Layering transitions and metastable structures of cholesteric liquid crystals in cylindrical confinement.

Our study of cholesteric lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals in cylindrical confinement reveals the topological aspects of cholesteric liquid crystals. The double-twist configurations we observe exhibit discontinuous layering transitions, domain formation, metastability, and chiral point defects as the concentration of chiral dopant is varied. We demonstrate that these distinct layer states can be distinguished by chiral topological invariants. We show that changes in the layer structure give rise to a chiral soliton similar to a toron, comprising a metastable pair of chiral point defects. Through the applicability of the invariants we describe to general systems, our work has broad relevance to the study of chiral materials.

Effect of nitro-conjugated linoleic acid on the inflammatory response of murine macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide derived from Prevotella intermedia.

Nitro-conjugated linoleic acid (NO2-CLA) has been observed to manifest salutary signaling responses, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here, the authors have explored the influence and underlying mechanisms of NO2-CLA on the proinflammatory reaction of murine macrophages that were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Prevotella intermedia, a putative periodontopathic bacterium. Treatment of LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells with NO2-CLA notably dampened the secretion of iNOS-derived NO, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as their gene expressions and significantly enhanced the markers for M2 macrophage polarization. NO2-CLA promoted the HO-1 expression in cells challenged with LPS, and tin protoporphyrin IX, an HO-1 inhibitor, significantly reversed the NO2-CLA-mediated attenuation of NO secretion, but not IL-1ß or IL-6. We found that cells treated with NO2-CLA significantly increased mRNA expression of PPAR-γ compared to control cells, and NO2-CLA significantly reverted the decrease in PPAR-γ mRNA caused by LPS. Nonetheless, antagonists to PPAR-γ were unable to reverse the NO2-CLA-mediated suppression of inflammatory mediators. In addition, NO2-CLA did not alter the p38 and JNK activation elicited by LPS. Both NF-κB reporter activity and IκB-α degradation caused by LPS were notably diminished by NO2-CLA. NO2-CLA was observed to interrupt the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of p50 subunits caused by LPS with no obvious alterations in p65 subunits. Further, NO2-CLA attenuated the phosphorylation of STAT1/3 elicited in response to LPS. We propose that NO2-CLA could be considered as a possible strategy for the therapy of periodontal disease, although additional researches are certainly required to confirm this.

Effect of telmisartan on an experimental model of periodontitis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to explore the impact of telmisartan on experimental periodontitis in mice, in terms of alveolar bone destruction, by using micro-computed tomography analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of 7 to 9 mice each: control (C) group; experimental periodontitis (E) group; experimental periodontitis-plus-telmisartan 5 mg/kg (ET5) group; and experimental periodontitis-plus-telmisartan 10 mg/kg (ET10) group. The mice in Group C were not subjected to experimental periodontitis. The other mice from Groups E, ET5 and ET10 were exposed to periodontitis. Periodontitis was induced by inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis. RESULTS: Telmisartan significantly suppressed both the reduction in alveolar bone height and increase of root exposure caused by P. gingivalis infection. When mice were treated with telmisartan, the decrease in the bone volume fraction induced by the infection was notably recovered. In addition, telmisartan reversed P. gingivalis-induced alterations in the microstructural parameters of trabecular bone, except trabecular thickness.No significant difference was evident between Groups ET5 and ET10 in both the extent of alveolar bone loss and microstructural parameters assessed, except bone volume fraction and trabecular number. CONCLUSION: Telmisartan may have potential benefits as a host modulation agent for the therapy of periodontitis.

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-401, a water-soluble manganese-based metal carbonyl, suppresses Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide in murine macrophages.

CONTEXT: Many reports in the literature have suggested the therapeutic value of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) against various diseases. However, to date, little is known about their possible influence on periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate the influence of CORM-401 on the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in murine macrophage cells activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Prevotella intermedia, a pathogen associated with periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LPS was isolated by the hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were analyzed for NO. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting were conducted to quantify mRNA and protein expression, respectively. NF-κB-dependent SEAP levels were estimated by reporter assay. DNA-binding of NF-κB was also analyzed. RESULTS: CORM-401 caused an apparent suppression of NO production through inhibition of iNOS at both the mRNA and protein levels in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with P. intermedia LPS. CORM-401 upregulated the expression of both the HO-1 gene and its protein in LPS-activated cells, and treatment with the HO-1 inhibitor significantly reversed the attenuating influence of CORM-401 against LPS-induced generation of NO. CORM-401 caused an apparent attenuation of NF-κB-dependent SEAP release induced by LPS. IκB-α degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p50 subunit induced by LPS were significantly reduced by CORM-401. Additionally, CORM-401 significantly attenuated DNA-binding of p65 and p50 induced by LPS. CORM-401 attenuated NO generation induced by P. intermedia LPS independently of PPAR-γ, JNK, p38 and STAT1/3. CONCLUSION: The modulation of host inflammatory response by CORM-401 might be of help in the therapy of periodontal disease.

The Anti-Tumor Effects of Oenothera odorata Extract Are Mediated by Inhibition of Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration in Cancer Cells.

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division and is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Oenothera odorata (O. odorata) extract is used in herbal medicine to inhibit inflammation, but its potential anti-tumor properties have not been fully evaluated. Here, we demonstrated that O. odorata extract inhibits the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma cell lines In Vitro, and also inhibits the growth of melanoma cells In Vivo. After partitioning the extract with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, it was found that the butanol-soluble (OOB) and water-soluble (OOW) fractions of O. odorata extract are effective at inhibiting tumor cell growth In Vivo although OOW is more effective than OOB. Interestingly, these fractions did not inhibit the growth of non-cancerous cells. The anti-proliferative effects of the OOW fraction were found to be mediated by inhibition of glycolysis and cellular respiration. UPLC of both fractions showed two major common peaks, which were predicted to be hydrolyzable tannin-related compounds. Taken together, these data suggest that O. odorata extract has anti-tumor properties, and the molecular mechanism involves metabolic alterations and inhibition of cell proliferation. O. odorata extract therefore holds promise as a novel natural product for the treatment of cancer.

Glucose-6-phosphate transporter mediates macrophage proliferation and functions by regulating glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration.

Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD-Ib), caused by a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT), is characterized by disrupted glucose homeostasis, inflammatory bowel disease, neutropenia, and neutrophil dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of G6PT on macrophage functions and metabolism. Peritoneal macrophages of G6pt-/- mice were lower in number and their effector functions including migration, superoxide production, and phagocytosis were impaired. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of macrophage dysfunction, the G6PT gene was mutated in porcine alveolar macrophage 3D4/31 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The G6PT-deficient macrophages exhibited significant decline in cell growth, bactericidal activity, and antiviral response. These phenotypes are associated with the impaired glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. We therefore propose that the G6PT-mediated metabolism is essential for effector functions of macrophage, the immune deficiencies observed in GSD-Ib extend beyond neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction, and future therapeutic targets aimed both the neutrophils and macrophages may be necessary.

Bacillus subtilis spores as adjuvants against avian influenza H9N2 induce antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses in White Leghorn chickens.

Low-pathogenicity avian influenza H9N2 remains an endemic disease worldwide despite continuous vaccination, indicating the need for an improved vaccine strategy. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), a gram-positive and endospore-forming bacterium, is a non-pathogenic species that has been used in probiotic formulations for both animals and humans. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of B. subtilis spores as adjuvants in chickens administered inactivated avian influenza virus H9N2. Herein, the adjuvanticity of B. subtilis spores in chickens was demonstrated by enhancement of H9N2 virus-specific IgG responses. B. subtilis spores enhanced the proportion of B cells and the innate cell population in splenocytes from chickens administered both inactivated H9N2 and B. subtilis spores (Spore + H9N2). Furthermore, the H9N2 and spore administration induced significantly increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6 compared to that in the H9N2 only group. Additionally, total splenocytes from chickens immunized with inactivated H9N2 in the presence or absence of B. subtilis spores were re-stimulated with inactivated H9N2. The subsequent results showed that the extent of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation was higher in the Spore + H9N2 group than in the group administered only H9N2. Taken together, these data demonstrate that B. subtilis spores, as adjuvants, enhance not only H9N2 virus-specific IgG but also CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This approach to vaccination with inactivated H9N2 together with a B. subtilis spore adjuvant in chickens produces a significant effect on antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses against avian influenza virus.

Evaluation of foam-glass media in a high-rate filtration process for the removal of particulate matter containing phosphorus in municipal wastewater.

Foam-glass as an effective filter media in a high-rate filtration process was evaluated for the removal of particulate matter containing phosphorus in municipal wastewater. The foam-glass with a low sphericity exhibited a higher porosity (60.2%) and a lower apparent specific gravity (0.50 g/cm3) compared with a conventional sand media (35.1% and 1.19 g/cm3). In particular, the high porosity of the foam-glass increased its surface area for capturing particles with coagulation, leading to a significantly decreasing head loss in the filtration bed column, resulting in a significantly longer filtration duration (more than 2 times) and a slightly higher removal of contaminants (approximately 4.8% for a suspended solid and 2% for the total phosphorus). Additionally, while backwashing of the conventional sand media required about 30% of the bed volume, the low specific gravity of the foam-glass media could be expanded to 100% of the volume due to its lower energy demand. Based on these advantages, it is expected that the foam-glass media will have a vital role as an alternative media in high-rate filtration processes.

Effects of Angelica gigas Nakai on the production of decursin- and decursinol angelate-enriched eggs.

BACKGROUND: The livestock industry requires high-quality products, as well as improved productivity. There have been many studies regarding the utilization of feed additives aiming to increase productivity, enhance immune functions and prevent infectious diseases in livestock. Biofunctional feed additives would be beneficial not only for animal health, but also for consumers. In the present study, we utilized root and byproduct (stem and leaf) powders of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN, Korean Danggui) as feed additives and examined the deposition of biofunctional compounds, such as decursin and decursinol angelate, into egg white and yolk. RESULTS: We optimized the detection system for decursin and decursinol angelate, and determined the amounts of decursin and decursinol angelate derived from AGN byproducts (stem and leaf) as well as root. In Experiment 1, laying hens were fed with the dried AGN root powder and the effective compounds were detected in egg white and yolk. Subsequently, in Experiment 2, we examined AGN byproducts as an alternative feeding supplement. Additionally, biochemical parameters were analyzed to evaluate changes in the health of the hens by feeding AGN root powder. The results obtained indicated that decursin and decursinol angelate were stably transferred into egg white and yolk by feeding AGN byproducts as well as root. Intriguingly, plasma cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and those of interleukin-1ß, as an immune-related biomarker, were considerably increased in the treated hens. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that AGN root and byproducts (stem and leaf) could be utilized for the production of value-added eggs and improving the health of hens in the poultry industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dudleya brittonii extract promotes survival rate and M2-like metabolic change in porcine 3D4/31 alveolar macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: Although alveolar macrophages play a key role in the respiratory immunity of livestock, but studies on the mechanism of differentiation and survival of alveolar macrophages are lacking. Therefore, we undertook to investigate changes in the lipid metabolism and survival rate, using 3D4/31 macrophages and Dudleya brittonii which has been used as a traditional asthma treatment. METHODS: 3D4/31 macrophages were used as the in vitro porcine alveolar macrophages model. The cells were activated by exposure to Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA). D. Brittonii extraction was performed with distilled water. For evaluating the cell survival rate, we performed the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST) cell viability assay and growth curve analysis. To confirm cell death, cell cycle and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels were measured using flow cytometric analysis by applying fluorescence dye dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) and propidium iodide (PI). Furthermore, we also evaluated cellular lipid accumulation with Oil Red O staining, and fatty acid synthesis related genes expression levels using quantitative PCR (qPCR) with SYBR green dye. Glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle related gene expression levels were measured using qPCR after exposure to Dudleya brittonii extract (DB) for 12 h. RESULTS: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death were induced by PMA treatment, and exposure to DB reduced the PMA induced downregulation of cell survival. PMA and DB treatments upregulated the lipid accumulation, with corresponding increase in the acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA), fatty acid synthase (FASN) mRNA expressions. DB-PMA co-treatment reduced the glycolysis genes expression, but increased the expressions of fatty acid oxidation and TCA cycle genes. CONCLUSION: This study provides new insights and directions for further researches relating to the immunity of porcine respiratory system, by employing a model based on alveolar macrophages and natural materials.

The enhancing effect of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruit extract on the antibacterial activity of porcine alveolar 3D4/31 macrophages via NF-κB1 and lipid metabolism regulation.

OBJECTIVE: The demand for measures to improve disease resistance and productivity of livestock are increasing, as most countries prohibit the addition of antibiotics to feed. This study therefore aimed to uncover functional feed additives to help enhance livestock immunity and disease resistance, using Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruit extract (ASF). METHODS: ASF was extracted with 70% EtOH, and total polyphenolic and catechin contents were measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu and vanillin assay, respectively. The 3D4/31 porcine macrophage cells (MΦ) were activated by Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate (PMA), and cell survival and growth rate were measured with or without ASF treatment. Flow-cytometric analysis determined the lysosomal activity, reactive oxygen species levels (ROS), and cell cycle distribution. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) protein expression levels were quantified by western blotting and densitometry analysis. Quantitative PCR was applied to measure the lipid metabolism-related genes expression level. Lastly, the antibacterial activity of 3D4/31 MΦ cells was evaluated by the colony forming unit assay. RESULTS: ASF upregulated the cell viability and growth rate of 3D4/31 MΦ, with or without PMA activation. Moreover, lysosomal activity and intracellular ROS levels were increased after ASF exposure. In addition, the antioxidant enzyme SOD2 expression levels were proportionately increased with ROS levels. Both ASF and PMA treatment resulted in upregulation of NF-κB protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α mRNA expression levels, lipid synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation metabolism. Interestingly, co-treatment of ASF with PMA resulted in recovery of NF-κB, TNFα, and lipid metabolism levels. Finally, ASF pretreatment enhanced the in vitro bactericidal activity of 3D4/31 MΦ against Escherichia coli. CONCLUSION: s: This study provides a novel insight into the regulation of NF-κB activity and lipid metabolism in MΦ, and we anticipate that ASF has the potential to be effective as a feed additive to enhance livestock immunity.

Transcriptional regulation of chicken leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 in response to toll-like receptor 3 stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2) is associated with several physiological processes including inflammation, tumorigenesis, and natural killer T cell generation. Chicken LECT2 (chLECT2) gene was originally identified as one of the differentially expressed genes in chicken kidney tissue, where the chickens were fed with different calcium doses. In this study, the molecular characteristics and gene expression of chLECT2 were analyzed under the stimulation of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand to understand the involvement of chLECT2 expression in chicken metabolic disorders. METHODS: Amino acid sequence of LECT2 proteins from various species including fowl, fish, and mammal were retrieved from the Ensembl database and subjected to Insilco analyses. In addition, the time- and dose-dependent expression of chLECT2 was examined in DF-1 cells which were stimulated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), a TLR3 ligand. Further, to explore the transcription factors required for the transcription of chLECT2, DF-1 cells were treated with poly (I:C) in the presence or absence of the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and activated protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitors. RESULTS: The amino acid sequence prediction of chLECT2 protein revealed that along with duck LECT2 (duLECT2), it has unique signal peptide different from other vertebrate orthologs, and only chLECT2 and duLECT2 have an additional 157 and 161 amino acids on their carboxyl terminus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that chLECT2 is evolved from a common ancestor along with the actinopterygii hence, more closely related than to the mammals. Our quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that, the expression of chLECT2 was up-regulated significantly in DF-1 cells under the stimulation of poly (I:C) (p<0.05). However, in the presence of NFκB or AP-1 inhibitors, the expression of chLECT2 is suppressed suggesting that both NFκB and AP-1 transcription factors are required for the induction of chLECT2 expression. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that chLECT2 gene might be a target gene of TLR3 signaling. For the future, the expression pattern or molecular mechanism of chLECT2 under stimulation of other innate immune receptors shall be studied. The protein function of chLECT2 will be more clearly understood if further investigation about the mechanism of LECT2 in TLR pathways is conducted.

In situobservation of dynamic pitch jumps of in-planar cholesteric liquid crystal layers based on wavelength-swept laser.

We report in situ observation of dynamic pitch jumps in cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layers that depend on the applied electric field. A high-speed and wide bandwidth wavelength-swept laser is used as an optical broadband source to measure the dynamic pitch jumps. We could not observe the dynamic pitch jump in the quasi-static pitch variation. Instead, we carry out two driving methods, a normal driving and an overdriving method, in order to measure the dynamic pitch jump in the CLC cell. For the case of normal driving, it has been confirmed that the reflection band from the measurement region is discontinuously shifted by movement of the defect wall. The reflection band was compressed and recovered before the band moved, but the dynamic pitch jump of the helix could not be observed. For the case of overdriving, however, it was possible to observe the unwinding of the helix during the dynamic pitch jump. The entire dynamic pitch jump process in the CLC cell could be observed by measuring the transmission spectra from the CLC cell by varying the applied electric field. We confirm that the entire reaction time with the overdriving method was about 800 ms, which was shorter than with the normal driving method. This study contributes to the development of fast in-plane switching research and the development of new CLC devices.

Antiproliferative Effect of Vine Stem Extract from Spatholobus Suberectus Dunn on Rat C6 Glioma Cells Through Regulation of ROS, Mitochondrial Depolarization, and P21 Protein Expression.

The vine stem of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SS) is used as a traditional herbal medicine in China. Chinese herbal medicines are well known as natural bioactive compounds that can be used as new medicines, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects have also been reported. This study aimed to examine the anticancer effect of a high-pressure hot-water SS extract on rat C6 glioma cells. The SS extract effectively suppressed the viability and proliferation of C6 glioma cells through an antioxidant effect. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cancer cells are higher than that in normal cells. If the ROS level falls below that required for the growth of cancer cells, their rapid proliferation and growth can be suppressed. We also measured the induction of mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cell cycle arrest effect caused by the SS extract in C6 glioma cells through a FACS analysis. In addition, we observed an increase in STAT3, p53, E2F1, and p21 mRNA expression and a decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression by quantitative PCR. An increase in p21 protein expression of over 83% was observed through western blot analysis. All these data support the fact that the high-pressure hot-water SS extract has the potential to be used for glioma treatment.

Molecular characterization and expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 8 in chicken.

OBJECTIVE: A disintegrin and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin motifs type 8 (ADAMTS8) is crucial for diverse physiological processes, such as inflammation, tissue morphogenesis, and tumorigenesis. The chicken ADAMTS8 (chADAMTS8) gene was differentially expressed in the kidney following exposure to different calcium concentrations, suggesting a pathological role of this protein in metabolic diseases. We aimed to examine the molecular characteristics of chADAMTS8 and analyze the gene-expression differences in response to toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) stimulation. METHODS: The ADAMTS8 mRNA and amino acid sequences of various species (chicken, duck, cow, mouse, rat, human, chimpanzee, pig, and horse) were retrieved from the Ensembl database and subjected to bioinformatics analyses. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments were performed with various chicken tissues and the chicken fibroblast DF-1 cell line, which was stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]; a TLR3 ligand). RESULTS: The chADAMTS8 gene was predicted to contain three thrombospondin type 1 (TSP1) domains, whose amino acid sequences shared homology among the different species, whereas sequences outside the TSP1 domains (especially the amino-terminal region) were very difffferent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that chADAMTS8 is evolutionarily clustered in the same clade with that of the duck. chADAMTS8 mRNA was broadly expressed in chicken tissues, and the expression was significantly up-regulated in the DF-1 cells in response to poly(I:C) stimulation (p<0.05). These results showed that chADAMTS8 may be a target gene for TLR3 signaling. CONCLUSION: In this report, the genetic information of chADAMTS8 gene, its expression in chicken tissues, and chicken DF-1 cells under the stimulation of TLR3 were shown. The result suggests that chADAMTS8 expression may be induced by viral infection and correlated with TLR3-mediated signaling pathway. Further study of the function of chADAMTS8 during TLR3-dependent inflammation (which represents RNA viral infection) is needed and it will also be important to examine the molecular mechanisms during different regulation, depending on innate immune receptor activation.

Muscle differentiation induced up-regulation of calcium-related gene expression in quail myoblasts.

OBJECTIVE: In the poultry industry, the most important economic traits are meat quality and carcass yield. Thus, many studies were conducted to investigate the regulatory pathways during muscle differentiation. To gain insight of muscle differentiation mechanism during growth period, we identified and validated calcium-related genes which were highly expressed during muscle differentiation through mRNA sequencing analysis. METHODS: We conducted next-generation-sequencing (NGS) analysis of mRNA from undifferentiated QM7 cells and differentiated QM7 cells (day 1 to day 3 of differentiation periods). Subsequently, we obtained calcium related genes related to muscle differentiation process and examined the expression patterns by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Through RNA sequencing analysis, we found that the transcription levels of six genes (troponin C1, slow skeletal and cardiac type [TNNC1], myosin light chain 1 [MYL1], MYL3, phospholamban [PLN], caveolin 3 [CAV3], and calsequestrin 2 [CASQ2]) particularly related to calcium regulation were gradually increased according to days of myotube differentiation. Subsequently, we validated the expression patterns of calcium-related genes in quail myoblasts. These results indicated that TNNC1, MYL1, MYL3, PLN, CAV3, CASQ2 responded to differentiation and growth performance in quail muscle. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that calcium regulation might play a critical role in muscle differentiation. Thus, these findings suggest that further studies would be warranted to investigate the role of calcium ion in muscle differentiation and could provide a useful biomarker for muscle differentiation and growth.

Effect of nitric oxide-releasing derivative of indomethacin on Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory mediators in murine macrophages.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influences of NCX 2121, a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing derivative of indomethacin, upon the generation of proinflammatory mediators using murine macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) isolated from Prevotella intermedia, which is one of the pathogens implicated in periodontal diseases. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS)-derived NO, IL-1ß and IL-6 as well as their relevant mRNA were significantly attenuated by NCX 2121 in RAW264.7 cells activated by P. intermedia LPS. NCX 2121 was much more effective than the parental compound indomethacin in reducing these proinflammatory mediators. NCX 2121 triggered induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in cells exposed to P. intermedia LPS, and its inhibitory influence upon P. intermedia LPS-elicited NO generation was notably blocked by SnPP treatment. NCX 2121 attenuated NF-κB-dependent SEAP release induced by P. intermedia LPS. NCX 2121 did not display inhibitory action towards IκB-α degradation triggered by LPS. Instead, it significantly diminished nuclear translocation as well as DNA-binding action of NF-κB p50 subunit elicited by P. intermedia LPS. Further, NCX 2121 significantly up-regulated SOCS1 mRNA expression in cells challenged with P. intermedia LPS. In summary, NCX 2121 down-regulates P. intermedia LPS-elicited generation of NO, IL-1ß and IL-6 in murine macrophages in a mechanism that involves anti-inflammatory HO-1 induction as well as decrement of NF-κB activation, which may be associated with SOCS1 expression. NCX 2121 may have potential benefits as a host immunomodulatory agent for the therapy of periodontal disease.

Biphasic Effects of Ingenol 3,20-Dibenzoate on the Erythropoietin Receptor: Synergism at Low Doses and Antagonism at High Doses.

Although ingenol 3,20-dibenzoate (IDB) is known as a selective novel protein kinase C (PKC) agonist, its biologic actions and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identified IDB as a proliferative agent for an erythropoietin (EPO)-dependent cell line, UT-7/EPO, through the screening of a natural compound library. To clarify the underlying mechanism of IDB's EPO-like activities, we thoroughly analyzed the mutual relation between EPO and IDB in terms of in vitro and in vivo activities, signaling molecules, and a cellular receptor. IDB substantially induced the proliferation of UT-7/EPO cells, but not as much as EPO. IDB also lessened the anemia induced by 5-fluorouracil in an in vivo mouse model. Interestingly, IDB showed a synergistic effect on EPO at low concentration, but an antagonistic effect at higher concentration. Physical interaction and activation of PKCs by IDB- and EPO-competitive binding of IDB to EPO receptor (EPOR) explain these synergistic and antagonistic activities, respectively. Importantly, we addressed IDB's mechanism of action by demonstrating the direct binding of IDB to PKCs, and by identifying EPOR as a novel molecular target of IDB. Based on these dual targeting properties, IDB holds promise as a new small molecule modulator of EPO-related pathologic conditions.

Measuring nematic liquid crystal anchoring energy using whispering gallery modes.

Whispering gallery modes (WGMs) around the liquid crystal droplets are sensitive to the director orientation at the interface. An electric field was applied for changing the director orientation of a nematic liquid crystal droplet surrounded by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which induced vertical director orientation at the interface. WGMs were shifted by varying the electric field intensity, and WGM shift-dependent director response was calculated. From this calculation we obtained the extrapolation length of 0.35 ± 0.02 µm. These results indicate that WGM sensitivity can be used for obtaining the surface properties of liquid crystals.

Prolonged and repetitive exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis increases aggressiveness of oral cancer cells by promoting acquisition of cancer stem cell properties.

Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory condition occurring in the human oral cavity, but our knowledge on its contribution to oral cancer is rather limited. To define crosstalk between chronic periodontitis and oral cancer, we investigated whether Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major pathogen of chronic periodontitis, plays a role in oral cancer progression. To mimic chronic irritation by P. gingivalis in the oral cavity, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells were infected with P. gingivalis twice a week for 5 weeks. Repeated infection of oral cancer cells by P. gingivalis resulted in morphological changes of host cancer cells into an elongated shape, along with the decreased expression of epithelial cell markers, suggesting acquisition of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. The prolonged exposure to P. gingivalis also promoted migratory and invasive properties of OSCC cells and provided resistance against a chemotherapeutic agent, all of which are described as cellular characteristics undergoing EMT. Importantly, long-term infection by P. gingivalis induced an increase in the expression level of CD44 and CD133, well-known cancer stem cell markers, and promoted the tumorigenic properties of infected cancer cells compared to non-infected controls. Furthermore, increased invasiveness of P. gingivalis-infected OSCC cells was correlated with enhanced production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-10 that was stimulated by interleukin-8 (IL-8) release. This is the first report demonstrating that P. gingivalis can increase the aggressiveness of oral cancer cells via epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like changes and the acquisition of stemness, implicating P. gingivalis as a potential bacterial risk modifier.