The Improvement in Function of Poststroke Spasticity by Vibrational and Heated Stone-Needle Therapy and Meridian Dredging Exercise: A Randomized, Controlled, Preliminary Trial.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke spasticity (PSS) is a common complication of stroke. Current PSS treatments have been linked to high costs, lack of long-term effectiveness, and undesirable side effects. Vibrational and heated stone-needle therapy (VHS) has not been utilized to treat PSS, and its safety and effectiveness have yet to be proven by high-quality clinical research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of VHS combined with meridian dredging exercise (MDE) in patients with PSS. METHODS: One hundred participants with stroke were included and randomly assigned to a treatment group (VHS plus MDEs) and a control group (MDEs alone). Patients in both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), while the secondary outcome measures were the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). The evaluations were at baseline (T0) at 4 weeks of treatment (T1) and at 12 weeks of follow-up without treatment (T2). RESULTS: At T1 and T2, there were significant differences in MAS between the two groups (p = 0.001). From the perspective of distribution, the VHS plus MDE group had significant changes, and the group-time interactions of upper and lower extremities in FMA, ADL, and SS-QOL were statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that patients' symptoms improved after treatment. But the overall effect size is small, especially the effect size of improvement in SS-QOL at T1. CONCLUSION: VHS in combination with MDE can consistently alleviate PSS, enhance limb function, and improve the quality of life of patients with PSS. But we need to optimize the device further and observe the improvement of patients for a more extended period.Spastik nach Schlaganfall (PSS; post-stroke spasticity) ist eine häufige Komplikation des Schlaganfalls. Gegenwärtige PSS-Behandlungen sind mit hohen Kosten, mangelnder langfristiger Wirksamkeit und unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen in Verbindung gebracht worden. Vibrierende und erhitzte Steinnadeln (VHS) sind bisher nicht zur Behandlung des PSS eingesetzt worden, und der Nachweis ihrer Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit durch hochwertige klinische Forschung steht noch aus.Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit von vibrierenden und erhitzten Steinnadeln (VHS) in Kombination mit Meridian-Ausbagger-Übungen (MDE) bei Patienten mit PSS.100 Patienten mit Schlaganfall wurden eingeschlossen und per Randomisierung auf eine Behandlungsgruppe (VHS plus MDEs) und eine Kontrollgruppe (nur MDE) aufgeteilt. In beiden Gruppen wurden die Patienten 4 Wochen lang behandelt. Die primären Messinstrumente waren die Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) und das Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), als sekundäre Messinstrumente wurden die Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) und die Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) erhoben. Die Beurteilungszeitpunkte waren bei Baseline (T0) nach 4 Wochen Behandlung (T1) und nach 12 Wochen Nachbeobachtung ohne Behandlung (T2).Bei T1 und T2 bestanden signifikante Unterschiede bei der MAS zwischen den Gruppen (p = 0.001). Aus der Perspektive der Distribution zeigte die "VHS plus MDE"-Gruppe signifikante Veränderungen, und die Gruppe*Zeit-Interaktionen der oberen and unteren Extremitäten bei FMA, ADL und SS-QOL waren statistisch signifikant (p < 0.001), was darauf hindeutet, dass die Beschwerden der Patienten sich nach der Behandlung besserten. Die Effektstärke ist allerdings gering, insbesondere die der SS-QOL-Verbesserung bei T1.Die Anwendung von vibrierenden und erhitzten Steinnadeln in Kombination mit Meridian-Ausbagger-Übungen kann PSS durchgängig lindern, die Funktion der Extremitäten verbessern und die Lebensqualität der Patienten mit PSS erhöhen. Jedoch muss das Produkt weiter optimiert werden, und die Verbesserungen bei den Patienten müssen über einen längeren Zeitraum beobachtet werden.

Evaluation of the feasibility of a multisource CBCT for maxillofacial imaging.

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of improving the image quality and accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) by replacing the conventional wide cone angle x-ray tube with a distributed x-ray source array positioned in the axial direction.Approach. The multisource CBCT (ms-CBCT) design was experimentally simulated using a benchtop scanner with a carbon nanotube x-ray tube and a flat-panel detector. The source was collimated and translated in the axial direction to simulate a source array with a reduced cone angle for each beam. An adjacent scatter ratio subtraction (ASRS) method was implemented for residual scatter reduction. Several phantoms were imaged using the ms-CBCT and conventional CBCT configurations under otherwise similar conditions. The Requirements of the ms-CBCT design on the x-ray source and detector were evaluated.Main results. Compared to the conventional CBCT, the ms-CBCT design with 8 sources and ASRS significantly improved the image quality and accuracy, including: (1) reducing the cupping artifact from 15% to 3.5%; (2) reducing the spatial nonuniformity of the CT Hounsfield unit values from 38.0 to 9.2; (3) improving the contrast-to-noise ratio of the low contrast objects (acrylic and low density polyethylene inserts) against the water-equivalent background by ∼20% and (4) reducing the root-mean-square error of the HU values by 70%, from 420.1 to 124.4. The imaging dose and scanning time used by the current clinical CBCT for maxillofacial imaging can be achieved by current source and detector technologies.Significance. The ms-CBCT design significantly reduces the scatter and improves the image quality and accuracy compared to the conventional CBCT.

Independent and synergistic bio-reductions of uranium (VI) driven by zerovalent iron in aquifer.

Zerovalent iron [Fe(0)] can donate electron for bioprocess, but microbial uranium (VI) [U(VI)] reduction driven by Fe(0) is still poorly understood. In this study, Fe(0) supported U(VI) bio-reduction was steadily achieved in the 160-d continuous-flow biological column. The maximum removal efficiency and capacity of U(VI) were 100% and 46.4 ± 0.52 g/(m3·d) respectively, and the longevity of Fe(0) increased by 3.09 times. U(VI) was reduced to solid UO2, while Fe(0) was finally oxidized to Fe(III). Autotrophic Thiobacillus achieved U(VI) reduction coupled to Fe(0) oxidation, verified by pure culture. H2 produced from Fe(0) corrosion was consumed by autotrophic Clostridium for U(VI) reduction. The detected residual organic intermediates were biosynthesized with energy released from Fe(0) oxidation and utilized by heterotrophic Desulfomicrobium, Bacillus and Pseudomonas to reduce U(VI). Metagenomic analysis found the upregulated genes for U(VI) reduction (e.g., dsrA and dsrB) and Fe(II) oxidation (e.g., CYC1 and mtrA). These functional genes were also transcriptionally expressed. Cytochrome c and glutathione responsible for electron transfer also contributed to U(VI) reduction. This study reveals the independent and synergistic pathways for Fe(0)-dependent U(VI) bio-reduction, providing promising remediation strategy for U(VI)-polluted aquifers.

Concurrent reductive decontamination of chromium (VI) and uranium (VI) in groundwater by Fe(0)-based autotrophic bioprocess.

The co-presence of chromium (VI) [Cr(VI)] and uranium (VI) [U(VI)] is widely found in groundwater, imposing severe risks on human health. Although zerovalent iron [Fe(0)] supports superb performance for bioreduction of Cr(VI) and U(VI) individually, the biogeochemical process involving their concurrent removal with Fe(0) as electron donor remains unexplored. In the 6-d batch study, 86.1% ± 0.7% of Cr(VI) was preferentially eliminated, while 78.4% ± 0.5% of U(VI) removal was achieved simultaneously. Efficient removal of Cr(VI) (100%) and U(VI) (51.2% ∼ 100%) was also obtained in a continuous 160-d column experiment. As a result, Cr(VI) and U(VI) were reduced to less mobile Cr(III) and insoluble U(IV), respectively. 16 S rRNA sequencing was performed to investigate the dynamics of microbial community. Delftia, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Desulfomicrobium were the major contributors mediating the bioreduction process. The initial Cr(VI) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) incurred pronounced effects on community diversity, which in turn altered the reactor's performance. The enrichment of Cr(VI) resistance (chrA), U(VI) reduction (dsrA) and Fe(II) oxidation (mtrA) genes were observed by reverse transcription qPCR. Cytochrome c, glutathione and NADH as well as VFAs and gas metabolites also involved in the bioprocess. This study demonstrated a promising approach for removing the combined contaminants of Cr(VI) and U(VI) in groundwater.

Concurrent anaerobic chromate bio-reduction and pentachlorophenol bio-degradation in a synthetic aquifer.

Chromate [Cr(VI)] and pentachlorophenol (PCP) coexist widely in the environment and are highly toxic to public health. However, whether Cr(VI) bio-reduction is accompanied by PCP bio-degradation and how microbial communities can keep long-term stability to mediate these bioprocesses in aquifer remain elusive. Herein, we conducted a 365-day continuous column experiment, during which the concurrent removals of Cr(VI) and PCP were realized under anaerobic condition. This process allowed for complete Cr(VI) bio-reduction and PCP bio-degradation at an efficiency of 92.8 ± 4.2% using ethanol as a co-metabolic substrate. More specifically, Cr(VI) was reduced to insoluble chromium (III) and PCP was efficiently dechlorinated with chloride ion release. Collectively, Acinetobacter and Spirochaeta regulated Cr(VI) bio-reduction heterotrophically, while Pseudomonas mediated not only Cr(VI) bio-reduction but also PCP bio-dechlorination. The bio-dechlorinated products were further mineralized by Azospira and Longilinea. Genes encoding proteins for Cr(VI) bio-reduction (chrA and yieF) and PCP bio-degradation (pceA) were upregulated. Cytochrome c and intracellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide were involved in Cr(VI) and PCP detoxification by promoting electron transfer. Taken together, our findings provide a promising bioremediation strategy for concurrent removal of Cr(VI) and PCP in aquifers through bio-stimulation with supplementation of appropriate substrates.

10.6-µm infrared laser as adjuvant therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic neurological complication. It is the main cause of disability in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Pharmacological treatments always associate with limited efficacy and adverse effects. Moxibustion has been recommended to treat DPN as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medical treatment to accelerate alleviation of the symptoms of DPN. 10.6-µm laser moxibustion (LM), whose wavelength is close to the peak of infrared radiation spectrum of the traditional moxibustion as well as human acupoints, produces the thermal effect similar with moxibustion but with no smoke or smell. The purpose of this sham controlled clinical trial is to determine the effect and safety of 10.6-µm LM as adjuvant therapy in patients with DPN. METHODS: This is a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. One hundred fourteen patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to the LM group or the sham LM group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients in both groups will receive a basic integrated treatment of Chinese and Western medicine and a total of 12 sessions of true or sham LM treatments over 4 weeks with 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome is nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and the secondary outcomes include Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores, Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life (DSQL) scores, blood rheology parameters, and assessments of safety and blinding. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 2 weeks after treatment, the end of LM treatments (4 weeks), and 4, 8 weeks after the end of LM treatment (8, 12weeks). DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of LM versus sham LM combined with medical treatment. 10.6-µm LM may alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the dosage of drugs as well as avoid causing serious side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029329 . Registered on 25 January 2020.

Synchronous bio-reduction of Uranium(VI) and Vanadium(V) in aquifer: Performance and mechanisms.

Uranium and vanadium commonly co-exist in groundwater aquifer where uranium was smelted from vanadium tailings. However, little is known about interrelationships of U(VI) and V(V) during their bio-reduction processes. In this work, 92.7 ± 1.52% U(VI) and 100% V(V) were simultaneously removed with sodium acetate as the sole exogenous electron donor and carbon source under anaerobic condition. Various conditions (i.e., increased uranium, reduced hydraulic retention time and acetate) were observed to affect removal efficiencies. Characterization of column fillings indicated that U(VI) was precipitated to U(IV) and V(V) was reduced to insoluble V(IV). Microbial community structure was observed to change, where Aquabacterium and Hydrogenophaga promoted bioreductions of U(VI) and V(V). Enriched Novosphingobium and Rhodobacter also played a vital role in reducing U(VI) and V(V). These findings could be used to study the biogeochemical fates of U(VI) and V(V) in the aquifer and to remediate groundwater co-contaminated by U(VI) and V(V).

The role of available phosphorous in vanadate decontamination by soil indigenous microbial consortia.

Indigenous microbial consortia are closely associated with soil inherent components including nutrients and minerals. Although indigenous microbial consortia present great prospects for bioremediation of vanadate [V(V)] contaminated soil, influences of some key components, such as available phosphorus (AP), on V(V) biodetoxification are poorly understood. In this study, surface soils sampled from five representative vanadium smelter sites were employed as inocula without pretreatment. V(V) removal efficiency ranged from 81.7 ± 1.4% to 99.5 ± 0.2% in batch experiment, and the maximum V(V) removal rates were positively correlated with AP contents. Long-term V(V) removal was achieved under fluctuant hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions in column experiment. Geobacter and Bacillus, which were found in both original soils and bioreactors, catalytically reduced V(V) to insoluble tetravalent vanadium. Phosphate-solubilizing bacterium affiliated to Gemmatimonadaceae were also identified abundantly. Microbial functional characterization indicated the enrichment of phosphate ABC transporter, which could accelerate V(V) transfer into intercellular space for efficient reduction due to the structural similarity of V(V) and phosphate. This study reveals the critical role of AP in microbial V(V) decontamination and provides promising strategy for in situ bioremediation of V(V) polluted soil.

Effect and safety of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by impairment in social interaction or communication and lack of flexibility of imagination and behavior. Acupuncture is one of the most common modality of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat various disease in clinical practice for more than 2000 years in China by correcting disharmony and dysregulation of body. It has sometimes been used as a treatment aimed at improving ASD symptoms and outcomes, but its clinical effectiveness and safety has not been rigorously reviewed. We will plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the current evidence on the effects and safety of acupuncture for ASD. METHODS: The following databases will be searched: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, and VIP. Randomised controlled trials will be included to evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture on patients with ASD. The primary outcome will be the core features of ASD. The risk of bias will be assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We will conduct a meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis, as well as a subgroup analysis if high heterogeneity is present, using Revman 5.3. We will use funnel plots to identify potential reporting biases. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to evaluate the quality of evidence. RESULTS: This study will be to assess the effect and safety of acupuncture for ASD. CONCLUSIONS: This study will assess the effect of acupuncture for ASD and provide reliable evidence for the choice of treatments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol will not need ethical approval because no issues of participant privacy exist. The results of this systematic review will provide evidence about the effect and safety of acupuncture for ASD. The results will be disseminated through peer review.

PoMet3 and PoMet14 associated with sulfate assimilation are essential for conidiogenesis and pathogenicity in Pyricularia oryzae.

Pyricularia oryzae is the causal agent of blast disease on staple gramineous crops. Sulphur is an essential element for the biosynthesis of cysteine and methionine in fungi. Here, we targeted the P. oryzae PoMET3 encoding the enzyme ATP sulfurylase, and PoMET14 encoding the APS (adenosine-5'-phosphosulphate) kinase that are involved in sulfate assimilation and sulphur-containing amino acids biosynthesis. In P. oryzae, deletion of PoMET3 or PoMET14 separately results in defects of conidiophore formation, significant impairments in conidiation, methionine and cysteine auxotrophy, limited invasive hypha extension, and remarkably reduced virulence on rice and barley. Furthermore, the defects of the null mutants could be restored by supplementing with exogenous cysteine or methionine. Our study explored the biological functions of sulfur assimilation and sulphur-containing amino acids biosynthesis in P. oryzae.

Simple synthesis of luminescent CdSe quantum dots from ascorbic acid and selenium dioxide.

A simple, low-cost and convenient method was developed for the synthesis of highly luminescent CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in an aqueous medium. Compared with previous methods, this synthesis was carried out in one pot using ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) to replace NaBH4 or N2H4·H2O as a reductant, and selenium dioxide to replace selenium or its other hazardous, expensive and unstable compounds as a precursor. The mechanism of CdSe QDs formation was elucidated. The influence of various experimental variables, including refluxing time, Cd/MSA and Cd/Se molar ratios, on the luminescent properties of the QDs were systematically investigated. X-Ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy characterization indicated that the QDs had a pure cubic zinc-blended structure with a spherical shape.

Tripchlorolide improves cognitive deficits by reducing amyloid ß and upregulating synapse-related proteins in a transgenic model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by early impairments in memory and progressive neurodegeneration. Disruption of synaptic plasticity processes that underlie learning and memory contribute partly to this pathophysiology. Tripchlorolide (T4 ), an extract from a traditional Chinese herbal Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of Parkinson's disease and to improve cognitive deficits in senescence-accelerated mouse P8. In this study, we investigated the effect of T4 on cognitive decline and synaptic plasticity in five times familial AD (5XFAD) mice co-expressing mutated amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1. Five-month-old 5XFAD mice and wild type littermates were intraperitoneally injected with T4 , 5 µg/kg or 25 µg/kg, every other day for 60 days. T4 treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory, alleviated synaptic ultrastructure degradation, up-regulated expression of synapse-related proteins, including synaptophysin, post-synaptic density-95, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 1, phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II α, and phosphorylation of cyclic AMP-response element binding protein, and promoted activation of the phophoinositide-3-kinase-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway in 5XFAD mice. Accumulation of amyloid ß (Aß) may contribute to synapse dysfunction and memory impairment in AD. We found that T4 treatment significantly reduced cerebral Aß deposits and lowered Aß levels in brain homogenates. These effects coincided with a reduction in cleavage of ß-carboxyl-terminal amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragment, levels of soluble APPß, and protein expression of ß-site APP cleaving enzyme 1. Taken together, our findings identify T4 as a potent negative regulator of brain Aß levels and show that it significantly ameliorates synaptic degeneration and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of AD.

[Indirect determination of rare earth elements in Chinese herbal medicines by hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry].

Based on their similarity in chemical properties, rare earth elements were able to form stable coordinated compounds with arsenazo III which were extractable into butanol in the presence of diphenylguanidine. The butanol was removed under reduced pressure distillation; the residue was dissolved with diluted hydrochloric acid. As was released with the assistance of KMnO4 and determined by hydrogen generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry in terms of rare earth elements. When cesium sulfate worked as standard solution, extraction conditions, KMnO4 amount, distillation temperature, arsenazo III amount, interfering ions, etc were optimized. The accuracy and precision of the method were validated using national standard certified materials, showing a good agreement. Under optimum condition, the linear relationship located in 0.2-25 microg x mL(-1) and detection limit was 0.44 microg x mL(-1). After the herbal samples were digested with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, the rare earth elements were determined by this method, showing satisfactory results with relative standard deviation of 1.3%-2.5%, and recoveries of 94.4%-106.0%. The method showed the merits of convenience and rapidness, simple instrumentation and high accuracy. With the rare earths enriched into organic phase, the separation of analytes from matrix was accomplished, which eliminated the interference. With the residue dissolved by diluted hydrochloric acid after the solvent was removed, aqueous sample introduction eliminated the impact of organic phase on the tubing connected to pneumatic pump.

Vitamin D levels and other factors related to bone mineral density during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Multiple factors appear to affect bone mineral density (BMD) during pregnancy. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between BMD of the os calcaneus as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and levels of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), albumin (Alb), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in a group of Chinese women. METHODS: Multiple parameters, including density of the os calcaneus, were recorded for a group of 130 women in early (mean gestation, 16.09 ± 2.65 weeks) and late (mean gestation, 32.01 ± 3.45 weeks) stages of pregnancy; 139 nonpregnant women served as controls. RESULTS: Bone mineral density was lower in pregnant women than in controls at both early and late stages of pregnancy. Levels of Ca, P and ALP were significantly negatively correlated with BMD over the course of pregnancy. Levels of D3, PTH and Alb showed a falling trend from early to late pregnancy as with QUS BMD of the os calcaneus, but the correlations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors are correlated with BMD. We suggest that levels of Ca and ALP should be included in the routine examination of pregnant women.

[Butanol extraction combined with dilute hydrochloric acid dissolution-atomic fluorescence spectrometric method for indirect determination of molybdenum in Chinese herbal medicine].

A method for indirectly determining the molybdenum in Chinese herbal medicine by butanol extraction and dilute hydrochloric acid dissolution was established for atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The molybdoarsenate heteropoly acid, formed in the presence of As(V) and ammonium molybdate in 0.3 mol x L(-1) sulphuric acid medium, was separated and enriched in the organic solvent, then the evaporation of organic reagent was implemented and the left residue was dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid in which the arsenic content was determined on behalf of molybdenum. In the optimum experimental conditions, molybdenum content in 0-15 microg x L(-1) range depicts a good linear relationship, the detection limit and relative standard deviation of 0.44 microg x L(-1) and 1.1% were obtained, respectively. Spiked Chinese herbal medicine samples were determined with the proposed method, and recoveries of 95.6%-101.3% were achieved.

Inter-related in vitro effects of androgens, fatty acids and oxidative stress in prostate cancer: a mechanistic model supporting prevention strategies.

Oxidation of mitochondrial fatty acids (FA) results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which have been postulated to play a key role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer (PC). We previously reported that androgens increase FA uptake into PC cells. We thus examined if androgens that are known to induce ROS generation regulate FA oxidation in PC cells. The effects of the androgen-depleted medium, R1881 (synthetic androgen) and/or androgen receptor blocker, bicalutamide were examined in the human androgen-responsive but not dependent 22rv1 cells. R1881 supplementation significantly increased mitochondrial FA oxidation ((14)C-radiolabeled FA degradation studies), resulting in increased ROS production. Androgens increased the mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1), the rate limiting enzyme in the process of mitochondrial FA oxidation. Treatment with R1881 and bicalutamide inhibited these androgen regulated effects. Inhibition of mitochondrial ROS generation by two different inhibitors, rotenone and thenoyltrifluoroacetone, eliminated the androgen-induced ROS generation, to the same level as in cells deprived of androgens or treated with R1881 and bicalutamide. Taken together, androgens increase the mitochondrial oxidation of FA, leading to increased production of ROS that is associated with prostate cell proliferation and mutagenesis. These results therefore support the rationale for PC prevention using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, dietary restrictions or anti-oxidants, each of which has different inhibitory but complementary effects.

Androgen-dependent regulation of medium and long chain fatty acids uptake in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that both fatty acids and androgens have a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PC). Plasma membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABP(pm)) is a transporter of medium and long chain fatty acids (MCFA and LCFA) across the plasma membrane, and is identical to the mitochondrial protein aspartate aminotransferase (mAAT) that is regulated by testosterone only in prostate epithelial cells, a site where PC initially develops. We therefore hypothesized that FABP(pm) is also regulated by androgens. METHODS: We examined the effect of a synthetic androgen, R1881, and that of androgen receptor (AR) blocker, bicalutamide, on the expression of FABP(pm) and mAAT and on the uptake of fatty acids in the androgen-sensitive LNCaP, androgen responsive 22rv1 and androgen-independent CL1 human PC cells. This was done using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, Western blot, flow cytometry, and (3)H-oleate uptake studies. RESULTS: Androgen supplementation increased the cellular and surface expression of FABP(pm) and mAAT and increased the uptake of fluorescently labeled MCFA and LCFA and that of (3)H-oleate only in PC cells that express the AR. Bicalutamide inhibited this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of MCFA and LCFA into PC cells is androgen regulated as well as the expression of FABP(pm) and mAAT.