Familial risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and interaction with smoking: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the familial risk of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and examined interactions between family history and smoking. METHODS: Using the National Health Insurance and Health Screening Program databases, which include information on familial relationships and lifestyle factors, we identified 5 524 403 individuals with first-degree relatives (FDRs) from 2002-2018. We calculated familial risk using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs which compare the risk of individuals with and without affected FDRs. Interactions between smoking and family history were assessed on an additive scale using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS: Individuals with affected FDR had 4.52-fold (95% CI 3.98, 5.12) increased risk of disease compared with those with unaffected FDR. Familial risk adjusted for lifestyle factors decreased slightly (HR 4.49), suggesting that a genetic contribution is the predominant driver in the familial aggregation of RA. Smoking was associated with an increased risk of disease that was more pronounced among heavy (HR 1.92 95% CI 1.70, 2.18) compared with moderate (HR 1.15 95% CI 1.04, 1.28) smoking. In the interaction analysis, the risk associated with the combined effect of smoking and family history was higher than the sum of their individual effects, though statistically non-significant (RERI 1.30 95% CI ‒0.92, 3.51). Heavy smokers with a positive family history showed a prominent interaction (RERI 4.13 95% CI ‒0.88, 9.13) which exceeded moderate smokers (RERI 0.61 95% CI ‒1.90, 3.13), suggesting a dose-response interaction pattern. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the possibility of an interaction between RA-associated genes and smoking.

Familial Risk of Renal Cell Cancer and Interaction with Obesity and Hyperglycemia: A Population-Based Study.

PURPOSE: We quantified the familial risk of renal cell cancer (RCC) among first-degree relatives (FDRs) on a population level, and examined interactions between family history and body mass index or blood glucose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the National Health Insurance database, which covers the entire Korean population, and the National Health Screening Program, we constructed a cohort of 5,524,403 individuals with blood-related FDRs and their lifestyle factors from 2002 to 2018. We calculated familial risk using incidence risk ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals, which compares the risk of individuals with and without FDR. The combined effect and interaction of a given risk factor and family history of RCC were measured by the relative excess risk due to interaction. RESULTS: Individuals with affected FDRs showed a 2.29-fold (95% CI 1.68-3.13) increased risk of disease. Familial risk adjusted for lifestyle factors showed minimal attenuation (IRR 2.25; 95% CI: 1.65-3.08), suggesting that genetic predisposition is the main contributor in the familial aggregation of RCC. Individuals with both a positive family history and overweight/obesity (IRR 3.71, 95% CI 2.50-4.92) or hyperglycemia (IRR 4.52, 95% CI 2.59-6.45) had a significantly higher risk that exceeded the sum of their individual risks, suggesting an interaction that was statistically significant (relative excess risk due to interaction 95% CI: 0.91, -0.21-2.12; 2.21, 0.28-4.14). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, namely obesity and hyperglycemia. Individuals with both factors should be considered a high-risk group and advised to undergo genetic counseling.

Novel Dithienopyrrole-Based Conjugated Copolymers: Importance of Backbone Planarity in Achieving High Electrical Conductivity and Thermoelectric Performance.

The development of conjugated polymers with structures that are suitable for efficient molecular doping and charge transport is a key challenge in the construction of high-performance conjugated polymer-based thermoelectric devices. In this study, three novel conjugated polymers based on dithienopyrrole (DTP) are synthesized and their thermoelectric properties are compared. When doped with p-dopant, a donor-acceptor type copolymer, DPP-MeDTP, exhibits higher electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factor compared to the other donor-donor type copolymers. The high electrical conductivity of DPP-MeDTP compared to the other polymers originates from the high degree of backbone planarity and molecular order, which contributes to its high charge carrier mobility. In addition, the highly crystalline structure of DPP-MeDTP is well maintained upon doping, while the crystalline order of the other polymers decreases significantly upon doping. The findings of this work not only provide insights into the design of DTP-based conjugated polymers for thermoelectric use but also demonstrate the significance of a high degree of molecular order and structural robustness upon doping to achieve high thermoelectric performance.

Child mortality of twins and singletons among late preterm and term birth: a study of national linked birth and under-five mortality data of Korea.

Twins involve a higher risk of perinatal complications compared to singletons. We compared the risk of under five mortality between twins and singletons among late preterm and term births. The national birth data of South Korea pertaining to the years 2010-2014 linked with the mortality record of children aged under 5 years in 2010-2019 was analyzed. The final study population was 2,199,632 singletons and 62,351 twins. We conducted a survival analysis of under-five mortality with adjustment for neonatal and familial factors. Overall under-five mortality rates during the study period were 3.6 and 2.0 for twins and singletons, respectively. Although the unadjusted overall under-five mortality was higher in twins (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57, 2.06, overall risk), twin birth was associated with comparable or lower risk (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.85, overall; 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.87, excluding neonatal mortality; 0.59, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.86, excluding infant mortality) after controlling for both neonatal and familial factors. Twins born at a gestational age of 34-35 weeks showed a generally lower risk of under-five mortality than their singleton counterparts, regardless of model specification.Conclusion: Among late preterm and term birth, under-5-year mortalities for twins were lower than singleton births when adjusted for neonatal and familial risk factors. This highlights the differential implication of gestational age at birth between twin and singleton in the child mortality.

Investigation of gene-environment interactions in relation to tic severity.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder with involvement of genetic and environmental factors. We investigated genetic loci previously implicated in Tourette syndrome and associated disorders in interaction with pre- and perinatal adversity in relation to tic severity using a case-only (N = 518) design. We assessed 98 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from (I) top SNPs from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of TS; (II) top SNPs from GWASs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); (III) SNPs previously implicated in candidate-gene studies of TS; (IV) SNPs previously implicated in OCD or ASD; and (V) tagging SNPs in neurotransmitter-related candidate genes. Linear regression models were used to examine the main effects of the SNPs on tic severity, and the interaction effect of these SNPs with a cumulative pre- and perinatal adversity score. Replication was sought for SNPs that met the threshold of significance (after correcting for multiple testing) in a replication sample (N = 678). One SNP (rs7123010), previously implicated in a TS meta-analysis, was significantly related to higher tic severity. We found a gene-environment interaction for rs6539267, another top TS GWAS SNP. These findings were not independently replicated. Our study highlights the future potential of TS GWAS top hits in gene-environment studies.

Sex differences in scores on standardized measures of autism symptoms: a multisite integrative data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised that scores on standard measures of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms may differ as a function of sex. However, these findings are hindered by small female samples studied thus far. The current study evaluated if, after accounting for age, IQ, and language level, sex affects ASD severity estimates from diagnostic measures among children with ASD. METHODS: Data were obtained from eight sources comprising 27 sites. Linear mixed-effects models, including a random effect for site, were fit for 10 outcomes (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS] domain-level calibrated severity scores, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised [ADI-R] raw scores by age-based algorithm, and raw scores from the two indices on the Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS]). Sex was added to the models after controlling for age, NVIQ, and an indicator for language level. RESULTS: Sex significantly improved model fit for half of the outcomes, but least square mean differences were generally negligible (effect sizes [ES] < 0.20), increasing to small to moderate in adolescence (ES < 0.40). Boys received more severe RRB scores than girls on both the ADOS and ADI-R (age 4 + algorithm), and girls received more severe scores than boys on both SRS indices, which emerged in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: This study combined several available databases to create the largest sample of girls with ASD diagnoses. We found minimal differences due to sex beyond other known influences on ASD severity indicators. This may suggest that, among children who ultimately receive a clinical ASD diagnosis, severity estimates do not systematically differ to such an extent that sex-specific scoring procedures would be necessary. However, given the limitations inherent in clinically ascertained samples, future research must address questions about systematic sex differences among children or adults who do not receive clinical diagnoses of ASD. Moreover, while the current study helps resolve questions about widely used diagnostic instruments, we could not address sex differences in phenotypic aspects outside of these scores.

Altrenogest affects expression of galectin-3 and fibroblast growth factor 9 in the reproductive tract of sows.

A synthetic progestin altrenogest (ALT) is used to synchronize the estrus cycle of swine for fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) and has been shown to improve follicular development and reproductive performances in post-weaning sows. However, the effects of ALT treatment on reproductive tracts, including the ovaries, oviducts and uterus have not been yet clarified. In this study, we examined the expression of genes involved in endometrial responses in ALT-treated sows. ALT did not significantly alter luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol profiles in blood compared to untreated control. Quantitative RT-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression of genes encoding galectin-3 (LGALS3) and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) was upregulated in the reproductive tracts of ALT-treated sows, including the ovaries, oviducts and uteri. Moreover, ALT treatment induced the expression of FGF9 and galectin-3 proteins, and promoted their localization to the luminal epithelium of the oviducts and uterus. Our findings suggest that the enhancement of reproductive performance shown by ALT-treated sows is associated with the upregulation of galectin-3 and FGF9, which are essential for endometrial receptivity, successful implantation, and pregnancy.

Thermoresponsive- co-Biodegradable Linear-Dendritic Nanoparticles for Sustained Release of Nerve Growth Factor To Promote Neurite Outgrowth.

Thermoresponsive and biodegradable linear-dendritic nanoparticles containing poly( N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(l-lactic acid), and poly(l-lysine) dendrons were investigated for sustained release of nerve growth factor (NGF) in response to temperature change. The nanoparticles and their degradants were not cytotoxic to neuron-like PC12 cells for at least one month. The nanoparticles were preferentially taken up by PC12 cells 6-13-times more at temperatures above (37 °C) than below (25 °C) the lower critical solution temperature of the nanoparticles. NGF could be loaded into the nanoparticles in aqueous solution and slowly released from the nanoparticles for 12 and 33 days at 25 and 37 °C, respectively. The released NGF was biologically active by promoting neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells. This work demonstrates a new concept of using thermoresponsive and biodegradable linear-dendritic nanoparticles for thermally targeted and sustained release of NGF and other protein drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

Investigation of previously implicated genetic variants in chronic tic disorders: a transmission disequilibrium test approach.

Genetic studies in Tourette syndrome (TS) are characterized by scattered and poorly replicated findings. We aimed to replicate findings from candidate gene and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Our cohort included 465 probands with chronic tic disorder (93% TS) and both parents from 412 families (some probands were siblings). We assessed 75 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 465 parent-child trios; 117 additional SNPs in 211 trios; and 4 additional SNPs in 254 trios. We performed SNP and gene-based transmission disequilibrium tests and compared nominally significant SNP results with those from a large independent case-control cohort. After quality control 71 SNPs were available in 371 trios; 112 SNPs in 179 trios; and 3 SNPs in 192 trios. 17 were candidate SNPs implicated in TS and 2 were implicated in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 142 were tagging SNPs from eight monoamine neurotransmitter-related genes (including dopamine and serotonin); 10 were top SNPs from TS GWAS; and 13 top SNPs from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, OCD, or ASD GWAS. None of the SNPs or genes reached significance after adjustment for multiple testing. We observed nominal significance for the candidate SNPs rs3744161 (TBCD) and rs4565946 (TPH2) and for five tagging SNPs; none of these showed significance in the independent cohort. Also, SLC1A1 in our gene-based analysis and two TS GWAS SNPs showed nominal significance, rs11603305 (intergenic) and rs621942 (PICALM). We found no convincing support for previously implicated genetic polymorphisms. Targeted re-sequencing should fully appreciate the relevance of candidate genes.

Comparison of the neuroinflammatory responses to selective retina therapy and continuous-wave laser photocoagulation in mouse eyes.

PURPOSE: This study investigated microglia and inflammatory cell responses after selective retina therapy (SRT) with microsecond-pulsed laser in comparison to continuous-wave laser photocoagulation (cwPC). METHODS: Healthy C57BL/6 J mice were treated with either a train of short pulses (SRT; 527-nm, Q-switched, 1.7-µs pulse) or a conventional thermal continuous-wave (532-nm, 100-ms pulse duration) laser. The mice were sacrificed and their eyes were enucleated 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after both laser treatments. Pattern of cell death on retinal section was evaluated by TUNEL assay, and the distribution of activated inflammatory cells and glial cells were observed under immunohistochemistry. Consecutive changes for the expression of cytokines such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, and TGF-ß were also examined using immunohistochemistry, and compared among each period after quantification by Western blotting. RESULTS: The numbers of TUNEL-positive cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer did not differ in SRT and cwPC lesions, but TUNEL-positive cells in neural retinas were significantly less on SRT. Vague glial cell activation was observed in SRT-treated lesions. The population of inflammatory cells was also significantly decreased after SRT, and the cells were located in the RPE layer and subretinal space. Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß and TNF-α, showed significantly lower levels after SRT; conversely, the level of TGF-ß was similar to the cwPC-treated lesion. CONCLUSIONS: SRT resulted in selective RPE damage without collateral thermal injury to the neural retina, and apparently produced negligible glial activation. In addition, SRT showed a markedly less inflammatory response than cwPC, which may have important therapeutic implications for several macular diseases.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Epithelial Downgrowth After Clear Corneal Cataract Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the first case of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) combined with argon laser photocoagulation and intracameral 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injection in a patient with epithelial downgrowth after cataract surgery. METHODS: Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A 77-year-old female underwent uneventful cataract surgery using a clear corneal incision in her left eye. Six months after surgery, an epithelial cell sheet began to cover the posterior cornea and then spread to the anterior chamber structures, leading to anterior synechia and corectopia at 2 years. Argon laser photocoagulation was used to remove epithelial downgrowth on the iris surface. However, retrocorneal epithelial downgrowth gradually progressed, resulting in bullous keratopathy. DMEK with intracameral 5-FU injection was performed to remove epithelial tissue and replace the diseased endothelium with healthy endothelium. One year after surgery, her vision improved to 20/50 and the endothelial cell count was 1,643 cells/mm in her left eye. There were no further complications or recurrence of epithelial downgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: DMEK with preoperative argon laser and intraoperative 5-FU is a useful option for the treatment of diffuse epithelial downgrowths.

Correlation between blood, physiological and behavioral parameters in beef calves under heat stress.

OBJECTIVE: The performance, health, and behaviour of cattle can be strongly affected by climate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of heat stress on blood parameters, blood proteins (haptoglobin [Hp]; heat shock protein 70 [HSP70]), rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR) and rumination time in Korean native beef calves. METHODS: Thirty-two Korean native beef calves were randomly assigned to 8 groups with 4 animals per group. They were kept in environmental condition with temperature-humidity index (THI) ranging from 70.01 to 87.72 in temperature-humidity controlled chamber for 7 days. RESULTS: Their HR, RT, and serum cortisol and HSP70 levels were increased (p<0.05) in high THI compared to those at low THI. But, serum Hp level was decreased (p<0.05) in high THI compared to these at low THI. In addition, HR, RT, serum cortisol and HSP70 were positively correlated with THI (R2 = 0.8368, p<0.01; R2 = 0.6162, p<0.01; R2 = 0.581, p<0.01; R2 = 0.2241, p = 0.0062, respectively). There was also positive association between HR and cortisol (R2 = 0.4697, p<0.01). Similarly, RT and cortisol were positively associated (R2 = 0.4581, p<0.01). But, THI and HR were negatively correlated with Hp (R2 = 0.2157, p = 0.02; R2 = 0.3362, p = 0.003). Hematology and metabolites results were different among treatment groups. Standing position was higher (p<0.05) in the high THI group compared to that in the low THI group. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it can be concluded that HR, RT, blood parameters (Cortisol, HSP70, Hp) and standing position are closely associated with heat stress. These parameters can be consolidated to develop THI chart for Korean native beef calves.

Iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens implantation in an adult with retinopathy of prematurity: 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report a case of iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation in a patient with an extremely steep cornea, shallow anterior chamber, and small corneal diameter caused by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and scleral encircling. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Iris-fixated pIOLs were implanted in a 19-year-old patient with refraction of -18.5 -0.75 × 180 in the right eye and -15.5 -1.25 × 180 in the left eye. The keratometric values were 53.50 and 51.25 diopters (D) in the right eye and 54.75 and 51.75 D in the left eye. The white-to-white diameter and anterior chamber depth were 10.6 and 3.37 mm, respectively, in the right eye and 10.5 and 3.33 mm, respectively, in the left eye. CONCLUSION: A small pIOL was used to guarantee a safety distance and resulted in a one-line gain in uncorrected distant visual acuity and stable endothelial cell density 1 year after surgery. An iris-fixated pIOL Vis therefore an effective option for myopic patients with ROP.

The impact of visual symptoms on the quality of life of patients with early to moderate glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the visual symptoms and to determine the impact of visual symptoms on vision-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with early to moderate glaucoma. METHODS: A retrospective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 31, 2014, at a university referral center. A total of 176 patients with early to moderate glaucoma underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, including Humphrey visual field testing. The patients were divided into six groups based on visual symptoms that could be verified by forced-choice questions. Vision-related QoL was assessed by the Korean version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (K-NEI-VFQ-25). We compared the mean deviation (MD) and questionnaire scores among the groups. RESULTS: Of 352 eyes, 107 (30.4%) were symptomatic. The most common visual symptoms were partial blurring (15.91%), followed by a missing part (7.67%) and a black part (5.97%) of the image. The symptomatic groups (blurred part and missing part) had a significantly worse MD than the asymptomatic group. The symptomatic groups tended to have more visual field defects than the asymptomatic group. The overall NEI-VFQ-25 score in the symptomatic group (black part) was significantly lower than that in the asymptomatic group. Similar effects were observed for other subscale scores, including social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, dependency, and peripheral vision. CONCLUSIONS: Vision-related QoL may be severely compromised in glaucoma patients with visual symptoms. Patients with visual disorders should be evaluated for glaucoma and QoL.

Discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences and later internalizing and externalizing behavior: A prospective study.

Discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences may lead to later internalizing or externalizing behavior in adolescents. A 1,663 South Korean 7th and 8th graders (mean age: 13.1 and 14.1 years old), were seen for a follow-up study to examine the relationships between the discrepancy in perception of their bullying experiences (defined as discrepancy between self- and peer-reports of bullying experiences) and internalizing or externalizing behavior at follow-up. Bullying was assessed by self- and peer-report. The discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences was defined by the concordance or discordance between self- and peer-reports. Internalizing and externalizing behavior was evaluated using the Youth Self Report and Child Behavior Checklist, at baseline and follow-up. Two by two ANCOVA was performed with a factorial design, categorizing discrepancy in perception of bullying experiences based on the agreement between self-report and peer-report. Internalizing/externalizing behavior-at-follow-up was used as an outcome, adjusting for other known risk factors for internalizing/externalizing behavior, including baseline internalizing/externalizing behavior, and bullying experiences. Adolescents with perceptions of bullying experiences discrepant from peer-reports showed increased internalizing/externalizing behavior at follow-up. Bullying also stands out as an independent risk factor for the development of future externalizing behavior even among adolescents with accurate perceptions of bullying experiences. These specific groups of youth warrant more focused assessment and intervention.

Age-related change in γH2AX of Drosophila muscle: its significance as a marker for muscle damage and longevity.

Muscle aging is closely related to unhealthy late-life and organismal aging. Recently, the state of differentiated cells was shown to be critical to tissue homeostasis. Thus, understanding how fully differentiated muscle cells age is required for ensuring healthy aging. Adult Drosophila muscle is a useful model for exploring the aging process of fully differentiated cells. In this study, we investigated age-related changes of γH2AX, an indicator of DNA strand breaks, in adult Drosophila muscle to document whether its changes are correlated with muscle degeneration and lifespan. The results demonstrate that γH2AX accumulation increases in adult Drosophila thoracic and leg muscles with age. Analyses of short-, normal-, and long-lived strains indicate that the age-related increase of γH2AX is closely associated with the extent of muscle degeneration, cleaved caspase-3 and poly-ubiquitin aggregates, and longevity. Further analysis of muscle-specific knockdown of heterochromatin protein 1a revealed that the excessive γH2AX accumulation in thoracic and leg muscles induces accelerated degeneration and decreases longevity. These data suggest a strong correlation between age-related muscle damage and lifespan in Drosophila. Our findings indicate that γH2AX may be a reliable biomarker for assessing muscle aging in Drosophila.

Social stratification, classroom climate, and the behavioral adaptation of kindergarten children.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is the single most potent determinant of health within human populations, from infancy through old age. Although the social stratification of health is nearly universal, there is persistent uncertainty regarding the dimensions of SES that effect such inequalities and thus little clarity about the principles of intervention by which inequalities might be abated. Guided by animal models of hierarchical organization and the health correlates of subordination, this prospective study examined the partitioning of children's adaptive behavioral development by their positions within kindergarten classroom hierarchies. A sample of 338 5-y-old children was recruited from 29 Berkeley, California public school classrooms. A naturalistic observational measure of social position, parent-reported family SES, and child-reported classroom climate were used in estimating multilevel, random-effects models of children's adaptive behavior at the end of the kindergarten year. Children occupying subordinate positions had significantly more maladaptive behavioral outcomes than their dominant peers. Further, interaction terms revealed that low family SES and female sex magnified, and teachers' child-centered pedagogical practices diminished, the adverse influences of social subordination. Taken together, results suggest that, even within early childhood groups, social stratification is associated with a partitioning of adaptive behavioral outcomes and that the character of larger societal and school structures in which such groups are nested can moderate rank-behavior associations.

Prosocial motivation and physicians' work attitudes. Effects of a triple synergy on prosocial orientation in a healthcare organization.

Employees work attitudes are key determinants to organizational performance. This article proposes a model integrating servant leadership, prosocial motivation, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in order to explain a mechanism through which prosocial motivation plays a central role in enhanding physicians' work attitudes. A cross sectional survey from a sample of physicians indicates that (1) prosocial motivation can be shaped from servant leadership when physicians perceive high value fit with their supervisors, (2) prosocial motivation improves physicians' job satisfaction. Its effects is strengthened when physicians perceive high CSR, and (3) job satisfaction improves organizational commitment. The results provide meaningful insights that a triple synergy of prosocial orientation among physicians, supervisors and organization enhances physicians' work attitudes.

Increased centrosome amplification in aged stem cells of the Drosophila midgut.

Age-related changes in long-lived tissue-resident stem cells may be tightly linked to aging and age-related diseases such as cancer. Centrosomes play key roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. Supernumerary centrosomes are known to be an early event in tumorigenesis and senescence. However, the age-related changes of centrosome duplication in tissue-resident stem cells in vivo remain unknown. Here, using anti-γ-tubulin and anti-PH3, we analyzed mitotic intestinal stem cells with supernumerary centrosomes in the adult Drosophila midgut, which may be a versatile model system for stem cell biology. The results showed increased centrosome amplification in intestinal stem cells of aged and oxidatively stressed Drosophila midguts. Increased centrosome amplification was detected by overexpression of PVR, EGFR, and AKT in intestinal stem cells/enteroblasts, known to mimic age-related changes including hyperproliferation of intestinal stem cells and hyperplasia in the midgut. Our data show the first direct evidence for the age-related increase of centrosome amplification in intestinal stem cells and suggest that the Drosophila midgut is an excellent model for studying molecular mechanisms underlying centrosome amplification in aging adult stem cells in vivo.