Detection of endocrine and metabolism disrupting xenobiotics in milk-derived fat samples by fluorescent protein-tagged nuclear receptors and live cell imaging.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-modulated transcription factors that regulate multiple physiological functions in our body. Many NRs in their unliganded state are localized in the cytoplasm. The ligand-inducible nuclear translocation of NRs provides a valuable tool for studying the NR-ligand interactions and their downstream effects. The translocation response of NRs can be studied irrespective of the nature of the interacting ligand (agonist, antagonist, or a small molecule modulator). These nuclear translocation studies offer an advantage over promoter-reporter-based transcription assays where transcription response is observed only with the activating hormones or agonistic ligands. Globally, milk serves as a major dietary source. However, suspected presence of endocrine/metabolism-disrupting chemicals like bisphenols, parabens, organochlorine pesticides, carbamates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chloramphenicol, brominated flame retardants, etc. has been reported. Considering that these chemicals may impart serious developmental and metabolism-related health concerns, it is essential to develop assays suitable for the detection of xenobiotics present at differing levels in milk. Since milk samples cannot be used directly on cultured cells or for microscopy, a combination of screening strategies has been developed herein based on the revelation that i) lipophilic NR ligands can be successfully retrieved in milk-fat; ii) milk-fat treatment of cells is compatible with live-cell imaging studies; and finally, iii) treatment of cells with xenobiotics-spiked and normal milk derived fat provides a visual and quantifiable response of NR translocation in living cells. Utilizing a milk-fat extraction method and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) tagged NRs expressed in cultured mammalian cells, followed by an assessment of NR response proved to be an effective approach for screening xenobiotics present in milk samples.HighlightsDiverse endocrine and metabolism-disrupting chemicals are suspected to contaminate milk.Nuclear receptors serve as 'xenosensors' for assessing the presence of xenobiotics in milk.Nuclear import of steroid receptors with (ant)agonist can be examined in live cells.Lipophilic xenobiotics are extracted and observed enriched in milk-fat fraction.A comprehensive cell-based protocol aids in the detection of xenobiotics in milk.

Angiogenesis-Centered Molecular Cross-Talk in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Survival: Mechanistic Insights.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized with progressive muscle atrophy. We have attempted to establish the link between angiogenesis and cellular survival in the pathogenesis of ALS by compiling evidence described in various scientific reports. The phenotypes of human ALS have earlier been captured in the mutant SOD1 mice as well as by targeted deletion of the hypoxia response element (HRE) from the promoter of the mouse gene for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Indirect evidence shows that angiogenesis can help prevent oxidative stress, and hence, enhance cell survival. VEGF and angiogenin chiefly regulate the process of angiogenesis. Transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is usually found inside the nucleus, but in large number of cases of ALS, it accumulates in the cytoplasm (TDP-43 proteinopathy). Interestingly, TDP-43 proteinopathy is found to be aggravated in the presence of the OPTN mutation, which is the genetic factor that is responsible for such accumulation. Interaction of TDP-43 with progranulin can further affect the angiogenesis in ALS patients by regulating activity of VEGF receptors, but conclusive evidence is needed to establish its role in pathogenesis of ALS. Certain mutations in UBQLN2 and UBQLN4 indicate that ubiquitination has a role in ALS pathobiology, but its link to angiogenesis has not been adequately studied. Recent studies have shown that several mutations in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can also cause ALS. Conclusively, in this review, we have attempted to argue the role of angiogenesis in enhanced ALS survival rate is probably regulated with the activation of NF-κß. Additionally, interaction between OPTN and TDP-43 can also impact the transcription of various angiogenic molecules. Whether targeting angiogenic substances or TDP-43 can provide clues about extending ALS survival rate, in combination with current treatments, can only be evaluated after additional studies.

Identifying putative cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a north Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based information about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of biomarkers in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is limited. METHODS: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), optineurin (OPTN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), angiogenin (ANG), and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunoassay in the CSF of 54 patients with sporadic ALS and 32 controls in a case-control study design. RESULTS: CSF levels of VEGF (P = .014) and ANG (P = .009) were decreased, whereas VEGFR2 was higher (P = .002) in patients with ALS than in controls. TDP-43 positively correlated with MCP-1 (P = .003), VEGF (P < .001), and VEGFR2 (P < .001) in patients with ALS. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest possible utility of VEGF, VEGFR2, and ANG as biomarkers for use in ALS treatment trials.

Evaluation of (Anti)androgenic Activities of Environmental Xenobiotics in Milk Using a Human Liver Cell Line and Androgen Receptor-Based Promoter-Reporter Assay.

The recent reports on milk consumption and its associated risk with hormone related disorders necessitates the evaluation of dairy products for the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and ensure the safety of consumers. In view of this, we investigated the possible presence of (anti)androgenic contaminants in raw and commercialized milk samples. For this purpose, a novel HepARE-Luc cell line that stably expresses human androgen receptor (AR) and the androgen responsive luciferase reporter gene was generated and used in the present study. Treatment of this cell line with androgens and corresponding antiandrogen (flutamide) stimulated or inhibited expression of reporter luciferase, respectively. Real time polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining results exhibited transcription response and translocation of AR from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to androgen. Observations implied that a cell-based xenobiotic screening assay via AR response can be conducted for assessing the (anti)androgenic ligands present in food chain including milk. Therefore, the cell line was further used to screen the (anti)androgenic activity of a total of 40 milk fat samples procured as raw or commercial milk. Some of the raw and commercial milk fat samples distinctly showed antiandrogenic activities. Subsequently, some commonly used environmental chemicals were also evaluated for their (anti)androgenic activities. Initial observations with molecular docking studies of experimental compounds were performed to assess their interaction with AR ligand binding domain. Furthermore, (anti)androgenic activities of these compounds were confirmed by performing luciferase assay using the HepARE-Luc cell line. None of the test compounds showed androgenic activities rather some of them like Bisphenol A (BPA) and rifamycin showed antiandrogenic activities. In conclusion, our results provide a valuable information about the assessment of (anti)androgenic activities present in milk samples. Overall, it is proposed that a robust cell-based CALUX assay can be used to assess the (anti)androgenic activities present in milk which can be attributed to different environmental chemicals present therein.

Can Cheiromancy Predict Mean Survival or Fatality of a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

Background The past three decades have seen palmistry as an interface to human health. There have been no previously organized attempts in utilizing this knowledge to predict the state of disease. Objective Due to unavailability of any biological marker for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) till date, we attempt to examine whether palmistry could be used for detecting the onset and survival of patient suffering from ALS. Methods Patients suffering from ALS attending the neurology outpatient department at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India were selected for study. Palm photographs were obtained from all patients including controls after their consent. Patients suffering from other comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, migraine, as well as smokers and nonsmokers were included in the study. Twenty-six ALS patients, 30 neurological controls, and 34 healthy age matched controls were recruited in the study. Retrospective analysis of the palm pictures based on blinding method was performed by academically qualified palmists. Results The results demonstrated the need for further studies in the subject even though the observations made were independent by both the palmists. Conclusion This study opens new vistas for cheiromancy to be further explored for analysis in larger samples.

Creating a role model for "Academicians" Social Responsibility (ASR) synergizing with Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan: A campus hygiene initiative by PGIMER, Chandigarh.

BACKGROUND: The state of disarray from unhygienic conditions and excessive litter throughout urban highways, alleyways, and byways across rural and urban localities of India is abysmal. Such unsanitary conditions impinge upon the future health and welfare of its citizens, tourists and economic development. PURPOSE: The NRL volunteered PGIMER's campus hygiene initiative" is a pioneering effort spearheaded in compliance with Indian Prime Minister's call that citizens of India work together to establish a cleaner and healthier environment. METHODS: A group of 15 highly motivated students in the Neuroscience Division of the PGIMER, worked together vigorously 2 hours a week to affect a cleaner urban environment in the city. RESULT: The results were national Kayakalp and Skoch award to PGIMER as the cleanest hospital in the country, the vendors or patients no longer litter around the campus, the pot holes have been converted into greener patches, signs board adorn the campus. CONCLUSION: To inspire citizens through faculty- student led sanitation programs.

Milk metabolites and neurodegeneration: Is there crosstalk?

Milk has been considered as a natural source of nutrition for decades. Milk is known to be nutrient-rich which aids the growth and development of the human body. Milk contains both macro- and micronutrients. Breast milk is widely regarded as the optimal source of neonatal nutrition due to its composition of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and antibodies. However, despite the wide use of milk products, investigations into the role of milk in degenerative diseases have been limited. This review will examine the relationship between the ß-casein gene found in bovine milk and disease states by using age-related macular degeneration as an example.

Revisiting the dilution factor as vital parameter for sensitivity of ELISA assay in CSF and Plasma.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is very sensitive assay which provides quantitative data about expression of antigens. However, its utility is based on certain parameters which vary in the experimental situations. PURPOSE: We aimed to analyse the dilution factor as an important parameter for determining the sensitivity of ELISA in human samples. METHODS: Total of n = 57 ALS patients and n = 48 normal controls were selected for the study. All the patients were recruited from, Department for Neurology and Anaesthesia, PGIMER. Blood and CSF sample was collected and ELISA run was performed in both plasma and blood sample. ELISA of OPTN and TDP-43 was employed to check the respective protein concentration in CSF and Plasma. RESULTS: There was no significant difference which was reported for Plasma as well as CSF values of TDP-43 and OPTN. Dilution test prior to actual experiment made a significant impact in deciding the actual concentration of sample and led to overshootingbeyond range of reference protein. CONCLUSION: Negative results from our study highlights the significance of determining the dilution factor as an important parameter for conduct of ELISA.

Analysis of smoking and LPO in ALS.

Smoking has been suggested as one of the risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) development. In order to investigate whether adverse effects of cigarette smoke in ALS have any association with increase in oxidative stress, disease severity, lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) levels were measured in biofluids of smoker and never smoker ALS patients and clinically correlated. Serum and CSF from sporadic ALS patients (n=50) diagnosed with El Escorial criteria were collected in the study. Serum (n=50) and CSF (n=42) were also collected from normal healthy controls. The LPO levels were estimated using commercially available kits. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to quantitate SOD1. Their levels were further analyzed among smoker and never smoker subjects. Significantly elevated LPO in sera and CSF of ALS patients were observed (p<0.05). There was considerably increased LPO in sera and CSF of smoker ALS subjects matched with disease severity as compared to never smoker ALS (p<0.05). ALS group did not show any alteration in SOD1 when compared to controls (p>0.05). In addition, no change has been observed in SOD1 levels in ALS subjects who smoke (p>0.05). Increased LPO and unaltered SOD1 in ALS patients may suggest the neuro-pathological association of LPO with ALS disease independent of SOD1. With current findings, it may be proposed that LPO levels might constitute as probable biomarker for smoker ALS patients, however, it cannot be concluded without larger gender matched studies. Additional investigations are needed to determine whether LPO upregulation is primary or secondary to motor neuron degeneration in ALS.

ALS and oxidative stress: the neurovascular scenario.

Oxidative stress and angiogenic factors have been placed as the prime focus of scientific investigations after an establishment of link between vascular endothelial growth factor promoter (VEGF), hypoxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis. Deletion of the hypoxia-response element in the vascular endothelial growth factor promoter and mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) which are characterised by atrophy and muscle weakness resulted in phenotype resembling human ALS in mice. This results in lower motor neurodegeneration thus establishing an important link between motor neuron degeneration, vasculature, and angiogenic molecules. In this review, we have presented human, animal, and in vitro studies which suggest that molecules like VEGF have a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic potential in ALS. Involvement of vascular growth factors and hypoxia response elements also highlights the converging role of oxidative stress and neurovascular network for understanding and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders like ALS.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels unaltered in symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid plaque patients from north India.

We aimed to identify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) as a serum biomarker of symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaque in North Indian population. Individuals with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaque have high risk of ischemic stroke. Previous studies from western countries have shown an association between VEGF and MCP-1 levels and the incidence of ischemic stroke. In this study, venous blood from 110 human subjects was collected, 57 blood samples of which were obtained from patients with carotid plaques, 38 neurological controls without carotid plaques, and another 15 healthy controls who had no history of serious illness. Serum VEGF and MCP-1 levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also correlated the data clinically and carried out risk factor analysis based on the detailed questionnaire obtained from each patient. For risk factor analysis, a total of 70 symptomatic carotid plaque cases and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were analyzed. We found that serum VEGF levels in carotid plaque patients did not show any significant change when compared to either of the controls. Similarly, there was no significant upregulation of MCP-1 in the serum of these patients. The risk factor analysis revealed that hypertension, diabetes, and physical inactivity were the main correlates of carotid atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Prevalence of patients was higher residing in urban areas as compared to rural region. We also found that patients coming from mountain region were relatively less vulnerable to cerebral atherosclerosis as compared to the ones residing at non mountain region. On the contrary, smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, and tobacco chewing were not observed as the determinants of carotid atherosclerosis risk in North India (p > 0.05). We conclude that the pathogenesis of carotid plaques may progress independent of these inflammatory molecules. In parallel, risk factor analysis indicates hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle as the most significant risk factors of ischemic stroke identified in North India. This could be helpful in early identification of subjects at risk for stroke and devising health care strategies.

The animal models of dementia and Alzheimer's disease for pre-clinical testing and clinical translation.

Dementia is a clinical syndrome with abnormal degree of memory loss and impaired ability to recall events from the past often characterized by Alzheimer's disease. The various strategies to treat dementia need validation of novel compounds in suitable animal models for testing their safety and efficacy. These may include novel anti-amnesic drugs derived from synthetic chemistry or those derived from traditional herbal sources. Multiple approaches have been adopted to create reliable animal models ranging from rodents to non-human primates, where the animals are exposed to a predetermined injury or causing genetic ablation across specific regions of brain suspected to affect learning functions. In this review various animal models for Alzheimer's disease and treatment strategies in development of anti dementia drugs are discussed and an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive report of the latest developments in the field.