Residual levels and health risk assessment of trace metals in Chinese resident diet.

Large-scale metal contamination across the food web is an intractable problem due to increasing pollutant emissions, atmospheric transport, and dry and wet deposition of elements. The present study focus on several trace metals that are rarely studied but have special toxicity, including tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), gold (Au), hafnium (Hf), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), tellurium (Te) and iridium (Ir). We investigated trace metals residues and distribution characteristics, and further evaluated the potential health risks from major daily food intakes in 33 cities in China. Sn, Sb, Ir, Hf, and Au were frequently detected in food samples with the concentrations ranged from ND (not detected) to 24.78 µg/kg ww (wet weight). Eggs exhibited the highest residual level of all detected metals (13.70 ± 14.70 µg/kg ww in sum), while the lowest concentrations were observed in vegetables (0.53 ± 0.17 µg/kg ww in sum). Sn accounting for more than 50% of the total trace metals concentration in both terrestrial and aquatic animal origin foods. In terrestrial plant origin foods, Sn and Ir were the most abundant elements. Hf and Au were the most abundant elements in egg samples. In addition, Sb and Ir showed a clear trophic dilution effect in terrestrial environments, while in aquatic ecosystems, Sn, Hf, and Au exhibited obvious trophic amplification effects. The calculated average estimated daily intake (EDI) via food consumption in five regions of China was 0.09 µg/(kg·day), implying the health risk of aforementioned elements was acceptable.

Loss of ERß in Aging LXRαß Knockout Mice Leads to Colitis.

Liver X receptors (LXRα and LXRß) are oxysterol-activated nuclear receptors that play key roles in cholesterol homeostasis, the central nervous system, and the immune system. We have previously reported that LXRαß-deficient mice are more susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis than their WT littermates, and that an LXR agonist protects against colitis in mice mainly via the regulation of the immune system in the gut. We now report that both LXRα and LXRß are expressed in the colonic epithelium and that in aging LXRαß-/- mice there is a reduction in the intensity of goblet cells, mucin (MUC2), TFF3, and estrogen receptor ß (ERß) levels. The cytoplasmic compartment of the surface epithelial cells was markedly reduced and there was a massive invasion of macrophages in the lamina propria. The expression and localization of ß-catenin, α-catenin, and E-cadherin were not changed, but the shrinkage of the cytoplasm led to an appearance of an increase in staining. In the colonic epithelium there was a reduction in the expression of plectin, a hemidesmosome protein whose loss in mice leads to spontaneous colitis, ELOVL1, a fatty acid elongase protein coding gene whose overexpression is found in colorectal cancer, and non-neuronal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) involved in the regulation of epithelial cell adhesion. We conclude that in aging LXRαß-/- mice, the phenotype in the colon is due to loss of ERß expression.

Whole-exome sequencing of a large Chinese azoospermia and severe oligospermia cohort identifies novel infertility causative variants and genes.

Rare coding variants have been proven to be one of the significant factors contributing to spermatogenic failure in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligospermia (SO). To delineate the molecular characteristics of idiopathic NOA and SO, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 314 unrelated patients of Chinese Han origin and verified our findings by comparing to 400 fertile controls. We detected six pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and four variants of unknown significance, in genes known to cause NOA/SO, and 9 of which had not been earlier reported. Additionally, we identified 20 novel NOA candidate genes affecting 25 patients. Among them, five (BRDT, CHD5, MCM9, MLH3 and ZFX) were considered as strong candidates based on the evidence obtained from murine functional studies and human single-cell (sc)RNA-sequencing data. These genetic findings provide insight into the aetiology of human NOA/SO and pave the way for further functional analysis and molecular diagnosis of male infertility.

Retinal and optic nerve degeneration in liver X receptor ß knockout mice.

The retina is an extension of the brain. Like the brain, neurodegeneration of the retina occurs with age and is the cause of several retinal diseases including optic neuritis, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are expressed in the brain where they play a key role in maintenance of cerebrospinal fluid and the health of dopaminergic neurons. Herein, we report that LXRs are expressed in the retina and optic nerve and that loss of LXRß, but not LXRα, leads to loss of ganglion cells in the retina. In the retina of LXRß-/- mice, there is an increase in amyloid A4 and deposition of beta-amyloid (Aß) aggregates but no change in the level of apoptosis or autophagy in the ganglion cells and no activation of microglia or astrocytes. However, in the optic nerve there is a loss of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in astrocytes and an increase in activation of microglia. Since loss of AQP4 and microglial activation in the optic nerve precedes the loss of ganglion cells, and accumulation of Aß in the retina, the cause of the neuronal loss appears to be optic nerve degeneration. In patients with optic neuritis there are frequently AQP4 autoantibodies which block the function of AQP4. LXRß-/- mouse is another model of optic neuritis in which AQP4 antibodies are not detectable, but AQP4 function is lost because of reduction in its expression.

Expression and localization of retinoid receptors in the testis of normal and infertile men.

Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, is one of the most important factors regulating spermatogenesis. RA activates downstream pathways through its receptors (retinoic acid receptor alpha [RARA], retinoic acid receptor beta, and retinoic acid receptor gamma [RARG]) and retinoid X receptors (retinoid X receptor alpha [RXRA], retinoid X receptor beta [RXRB], and retinoid X receptor gamma [RXRG]). These receptors may serve as therapeutic targets for infertile men. However, the localization and expression of retinoid receptors in normal and infertile men were unknown. In this study, we found RARA and RARG were mostly localized in spermatocytes and round spermatids, RXRB was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells, and RXRG was expressed in most cell types in the fertile human testis. The localization of RARA, RARG, RXRB, and RXRG in men with hypospermatogenesis (HYPO) was similar to that of men with normal fertility. In addition, the messenger RNA expression levels of RARA, RARG, RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG were significantly decreased in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and maturational arrest (MA), but not in men with HYPO. These results suggest that reduced levels of RARA, RARG, RXRB, RXRA, and RXRG are more closely associated with SCOS and MA spermatogenetic failure. These results could contribute to the development of new molecular indicators of spermatogenic dysfunction and might provide novel therapeutic targets for treating male infertility.

Estrogen receptor ß, a regulator of androgen receptor signaling in the mouse ventral prostate.

As estrogen receptor ß-/- (ERß-/-) mice age, the ventral prostate (VP) develops increased numbers of hyperplastic, fibroplastic lesions and inflammatory cells. To identify genes involved in these changes, we used RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry to compare gene expression profiles in the VP of young (2-mo-old) and aging (18-mo-old) ERß-/- mice and their WT littermates. We also treated young and old WT mice with an ERß-selective agonist and evaluated protein expression. The most significant findings were that ERß down-regulates androgen receptor (AR) signaling and up-regulates the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). ERß agonist increased expression of the AR corepressor dachshund family (DACH1/2), T-cadherin, stromal caveolin-1, and nuclear PTEN and decreased expression of RAR-related orphan receptor c, Bcl2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and IL-6. In the ERß-/- mouse VP, RNA sequencing revealed that the following genes were up-regulated more than fivefold: Bcl2, clusterin, the cytokines CXCL16 and -17, and a marker of basal/intermediate cells (prostate stem cell antigen) and cytokeratins 4, 5, and 17. The most down-regulated genes were the following: the antioxidant gene glutathione peroxidase 3; protease inhibitors WAP four-disulfide core domain 3 (WFDC3); the tumor-suppressive genes T-cadherin and caveolin-1; the regulator of transforming growth factor ß signaling SMAD7; and the PTEN ubiquitin ligase NEDD4. The role of ERß in opposing AR signaling, proliferation, and inflammation suggests that ERß-selective agonists may be used to prevent progression of prostate cancer, prevent fibrosis and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and treat prostatitis.

Functional role of GKAP1 in the regulation of male germ cell spontaneous apoptosis and sperm number.

G kinase-anchoring protein 1 (GKAP1) is a G kinase-associated protein that is conserved in many eutherians and is mainly expressed in the testis, especially in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The function of GKAP1 in the testis is largely unknown. Here, we revealed that deletion of GKAP1 led to an increase in sperm production with swollen epididymis, and germ cell apoptosis was found to decrease in GKAP1 knock-out mice. Further investigations showed that a deficiency of GKAP1 could partly change the cellular location of cGK-Iα and increase the amount of active cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus. Therefore, the expression of a particular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) was upregulated because of the activation of CREB, and this increase in IAPs was associated with a decrease in the level of activated caspase-3. These results suggest that a deficiency of GKAP1 in mouse testis could increase sperm production through a reduction of the spontaneous apoptosis of germ cells in the testis, possibly because of a change in the activity of the cGK-Iα pathway.

Dysregulation of Notch and ERα signaling in AhR-/- male mice.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is now recognized as an important physiological regulator in the immune and reproductive systems, and in the development of the liver and vascular system. AhR regulates cell cycle, cell proliferation, and differentiation through interacting with other signaling pathways, like estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), and Notch signaling. In the present study, we investigated Notch and estrogen signaling in AhR-/- mice. We found low fertility with degenerative changes in the testes, germ cell apoptosis, and a reduced number of early spermatids. There was no change in aromatase, AR, ERα, or ERß expression in the testis and no detectable change in serum estrogen levels. However, expression of Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch3) and their target Hairy and Enhancer of Split homolog 1 (HES1) was reduced. In addition, the testosterone level was slightly reduced in the serum. In the mammary fat pad, AhR appeared to regulate estrogen signaling because, in AhR-/- males, there was significant growth of the mammary ducts with high expression of ERα in the ductal epithelium. The enhanced mammary ductal growth appears to be related to overexpression of ERα accompanied by a high proliferation index, whereas the reduced fertility appears to be related defects in Notch signaling that leads to reduced expression of HES1 and, consequently, early maturation of spermatocytes and a depletion of primary spermatids. Previous reports have indicated that AhR pathway is associated with infertility in men. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for this defect.

Ablation of Liver X receptors α and ß leads to spontaneous peripheral squamous cell lung cancer in mice.

The etiology of peripheral squamous cell lung cancer (PSCCa) remains unknown. Here, we show that this condition spontaneously develops in mice in which the genes for two oxysterol receptors, Liver X Receptor (LXR) α (Nr1h3) and ß (Nr1h2), are inactivated. By 1 y of age, most of these mice have to be euthanized because of severe dyspnea. Starting at 3 mo, the lungs of LXRα,ß(Dko) mice, but not of LXRα or LXRß single knockout mice, progressively accumulate foam cells, so that by 1 y, the lungs are covered by a "golden coat." There is infiltration of inflammatory cells and progressive accumulation of lipid in the alveolar wall, type 2 pneumocytes, and macrophages. By 14 mo, there are three histological lesions: one resembling adenomatous hyperplasia, one squamous metaplasia, and one squamous cell carcinoma characterized by expression of transformation-related protein (p63), sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), cytokeratin 14 (CK14), and cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and absence of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1), and prosurfactant protein C (pro-SPC). RNA sequencing analysis at 12 mo confirmed a massive increase in markers of M1 macrophages and lymphocytes. The data suggest a previously unidentified etiology of PSCCa: cholesterol dysregulation and M1 macrophage-predominant lung inflammation combined with damage to, and aberrant repair of, lung tissue, particularly the peripheral parenchyma. The results raise the possibility that components of the LXR signaling may be useful targets in the treatment of PSCCa.

Liver X receptor ß controls thyroid hormone feedback in the brain and regulates browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue.

The recent discovery of browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) has raised great research interest because of its significant potential in counteracting obesity and type 2 diabetes. Browning is the result of the induction in WAT of a newly discovered type of adipocyte, the beige cell. When mice are exposed to cold or several kinds of hormones or treatments with chemicals, specific depots of WAT undergo a browning process, characterized by highly activated mitochondria and increased heat production and energy expenditure. However, the mechanisms underlying browning are still poorly understood. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are one class of nuclear receptors, which play a vital role in regulating cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose metabolism. Following our previous finding that LXRs serve as repressors of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in classic brown adipose tissue in female mice, we found that LXRs, especially LXRß, also repress the browning process of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in male rodents fed a normal diet. Depletion of LXRs activated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-releasing hormone (TRH)-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus area of the hypothalamus and thus stimulated secretion of TSH from the pituitary. Consequently, production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland and circulating thyroid hormone level were increased. Moreover, the activity of thyroid signaling in SAT was markedly increased. Together, our findings have uncovered the basis of increased energy expenditure in male LXR knockout mice and provided support for targeting LXRs in treatment of obesity.

Liver X receptor α induces 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-13 expression through SREBP-1c.

Liver X receptors, including LXRα and LXRß, are known to be master regulators of liver lipid metabolism. Activation of LXRα increases hepatic lipid storage in lipid droplets (LDs). 17ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-13 (17ß-HSD13), a recently identified liver-specific LD-associated protein, has been reported to be involved in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, little is known about its transcriptional regulation. In the present study, we aimed at determining whether 17ß-HSD13 gene transcription is controlled by LXRs. We found that treatment with T0901317, a nonspecific LXR agonist, increased both 17ß-HSD13 mRNA and protein levels in cultured hepatocytes. It also significantly upregulated hepatic 17ß-HSD13 expression in wild-type (WT) and LXRß-/- mice but not in LXRα-/- mice. Basal expression of 17ß-HSD13 in the livers of LXRα-/- mice was lower than that in the livers of WT and LXRß-/- mice. Moreover, induction of hepatic 17ß-HSD13 expression by T0901317 was almost completely abolished in SREBP-1c-/- mice. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a consensus sterol regulatory element (SRE)-binding site in the promoter region of the 17ß-HSD13 gene. A 17ß-HSD13 gene promoter-driven luciferase reporter and ChIP assays further confirmed that the 17ß-HSD13 gene was under direct control of SREBP-1c. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that LXRα activation induces 17ß-HSD13 expression in a SREBP-1c-dependent manner. 17ß-HSD13 may be involved in the development of LXRα-mediated fatty liver.

Progranulin Plays a Central Role in Host Defense during Sepsis by Promoting Macrophage Recruitment.

RATIONALE: Progranulin, a widely expressed protein, has multiple physiological functions. The functional role of progranulin in the host response to sepsis remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of progranulin in the host response to sepsis. METHODS: Effects of progranulin on host response to sepsis were determined. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Progranulin concentrations were significantly elevated in adult (n = 74) and pediatric (n = 26) patients with sepsis relative to corresponding healthy adult (n = 36) and pediatric (n = 17) control subjects, respectively. By using a low-lethality model of nonsevere sepsis, we observed that progranulin deficiency not only increased mortality but also decreased bacterial clearance during sepsis. The decreased host defense to sepsis in progranulin-deficient mice was associated with reduced macrophage recruitment, with correspondingly impaired chemokine CC receptor ligand 2 (CCL2) production in peritoneal lavages during the early phase of sepsis. Progranulin derived from hematopoietic cells contributed to host defense in sepsis. Therapeutic administration of recombinant progranulin not only rescued impaired host defense in progranulin-deficient mice after nonsevere sepsis but also protected wild-type mice against a high-lethality model of severe sepsis. Progranulin-mediated protection against sepsis was closely linked to improved peritoneal macrophage recruitment. In addition, CCL2 treatment of progranulin-deficient mice improved survival and decreased peritoneal bacterial loads during sepsis, at least in part through promotion of peritoneal macrophage recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study supports a central role of progranulin-dependent macrophage recruitment in host defense to sepsis, opening new opportunities to host-directed therapeutic strategy that manipulate host immune response in the treatment of sepsis.

Targeting estrogen receptor ß in microglia and T cells to treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

A therapeutic goal in the treatment of certain CNS diseases, including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson disease, is to down-regulate inflammatory pathways. Inflammatory molecules produced by microglia are responsible for removal of damaged neurons, but can cause collateral damage to normal neurons located close to defective neurons. Although estrogen can inactivate microglia and inhibit the recruitment of T cells and macrophages into the CNS, there is controversy regarding which of the two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα or ERß, mediates the beneficial effects in microglia. In this study, we found that ERß, but not ERα, is expressed in microglia. Using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in SJL/J mice, we evaluated the benefit of an ERß agonist as a modulator of neuroinflammation. Treatment of EAE mice with LY3201, a selective ERß agonist provided by Eli Lilly, resulted in marked reduction of activated microglia in the spinal cord. LY3201 down-regulated the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, as well as the NF-κB-induced gene inducible nitric oxide synthase in microglia and CD3(+) T cells. In addition, LY3201 inhibited T-cell reactivity through regulation of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase. In the EAE model, treatment with LY3201 decreased mortality in the first 2 wk after disease onset, and also reduced the severity of symptoms in mice surviving for 4 wk. Our data show that ERß-selective agonists, by modulating the immune system in both microglia and T cells, offer promise as a useful class of drugs for treating degenerative diseases of the CNS.

Circulating IL-27 Is Elevated in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Cytokines are key immunoregulatory molecules that regulate T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses and inflammatory reactions. We determined whether there is aberrant expression of interleukin-27 (IL-27) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and investigated the clinical significance of these changes. IL-27 is a key cellular factor that regulates the differentiation of CD4+ T cells, which can secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in vivo. Concentrations of serum IL-27 in 67 RA patients, and 36 sex- and age-matched control subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that concentrations of serum IL-27 in all RA patients were significantly higher than in healthy control subjects, and there was a significant and positive correlation between serum IL-27 levels and disease activity in all RA patients. Levels of serum IL-27 in RA patients were significantly correlated with disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28). Moreover, immunosuppressive treatment with leflunomide downregulated the levels of IL-27 in active RA patients. Therefore, the elevated production of circulating T cell inflammatory factors contributes to the pathogenesis of RA, and serum IL-27 could potentially serve as a new biomarker of RA disease activity.

MicroRNA expression profile of mature dendritic cell in chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which includes CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), shows imbalance of helper T cells (Th) and regulatory T cells (Treg). The balance of Th and Treg cells is orchestrated by dendritic cells (DCs). Recent studies show functions of DCs can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). This study is aimed to investigate miRNAs expression profiles of peripheral blood DCs in CRS. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of 30 patients with CRS and 7 patients with nasal septum deviation alone were collected. CD14(+) monocytes were isolated from these samples and differentiated into dendritic cells (DCs). Small RNAs were extracted from mature DCs and reversely transcribed into cDNA by Mir-XTM miRNA First-Strand synthesis method. MiRNA microarrays were used for miRNA expression analysis. Microarray results were validated by real-time PCR performed on five top list target genes. RESULTS: MiRNA microarrays showed that DCs from different types of patients have different sets of differential expressed miRNAs when comparing with Controls; they also share 31 commonly changed miRNAs among all three groups of CRS patients. Of these 31 miRNAs, 5 miRNAs were up-regulated and 25 miRNAs were down-regulated in all three types of CRS, while MiR-1290 was down-regulated in CRSsNP but up-regulated in both atopic CRSwNP and non-atopic CRSwNP. CONCLUSIONS: By comparing miRNA gene expression patterns in 3 types of CRS patients, we have been able to identify candidate miRNAs that might mediate the core pathogenesis of CRS through regulating dendritic cells. These miRNAs could serve as potential therapeutic targets for CRS.

Liver X receptor ß protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson disease.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease whose progression may be slowed, but at present there is no pharmacological intervention that would stop or reverse the disease. Liver X receptor ß (LXRß) is a member of the nuclear receptor super gene family expressed in the central nervous system, where it is important for cortical layering during development and survival of dopaminergic neurons throughout life. In the present study we have used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD to investigate the possible use of LXRß as a target for prevention or treatment of PD. The dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra of LXRß(-/-) mice were much more severely affected by MPTP than were those of their WT littermates. In addition, the number of activated microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes was higher in the substantia nigra of LXRß(-/-) mice than in WT littermates. Administration of the LXR agonist GW3965 to MPTP-treated WT mice protected against loss of dopaminergic neurons and of dopaminergic fibers projecting to the striatum, and resulted in fewer activated microglia and astroglia. Surprisingly, LXRß was not expressed in the neurons of the substantia nigra but in the microglia and astroglia. We conclude that LXR agonists may have beneficial effects in treatment of PD by modulating the cytotoxic functions of microglia.

Anxiety in liver X receptor ß knockout female mice with loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase in ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders in adolescents in the United States. Female adolescents are more likely than males to be affected with anxiety disorders, but less likely to have behavioral and substance abuse disorders. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and dorsal raphe are known to be involved in anxiety disorders. Inhibitory input from the PFC to the amygdala controls fear and anxiety typically originating in the amygdala, and disruption of the inhibitory input from the PFC leads to anxiety, fear, and personality changes. Recent studies have implicated liver X receptor ß (LXRß) in key neurodevelopmental processes and neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we used elevated plus-maze, startle and prepulse inhibition, open field, and novel object recognition tests to evaluate behavior in female LXRß KO (LXRß(-/-)) mice. We found that the female LXRß(-/-) mice were anxious with impaired behavioral responses but normal locomotion and memory. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed decreased expression of the enzyme responsible for GABA synthesis, glutamic acid decarboxylase (65+67), in the ventromedial PFC. Expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 in the dorsal raphe was normal. We conclude that the anxiogenic phenotype in female LXRß(-/-) mice is caused by reduced GABAergic input from the ventromedial PFC to the amygdala.

Reduction of dendritic spines and elevation of GABAergic signaling in the brains of mice treated with an estrogen receptor ß ligand.

An estrogen receptor (ER) ß ligand (LY3201) with a preference for ERß over ERα was administered in s.c. pellets releasing 0.04 mg/d. The brains of these mice were examined 3 d after treatment had begun. Although estradiol-17ß is known to increase spine density and glutaminergic signaling, as measured by Golgi staining, a clear reduction in spines was evident on the dendritic branches in LY3201-treated mice but no morphological alteration and no difference in the number of dendritic spines on dendritic stems were observed. In the LY3201-treatment group, there was higher expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in layer V of cortex and in the CA1 of hippocampus, more GAD(+) terminals surrounding the pyramidal neurons and less glutamate receptor (NMDAR) on the neurons in layer V. There were no alterations in expression of Iba1 or in Olig2 or CNPase. However, GFAP(+) astrocytes were increased in the LY3201-treatment group. There were also more projections characteristic of activated astrocytes and increased expression of glutamine synthetase (GS). No expression of ERß was detectable in the nuclei of astrocytes. Clearly, LY3201 caused a shift in the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in favor of inhibition. This shift was due in part to increased synthesis of GABA and increased removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft by astrocytes. The data reveal that treatment with a selective ERß agonist results in changes opposite to those reported in estradiol-17ß-treated mice and suggests that ERα and ERß play opposing roles in the brain.

Liver X receptors and estrogen receptor ß, two players in a rare subtype of NSCLC.

Liver X receptors (LXRαß) play essential roles in the maintenance of the normal functions of macrophages, in modulation of immune system responses and cholesterol homeostasis. We have reported that LXRαß-/- mice develop squamous cell lung cancer. We now report that those LXRαß-/- mice, which live to 18-months of age, spontaneously develop a second type of lung cancer resembling a rare subtype of NSCLC (TTF-1 and P63-positive). The lesions are characterized as follows: a high proliferation rate; a marked accumulation of abnormal macrophages; an increase in the number of regulatory T cells; a remarkably low level of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes; enhanced TGFß signaling; an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases accompanied by degradation of lung collagen; and a loss of estrogen receptor ß (ERß). Because NSCLC is associated with cigarette smoking, we investigated the possible links between loss of LXRαß and CS. A Kaplan-Meier Plotter database revealed reduced expression of LXRαß and ERß was correlated with low overall survival (OS). Thus, reduction of LXRαß expression by cigarette smoking may be one mechanism through which CS causes lung cancer. The possibility that maintenance of LXRαß and ERß signaling could be used in the treatment of NSCLC needs further investigation.

Accumulation and distribution characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) in the naturally grown marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) from the soil.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered environmental pollutants that have received extensive attention recently. The accumulation of REEs in plants is important because REEs can eventually enter the human body via the food chain. Marigolds are widely utilized as medicinal and commercial plants in medicine, feed, and therapeutics. Due to the extremely high demand for marigold in global, it is urgent to investigate the accumulation and distribution of REEs in marigold plants to reduce human and animal health risks. Marigold leaves tended to bioaccumulate the highest amounts of REEs from soil compared with other tissues. The distribution patterns of REEs in marigold were similar to those in the rhizosphere soil, which was enriched in light rare earth elements. Cerium accumulated most in marigold and soil, accounting for nearly 50% of ΣREEs, followed by lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium. Roots were the most susceptible tissue affected by soil REE concentration, and a significant positive correlation was observed for REEs in the roots of marigold and soils (R = 0.87), while no significant correlation was observed for REEs in soils and other tissues. REEs were poorly transferred from soil to marigold, with bioaccumulation factor values for all tissues of marigold less than one. Additionally, REEs exhibited a positive correlation with Al and Fe in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of marigold. The present research revealed the biological interactions between marigold and soil and the distribution of REEs in various parts of marigold. It provides a reference for large-scale commercial cultivation and potential environmental risk in the future.