Decreased acylated and total ghrelin levels in bipolar disorder patients recovering from a manic episode.

BACKGROUND: To date, only few studies have investigated ghrelin levels in bipolar disorders, and all have exclusively measured acylated ghrelin, with none investigating total ghrelin (acylated and des-acylated). We aimed to investigate peripheral levels of acylated and total ghrelin in subjects experiencing a manic episode of bipolar disorder. METHODS: Peripheral levels of acylated and total ghrelin were measured in hospitalised medicated individuals recovering from a manic episode. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure ghrelin levels in patients and compared with healthy controls. The relationship between ghrelin levels in bipolar disorder, self-reported hunger measures, demographic and clinical parameters was investigated with correlational analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects (15 males, 9 females) recovering from mania and 27 matched healthy controls (13 males, 14 females) were recruited for the study. Mean values of both acylated (187 vs.520 pg/mL) and total ghrelin (396 vs. 648 pg/mL) were significantly reduced in bipolar disorder (p = 0.001). Ghrelin levels correlated positively with markers of illness severity and negatively with prescribed mood stabilizers, second-generation antipsychotics, weight and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Peripheral measurements of acylated and total ghrelin were both reduced in bipolar disorder patients compared to healthy controls. Whilst illness severity promotes higher ghrelin levels, pharmacological treatment and weight gain exercise the opposite effect.

Long-Term Vitamin D Deficiency Results in the Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Alteration of Multiple Gastric Epithelial Cell Lineages in Mice.

Over one billion people globally are vitamin D (VD) deficient. Studies on the biological roles of VD are numerous but very little on the stomach. This project aims to understand how gastric homeostasis is affected by VD deficiency caused by prolonged exposure to darkness alone or combined with VD deficient diet. Three groups of C57/BL6 mice were subjected to different light exposure conditions and diets for 12 months (n = 8−12/group): control­12 h/12 h light/dark SDL (Standard Diet/Light), 24 h dark SDD (Standard Diet/Dark), and 24 h dark VDD (VD deficient diet/Dark). Stomach samples were collected for different multi-label lectin-/immuno-histochemical and qRT-PCR analyses, and the serum for LC-MS-MS. We found that the membrane VD receptor is expressed widely in the stomach when compared to nuclear VD receptors. Compared to SDL, VDD mice developed mucous cell expansion with increased mucins-mRNA (3.27 ± 2.73 (p < 0.05)) increased apoptotic cells, 15 ± 7 (p ≤ 0.001)); decreased cell proliferation, 4 ± 4 (p < 0.05)) and decreased acid secretion 33 ± 2 µEq/kg (p ≤ 0.0001)). Interestingly, mice exposed to full darkness developed mild VD deficiency with higher VD epimer levels: 11.9 ± 2.08 ng/mL (p ≤ 0.0001)), expansion in zymogenic cell number (16 ± 3 (p ≤ 0.01)), and a reduction in acid secretion (18 ± 2 µEq/kg (p ≤ 0.0001)). In conclusion, changes in light exposure or VD levels have serious physiological effects on the gastric mucosa, which should be considered during the management of gastric disorders.

Probiotics Upregulate Trefoil Factors and Downregulate Pepsinogen in the Mouse Stomach.

Probiotics are used in the management of some gastrointestinal diseases. However, little is known about their effects on normal gastric epithelial biology. The aim of this study was to explore how the probiotic mixture VSL#3 affects gastric cell lineages in mice with a special focus on protective and aggressive factors. Weight-matching littermate male mice (n = 14) were divided into treated and control pairs. The treated mice received VSL#3 (5 mg/day/mouse) by gastric gavage for 10 days. Control mice received only the vehicle. Food consumption and bodyweight were monitored. All mice were injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (120 mg/Kg bodyweight) two hours before sacrificed to label S-phase cells. Stomach tissues were processed for lectin- and immunohistochemical examination. ImageJ software was used to quantify immunolabeled gastric epithelial cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to provide relative changes in expression of gastric cell lineages specific genes. Results revealed that treated mice acquired (i) increased production of mucus, trefoil factor (TFF) 1 and TFF2, (ii) decreased production of pepsinogen, and (iii) increased ghrelin-secreting cells. No significant changes were observed in bodyweight, food consumption, cell proliferation, or parietal cells. Therefore, VSL#3 administration amplifies specific cell types specialized in the protection of the gastric epithelium.

SMARCAD1 in Breast Cancer Progression.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and within this cancer type, triple-negative breast cancers have the worst prognosis. The identification of new genes associated with triple-negative breast cancer progression is crucial for developing more specific anti-cancer targeted therapies, which could lead to a better management of these patients. In this context, we have recently demonstrated that SMARCAD1, a DEAD/H box-containing helicase, is involved in breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the stable knockdown of SMARCAD1 on human breast cancer cell progression. METHODS: Using two different designs of shRNA targeting SMARCAD1, we investigated the impact of the stable knockdown of SMARCAD1 on human breast cancer cell proliferation and colony growth in vitro and on tumour growth in chick embryo and nude mouse xenograft models in vivo using MDA-MB-231 (ER-/PR-/ HER2-) and T47D (ER+/PR+/-/HER2-) human breast cancer cell lines. RESULTS: We found that SMARCAD1 knockdown resulted in a significant decrease in breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation, leading to the significant inhibition of tumour growth in both the chick embryo and nude mouse xenograft models. This inhibition was due, at least in part, to a decrease in IKKß expression. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that SMARCAD1 is involved in breast cancer progression and can be a promising target for breast cancer therapy.

Growth and Differentiation of Dental Stem Cells of Apical Papilla on Polycaprolactone Scaffolds.

Biodegradable scaffolds are useful tools in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The aim of this study was to test the potential of the human stem cells of apical papilla (SCAP) to attach, proliferate and differentiate on a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds. SCAP were extracted from the root apical papillae of freshly extracted immature premolar teeth by using enzymatic digestion. Porous PCL scaffolds were fabricated using particle leaching method and NaCl or mannitol as porogens. SCAP of passage 3 were seeded on non-porous and porous PCL scaffolds for up to 14 days. For control, cells were cultured on glass coverslips. Picogreen DNA quantification was used to assay for cell proliferation. Cell differentiation and development of calcification nodules were examined using scanning electron microscopy and alizarin red staining. SCAP showed a comparable attachment, growth and proliferation patterns on PCL scaffolds and coverslips. Cell proliferation was enhanced on mannitol scaffolds at all time points. Calcification nodules were detected in all PCL scaffolds while it was not present on glass coverslips. These nodules were detected on NaCl-scaffolds by day 7 and on mannitol and non-porous scaffolds by day 14. In conclusion, SCAP were able to attach, proliferate and differentiate on PCL scaffolds without using any inductive media, indicating their potential application for dental tissue regeneration.

Short-term effects of oral administration of Pistacia lentiscus oil on tissue-specific toxicity and drug metabolizing enzymes in mice.

BACKGROUND: Pistacia lentiscus (Anacardiaceae) is a flowering plant traditionally used in the treatment of various skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether Pistacia lentiscus oil has any short term toxic effects in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Pistacia lentiscus oil (100µl) was administered orally into mice for 5 days. RESULTS: Measurements of body weight did not show any weight loss. Serum concentration of LDH did not show any significant statistical difference when compared to control mice. Similarly, blood, kidney or liver function tests showed no toxicity with Pistacia lentiscus oil when compared to the control group. Examination of gastrointestinal tissues sections revealed similar structural features with no difference in cell proliferation. In this context, pharmacological dilutions of Pistacia lentiscus oil (10(-6) - 10(-3)) did not affect the viability (cell death and proliferation) of mouse gastric stem cells, human colorectal cancer cells HT29, human hepatoma cells HepG2. However, it appears that at the dose and time point studied, Pistacia lentiscus oil treatment has targeted various cytochrome P450s and has specifically inhibited the activities and the expression of CYP2E1, CYP3A4, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 differentially in different tissues. Our results also demonstrate that there is no appreciable effect of Pistacia lentiscus oil on the GSH-dependent redox homoeostasis and detoxification mechanism in the tissues. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a good safety profile of short term oral use of Pistacia lentiscus oil as a monotherapy in the treatment of various skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, due to its inhibitory effect of various cytochrome P450s and mainly CYP3A4, this might have implications on the bioavailability and metabolism of drugs taken in combination with Pistacia lentiscus oil. More attention is needed when Pistacia lentiscus oil is intended to be uses in combination with other pharmacological agents in order to avoid potential drug-drug interaction leading to toxicity. This study will help in safer use of Pistacia lentiscus oil for therapeutic purpose.

Seven-Month Vitamin D Deficiency Inhibits Gastric Epithelial Cell Proliferation, Stimulates Acid Secretion, and Differentially Alters Cell Lineages in the Gastric Glands.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency can result from insufficiency of either light exposure or VD intake. We investigated the biological effects of VD deficiency for 7 months on the mouse gastric glands. Varying degrees of VD deficiency were induced in C57BL/6 mice by keeping them on standard diet with constant-dark conditions (SDD) or VD deficient diet with constant-dark conditions (VDD). Samples of serum, glandular stomach, and gastric contents were collected for LCMS/MS, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and acid content measurements. Both SDD and VDD mice had a significant decline in 25OHVD metabolite, gastric epithelial cell proliferation, and mucin 6 gene expression. These effects were enhanced with the severity of VD deficiency from SDD to VDD. Besides and compared to the control group, SDD mice only displayed a significant increase in the number of zymogenic cells (p ≤ 0.0001) and high expression of the adiponectin (p ≤ 0.05), gastrin (p ≤ 0.0001), mucin 5AC (*** p ≤ 0.001) and the Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (**** p ≤ 0.0001). These phenotypes were unique to SDD gastric samples and not seen in the VDD or control groups. This study suggests that the body reacts differently to diverse VD deficiency sources, light or diet.

BioMOF-Based Anti-Cancer Drug Delivery Systems.

A variety of nanomaterials have been developed specifically for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery in cancer treatment. These materials involve both synthetic and natural nanoparticles and nanofibers of varying dimensions. The efficacy of a drug delivery system (DDS) depends on its biocompatibility, intrinsic high surface area, high interconnected porosity, and chemical functionality. Recent advances in metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have led to the achievement of these desirable features. MOFs consist of metal ions and organic linkers that are assembled in different geometries and can be produced in 0, 1, 2, or 3 dimensions. The defining features of MOFs are their outstanding surface area, interconnected porosity, and variable chemical functionality, which enable an endless range of modalities for loading drugs into their hierarchical structures. MOFs, coupled with biocompatibility requisites, are now regarded as highly successful DDSs for the treatment of diverse diseases. This review aims to present the development and applications of DDSs based on chemically-functionalized MOF nanostructures in the context of cancer treatment. A concise overview of the structure, synthesis, and mode of action of MOF-DDS is provided.

Overgrowth of Squamocolumnar Junction and Dysregulation of Stem Cell Lineages in the Stomach of Vitamin A-Deficient Mice.

Junctional epithelia are common sites for pathological transformations. In mice, the stratified epithelium of the forestomach joins the simple glandular epithelium of the cardia at the limiting ridge. We previously demonstrated the expression of vitamin A receptors in the gastric stem/progenitor cells and their progeny and found that excess retinoic acid enhances cellular dynamics of gastric epithelium. This study examines how deficiency of vitamin A would alter gastric epithelial stem cell lineages. Three-week-old mice of both genders were weaned and fed with a vitamin A deficient (VAD) diet for 4 or 8 months. Sex- and weight-matched littermate mice received a standard (control) diet. To label S-phase cells, all mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine before being euthanized. Stomach tissues were processed for microscopic examination and protein analysis to investigate stem cell lineages using different stains, lectins, or antibodies. The Student's t-test was used to compare quantified data showing differences between control and VAD groups. Eight-month-vitamin-A deficiency caused enlarged forestomach and overgrowth of the squamocolumnar junction with metaplastic and dysplastic cardiac glands, formation of intramucosal cysts, loss of surface mucosal integrity, increased amount of luminal surface mucus, and upregulation of trefoil factor 1 and H+,K+-ATPase. These changes were associated with decreased cell proliferation and upregulation of p63. In conclusion, vitamin A is necessary for maintaining gastric epithelial integrity and its deficiency predisposes the mouse stomach to precancerous lesions.

Helicobacter pylori evolution during progression from chronic atrophic gastritis to gastric cancer and its impact on gastric stem cells.

We have characterized the adaptations of Helicobacter pylori to a rarely captured event in the evolution of its impact on host biology-the transition from chronic atrophic gastritis (ChAG) to gastric adenocarcinoma-and defined the impact of these adaptations on an intriguing but poorly characterized interaction between this bacterium and gastric epithelial stem cells. Bacterial isolates were obtained from a single human host colonized with a single dominant strain before and after his progression from ChAG to gastric adenocarcinoma during a 4-year interval. Draft genome assemblies were generated from two isolates, one ChAG-associated, the other cancer-associated. The cancer-associated strain was less fit in a gnotobiotic transgenic mouse model of human ChAG and better able to establish itself within a mouse gastric epithelial progenitor-derived cell line (mGEP) that supports bacterial attachment. GeneChip-based comparisons of the transcriptomes of mGEPs and a control mouse gastric epithelial cell line revealed that, upon infection, the cancer-associated strain regulates expression of GEP-associated signaling and metabolic pathways, and tumor suppressor genes associated with development of gastric cancer in humans, in a manner distinct from the ChAG-associated isolate. The effects on GEP metabolic pathways, some of which were confirmed in gnotobiotic mice, together with observed changes in the bacterial transcriptome are predicted to support aspects of an endosymbiosis between this microbe and gastric stem cells. These results provide insights about how H. pylori may adapt to and influence stem cell biology and how its intracellular residency could contribute to gastric tumorigenesis.

Vitamin D Is Necessary for Murine Gastric Epithelial Homeostasis.

Unlike other organs, the importance of VD in a normal stomach is unknown. This study focuses on understanding the physiological role of vitamin D in gastric epithelial homeostasis. C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups that were either fed a standard diet and kept in normal light/dark cycles (SDL), fed a standard diet but kept in the dark (SDD) or fed a vitamin D-deficient diet and kept in the dark (VDD). After 3 months, sera were collected to measure vitamin D levels by LC-MS/MS, gastric tissues were collected for immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses and gastric contents were collected to measure acid levels. The VDD group showed a significant decrease in the acid-secreting parietal cell-specific genes Atp4a and Atp4b when compared with the controls. This reduction was associated with an increased expression of an antral gastrin hormone. VDD gastric tissues also showed a high proliferation rate compared with SDL and SDD using an anti-BrdU antibody. This study indicates the requirement for normal vitamin D levels for proper parietal cell functions.

Modulation of Stem Cell Progeny by Probiotics during Regeneration of Gastric Mucosal Erosions.

Patients with gastric mucosal erosions are predisposed to chronic gastritis, ulcer or even cancer. The repair of mucosal erosions involves several events including proliferation of gastric epithelial stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the probiotic mixture of De Simone Formulation on gastric epithelial stem cell lineages in mouse models of gastric mucosal erosions. Gastric erosions were induced by a single oral gavage of 80% ethanol containing 15 mg/mL acetylsalicylic acid (5 mL/kg) following a daily dose of probiotic mixture (5 mg/day/mouse) for 10 days. In another protocol, erosions were induced by a daily gavage of acetylsalicylic acid (400 mg/kg/day/mouse) for 5 days before or after daily administration of probiotic mixture for 5 days. Control mice received water gavage for 10 days. All mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine two hours before sacrifice to label S-phase cells. The stomachs of all mice were processed for histological examination, lectin binding, and immunohistochemical analysis. The results reveal that mice that received probiotics before or after the induction of erosion showed a decrease in erosion index with an increase in gastric epithelial stem/progenitor cell proliferation and enhanced production of mucus, trefoil factors, and ghrelin by mucous and enteroendocrine cell lineages. These mice also showed restoration of the amount of H+,K+-ATPase and pepsinogen involved in the production of the harsh acidic environment by parietal and chief cell lineages. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the beneficial effects of probiotics against gastric mucosal erosion and highlights the involvement and modulation of proliferative stem cells and their multiple glandular epithelial cell lineages.

Effects of Diesel Exhaust Particles on Mouse Gastric Stem Cells.

Stem cells have attracted many scientists because of their unique properties and therapeutic applications. However, very little is known on the environmental toxins that could affect their biological features. This study focuses on the consequences of the exposure of a cell line representative of the mouse gastric stem/progenitor (mGS) cells to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). These immortal cells were cultured using routine protocols. The DEPs were added to the culture media at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL for 1 to 72 h. The cells were assayed for their viability, migration, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes specific for cell proliferation, pluripotency, and death. DEPs induced a reduction in the metabolic activity of mGS cells, only at a high concentration of 100 µg/mL. However, no significant effects were detected on cell migration, oxidative stress markers (glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and cell death related proteins/genes. Interestingly, these findings were associated with down-regulation of Notch 2 and 3 and Bmi-1 proteins and activation of STAT3 involved in the regulation of the fate of stem cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that mGS cells have some resistance to oxidative stress and apoptosis when exposed to DEPs at the expense of their stemness.

Genetic polymorphisms and protein expression of P53 and BRCA1 in preneoplastic and neoplastic rat mammary glands.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United Arab Emirates and worldwide. Although many factors contribute to the high incidence of breast cancer, a considerable number of cases are related to environmental factors. In the present study, breast cancer was induced in female rats using a single dose, 80 mg/kg body wt, of the environmental carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The aim of the present study, was to characterize some of the molecular changes that occur during breast cancer development in the DMBA-treated rat model. Mammary gland tissues of control and DMBA-treated rats were processed for: i) immunohistochemical probing using anti-BRCA1 antibody to characterize and correlate the localization of this cell cycle protein during progression to cancer, ii) western blotting to analyze the alteration of p53 protein expression in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the mammary glands, and iii) polymerase chain reactions using primers specific for BRCA1 and P53 genes followed by single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays to detect possible mutations in these genes during development of breast cancer. Microscopic examination revealed a wide range of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions providing a sequence representing the multistep process of breast cancer formation in DMBA-treated rats. Probing for BRCA1 protein revealed a gradual defect in its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus during breast cancer progression. In control rats, BRCA1 was present in the nuclei of terminal duct epithelial cells. However, in the preneoplastic lesions, BRCA1 was localized in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of the epithelial duct cells. In all malignant lesions, BRCA1 was mostly found in the cytoplasm. Western blotting revealed initial downregulation in the expression of p53 protein during breast cancer development. However, with progression towards malignancy, upregulation of p53 was observed. These changes were associated with polymorphism in p53 gene, which was detected in exon 5 using SSCP assay. However, using RFLP and BamHI to digest the PCR products of exon 11 of BRCA1 gene revealed no detectable polymorphisms. In conclusion, molecular characterization of the early changes that occur during development of breast cancer provides some clues for better understanding of its pathogenesis.

Development of a therapeutic model of precancerous liver using crocin-coated magnetite nanoparticles.

Despite considerable advances in understanding hepatocellular carcinoma, it is one of the common and deadliest cancers worldwide. Hence, increasing efforts are needed for early diagnosis and effective treatments. Saffron has been recently found to inhibit growth of liver cancer in rats. The aim of this study was to develop an effective method for treatment of liver cancer using magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with crocin, the main active component of saffron. MNPs were prepared and initially coated with dextran and a cross-linker to enhance conjugation of crocin using a modified coprecipitation method. Cultured HepG2 cells and diethylnitrosamine-injected mice were treated with corcin-coated MNPs and analyzed using cell proliferation assay and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Treatment of HepG2 cells with crocin-coated MNPs led to a significant inhibition of their growth as compared to control or those treated with free crocin or uncoated MNPs. Histological examinations of the livers of diethylnitrosamine-injected mice revealed several precancerous changes: multiple proliferative hepatic foci, hyper- or dysplastic transformations of bile ducts/ductules, and nuclear atypia associated with polyploidy, karyomegaly, and vacuolation. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (M30-CytoDEATH and Bcl-2) revealed their upregulation during development of precancerous lesions. Using antibodies specific for inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), oxidative stress (glutathione) and angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor) indicated the involvement of multiple signaling pathways in the development of precancerous lesions. Treatment with crocin-coated MNPs was associated with regression of precancerous lesions, significant upregulation of apoptotic cells and downregulation of Bcl-2 labeling and markers of cell proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress and angiogenesis. In conclusion, crocin-coated MNPs are more effective than free corcin for treatment of liver precancerous lesions in mice. These findings will help to develop new modalities for early detection and treatment of liver precancerous lesions.

3D culture of mouse gastric stem cells using porous microcarriers.

The lining epithelium of the stomach includes multipotent stem cells which undergo proliferation and migration-associated differentiation. These cells give rise to multiple cell lineages that produce mucus, acid, pepsinogen and various hormones/peptides. A 3D culture for stem cells would facilitate identification of the factors that control proliferation and/or differentiation programs. Here, we report on the use of disk-like ImmobaSil HD silicone-rubber matrix based microcarriers that are permeable to oxygen and reduce the creation of toxic environment within the center of the microcarrierd for culturing the mouse gastric stem (mGS) cells. We define several parameters that affect the initial cell attachment such as size of cell inoculum, serum concentration, mode and speed of agitation. We show that although such a microcarrier allows for attachment and growth of gastric stem cells, it does not lend itself and does not support the functional differentiation of such cells.

Potential role of probiotics in the management of gastric ulcer.

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal diseases characterized by a significant defect in the mucosal barrier. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the frequent long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are major factors involved in gastric ulcer development. Acid inhibitors and antibiotics are commonly used to treat gastric ulcer. However, in the last few decades, the accumulating evidence for resistance to antibiotics and the side effects of antibiotics and acid inhibitors have drawn attention to the possible use of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer. Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host. Currently, the available experimental and clinical studies indicate that probiotics are promising for future applications in the management of gastric ulcers. This review aims to provide an overview of the general health benefits of probiotics on various systemic and gastrointestinal disorders with a special focus on gastric ulcer and the involved cellular and molecular mechanisms: i) Protection of gastric mucosal barrier; ii) upregulation of prostaglandins, mucus, growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines; iii) increased cell proliferation to apoptosis ratio; and iv) induction of angiogenesis. Finally, some of the available data on the possible use of probiotics in H. pylori eradication are discussed.

NOTCH3 is expressed in human apical papilla and in subpopulations of stem cells isolated from the tissue.

NOTCH plays a role in regulating stem cell function and fate decision. It is involved in tooth development and injury repair. Information regarding NOTCH expression in human dental root apical papilla (AP) and its residing stem cells (SCAP) is limited. Here we investigated the expression of NOTCH3, its ligand JAG1, and mesenchymal stem cell markers CD146 and STRO-1 in the AP or in the primary cultures of SCAP isolated from AP. Our in situ immunostaining showed that in the AP NOTCH3 and CD146 were co-expressed and associated with blood vessels having NOTCH3 located more peripherally. In cultured SCAP, NOTCH3 and JAG1 were co-expressed. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 7%, 16% and 98% of the isolated SCAP were positive for NOTCH3, STRO-1 and CD146, respectively with a rare 1.5% subpopulation of SCAP co-expressing all three markers. The expression level of NOTCH3 reduced when SCAP underwent osteogenic differentiation. Our findings are the first step towards defining the regulatory role of NOTCH3 in SCAP fate decision.

Profiling cellular bioenergetics, glutathione levels, and caspase activities in stomach biopsies of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

AIM: To measure biochemical parameters in stomach biopsies and test their suitability as diagnostic biomarkers for gastritis and precancerous lesions. METHODS: Biopsies were obtained from the stomachs of two groups of patients (n = 40) undergoing fiber-optic endoscopy due to upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In the first group (n = 17), only the corpus region was examined. Biopsies were processed for microscopic examination and measurement of mitochondrial O2 consumption (cellular respiration), cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione (GSH), and caspase activity. In the second group of patients (n = 23), both corpus and antral regions were studied. Some biopsies were processed for microscopic examination, while the others were used for measurements of cellular respiration and GSH level. RESULTS: Microscopic examinations of gastric corpus biopsies from 17 patients revealed normal mucosae in 8 patients, superficial gastritis in 7 patients, and chronic atrophic gastritis in 1 patient. In patients with normal histology, the rate (mean ± SD) of cellular respiration was 0.17 ± 0.02 µmol/L O2 min(-1) mg(-1), ATP content was 487 ± 493 pmol/mg, and GSH was 469 ± 98 pmol/mg. Caspase activity was detected in 3 out of 8 specimens. The values of ATP and caspase activity were highly variable. The presence of superficial gastritis had insignificant effects on the measured biomarkers. In the patient with atrophic gastritis, cellular respiration was high and ATP was relatively low, suggesting uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. In the second cohort of patients, the examined biopsies showed either normal or superficial gastritis. The rate of cellular respiration (O2. µmol/L min(-1) mg(-1)) was slightly higher in the corpus than the antrum (0.18 ± 0.05 vs 0.15 ± 0.04, P = 0.019). The value of GSH was about the same in both tissues (310 ± 135 vs 322 ± 155, P = 0.692). CONCLUSION: The corpus mucosa was metabolically more active than the antrum tissue. The data in this study will help in understanding the pathophysiology of gastric mucosa.