 depletion did not affect M1 and M2 macrophage phenotype polarization in obstructed kidneys. Renal connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression was markedly increased and myeloid HIF-1 depletion further enhanced this increase. Immunomagnetic separation of renal cells revealed that renal CTGF was expressed predominantly in renal cells other than macrophages. It is suggested that myeloid HIF-1 attenuates the progression of renal fibrosis in murine obstructive kidney. Alteration of CTGF expression in renal cells other than macrophages is one of possible mechanisms by which myeloid HIF-1 protected renal fibrosis.

Lipid synthesis is promoted by hypoxic adipocyte-derived exosomes in 3T3-L1 cells.

Hypoxia occurs within adipose tissues as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy and is associated with adipocyte dysfunction in obesity. Here, we examined whether hypoxia affects the characteristics of adipocyte-derived exosomes. Exosomes are nanovesicles secreted from most cell types as an information carrier between donor and recipient cells, containing a variety of proteins as well as genetic materials. Cultured differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to hypoxic conditions and the protein content of the exosomes produced from these cells was compared by quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 231 proteins were identified in the adipocyte-derived exosomes. Some of these proteins showed altered expression levels under hypoxic conditions. These results were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Especially, hypoxic adipocyte-released exosomes were enriched in enzymes related to de novo lipogenesis such as acetyl-CoA carboxylase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and fatty acid synthase (FASN). The total amount of proteins secreted from exosomes increased by 3-4-fold under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, hypoxia-derived exosomes promoted lipid accumulation in recipient 3T3-L1 adipocytes, compared with those produced under normoxic conditions. FASN levels were increased in undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells treated with FASN-containing hypoxic adipocytes-derived exosomes. This is a study to characterize the proteomic profiles of adipocyte-derived exosomes. Exosomal proteins derived from hypoxic adipocytes may affect lipogenic activity in neighboring preadipocytes and adipocytes.

Noninvasive metabolic syndrome model using an extremely small minipig, the microminipig.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) induces serious complications; therefore, we developed a noninvasive MetS model using an extremely small minipig, the Microminipig. For 8 weeks, Microminipigs were administrated a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFCD) for atherosclerosis and N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) for inhibiting nitric oxide synthase. HFCD significantly increased serum low-density lipoprotein levels, l-NAME increased blood pressure and cardiac hypertrophy, and HFCD-induced aortal arteriosclerosis was accelerated by l-NAME administration. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of the coronary artery was remarkably decreased by l-NAME administration. This model may be useful for elucidating the mechanisms of MetS and developing new therapeutic medicines for its treatment.

Association between diet quality and risk of stunting among school-aged children in Schistosoma mansoni endemic area of western Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

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.

Triterpenoid saponin from Panax ginseng increases the sensitivity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to ß-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics.

The triterpenoid saponins, ginsenosides, are the major bioactive compound of red ginseng and can exert various physiological activities. In the present study, we examined whether red ginseng extract (RGE) exerts antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). RGE had no bactericidal activity, at least in the range of dissolvable concentration. However, RGE reduced 0.03-0.25-fold the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ß-lactam antibiotics (oxacillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and cefazolin) and aminoglycoside antibiotics (kanamycin and gentamicin) against the two laboratory strains of MRSA. Moreover, the fractional inhibitory concentration index indicated the synergistic activity of RGE with each of the antibiotics. RGE also increased the kanamycin sensitivity of 15 MRSA strains isolated from human volunteers and increased the ampicillin sensitivity of five MRSA strains isolated from dairy cows diagnosed with bovine mastitis. In contrast, RGE did not alter the MIC values of fosfomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, suggesting that RGE acts selectively. In contrast, Triton X-100, which was reported to reduce the MIC value of ß-lactam antibiotics to MRSA by increasing membrane permeability, reduced the MIC values of fosfomycin and tetracycline. These results indicate that RGE increases the bactericidal effect of antibiotics via a mechanism different from that used by Triton X-100. We found that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), a component of RGE, was an essential compound that exhibits synergy activity with antibiotics. Furthermore, the non-natural compound K, which contains a common protopanaxadiol aglycon moiety with Rg3, also showed synergistic activity with antibiotics. Thus, Rg3 and compound K are potentially new antibiotic adjuvants against MRSA.IMPORTANCEMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant organism that is prevalent worldwide. Therefore, the research and development of new agents against MRSA are required. We first found that ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) in red ginseng, made from the roots of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, increased the sensitivity of ß-lactam antibiotics and aminoglycoside antibiotics to MRSA. Furthermore, we identified that compound K, an unnatural ginsenoside analog, also increased the sensitivity of antibiotics to MRSA, similar to Rg3. By contrast, neither Rg3 nor compound K increased the sensitivity of fosfomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin to MRSA, suggesting that these act selectively. In the present study, the natural compound Rg3 and its structural isomer, compound K, are potentially new antibiotic adjuvants against MRSA. Currently, multiple antibiotics are used to treat MRSA, but the use of these adjuvants is expected to enable the treatment of MRSA with a single antibiotic and low concentrations of antibiotics.

Recombinant mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 with post-translational modifications boosts IFN-gamma production from BCG-vaccinated individuals' blood cells in combination with CpG-DNA.

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.

Dynamic regulation of Th17 differentiation by oxygen concentrations.

Naive CD4(+) T cells are activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and differentiate into distinct types of helper T (T(h)) cells in the lymph node or spleen. Oxygen (O(2)) tension is generally low in these secondary lymphoid tissues compared with the bloodstream or atmosphere. However, the effect of changes in O(2) concentration on the differentiation of T(h) cells remains unclear. Here, we established a novel model of T(h)-cell differentiation, which mimics physiological O(2) conditions. We primed naive CD4(+) T cells under 5% O(2), which has been observed in the lymph node or spleen and reoxygenated under normoxia that mimicked the O(2) concentration in blood. In this model, the differentiation of T(h)17 cells, but not T(h)1 or iTreg cells, was enhanced. Under the condition of 5% O(2), mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was activated and led to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in T(h)17 cells. The activation of mTORC1 and the acceleration of T(h)17-cell differentiation, which occurred when cells were primed under 5% O(2), 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 T(h)17-cell differentiation.

Antigen 85A and mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 are targets of immunoglobulin G in individuals with past tuberculosis.

Development of accurate methods for predicting progression of tuberculosis (TB) from the latent state is recognized as vitally important in controlling TB, because a majority of cases develop from latent infections. Past TB that has never been treated has a higher risk of progressing than does latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in patients who have previously received treatment. Antibody responses against 23 kinds of M. tuberculosis proteins in individuals with past TB who had not been medicated were evaluated. These individuals had significantly higher concentrations of antibodies against Antigen 85A and mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1) than did those with active TB and uninfected controls. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed colocalization of tubercle bacilli, antigen 85 and MDP1 inside tuberculous granuloma lesions in an asymptomatic subject, showing that M. tuberculosis in lesions expresses both antigen 85 and MDP1. Our study suggests the potential usefulness of measuring antibody responses to antigen 85A and MDP1 for assessing the risk of TB progression.

Tolvaptan attenuates left ventricular fibrosis after acute myocardial infarction in rats.

Tolvaptan, a non-peptide V2-receptor antagonist, is a newly developed diuretic agent. Recently, we reported that tolvaptan has diuretic as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions in chronic heart failure. In this study, we investigated whether tolvaptan has a cardioprotective effect in acute heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). After MI induction, rats were randomized into 6 groups as follows: vehicle group, group treated with 15 mg∙kg⁻¹âˆ™day⁻¹ furosemide, 2 groups treated with 3 or 10 mg∙kg⁻¹âˆ™day⁻¹ tolvaptan, and 2 groups treated with 15 mg∙kg⁻¹âˆ™day⁻¹ furosemide combined with 3 or 10 mg∙kg⁻¹âˆ™day⁻¹ tolvaptan. Each agent was administered for 2 weeks, and blood pressure levels and infarct sizes were similar in all MI groups. Lower left ventricular end-systolic volumes and greater improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction were observed in the tolvaptan-treated groups compared with the vehicle group. In contrast, furosemide alone did not improve them. Sirius red staining revealed that tolvaptan significantly repressed MI-induced interstitial fibrosis in the left ventricle. MI-induced mRNA expressions related to cardiac load, inflammation, and fibrosis were significantly attenuated in the combination group. The combination treatment also repressed MI-induced mineralocorticoid receptor expression. Tolvaptan, or combination of furosemide and tolvaptan, may improve cardiac function in acute MI.