Association between secondhand smoke exposure and serum sex hormone concentrations among US female adults: a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2016.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and serum sex hormone concentrations in female adults (never smokers and former smokers). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. SETTING: US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013-2016. OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum sex hormone measures included total testosterone (TT) and oestradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), the ratio of TT and E2 and free androgen index (FAI). Isotope dilution-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure serum TT and E2. SHBG was measured using immunoassay. The ratio of TT and E2 and FAI were calculated. SHS exposure was defined as serum cotinine concentration of 0.05-10 ng/mL. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 622 female participants aged ≥20 years were included in the analysis. RESULTS: For never smokers, a doubling of serum cotinine concentration was associated with a 2.85% (95% CI 0.29% to 5.47%) increase in TT concentration and a 6.29% (95% CI 0.68% to 12.23%) increase in E2 in fully adjusted models. The never smokers in the highest quartile (Q4) of serum cotinine level exhibited a 10.30% (95% CI 0.78% to 20.72%) increase in TT concentration and a 27.75% (95% CI 5.17% to 55.17%) increase in E2 compared with those in the lowest quartile (Q1). For former smokers, SHBG was reduced by 4.36% (95% CI -8.47% to -0.07%, p for trend=0.049) when the serum cotinine level was doubled, and the SHBG of those in Q4 was reduced by 17.58% (95% CI -31.33% to -1.07%, p for trend=0.018) compared with those in Q1. CONCLUSION: SHS was associated with serum sex hormone concentrations among female adults. In never smokers, SHS was associated with increased levels of TT and E2. In former smokers, SHS was associated with decreased SHBG levels.

Transcriptomic analysis of cell envelope inhibition by prodigiosin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading threat to public health as it is resistant to most currently available antibiotics. Prodigiosin is a secondary metabolite of microorganisms with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This study identified a significant antibacterial effect of prodigiosin against MRSA with a minimum inhibitory concentration as low as 2.5 mg/L. The results of scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that prodigiosin inhibited biofilm formation in S. aureus USA300, while also destroying the structure of the cell wall and cell membrane, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. At a prodigiosin concentration of 1.25 mg/L, biofilm formation was inhibited by 76.24%, while 2.5 mg/L prodigiosin significantly reduced the vitality of MRSA cells in the biofilm. Furthermore, the transcriptomic results obtained at 1/8 MIC of prodigiosin indicated that 235and 387 genes of S. aureus USA300 were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively. The downregulated genes were related to two-component systems, including the transcriptional regulator LytS, quorum sensing histidine kinases SrrB, NreA and NreB, peptidoglycan biosynthesis enzymes (MurQ and GlmU), iron-sulfur cluster repair protein ScdA, microbial surface components recognizing adaptive matrix molecules, as well as the key arginine synthesis enzymes ArcC and ArgF. The upregulated genes were mainly related to cell wall biosynthesis, as well as two-component systems including vancomycin resistance-associated regulator, lipoteichoic acid biosynthesis related proteins DltD and DltB, as well as the 9 capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis proteins. This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms through which prodigiosin affects the cell envelope of MRSA from the perspectives of cell wall synthesis, cell membrane and biofilm formation, providing new potential targets for the development of antimicrobials for the treatment of MRSA.

Non-contrast cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based radiomics nomogram for predicting microvascular obstruction after reperfusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-based radiomics nomogram model for predicting microvascular obstruction (MVO) following reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: In total, 167 consecutive STEMI patients were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts with a ratio of 7:3. All patients were diagnosed with myocardial infarction with or without MVO based on late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Radiomics features were extracted from the cine CMR end-diastolic volume phase of the entire left ventricular myocardium (3D volume). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to select the features that were most relevant to the MVO; these features were then used to calculate the radiomics score (Rad-score). A combined model was developed based on independent risk factors screened using multivariate regression analysis and visualized using a nomogram. Performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The univariate analysis of clinical features demonstrated that only cardiac troponin I (cTNI) was significantly associated with MVO. LASSO regression revealed that 12 radiomics features were strongly associated with MVO. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that cTNI and Rad-score were independent risk factors for MVO. The nomogram based on these two features achieved an area under the curve of 0.86 and 0.78 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves and DCA indicated the clinical feasibility and utility of the nomogram. Conclusions: A CMR-based radiomics nomogram offers an effective means of predicting MVO without contrast agents and radiation, which could facilitate risk stratification of patients with STEMI after PCI for reperfusion.

Plant miR167e-5p promotes 3T3-L1 adipocyte adipogenesis by targeting ß-catenin.

Adipogenesis is important in the development of fat deposition. Evidence showed that plant microRNAs (miRNAs) could be absorbed by the digestive tract and exert regulatory effects on animals' physiological processes. However, the regulation of plant miRNA on host lipogenesis remains unknown. This study explored the potential function of plant miRNA, miR167e-5p, in adipogenesis in vitro. The presentation of plant miR167e-5p improved lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR167e-5p targeted ß-catenin. MiR167e-5p could not only negatively affect the expression of ß-catenin but also showed a positive effect on several fat synthesis-related genes, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (Cebpα), fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Ap2), lipolysis genes, adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl), and hormone-sensitive lipase (Hsl) messenger RNA levels. Meanwhile, lipid accumulation and the expression of the ß-catenin and other five fat synthesis-related genes were recovered to their original pattern by adding the miR167e-5p inhibitor in 3T3-L1 cells. The immunoblot confirmed the same expression pattern in protein levels in ß-catenin, PPAR-γ, FAS, and HSL. This research demonstrates that plant miR167e-5p can potentially affect adipogenesis through the regulation of ß-catenin, suggesting that plant miRNAs could be a new class of bioactive ingredients in adipogenesis.

Association between cine CMR-based radiomics signature and microvascular obstruction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: In the process of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may receive large doses of the iodine contrast agent. Some adverse events may be aroused if the patients receive the gadolinium agents. We investigate the association between cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-based radiomics signature and microvascular obstruction (MVO) in patients with STEMI. Methods: A total of 116 STEMI patients who received continuous CMR within 6 days after PCI were retrospectively included in this study. According to the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of CMR, the myocardial infarction (MI) was divided into with and without MVO. Radiomic features were extracted from cine CMR images and the least absolute shrinkage and selectionator operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for features selection and radiomic signatures construction. Binary logistic regression was used to assess association between radiomic signatures and MVO with adjusted for baseline clinical characteristics. Results: Of 116 patients with STEMI, MI with MVO was found in 50 patients and MI without MVO was found in 66 patients. LASSO regression selected five radiomics features for radiomics signature construction. Logistic regression revealed that radiomics score, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and creatine phosphokinases (CPK) were independent risk factors for MVO with odds ratio (OR) of 4.41 (95% CI: 2.26-9.93), 1.018 (95% CI: 1.006-1.034) and 1.0007 (95% CI: 1.0004-1.0012), respectively. Area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of radiomics score to predict MVO was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68-0.85). Conclusions: Cine CMR-based radiomics signature was an independent predictive factor of MVO in patients with STEMI, which showed the potential of this contrast free radiomics signature to be an imaging biomarker for MVO.

[Long-term intermittent fasting induces abnormal lipid accumulation in mouse liver].

Short-term intermittent fasting (IF) is beneficial to weight control in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but the impact of long-term IF is not clear. In this study, healthy C57BL/6N mice with 4-month alternate day fasting (ADF) were used to study the effects of long-term IF on systemic and liver lipid metabolism. The results showed that, compared with the Ad Libitum group, the weight and food conversion rate of mice in the ADF group were markedly decreased and increased respectively, and the liver index and the liver content of triglyceride were significantly increased by pathological examination. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of the lipogenesis gene Pparγ and lipolysis gene Atgl was up-regulated in the ADF group (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the ratio of microtubule associated protein LC3-II/LC3-I was increased, while the abundance of autophagy adaptor protein p62 was decreased in the ADF group. In addition, autophagy signal positive regulation key factor AMPK phosphorylation was increased (P < 0.05), and negative regulation factor mTOR phosphorylation was decreased (P < 0.05) in the ADF group, indicating that hepatocyte autophagy activity was elevated. Taken together, ADF for 4 months results in an excessive liver triglyceride accumulation, accompanied by a marked decrease in liver mTOR phosphorylation and a significant increase in hepatic autophagy.

Prognostic and Clinicopathological Value of Human Leukocyte Antigen G in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains controversial. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to summarize available evidence from case-control or cohort studies that evaluated this association. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies written in English published up to April 1, 2021, and with no initial date. Furthermore, the Google Scholar and Google databases were also searched manually for gray literature. The protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213411). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for end points using fixed- and random-effects statistical models to account for heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Begg's and Egger's tests, and the "trim and fill" method. RESULTS: A total of 30 eligible articles with 5737 unique patients, including 12 studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), 6 on gastric cancer (GC), 5 on esophageal cancer (ESCC), 5 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and 2 on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC), were retrieved. Both univariate (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.48 ~ 2.72) and multivariate (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 2.03 ~ 3.55) analyses revealed that HLA-G expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival (OS), regardless of the cancer type or antibody used. Subgroup analysis stratified by antibody showed that the 4H84 (I2 = 45.8%, P = 0.101) antibodies could be trustworthy and reliable for detecting HLA-G expression in GI cancers. In addition, HLA-G expression was found to be correlated with adverse clinicopathological parameters such as clinical stage, nodal status, metastasis, and histological grade but not tumor status. CONCLUSION: Elevated HLA-G expression indicates a poor prognosis for GI cancer patients, and screening for this marker could allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers to improve survival rates.

Knockdown of CTRP6 reduces the deposition of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat in pigs via different signaling pathways.

The regulation of porcine subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) fat deposition significantly affects pork quality and the lean meat percentage of the carcass, respectively. The adipokine C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (CTRP6), plays a significant role in regulating animal fat deposition. The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of CTRP6 gene knockdown in IM and SC adipocytes by RNA-seq analysis. A total of 1830 and 2936 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in SC and IM adipocytes, respectively. 844 were down- and 2092 were upregulated in SC adipocytes, while 648 were down- and 1182 were upregulated in IM adipocytes. Furthermore, 1778 DEGs were detected only in SC adipocytes, 672 DEGs only in IM adipocytes, and 1158 DEGs in both types of adipocytes. GO analysis indicated that DEGs involved in adipocyte differentiation were significantly enriched in both SC and IM adipocytes following treatment with CTRP6-siRNA. Moreover, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed differences of metabolic regulation between IM and SC adipocytes. With CTRP6-silencing, the signaling pathways related to Ras and arachidonic acid metabolism were significantly enriched in IM adipocytes, while four other signaling pathways, encompassing the TNF, MAPK, p53 and adipokine pathway were specifically enriched in SC adipocytes. Interestingly, the effect of CTRP6-siRNA treatment was attenuated by the specific Ras activator ML-097 in IM adipocytes, while the specific p53 activator SJ-172550 had the corresponding effect in SC adipocytes. Altogether, we suggest that CTRP6 may be a differential regulator of the development and metabolism of IM and SC adipose tissues.

Differential Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs in Porcine Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Adipocytes.

The deposition of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) fat is an important trait influencing pork quality. Understanding the genetic differences between these two types of adipose tissues is consequently of great importance for pig breeding. Here, we established primary cultures of IM and SC adipocytes from Jiaxing black pigs. The microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of the two types of adipocytes were obtained by RNA-seq. A total of 741 miRNAs were identified in IM and SC adipocytes, including 155 significant differentially expressed (SDE) miRNAs. According to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes analysis, the target genes of the SDE miRNAs were enriched in categories and pathways related to transcriptional regulation, fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Notably, miR-206 expression was 36-fold higher in IM adipocytes than in SC adipocytes. The overexpression of miR-206 in IM and SC adipocytes decreased cell proliferation and triglyceride accumulation. Luciferase activity assays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that miR-206 regulates adipocyte proliferation by targeting STARD7 and inhibits adipogenesis by repressing Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression. Accordingly, the effect of miR-206 mimics was attenuated by the overexpression of KLF4 in adipocytes. Taken together, we identified the expression profiles of miRNAs in adipocytes, which revealed that miR-206 acts as a suppressor of adipogenesis.

Comprehensive transcriptomic view of the role of the LGALS12 gene in porcine subcutaneous and intramuscular adipocytes.

BACKGROUND: Livestock production aims to provide meats of high and consistent eating quality. Insufficient intramuscular (IM) fat and excessive subcutaneous (SC) fat are paramount pork quality challenges. IM fat and SC fat, which are modulated by the adipogenesis of IM and SC adipocytes, play key roles in pork quality. Galectin-12 (LGALS12) was proven to be an important regulator of fat deposition in porcine. However, the current knowledge of the transcriptome-wide role of LGALS12 in adipocytes is still limited. This study was aimed to discover the different regulatory mechanisms of LGALS12 in porcine IM and SC adipocyte. RESULTS: The siRNA-mediated knockdown of the expression of LGALS12 identified 1075 and 3016 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IM and SC adipocytes, respectively. Among these, 585 were up- and 490 were downregulated in the IM adipocytes, while 2186 were up- and 830 were downregulated in the SC adipocytes. Moreover, 418 DGEs were observed only in the IM adipocytes, 2359 DGEs only in the SC adipocytes, and 657 DGEs in both types of adipocytes. According to Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, DEGs in both IM and SC adipocytes were mainly enriched in categories related to lipids or fat cell differentiation. Pathway analysis of the DEGs revealed 88 changed signaling pathways in the IM adipocytes and 86 in the SC adipocytes. The signaling pathways present in only one type of adipocyte were identified from among the top 50 signaling pathways in each type of adipocyte. Four signaling pathways, encompassing PI3K-AKT, cardiac muscle contraction, fatty acid metabolism and Ras, were significantly enriched in the IM adipocytes. On the other hand, four different signaling pathways, encompassing TNF, WNT, cGMP-PKG and NF-kappa B, were greatly enriched in the SC ones. The pathway changes were confirmed by chemical inhibition assays. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveals that LGALS12 knockdown alters the expression of numerous genes involved in key biological processes in the development of adipocytes. These observations provide a global view of the role of LGALS12 in porcine IM and SC adipocytes; thus, improving our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms by which this gene acts in fat development.

Dietary probiotics have different effects on the composition of fecal microbiota in farmed raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and silver fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva).

BACKGROUND: The abuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry imposes a serious threat to both animal health and the environment. As a replacement for antibiotics, probiotic products have been widely used in livestock farming to promote growth of animals. However, no products specifically developed for farmed raccoon dogs and foxes are commercially available at the moment. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mixed probiotics on farmed raccoon dogs and foxes. RESULTS: Two feeding trials on farmed raccoon dogs and foxes were performed. A mixed probiotic preparation composed of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Clostridium butyricum, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis was fed to these two canine species in order to assess whether such a mixed probiotics can be an alternative to antibiotics (control group). The body weight of raccoon dogs exhibited an increasing tendency with mixed probiotics administration, while that of foxes did not. The serum antioxidant activity was evaluated, and a significantly increase of total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) was observed in both species. Illumina MiSeq was used for the sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to compare the composition of fecal microbiota between the control and mixed probiotics groups. Although α-diversity did not change, ß-diversity of the fecal microbiota showed a distinct dissimilarity between the control and probiotics groups of both raccoon dogs and foxes. Dietary mixed probiotics increased the abundance of the genus Bifidobacterium in the fecal samples of raccoon dogs, and the genus Bacillus in the fecal samples of foxes. The different responses of raccoon dogs and foxes to probiotics might be the result of differences in the composition of the native gut microbiota of the two species. CONCLUSIONS: The mixed probiotics preparation composed of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Clostridium butyricum, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis could be an effective feed additive for the improvement of the health of farmed raccoon dogs, but it may not be suitable for foxes.

Insights into the anti-infective properties of prodiginines.

Prodiginines are a large family of tripyrrole alkaloids that contain natural members produced by various bacteria and non-natural members obtained from chemical synthesis, enzymatic synthesis, and mutasynthesis. These compounds have attracted a great deal of attention due to their wide range of fascinating properties including anti-infective, anticancer, and immunosuppressive activities. In consideration of the great need for novel and effective anti-infective agents, this review is mainly focused on the current status of research on the anti-infective properties of prodiginines, highlighting their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-larval, and antiviral activities. Additionally, the multiple mechanisms by which prodiginines exert their anti-infective effects will also be discussed.

Knockdown of LGALS12 inhibits porcine adipocyte adipogenesis via PKA-Erk1/2 signaling pathway.

Increasing intramuscular (IM) fat while concomitantly decreasing subcutaneous (SC) fat content is one major goal of pig breeding. Identifying genes involved in lipid metabolism is critical for this goal. Galectin-12 (LGALS12) has been proven to be an important regulator of fat deposition in mouse models; however, the effect and regulatory mechanisms of LGALS12 on porcine adipogenesis are still unknown. In this study, the effects of LGALS12 on fat deposition were explored with primary culture of porcine SC and IM adipocytes. Analysis of LGALS12 expression across different tissues revealed that LGALS12 was predominantly expressed in adipose tissue. The LGALS12 expression patterns across stages of adipocyte differentiation were also evaluated, with differences observed between SC and IM fat. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of LGALS12 was designed and transfected into porcine adipocytes derived from SC and IM fat. After transfection, the expression level of LGALS12 was significantly reduced, and the number of lipid droplets was reduced in adipocytes from both SC and IM fat. Simultaneously, the levels of adipogenic markers, including PPARγ and aP2, were decreased, whereas hydrolysis markers, including adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), were increased. Furthermore, the activation of lipolysis signals, such as the phosphorylation of PKA and Erk1/2, were observed with LGALS12 knockdown in terminally differentiated adipocytes from both SC and IM sources. Taken together, these results suggest that LGALS12 knockdown can inhibit adipogenesis of porcine adipocytes by downregulating lipogenic genes and activating the PKA-Erk1/2 signaling pathway.

Assessment of microbiome changes after rumen transfaunation: implications on improving feed efficiency in beef cattle.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the host impact on its symbiotic microbiota is important in redirecting the rumen microbiota and thus improving animal performance. The current study aimed to understand how rumen microbiota were altered and re-established after being emptied and receiving content from donor, thus to understand the impact of such process on rumen microbial fermentation and to explore the microbial phylotypes with higher manipulation potentials. RESULTS: Individual animal had strong effect on the re-establishment of the bacterial community according to the observed profiles detected by both fingerprinting and pyrosequencing. Most of the bacterial profile recovery patterns and extents at genus level varied among steers; and each identified bacterial genus responded to transfaunation differently within each host. Coriobacteriaceae, Coprococcus, and Lactobacillus were found to be the most responsive and tunable genera by exchanging rumen content. Besides, the association of 18 bacterial phylotypes with host fermentation parameters suggest that these phylotypes should also be considered as the regulating targets in improving host feed efficiency. In addition, the archaeal community had different re-establishment patterns for each host as determined by fingerprint profiling: it was altered after receiving non-native microbiome in some animals, while it resumed its original status after the adaptation period in the other ones. CONCLUSIONS: The highly individualized microbial re-establishment process suggested the importance of considering host genetics, microbial functional genomics, and host fermentation/performance assessment when developing effective and selective microbial manipulation methods for improving animal feed efficiency.

Lentivirus-mediated CTRP6 silencing ameliorates diet-induced obesity in mice.

The C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6) is an adipokine involved in diverse biological processes. Formerly, we identified that CTRP6 regulates adipocyte differentiation, fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride accumulation in vitro. However, the effects of CTRP6 on adiposity in vivo have not yet been defined. This study aimed to confirm the involvement of CTRP6 in adipose accumulation and brown adipogenesis by intraperitoneal injection of the CTRP6-shRNA lentivirus into mice (CL mice). CL mice were significantly thinner than the control mice after feeding with a high fat diet (HFD), independent of food intake quantity. These HFD-fed CL mice displayed lower white and brown adipocyte sizes, and serum leptin levels, but an increase in serum adiponectin and insulin sensitivity relative to control mice. Additionally, the brown fat markers, such as UCP1, PRDM16, PGC1α and Cidea were found to be upregulated in the white and brown adipose tissue of the CL mice. These markers were also upregulated in a primary culture of mouse white and brown adipocytes treated with the CTRP6-shRNA lentivirus. Mechanistically, the knockdown of CTRP6 increased p38MAPK phosphorylation, but decreased expression of proteins involved in the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Sufu, Gli2 and Gli3). CTRP6 knockdown also upregulated expression of mitochondrial metabolic factors NRF-1, TFAM, CPT1 and Cyt C. Data from the current study show that CTRP6 knockdown protects against diet-induced obesity and promotes brown adipogenesis by the p38MAPK/Hh signaling pathway in conjunction with the upregulation of brown fat markers and mitochondrial metabolic factors.

Cell therapy could be a potential way to improve lipoprotein lipase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by extreme hypertriglyceridemia, with no cure presently available. The purpose of this study was to test the possibility of using cell therapy to alleviate LPL deficiency. METHODS: The LPL coding sequence was cloned into the MSCV retrovirus vector, after which MSCV-hLPL and MSCV (empty construct without LPL coding sequence) virion suspensions were made using the calcium chloride method. A muscle cell line (C2C12), kidney cell line (HEK293T) and pre-adipocyte cell line (3 T3-L1) were transfected with the virus in order to express recombinant LPL in vitro. Finally, each transfected cell line was injected subcutaneously into nude mice to identify the cell type which could secret recombinant LPL in vivo. Control cells were transfected with the MSCV empty vector. LPL activity was analyzed using a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: After virus infection, the LPL activity at the cell surface of each cell type was significantly higher than in the control cells, which indicates that all three cell types can be used to generate functional LPL. The transfected cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice, and the LPL activity of the nearby muscle tissue at the injection site in mice injected with 3 T3-L1 cells was more than 5 times higher at the injection sites than at non-injected control sites. The other two types of cells did not show this trend. CONCLUSION: The subcutaneous injection of adipocytes overexpressing LPL can improve the LPL activity of the adjacent tissue of nude mice. This is a ground-breaking preliminary study for the treatment of LPL deficiency, and lays a good foundation for using cell therapy to correct LPL deficiency.

Effect of dietary soybean oil and antioxidants on fatty acids and volatile compounds of tail subcutaneous and perirenal fat tissues in fattening lambs.

BACKGROUND: Fat is the primary source of the volatiles that determine the characteristic flavors of animal products. Because unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) contribute to changes in flavor as a result of the oxidation process, a feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of dietary soybean oil or antioxidants on the fatty acid and volatile profiles of the tail subcutaneous (SF) and perirenal fat tissues (PF) of fattening lambs. Thirty-six Huzhou lambs were assigned to four dietary treatments in a randomized block design. The lambs' diets were supplemented with soybean oil (0 or 3 % of DM) or antioxidants (0 or 0.025 % of DM). RESULTS: Neither soybean oil nor antioxidant supplementation had an effect on lamb growth (P > 0.05). In regard to tail SF, soybean oil supplementation increased the 18:2n6t (P < 0.05) and the total amount of volatile acids, whereas antioxidant supplementation increased the content of C18:2n6c and C18:3n3 (P < 0.05) but had no effect on the volatiles profile. In regard to PF, dietary soybean oil supplementation increased the C18:0 content (P < 0.01); decreased the C18:1 (P = 0.01), C22:1 n9 (P < 0.01) and total UFA (P = 0.03) contents; and tended to decrease the E-2-octenal (P = 0.08), E, E-2, 4-decadienal (P = 0.10), 2-undecenal (P = 0.14) and ethyl 9-decenoate (P = 0.10) contents. Antioxidant supplementation did not affect either the fatty acid content or the volatiles profile in the PF. CONCLUSIONS: Tail SF and PF responded to dietary soybean oil and antioxidant supplementation in different ways. For SF, both soybean oil and antioxidant supplementation increased the levels of unsaturated fatty acids but triggered only a slight change in volatiles. For PF, soybean oil supplementation decreased the levels of unsaturated fatty acids and oxidative volatiles, but supplementation with antioxidants had little effect on PF fatty acids and the volatiles profile.