Dicarboxylic Acid Dietary Supplementation Protects against AKI.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we demonstrate that a common, low-cost compound known as octanedioic acid (DC 8 ) can protect mice from kidney damage typically caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury or the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. This compound seems to enhance peroxisomal activity, which is responsible for breaking down fats, without adversely affecting mitochondrial function. DC 8 is not only affordable and easy to administer but also effective. These encouraging findings suggest that DC 8 could potentially be used to assist patients who are at risk of experiencing this type of kidney damage. BACKGROUND: Proximal tubules are rich in peroxisomes, which are damaged during AKI. Previous studies demonstrated that increasing peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is renoprotective, but no therapy has emerged to leverage this mechanism. METHODS: Mice were fed with either a control diet or a diet enriched with dicarboxylic acids, which are peroxisome-specific FAO substrates, then subjected to either ischemia-reperfusion injury-AKI or cisplatin-AKI models. Biochemical, histologic, genetic, and proteomic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Both octanedioic acid (DC 8 ) and dodecanedioic acid (DC 12 ) prevented the rise of AKI markers in mice that were exposed to renal injury. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that DC 8 preserved the peroxisomal and mitochondrial proteomes while inducing extensive remodeling of the lysine succinylome. This latter finding indicates that DC 8 is chain shortened to the anaplerotic substrate succinate and that peroxisomal FAO was increased by DC 8 . CONCLUSIONS: DC 8 supplementation protects kidney mitochondria and peroxisomes and increases peroxisomal FAO, thereby protecting against AKI.

Delayed graft function post renal transplantation: a review on animal models and therapeutics.

The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been increasing worldwide. Its treatment involves renal replacement therapy, either by dialyses or renal transplantation from a living or deceased donor. Although the initial mortality rates for patients on dialysis are comparable with kidney transplant recipients, the quality of life and long-term prognosis are greatly improved in transplanted patients. However, there is a large gap between availability and need for donor kidneys. This has led to the increase in the use of expanded kidney donor criteria. Allograft dysfunction immediately after transplant sets it up for many complications, such as acute rejection and shorter allograft survival. Delayed graft function (DGF) is one of the immediate posttransplant insults to the kidney allograft, which is increasing in prevalence due to efforts to maximize the available donor pool for kidneys and use of expanded kidney donor criteria. In this review, we discuss the risk factors for DGF, its implications for long-term allograft survival, animal models of DGF, and the therapeutic options currently under evaluation for prevention and management of DGF.

Mutation and selection explain why many eukaryotic centromeric DNA sequences are often A + T rich.

We have used chromosome engineering to replace native centromeric DNA with different test sequences at native centromeres in two different strains of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and have discovered that A + T rich DNA, whether synthetic or of bacterial origin, will function as a centromere in this species. Using genome size as a surrogate for the inverse of effective population size (Ne) we also show that the relative A + T content of centromeric DNA scales with Ne across 43 animal, fungal and yeast (Opisthokonta) species. This suggests that in most of these species the A + T content of the centromeric DNA is determined by a balance between selection and mutation. Combining the experimental results and the evolutionary analyses allows us to conclude that A + T rich DNA of almost any sequence will function as a centromere in most Opisthokonta species. The fact that many G/C to A/T substitutions are unlikely to be selected against may contribute to the rapid evolution of centromeric DNA. We also show that a neo-centromere sequence is not simply a weak version of native centromeric DNA and suggest that neo-centromeres require factors either for their propagation or establishment in addition to those required by native centromeres.

Inhibition of Estrogen Sulfotransferase (SULT1E1/EST) Ameliorates Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that estrogens may protect mice from AKI. Estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1, or EST) plays an important role in estrogen homeostasis by sulfonating and deactivating estrogens, but studies on the role of SULT1E1 in AKI are lacking. METHODS: We used the renal ischemia-reperfusion model to investigate the role of SULT1E1 in AKI. We subjected wild-type mice, Sult1e1 knockout mice, and Sult1e1 knockout mice with liver-specific reconstitution of SULT1E1 expression to bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion or sham surgery, either in the absence or presence of gonadectomy. We assessed relevant biochemical, histologic, and gene expression markers of kidney injury. We also used wild-type mice treated with the SULT1E1 inhibitor triclosan to determine the effect of pharmacologic inhibition of SULT1E1 on AKI. RESULTS: AKI induced the expression of Sult1e1 in a tissue-specific and sex-specific manner. It induced expression of Sult1e1 in the liver in both male and female mice, but Sult1e1 induction in the kidney occurred only in male mice. Genetic knockout or pharmacologic inhibition of Sult1e1 protected mice of both sexes from AKI, independent of the presence of sex hormones. Instead, a gene profiling analysis indicated that the renoprotective effect was associated with increased vitamin D receptor signaling. Liver-specific transgenic reconstitution of SULT1E1 in Sult1e1 knockout mice abolished the protection in male mice but not in female mice, indicating that Sult1e1's effect on AKI was also tissue-specific and sex-specific. CONCLUSIONS: SULT1E1 appears to have a novel function in the pathogenesis of AKI. Our findings suggest that inhibitors of SULT1E1 might have therapeutic utility in the clinical management of AKI.

Hannaella pagnoccae sp. nov., a tremellaceous yeast species isolated from plants and soil.

Several independent surveys of yeasts associated with different plant materials and soil led to the proposal of a novel yeast species belonging to the Tremellales clade (Agaricomycotina, Basidiomycota). Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains and internal transcribed spacer region of the large subunit of the rRNA gene suggested affinity to a phylogenetic lineage that includes Hannaella coprosmaensis, Hannaella oryzae and Hannaella sinensis. Thirty-two isolates were obtained from different sources, including bromeliads, nectar of Heliconia psittacorum (Heliconiaceae), flowers of Pimenta dioica (Myrtaceae), roots and leaves of sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) in Brazil, leaves of Cratoxylum maingayi, Arundinaria pusilla and Vitis vinifera in Thailand, soil samples in Taiwan, and prairie soil in the USA. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of the rRNA gene showed that the novel species differs from Hannaella coprosmaensis and Hannaella oryzae by 36 and 46 nt substitutions, respectively. A novel species is suggested to accommodate these isolates, for which the name Hannaella pagnoccae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BI118(T) ( = CBS 11142(T) = ATCC MYA-4530(T)).

Yeasts and hygienic-sanitary microbial indicators in water buffalo mozzarella produced and commercialized in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The aim of this work was to study the yeast populations and the main hygienic-sanitary microbial indicators in water buffalo mozzarella produced and commercialized in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forty-two water buffalo mozzarella samples were purchased from retail outlets in Belo Horizonte. In addition, five samples of consecutive starter cultures, curd before acidification, acidified curd and mozzarella were collected at an industry in the city of Oliveira. Only three of the five water samples analyzed were suitable for consumption according to Brazilian sanitary standards. Four milk samples were highly contaminated with fecal coliforms, and did not meet the minimal hygienic-sanitary standards according to Brazilian regulations. Only one sample of buffalo muzzarela purchased from retail outlets exceeded the limit for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Eleven samples showed counts of thermotolerant coliforms higher than5x 10³ CFU.g-1, but still lower than the maximum permitted by the Brazilian laws. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not isolated. Debaryomyces hansenii, Candida lusitaniae and C. parapsilosis were the prevalent yeast species isolated from cheese. Among samples from the production stages, the acidified curd presented the highest numbers of yeasts, with C. catenulata being the most frequent species isolated. Some opportunistic yeast species such as C. guilliermondii, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, C. catenulata, C. rugosa and C. krusei occurred in the mozzarella cheese samples analyzed. The mozzarella cheese presented a low microbial load as compared to other cheese already studied, and the yeast biota included species typical of cheese and also opportunistic pathogens.

Yeasts and hygienic-sanitary microbial indicators in water buffalo mozzarella produced and commercialized in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The aim of this work was to study the yeast populations and the main hygienic-sanitary microbial indicators in water buffalo mozzarella produced and commercialized in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forty-two water buffalo mozzarella samples were purchased from retail outlets in Belo Horizonte. In addition, five samples of consecutive starter cultures, curd before acidification, acidified curd and mozzarella were collected at an industry in the city of Oliveira. Only three of the five water samples analyzed were suitable for consumption according to Brazilian sanitary standards. Four milk samples were highly contaminated with fecal coliforms, and did not meet the minimal hygienic-sanitary standards according to Brazilian regulations. Only one sample of buffalo muzzarela purchased from retail outlets exceeded the limit for coagulase-positive Staphylococcus. Eleven samples showed counts of thermotolerant coliforms higher than 5 × 10(3) CFU.g(-1), but still lower than the maximum permitted by the Brazilian laws. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were not isolated. Debaryomyces hansenii, Candida lusitaniae and C. parapsilosis were the prevalent yeast species isolated from cheese. Among samples from the production stages, the acidified curd presented the highest numbers of yeasts, with C. catenulata being the most frequent species isolated. Some opportunistic yeast species such as C. guilliermondii, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, C. catenulata, C. rugosa and C. krusei occurred in the mozzarella cheese samples analyzed. The mozzarella cheese presented a low microbial load as compared to other cheese already studied, and the yeast biota included species typical of cheese and also opportunistic pathogens.

Wickerhamiella pagnoccae sp. nov. and Candida tocantinsensis sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeasts from flower bracts of Heliconia psittacorum (Heliconiaceae).

Two novel yeast species were isolated from nectar of flower bracts of Heliconia psittacorum (Heliconiaceae) collected in a Cerrado ecosystem in the state of Tocantins, northern Brazil. Wickerhamiella pagnoccae sp. nov., which is closely related to Candida jalapaonensis, is heterothallic and produces one spheroid ascospore per ascus. Candida tocantinsensis sp. nov. belongs to the Metschnikowiaceae clade and its nearest relative is Candida ubatubensis, but the sequence identity (%) in the D1/D2 domains of the rRNA gene is low. The type strain of W. pagnoccae is UFMG-F18C1(T) ( = CBS 12178(T) = NRRL Y-48735(T)) and the type strain of C. tocantinsensis is UFMG-F16D1(T) ( = CBS 12177(T) = NRRL Y-48734(T)).

Saturnispora serradocipensis sp. nov. and Saturnispora gosingensis sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeasts from ephemeral habitats.

Two novel ascomycetous yeast species, Saturnispora serradocipensis and Saturnispora gosingensis, were isolated from leaf detritus in a tropical stream of Southeastern Brazil and a mushroom collected in Taiwan, respectively. Analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large-subunit of the rRNA gene of these strains showed that these species are related to Saturnispora hagleri, their closest relative. Saturnispora serradocipensis and S. gosingensis differed from S. hagleri, respectively, by seven nucleotide substitutions and two indels and three nucleotide substitutions and three indels in D1/D2 rRNA sequences. The two new species differ from each another by four nucleotide substitutions and one indel in D1/D2 rRNA sequences. However, the ITS sequences of S. serradocipensis, S. gosingensis and S. hagleri were quite divergent, showing that they are genetically separate species. The type strain of S. serradocipensis is UFMG-DC-198(T) (=CBS 11756(T) = NRRL Y-48717(T)), and of S. gosingensis GA4M05(T) is (CBS 11755(T) = NRRL Y-48718(T)).

Diversity and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated by multiple-tube fermentation from three freshwater lakes in Brazil.

The diversity and antifungal resistance of yeasts able to grow at 37 degrees C and the occurrence of bacterial indicators of water quality were studied in three lakes in Southeastern Brazil. The densities of yeasts, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were determined by the multiple-tube fermentation technique, and counts of heterotrophic bacteria were determined using the pour plate method. The yeasts were identified using physiological and molecular techniques and their resistance to amphotericin B, itraconazole and fluconazole was tested. Yeast occurrence was significantly correlated only with the density of fecal coliforms. Candida krusei, C. guilliermondii and C. tropicalis, the most frequently isolated yeast species, are associated with fecal contamination of water by warm-blooded animals. Yeast isolates were most resistant to amphotericin B (21.7%), followed by itraconazole (20%) and then fluconazole (2.8%). In addition to tests for the fecal coliform group, the density of yeasts grown at 37 degrees C could be used as a complementary microbial indicator that aquatic environments contain organic matter of human origin. The incidence of yeast species resistant to three antifungal drugs shows that these microorganisms could pose a health risk to the people who use these lakes for recreation.

Candida materiae sp. nov., a yeast species isolated from rotting wood in the Atlantic Rain Forest.

Three strains of a novel yeast species, Candida materiae sp. nov., were isolated from rotting wood in an Atlantic rain forest site in Brazil. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large-subunit rDNA showed that this species belonged to the Spathaspora clade and was related to Candida jeffriesii and Spathaspora passalidarum. Unlike C. jeffriesii and S. passalidarum, C. materiae sp. nov. did not ferment xylose. The type strain of C. materiae sp. nov. is UFMG-07-C15.1BT (=CBS 10975T=CBMAI 956T).

Incidence and anatomic localization of oral candidiasis in patients with AIDS hospitalized in a public hospital in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, anatomic localization and yeast species isolated from each clinical type of oral candidiasis. The clinical samples were obtained from 67 patients with AIDS with CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm(3) and hospitalized in a public hospital (Eduardo de Menezes Hospital) in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Yeasts were isolated using Chromagar Candida. The results show that 50.7% of these patients had oral candidiasis. The pseudomembranous form was the most frequent clinical manifestation of oral candidiasis, followed by the erythematous and angular cheilite forms. The most common site of these clinical forms of oral candidiasis was the tongue. Candida albicans was the most common yeast species isolated from the lesions. However, other species were also found to be associated with these forms of oral candidiasis.

Incidence and anatomic localization of oral candidiasis in patients with AIDS hospitalized in a public hospital in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, anatomic localization and yeast species isolated from each clinical type of oral candidiasis. The clinical samples were obtained from 67 patients with AIDS with CD4 cell counts below 200 cells/mm³ and hospitalized in a public hospital (Eduardo de Menezes Hospital) in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Yeasts were isolated using Chromagar® Candida. The results show that 50.7 percent of these patients had oral candidiasis. The pseudomembranous form was the most frequent clinical manifestation of oral candidiasis, followed by the erythematous and angular cheilite forms. The most common site of these clinical forms of oral candidiasis was the tongue. Candida albicans was the most common yeast species isolated from the lesions. However, other species were also found to be associated with these forms of oral candidiasis.