Novel Approaches for Elongation of Fish Oils into Very-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Enzymatic Interesterification into Glycerolipids.

Elongation of the Very-Long-Chain Fatty Acids-4 (ELOVL4) enzyme that is expressed in neuronal tissues, sperm, and testes mediates biosynthesis of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) from dietary long chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs). The VLC-PUFAs are critical for neuronal and reproductive function. Therefore, mutations in ELOVL4 that affect VLC-PUFA biosynthesis contribute to retinal degenerative diseases including Autosomal Dominant Stargardt-like Macular Dystrophy (STGD3). Recent studies have also shown not only a depletion of retinal VLC-PUFAs with normal aging but also a more significant loss of VLC-PUFAs in donor eyes of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, currently, there are no natural sources of VLC-PUFAs to be evaluated as dietary supplements for the attenuation of retinal degeneration in animal models of STGD3. Here, we report the development of a novel chemical approach for elongation of eicosapentaenoic (C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6 n-3) acids from fish oils by 6 carbon atoms to make a unique group of VLC-PUFAs, namely all-cis-hexacosa-11,14,17,20,23-pentaenoic acids (C26:5 n-3) and all-cis-octacosa-10,13,16,19,22,25-hexaenoic acids (C28:6 n-3). The three-step elongation approach that we report herein resulted in a good overall yield of up to 20.2%. This more sustainable approach also resulted in improved functional group compatibility and minimal impact on the geometrical integrity of the all-cis double bond system of the VLC-PUFAs. In addition, we also successfully used commercial deep-sea fish oil concentrate as an inexpensive material for the C6 elongation of fish oil LC-PUFAs into VLC-PUFAs, which resulted in the making of gram scales of VLC-PUFAs with an even higher isolation yield of 31.0%. The quality of fish oils and the content of oxidized lipids were key since both strongly affected the activity of the PEPPSI-IPr catalyst and ultimately the yield of coupling reactions. Downstream enzymatic interesterification was used for the first time to prepare structured glycerolipids enriched with VLC-PUFAs that could be evaluated in vivo to determine absorption and transport to target tissues relative to those of the free fatty acid forms. It turned out that in the synthesis of structured triacylglycerols and glycerophospholipids with VLC-PUFAs, the polarity of the immobilized lipase carrier and its humidity were essential.

Analysis of Pesticide Levels in Honey and Pollen from Irish Honey Bee Colonies Using a Modified Dutch Mini-Luke Method with Gas and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Detection.

Determining the levels of agrochemicals, such as pesticides, that honey bees are exposed to is critical for understanding what stress factors may be contributing to colony declines. Although several pesticide detection methods are available for honey, limited work has been conducted to adapt these methods for pollen. Here, we address this gap by modifying the Dutch mini-Luke extraction method (NL method) for pesticide analysis in honey and pollen from throughout the island of Ireland. The NL method was modified to enable detection in small-sized samples and validated for both pollen and honey matrices. The modified NL method combined with liquid and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry gave consistent results in terms of accuracy and precision measured by recovery experiments and was successfully applied in the analysis of a range of pesticide residues. The modified NL method developed here provides a key tool for detecting pesticides in honey bee colony resources and the environment more broadly.

ELOVL4 Mutations That Cause Spinocerebellar Ataxia-34 Differentially Alter Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis.

The FA Elongase-4 (ELOVL4) enzyme mediates biosynthesis of both very long chain (VLC)-PUFAs and VLC-saturated FA (VLC-SFAs). VLC-PUFAs play critical roles in retina and sperm function, whereas VLC-SFAs are predominantly associated with brain function and maintenance of the skin permeability barrier. While some ELOVL4 mutations cause Autosomal Dominant Stargardt-like Macular Dystrophy (STGD3), other ELOVL4 point mutations, such as L168F and W246G, affect the brain and/or skin, leading to Spinocerebellar Ataxia-34 (SCA34) and Erythrokeratodermia variabilis. The mechanisms by which these ELOVL4 mutations alter VLC-PUFA and VLC-SFA biosynthesis to cause the different tissue-specific pathologies are not well understood. To understand how these mutations alter VLC-PUFA and VLC-SFA biosynthesis, we expressed WT-ELOVL4, L168F, and W246G ELOVL4 variants in cell culture and supplemented the cultures with VLC-PUFA or VLC-SFA precursors. Total lipids were extracted, converted to FA methyl esters, and quantified by gas chromatography. We showed that L168F and W246G mutants were capable of VLC-PUFA biosynthesis. W246G synthesized and accumulated 32:6n3, while L168F exhibited gain of function in VLC-PUFA biosynthesis as it made 38:5n3, which we did not detect in WT-ELOVL4 or W246G-expressing cells. However, compared with WT-ELOVL4, both L168F and W246G mutants were deficient in VLC-SFA biosynthesis, especially the W246G protein, which showed negligible VLC-SFA biosynthesis. These results suggest VLC-PUFA biosynthetic capabilities of L168F and W246G in the retina, which may explain the lack of retinal phenotype in SCA34. Defects in VLC-SFA biosynthesis by these variants may be a contributing factor to the pathogenic mechanism of SCA34 and Erythrokeratodermia variabilis.

Obesity promotes lipid accumulation in mouse cartilage-A potential role of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) mediated chondrocyte de novo lipogenesis.

Obesity promotes the development of osteoarthritis (OA). It is also well-established that obesity leads to excessive lipid deposition in nonadipose tissues, which often induces lipotoxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the levels of various lipids in mouse cartilage in the context of obesity and determine if chondrocyte de novo lipogenesis is altered. We used Oil Red O to determine the accumulation of lipid droplets in cartilage from mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) or low-fat diet (LFD). We further used mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analyses to quantify levels of different lipid species. Expression of genes involving in fatty acid (FA) uptake, synthesis, elongation, and desaturation were examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To further study the potential mechanisms, we cultured primary mouse chondrocytes under high-glucose and high-insulin conditions to mimic the local microenvironment associated with obesity and subsequently examined the abundance of cellular lipid droplets. The acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor, ND-630, was added to the culture medium to examine the effect of inhibiting de novo lipogenesis on lipid accumulation in chondrocytes. When compared to the mice receiving LFD, the HFD group displayed more chondrocytes with visible intracellular lipid droplets. Significantly higher amounts of total FAs were also detected in the HFD group. Five out of six significantly upregulated FAs were ω-6 FAs, while the two significantly downregulated FAs were ω-3 FAs. Consequently, the HFD group displayed a significantly higher ω-6/ω-3 FA ratio. Ether linked phosphatidylcholine was also found to be higher in the HFD group. Fatty acid desaturase (Fad1-3), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4), and fatty acid synthase (Fasn) transcripts were not found to be different between the treatment groups and fatty acid elongase (Elovl1-7) transcripts were undetectable in cartilage. Ceramide synthase 2 (Cers-2), the only transcript found to be changed in these studies, was significantly upregulated in the HFD group. In vitro, chondrocytes upregulated de novo lipogenesis when cultured under high-glucose, high-insulin conditions, and this observation was associated with the activation of ACC, which was attenuated by the addition of ND-630. This study provides the first evidence that lipid deposition is increased in cartilage with obesity and that this is associated with the upregulation of ACC-mediated de novo lipogenesis. This was supported by our observation that ACC inhibition ameliorated lipid accumulation in chondrocytes, thereby suggesting that ACC could potentially be targeted to treat obesity-associated OA.

Health benefits attributed to 17α-estradiol, a lifespan-extending compound, are mediated through estrogen receptor α.

Metabolic dysfunction underlies several chronic diseases, many of which are exacerbated by obesity. Dietary interventions can reverse metabolic declines and slow aging, although compliance issues remain paramount. 17α-estradiol treatment improves metabolic parameters and slows aging in male mice. The mechanisms by which 17α-estradiol elicits these benefits remain unresolved. Herein, we show that 17α-estradiol elicits similar genomic binding and transcriptional activation through estrogen receptor α (ERα) to that of 17ß-estradiol. In addition, we show that the ablation of ERα completely attenuates the beneficial metabolic effects of 17α-E2 in male mice. Our findings suggest that 17α-E2 may act through the liver and hypothalamus to improve metabolic parameters in male mice. Lastly, we also determined that 17α-E2 improves metabolic parameters in male rats, thereby proving that the beneficial effects of 17α-E2 are not limited to mice. Collectively, these studies suggest ERα may be a drug target for mitigating chronic diseases in male mammals.

Lived experiences of social support in Paralympic swimmers: A protocol for a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past decade, there has been an increase in awareness of and investment into disability sport as a result of the 'Paralympic Movement'. The provision of personal and professional support to elite athletes is important for the well-being and success of the athlete, with various studies advocating a holistic approach to performance enhancement. However, little is known about social support experiences in elite para-swimming. Swimming is a popular Paralympic sport and the British para swimmers have been very successful in recent years, most recently winning 47 medals at Rio 2016. This study will be the first to explore the lived experiences of British Paralympic swimmers with respect to the personal and professional support available, perceived use of the support network and the influence it has on well-being and performance. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A hermeneutic phenomenological study will be undertaken using a subtle-realist paradigmatic view. A purposive sample of British Paralympic swimmers will be recruited to enable exploration of social support experiences. In-depth semistructured interviews will explore participants' experiences of being an elite para-athlete, their support network, the social support available and how they perceive it relates to their well-being and performance. Strategies including reflexivity and member checking will be used to ensure trustworthiness. Data will be analysed following the Framework Method; a seven-stage process used for qualitative data analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has ethical approval (ERN_20-0344) granted by the University of Birmingham in April 2020. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated to key stakeholders in elite para-sport to inform support services and improve athlete well-being and performance.

Novel targeted therapies for the management of liver fibrosis.

Introduction: Prolonged liver injury results in tissue damage and replacement by extracellular matrix and fibrosis. Cirrhosis represents a leading cause of mortality worldwide and imposes a major financial burden on health-care systems. Fortunately, fibrogenesis has proven to be reversible if halted early, encouraging the development of novel anti-fibrotic agents that may accelerate histological restoration. Preclinical data have elucidated numerous potential therapeutic targets and many anti-fibrotic agents are currently at various stages of clinical research.Areas covered: The present review summarizes recent clinical data regarding anti-fibrotic drugs including monoclonal antibodies, targeted conjugates, and small molecule agents.Expert opinion: Although undeniable progress has been made in the development of anti-fibrotic agents in recent years, most data currently available are derived from preclinical and early clinical studies. The efficacy and safety of these agents will need to be corroborated by larger clinical trials, some of which are ongoing with results expected in the upcoming years. Combination therapy with agents targeting different pathways of fibrogenesis will also be of great interest for the future and will need to be explored in clinical trials.

Relation of koniocellular layers of dorsal lateral geniculate to inferior pulvinar nuclei in common marmosets.

Traditionally, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and the inferior pulvinar (IPul) nucleus are considered as anatomically and functionally distinct thalamic nuclei. However, in several primate species it has also been established that the koniocellular (K) layers of LGN and parts of the IPul have a shared pattern of immunoreactivity for the calcium-binding protein calbindin. These calbindin-rich cells constitute a thalamic matrix system which is implicated in thalamocortical synchronisation. Further, the K layers and IPul are both involved in visual processing and have similar connections with retina and superior colliculus. Here, we confirmed the continuity between calbindin-rich cells in LGN K layers and the central lateral division of IPul (IPulCL) in marmoset monkeys. By employing a high-throughput neuronal tracing method, we found that both the K layers and IPulCL form comparable patterns of connections with striate and extrastriate cortices; these connections are largely different to those of the parvocellular and magnocellular laminae of LGN. Retrograde tracer-labelled cells and anterograde tracer-labelled axon terminals merged seamlessly from IPulCL into LGN K layers. These results support continuity between LGN K layers and IPulCL, providing an anatomical basis for functional congruity of this region of the dorsal thalamic matrix and calling into question the traditional segregation between LGN and the inferior pulvinar nucleus.

An Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Adults With Migraine: A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: To present a novel cognitive behavioral therapy program that was developed exclusively for adults with migraine, and to assess the feasibility of this program. BACKGROUND: Unlike previous efforts, we combined different approaches of behavioral therapy into one program: relaxation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trigger management. METHODS: The treatment program consists of 7 sessions (including psychoeducation, lifestyle counseling, coping with fear of attacks, trigger management, and stress management). The research was conducted in a single-group study with N = 9 completers (age: M = 41.6, SD = 17.6 years; N = 8 female, N = 1 male; N = 5 migraine without aura, N = 2 migraine with aura, N = 2 chronic migraine). After each of the group therapy sessions, evaluation questionnaires were filled out, and individual qualitative interviews were conducted after completion of the program. RESULTS: The treatment program was very well accepted. Every session was rated as comprehensible, and overall satisfaction with the sessions was high. Participants greatly appreciated having access to a specific treatment, exclusively addressing migraine. CONCLUSIONS: The idea of combining several approaches of behavioral therapy into a specific treatment program for migraine seems to be feasible and promising. A randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of our program is currently running.

Homozygous Expression of Mutant ELOVL4 Leads to Seizures and Death in a Novel Animal Model of Very Long-Chain Fatty Acid Deficiency.

Lipids are essential components of the nervous system. However, the functions of very long-chain fatty acids (VLC-FA; ≥ 28 carbons) in the brain are unknown. The enzyme ELOngation of Very Long-chain fatty acids-4 (ELOVL4) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of VLC-FA (Agbaga et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105(35): 12843-12848, 2008; Logan et al., J Lipid Res 55(4): 698-708, 2014), which we identified in the brain as saturated fatty acids (VLC-SFA). Homozygous mutations in ELOVL4 cause severe neuropathology in humans (Ozaki et al., JAMA Neurol 72(7): 797-805, 2015; Mir et al., BMC Med Genet 15: 25, 2014; Cadieux-Dion et al., JAMA Neurol 71(4): 470-475, 2014; Bourassa et al., JAMA Neurol 72(8): 942-943, 2015; Aldahmesh et al., Am J Hum Genet 89(6): 745-750, 2011) and are post-natal lethal in mice (Cameron et al., Int J Biol Sci 3(2): 111-119, 2007; Li et al., Int J Biol Sci 3(2): 120-128, 2007; McMahon et al., Molecular Vision 13: 258-272, 2007; Vasireddy et al., Hum Mol Genet 16(5): 471-482, 2007) from dehydration due to loss of VLC-SFA that comprise the skin permeability barrier. Double transgenic mice with homozygous knock-in of the Stargardt-like macular dystrophy (STDG3; 797-801_AACTT) mutation of Elovl4 with skin-specific rescue of wild-type Elovl4 expression (S + Elovl4 mut/mut mice) develop seizures by P19 and die by P21. Electrophysiological analyses of hippocampal slices showed aberrant epileptogenic activity in S + Elovl4 mut/mut mice. FM1-43 dye release studies showed that synapses made by cultured hippocampal neurons from S + Elovl4 mut/mut mice exhibited accelerated synaptic release kinetics. Supplementation of VLC-SFA to cultured hippocampal neurons from mutant mice rescued defective synaptic release to wild-type rates. Together, these studies establish a critical, novel role for ELOVL4 and its VLC-SFA products in regulating synaptic release kinetics and epileptogenesis. Future studies aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms by which VLC-SFA regulate synaptic function may provide new targets for improved seizure therapies.

Mindfulness and Chronic Headache/Migraine: Mechanisms Explored Through the Fear-Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVES: To replicate a study by Schutze and colleagues on a headache sample, rather than a heterogenous chronic pain sample, investigating whether level of mindfulness predicts key components in the Fear-Avoidance Model of chronic pain (pain intensity, negative affect, pain catastrophizing, pain-related fear, pain hypervigilance, and functional disability); to investigate the relationships between level of mindfulness and headache/migraine pain intensity, frequency, and duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were 217 individuals who self-reported chronic headache/migraine (51 male, 166 female), aged between 18 and 65 years. Participants completed an online survey measuring demographics, mindfulness, the key components of the Fear-Avoidance Model, and headache pain intensity, duration, and frequency. RESULTS: Mindfulness had significant negative correlations (P<0.05) with all variables except headache pain intensity and headache frequency. Mindfulness significantly predicted negative affect, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, pain hypervigilance, and headache duration (P<0.05). Mindfulness remained a significant predictor of negative affect and pain hypervigilance after controlling for other key components and background characteristics (P<0.05). Mindfulness did not moderate the relationship between pain intensity and pain catastrophizing (P=0.204). DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that mindfulness may be integrated into the Fear-Avoidance Model of chronic pain for individuals with chronic headache/migraine. Directions for future research are discussed.

The Impact of Race on Survival After Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Diverse American Population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing at differential rates depending on race. We aimed to identify associations between race and survival after HCC diagnosis in a diverse American population. METHODS: Using the cancer registry from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospitals, we performed retrospective analysis of 999 patients diagnosed with HCC between 9/24/2004 and 12/19/2014. We identified clinical characteristics by reviewing available electronic medical records. The association between race and survival was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Median survival in days was 425 in Blacks, 904.5 in non-Hispanic Whites, 652 in Hispanics, 570 in Asians, and 928 in others, p < 0.01. Blacks and Asians presented at more advanced stages with larger tumors. Although Whites had increased severity of liver disease at diagnosis compared to other races, they had 36% reduced rate of death compared to Blacks, [hazard ratio (HR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.8, p < 0.01]. After adjusting for significant covariates, Whites had 22% (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.61-0.99, p 0.04) reduced risk of death, compared to Blacks. Transplant significantly reduced rate of death; however, only 13.3% of Blacks had liver transplant, compared to 40.1% of Whites, p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: In this diverse sample of patients, survival among Blacks is the shortest after HCC diagnosis. Survival differences reflect a more advanced tumor stage at presentation rather than severity of underlying liver disease precluding treatment. Improving survival in minority populations, in whom HCC incidence is rapidly increasing, requires identification and modification of factors contributing to late-stage presentation.

Morbidity and Mortality Differences Between Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors and Other Cancer Survivors.

Purpose To compare the risks of serious health outcomes among hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors versus a matched population of patients with cancer who did not undergo HCT, where the primary difference may be exposure to HCT. Methods Two-year HCT survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center from 1992 through 2009 who were Washington State residents (n = 1,792; 52% allogeneic and 90% hematologic malignancies) were frequency matched by demographic characteristics and underlying cancer diagnosis (as applicable) to non-HCT 2-year cancer survivors, using the state cancer registry (n = 5,455) and the general population (n = 16,340) using driver's license files. Late outcomes for all three cohorts were ascertained from the state hospital discharge and death registries; subsequent cancers were ascertained from the state cancer registry. Results After median follow-up of 7.1 years, HCT survivors experienced significantly greater rates of hospitalization compared with matched non-HCT cancer survivors (280 v 173 episodes per 1,000 person-years, P < .001) and greater all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.3). HCT survivors had more hospitalizations or death with infections (10-year cumulative incidence, 31% v 22%; HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.6) and respiratory complications (cumulative incidence, 27% v 20%; HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.5). Risks of digestive, skin, and musculoskeletal complications also were greater among HCT versus non-HCT cancer survivors. The two groups had similar risks of circulatory complications and second cancers. Both HCT and non-HCT cancer survivors had significantly greater 10-year cumulative incidences of all major organ-system outcomes versus the general population. Conclusion History of HCT was associated with late morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. In particular, clinicians who care for HCT survivors should be aware of their high rates of late respiratory and infectious complications.

Spiritual or religious struggle in hematopoietic cell transplant survivors.

BACKGROUND: This study describes the prevalence of religious or spiritual (R/S) struggle in long-term survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), demographic and medical correlates of R/S struggle, and its associations with depression and quality of life. METHODS: Data were collected in conjunction with an annual survey of adult (age ≥18 years) survivors of HCT. Study measures included R/S struggle (negative religious coping, NRC, from Brief RCOPE), measures of quality of life (subscales from 36-item Short Form Health Survey and McGill), and the Patient Health Questionnaire 8. R/S struggle was defined as any non-zero response on the NRC. Factors associated with R/S struggle were identified using multi-variable logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study analyzed data from 1449 respondents who ranged from 6 months to 40 years after HCT. Twenty-seven percent had some R/S struggle. In a multi-variable logistic regression model, R/S struggle was associated with greater depression and poorer quality of life. R/S struggle was also associated with younger age, non-White race, and self-identification as either religious but not spiritual or spiritual but not religious. R/S struggle was not associated with any medical variables, including time since transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Religious or spiritual struggle is common among HCT survivors, even many years after HCT. Survivors should be screened and, as indicated, referred to a professional with expertise in R/S struggle. Further study is needed to determine causal relationships, longitudinal trajectory, impact of struggle intensity, and effects of R/S struggle on health, mood, and social roles for HCT survivors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pilot Study of Intrahepatic Artery Chemotherapy in Combination with Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sorafenib and chemoembolization of the liver (TACE) have both produced increased survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some patients cannot tolerate TACE due to portal vein thrombosis or risk of liver failure. In this pilot trial, we aimed to combine intrahepatic infusion (IA) of cisplatin or carboplatin with sorafenib for unresectable HCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with Child's A or early B received IA cisplatin or carboplatin every 6 weeks with oral sorafenib. MRI/CT scans were performed every 6 weeks. RESULTS: Eleven patients were accrued. Of 10 evaluable patients, 6 had clinical benefit (4 partial responses for 2+, 3+, 8+ and 18 months, 2 minor responses). Two patients were down-staged enough for ablation therapy or liver transplant and remain free of disease for 32+ and 36+ months. Toxicity was generally tolerable. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results are encouraging and this combination may down-stage some patients with unresectable disease.

Synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid from eicosapentaenoic acid in retina neurons protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is involved in activating photoreceptor death in several retinal degenerations. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in the retina, protects cultured retina photoreceptors from apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and promotes photoreceptor differentiation. Here, we investigated whether eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a metabolic precursor to DHA, had similar effects and whether retinal neurons could metabolize EPA to DHA. Adding EPA to rat retina neuronal cultures increased opsin expression and protected photoreceptors from apoptosis induced by the oxidants paraquat and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ). Palmitic, oleic, and arachidonic acids had no protective effect, showing the specificity for DHA. We found that EPA supplementation significantly increased DHA percentage in retinal neurons, but not EPA percentage. Photoreceptors and glial cells expressed Δ6 desaturase (FADS2), which introduces the last double bond in DHA biosynthetic pathway. Pre-treatment of neuronal cultures with CP-24879 hydrochloride, a Δ5/Δ6 desaturase inhibitor, prevented EPA-induced increase in DHA percentage and completely blocked EPA protection and its effect on photoreceptor differentiation. These results suggest that EPA promoted photoreceptor differentiation and rescued photoreceptors from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis through its elongation and desaturation to DHA. Our data show, for the first time, that isolated retinal neurons can synthesize DHA in culture. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the major polyunsaturated fatty acid in retina photoreceptors, and its precursor, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have multiple beneficial effects. Here, we show that retina neurons in vitro express the desaturase FADS2 and can synthesize DHA from EPA. Moreover, addition of EPA to these cultures protects photoreceptors from oxidative stress and promotes their differentiation through its metabolization to DHA.

Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?

OBJECTIVES: Major depressive disorder is a significant mental illness that is highly likely to recur, particularly after three or more previous episodes. Increased mindfulness and decreased rumination have both been associated with decreased depressive relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rumination mediates the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse. DESIGN: This prospective design involved a secondary data analysis for identifying causal mechanisms using mediation analysis. METHODS: This study was embedded in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in which 203 participants (165 females, 38 males; mean age: 48 years), with a history of at least three previous episodes of depression, completed measures of mindfulness, rumination, and depressive relapse over a 2-year follow-up period. Specific components of mindfulness and rumination, being nonjudging and brooding, respectively, were also explored. RESULTS: While higher mindfulness scores predicted reductions in rumination and depressive relapse, the relationship between mindfulness and relapse was not found to be mediated by rumination, although there appeared to be a trend. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strengthen the argument that mindfulness may be important in preventing relapse but that rumination is not a significant mediator of its effects. The study was adequately powered to detect medium mediation effects, but it is possible that smaller effects were present but not detected. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Mindfulness may be one of several components of MBCT contributing to prevention of depressive relapse. Although the original rationale for MBCT rested largely on a model of relapse causally linked to rumination, our findings suggest that the mechanism by which mindfulness impacts relapse is more complex than a simple effect on rumination.

Integrated collaborative care for major depression comorbid with a poor prognosis cancer (SMaRT Oncology-3): a multicentre randomised controlled trial in patients with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The management of depression in patients with poor prognosis cancers, such as lung cancer, creates specific challenges. We aimed to assess the efficacy of an integrated treatment programme for major depression in patients with lung cancer compared with usual care. METHODS: Symptom Management Research Trials (SMaRT) Oncology-3 is a parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. We enrolled patients with lung cancer and major depression from three cancer centres and their associated clinics in Scotland, UK. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the depression care for people with lung cancer treatment programme or usual care by a database software algorithm that used stratification (by trial centre) and minimisation (by age, sex, and cancer type) with allocation concealment. Depression care for people with lung cancer is a manualised, multicomponent collaborative care treatment that is systematically delivered by a team of cancer nurses and psychiatrists in collaboration with primary care physicians. Usual care is provided by primary care physicians. The primary outcome was depression severity (on the Symptom Checklist Depression Scale [SCL-20], range 0-4) averaged over the patient's time in the trial (up to a maximum of 32 weeks). Trial statisticians and data collection staff were masked to treatment allocation, but patients and clinicians could not be masked to the allocations. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN75905964. FINDINGS: 142 participants were recruited between Jan 5, 2009, and Sept 9, 2011; 68 were randomly allocated to depression care for people with lung cancer and 74 to usual care. 43 (30%) of 142 patients had died by 32 weeks, all of which were cancer-related deaths. No intervention-related serious adverse events occurred. 131 (92%) of 142 patients provided outcome data (59 in the depression care for people with lung cancer group and 72 in the usual care group) and were included in the intention-to-treat primary analysis. Average depression severity was significantly lower in patients allocated to depression care for people with lung cancer (mean score on the SCL-20 1·24 [SD 0·64]) than in those allocated to usual care (mean score 1·61 [SD 0·58]); difference -0·38 (95% CI -0·58 to -0·18); standardised mean difference -0·62 (95% CI -0·94 to -0·29). Self-rated depression improvement, anxiety, quality of life, role functioning, perceived quality of care, and proportion of patients achieving a 12-week treatment response were also significantly better in the depression care for people with lung cancer group than in the usual care group. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that major depression can be treated effectively in patients with a poor prognosis cancer; integrated depression care for people with lung cancer was substantially more efficacious than was usual care. Larger trials are now needed to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this care programme in this patient population, and further adaptation of the treatment will be necessary to address the unmet needs of patients with major depression and even shorter life expectancy. FUNDING: Cancer Research UK and Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government.

Integrated collaborative care for comorbid major depression in patients with cancer (SMaRT Oncology-2): a multicentre randomised controlled effectiveness trial.

BACKGROUND: Medical conditions are often complicated by major depression, with consequent additional impairment of quality of life. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of an integrated treatment programme for major depression in patients with cancer (depression care for people with cancer) with usual care. METHODS: SMaRT Oncology-2 is a parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled effectiveness trial. We enrolled outpatients with major depression from three cancer centres and their associated clinics in Scotland, UK. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the depression care for people with cancer intervention or usual care, with stratification (by trial centre) and minimisation (by age, primary cancer, and sex) with allocation concealment. Depression care for people with cancer is a manualised, multicomponent collaborative care treatment that is delivered systematically by a team of cancer nurses and psychiatrists in collaboration with primary care physicians. Usual care is provided by primary care physicians. Outcome data were collected up until 48 weeks. The primary outcome was treatment response (≥50% reduction in Symptom Checklist Depression Scale [SCL-20] score, range 0-4) at 24 weeks. Trial statisticians and data collection staff were masked to treatment allocation, but participants could not be masked to the allocations. Analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN40568538. FINDINGS: 500 participants were enrolled between May 12, 2008, and May 13, 2011; 253 were randomly allocated to depression care for people with cancer and 247 to usual care. 143 (62%) of 231 participants in the depression care for people with cancer group and 40 (17%) of 231 in the usual care group responded to treatment: absolute difference 45% (95% CI 37-53), adjusted odds ratio 8·5 (95% CI 5·5-13·4), p<0·0001. Compared with patients in the usual care group, participants allocated to the depression care for people with cancer programme also had less depression, anxiety, pain, and fatigue; and better functioning, health, quality of life, and perceived quality of depression care at all timepoints (all p<0·05). During the study, 34 cancer-related deaths occurred (19 in the depression care for people with cancer group, 15 in the usual care group), one patient in the depression care for people with cancer group was admitted to a psychiatric ward, and one patient in this group attempted suicide. None of these events were judged to be related to the trial treatments or procedures. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that depression care for people with cancer is an effective treatment for major depression in patients with cancer. It offers a model for the treatment of depression comorbid with other medical conditions. FUNDING: Cancer Research UK and Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for recurrent depression: A translational research study with 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: While mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing depressive relapse/recurrence over 12-18 months, questions remain around effectiveness, longer-term outcomes, and suitability in combination with medication. The aim of this study was to investigate within a pragmatic study design the effectiveness of MBCT on depressive relapse/recurrence over 2 years of follow-up. METHOD: This was a prospective, multi-site, single-blind trial based in Melbourne and the regional city of Geelong, Australia. Non-depressed adults with a history of three or more episodes of depression were randomised to MBCT + depression relapse active monitoring (DRAM) (n=101) or control (DRAM alone) (n=102). Randomisation was stratified by medication (prescribed antidepressants and/or mood stabilisers: yes/no), site of usual care (primary or specialist), diagnosis (bipolar disorder: yes/no) and sex. Relapse/recurrence of major depression was assessed over 2 years using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1. RESULTS: The average number of days with major depression was 65 for MBCT participants and 112 for controls, significant with repeated-measures ANOVA (F(1, 164)=4.56, p=0.03). Proportionally fewer MBCT participants relapsed in both year 1 and year 2 compared to controls (odds ratio 0.45, p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for time to first depressive episode was non-significant, although trends favouring the MBCT group were suggested. Subgroup analyses supported the effectiveness of MBCT for people receiving usual care in a specialist setting and for people taking antidepressant/mood stabiliser medication. CONCLUSIONS: This work in a pragmatic design with an active control condition supports the effectiveness of MBCT in something closer to implementation in routine practice than has been studied hitherto. As expected in this translational research design, observed effects were less strong than in some previous efficacy studies but appreciable and significant differences in outcome were detected. MBCT is most clearly demonstrated as effective for people receiving specialist care and seems to work well combined with antidepressants.