Effects of dietary adjustment of n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio to 1:2 on anti-inflammatory and insulin-signaling pathways in ovariectomized mice with high fat diet-induced obesity.

Estrogen deficiency increases the secretion of inflammatory mediators and can lead to obesity. Consequently, estrogen deficiency can cause metabolic syndrome, particularly insulin resistance during menopause. Both fish oil and perilla oil contain n-3 fatty acids, which may regulate several inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, adjusting the dietary n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio to 1:2 may help treat or prevent chronic diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effect of anti-inflammatory and insulin-signaling pathways, not solely in relation to the (n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio at 1:2), but also considering the origin of n-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and perilla oil, in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy and obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Female C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: sham mice on a normal diet; ovariectomized (OVX) mice on a normal diet (OC); OVX mice on a HFD plus lard oil (OL), fish oil (OF), or perilla oil (OP). The dietary n-3:n-6 ratio in the OF and OP groups was adjusted to 1:2. The results showed OF group exhibited significantly lower abdominal adipose tissue weight, fewer liver lipid droplets, and smaller uterine adipocytes, compared with the OL group. Compared with the OL group, the OF and OP groups exhibited higher oral glucose tolerance and lower serum alanine aminotransferase activity, triacylglycerol levels, and total cholesterol levels. Hepatic JAK2, STAT3, and SOCS3 mRNA expression and p-NF-κB p65 and IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the OF and OP groups than in the OL group. Only the OF group exhibited an increase in PI3K and Akt mRNA expression, decrease in GLUT2 mRNA expression, and considerable elevation of p-Akt. Both fish and perilla oil reduced inflammatory signaling markers. However, only fish oil improved insulin signaling (PI3K, Akt, and GLUT2). Our data suggest that fish oil can alleviate insulin signaling through activating the PI3K-Akt-GLUT2 cascade signaling pathway.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Inhibits Basal Lipolysis by Activating PPAR-Gamma and Increasing Lipid Droplet-Associated Perilipin in Mature Rat Adipocytes.

Abnormal lipolysis is correlated with metabolic syndrome. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural product from honeybee hives, has been reported to improve metabolic syndrome. However, the effects of CAPE on lipolysis and perilipin-1 (the major lipid droplet-associated protein) in mature adipocytes were not clarified. In this study, mature adipocytes were isolated from the epididymal fat pads of male rats and incubated with CAPE to estimate lipolysis by measuring glycerol release. It was found that the basal lipolysis was inhibited by CAPE in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The lipid droplet-associated perilipin-1 and phosphorylated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma levels increased following CAPE treatment by Western blot analysis. Moreover, a specific PPAR-gamma inhibitor (T0070907) could partly reverse the effect of CAPE on basal lipolysis. Furthermore, treatment of adipocytes with dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or isoproterenol (ISO) increased lipolysis, but the drug-induced lipolysis was abrogated by combination treatment with CAPE. The lipid droplet-associated perilipin-1 level was also decreased in the drug-induced groups but increased when combined treatment with CAPE. In conclusion, our results revealed that a decrease in basal lipolysis and an increase in lipid droplet-associated perilipin-1 levels induced by CAPE may be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism through activation of PPAR-gamma in mature adipocytes.

Why do pre-clinical medical students learn ultrasound? Exploring learning motivation through ERG theory.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential field of medical education. Bedside ultrasound has become a necessary skill for clinical physicians. Previous studies have already discussed the importance of advancements in ultrasound education. However, learning motivations for ultrasound education have seldom been analyzed in the literature. For medical students, learning ultrasound could have a relevance for their future career. The Existence, Relatedness and Growth (ERG) theory extended Maslow's hierarchy of needs through these three concepts. This theory has been widely used in the workplace to analyze employee job performance but has not yet been applied in medical education. In this study ERG theory was applied to analyze pre-clinical medical students' learning motivation toward ultrasound education. METHOD: This mixed method study used online questionnaires consisting of open-ended questions as a data collection tool, and based on these results, both qualitative and quantitative analysis were conducted. Participants answered a series of neutral and open-ended questions regarding their motivations to learn ultrasonography. After data collection, a three-step analysis was conducted based on the grounded theory approach. Finally, the results of the thematic coding were used to complete additional quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The study involved 140 pre-clinical medical students, and their responses fell into 13 specific categories. The analysis demonstrated that students' motivations toward ultrasound education were unbalanced across the three ERG domains (F = 41.257, p < .001). Pairwise comparisons showed that students mentioned existence motivation (MD = 39.3%; p < .001) and growth motivation (MD = 40.7%; p < .001) more frequently than relatedness motivation. However, there was no significant difference between existence motivation and growth motivation (MD = - 1.4%; p = .830). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that students placed a high value on existence and growth needs rather than relatedness based on the survey. In addition, the findings suggest that ERG theory can be a useful tool to conduct medical education motivation analysis.

Attachment of the levator ani muscle extends to the superior ramus of the pubic bone through electrophysiological and anatomical examinations.

Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP) of pelvic floor muscles is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The pathological mechanisms and treatments of MFPP are complex and still unclear until now. The levator ani muscle (LAM) is the major pelvic floor muscle. The purpose of this study was to examine the fascia and attachment of LAM through the electromyogram (EMG) and cadaver dissection. Electrophysiological stimulation of the obturator fascia above the arcus tendinous levator ani (ATLA) could trigger contraction and electrophysiological changes in LAM insertion. The LAM of embalmed adult cadavers was examined especially in the area above the ATLA. Some skeletal muscle fibers were found above the ATLA within the obturator fascia and were confirmed by Masson's trichrome section staining. Our electromyography (EMG) and anatomical data implied that the attachment of LAM aponeurosis extended beyond ATLA to the inferior border of the superior ramus of the pubic bone. The new discovered attachment of LAM could provide a reference position for clinical diagnosis and treatment of MFPP or CPP.

Columbianadin Dampens In Vitro Inflammatory Actions and Inhibits Liver Injury via Inhibition of NF-κB/MAPKs: Impacts on ∙OH Radicals and HO-1 Expression.

Columbianadin (CBN), a natural coumarin isolated from Angelica decursiva, is reported to have numerous biological activities, including anticancer and platelet aggregation inhibiting properties. Here, we investigated CBN's anti-inflammatory effect in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell activation and deciphered the signaling process, which could be targeted by CBN as part of the mechanisms. Using a mouse model of LPS-induced acute liver inflammation, the CBN effects were examined by distinct histologic methods using trichrome, reticulin, and Weigert's resorcin fuchsin staining. The result showed that CBN decreased LPS-induced expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and iNOS and NO production in RAW 264.7 cells and mouse liver. CBN inhibited LPS-induced ERK and JNK phosphorylation, increased IκBα levels, and inhibited NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. Application of inhibitors for ERK (PD98059) and JNK (SP600125) abolished the LPS-induced effect on NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, which indicated that ERK and JNK signaling pathways were involved in CBN-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activation. Treatment with CBN decreased hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation and increased HO-1 expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, LPS-induced liver injury, as indicated by elevated serum levels of liver marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) and histopathological alterations, were reversed by CBN. This work demonstrates the utility of CBN against LPS-induced inflammation, liver injury, and oxidative stress by targeting JNK/ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Pterostilbene, a Dimethylether Analogue of Resveratrol, Possesses High Potency in the Prevention of Platelet Activation in Humans and the Reduction of Vascular Thrombosis in Mice.

Platelets play a crucial role in cardiovascular disorders (CVDs); thus, development of a therapeutic target that prevents platelet activation reduces CVDs. Pterostilbene (PTE) has several remarkable pharmacological activities, including anticancer and neuroprotection. Herein, we examined the inhibitory mechanisms of PTE in human platelets and its role in the prevention of vascular thrombosis in mice. At very low concentrations (1-5 µmol/L), PTE strongly inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation, but it did not have significant effects against thrombin and 9,11-dideoxy-11α,9α-epoxymethanoprostaglandin (U46619). PTE markedly reduced P-selectin expression on isolated α-granules by a novel microchip. Moreover, PTE inhibited adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, intracellular ([Ca2+]i) mobilization (resting, 216.6 ± 14.0 nmol/L; collagen-activated platelets, 396.5 ± 25.7 nmol/L; 2.5 µmol/L PTE, 259.4 ± 8.8 nmol/L; 5 µmol/L PTE, 231.8 ± 9.7 nmol/L), phospholipase C (PLC)γ2/protein kinase C (PKC), Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Neither 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ22536) nor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) reversed platelet aggregation inhibited by PTE. PTE did not affect vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation. In mice, PTE obviously reduced the mortality (from 100 to 37.5%) associated with acute pulmonary thromboembolism without increasing the bleeding time. Thus, PTE could be used to prevent CVDs.

Cobalt Chloride Induces Macrophage Foam Cell Formation: A Chemical Hypoxia Model for Anti-Atherosclerotic Drug Screening.

Macrophages would engulf circulating oxidized (ox)- low-density lipoprotein and form lipid droplet-laden foam cells. Macrophage foam cells are considered an important therapeutic target of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to investigate a hypoxic foam cell model for anti-atherosclerotic drug screening using the chemical hypoxia-mimicking agent cobalt chloride (CoCl2). The oil red O stating results showed that treatment with CoCl2 could induce lipid accumulation and lead to cell transformation to spindle-shaped and lipid-rich foam cells in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Incubation with 150 µM CoCl2 for 24 h significantly increased the area of intracellular lipid droplets in macrophages, compared with the control group. Our findings indicate that CoCl2-triggered macrophage foam cells should be a potential in vitro hypoxia model for atherosclerosis drug discovery.

LDOC1 Suppresses Microbe-Induced Production of IL-1ß in Human Normal and Cancerous Oral Cells through the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3ß Axis.

Poor oral hygiene (POH) is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral microbes often proliferate due to POH. Array data show that LDOC1 plays a role in immunity against pathogens. We investigated whether LDOC1 regulates the production of oral microbe-induced IL-1ß, an oncogenic proinflammatory cytokine in OSCC. We demonstrated the presence of Candida albicans (CA) in 11.3% of OSCC tissues (n = 80). CA and the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum stimulate higher levels of IL-1ß secretion by LDOC1-deficient OSCC cells than by LDOC1-expressing oral cells. CA SC5314 increased OSCC incidence in 4-NQO (a synthetic tobacco carcinogen) and arecoline-cotreated mice. Loss and gain of LDOC1 function significantly increased and decreased, respectively, CA SC5314-induced IL-1ß production in oral and OSCC cell lines. Mechanistic studies showed that LDOC1 deficiency increased active phosphorylated Akt upon CA SC5314 stimulation and subsequent inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3ßS9 by activated Akt. PI3K and Akt inhibitors and expression of the constitutively active mutant GSK-3ßS9A significantly reduced the CA SC5314-stimulated IL-1ß production in LDOC1-deficient cells. These results indicate that the PI3K/Akt/pGSK-3ß signaling pathway contributes to LDOC1-mediated inhibition of oral microbe-induced IL-1ß production, suggesting that LDOC1 may determine the pathogenic role of oral microbes in POH-associated OSCC.

Lycopene Inhibit IMQ-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation by Inhibiting ICAM-1 Production in Mice.

Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes, which has been identified to have the properties of anti-inflammation in addition to the capability to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules. Intercellular adhesion molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we report that the topical use of a lycopene decreased imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammatory responses, the progress of which was based on adhesion molecules. In vitro analysis showed that lycopene decreased keratinocyte and monocyte adhesion. Evidence suggests that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a main mediator of psoriasis pathogenesis. Therefore, it will be interesting to investigate the factors that contribute to the lycopene-mediated inhibition of ICAM-1 expression in psoriasis. We expect that lycopene will with potential value in the treatment of psoriasis.

Ruthenium derivatives attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses and liver injury via suppressing NF-κB signaling and free radical production.

Ruthenium metal complex has been shown to exert several chemical and biological activities. A series of three novel ruthenium derivatives (TQ 1, 2 and 4) were synthesized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and mice liver injury. The hydroxyl radical (OH°) scavenging activity of these derivatives has also been evaluated. The results revealed that among the tested compounds, TQ-4 effectively attenuated LPS-induced abnormal alteration in liver histoarchistructure via reducing alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). This compound exhibited significant inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß), inflammatory enzyme (iNOS), the component of NF-κB signaling pathway (p65) and JNK phosphorylation in LPS-induced mice liver tissues. In vitro results showed that TQ-4 had the best inhibition of NO production and iNOS expression in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanistic approach indicated that TQ-4 inhibited the LPS-induced JNK phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation, and hydroxyl radical (OH°) productions in RAW 264.7 cells. However, the compounds TQ-1 and 2 had no effects in this study. TQ-4 also inhibited LPS-induced OH° production. This study reveals the protective effect of TQ-4 against LPS-induced acute liver injury, inflammation, and oxidative reaction by destructing JNK/NF-κB signaling pathways. The result of this study may infer that TQ-4 might be a promising ruthenium metal derivative and/or therapeutic agent for treating liver injury.

Gender differences in the acquisition of suturing skills with the da Vinci surgical system.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of female medical students has been significant elevating worldwide. The demographic shift is expected to influence the proportion of male versus female surgeons soon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the acquisition of robotic suturing skills. METHODS: We compared the robotic suturing performance between 39 male and 19 female medical students. We separated the training into two parts: phase I, involving virtual reality (VR) robotic simulation, and phase II, involving robotic dry-laboratory simulation training. Participants first conducted step-by-step exercises on the VR robotic simulator and then the robotic skin-suturing pad using the da Vinci robot. RESULTS: The metric analysis of the VR task "suture sponge" showed that female students required less time (difference: -170.7 seconds, 95% CI: -247.4 to -94.0) and had fewer errors (error difference: -50, 95% CI: -74.2 to -25.8) to complete the suture sponge exercise compared to male students. Moreover, female students completed more stitches than male students (differences in mean stitch achieved: .35; 95% CI: .06 to .65). However, there was no difference in the quality scores of stitches by gender (p = 0.85). CONCLUSION: Female medical students performed better in the VR task of suture spongy and achieved more stitches than male students with the da Vinci system despite no difference in robotic suture quality by gender. Because this is the first study comparing gender performance on a robotic platform, further studies are required to investigate if different training approaches will affect the performance by gender.

Analysis of Titin in Red and White Muscles: Crucial Role on Muscle Contractions Using a Fish Model.

Several studies have compared molecular components between red and white skeletal muscles in mammals. However, mammalian skeletal muscles are composed of mixed types of muscle fibers. In the current study, we analyzed and compared the distributions of titin, lipid, phosphate ions, and fatty acid levels in red and white muscles using a fish model (Tilapia), which is rich in red and white muscles, and these are well separated. Oil-red O staining showed that red muscle had more-abundant lipids than did white muscle. A time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometric (TOF-SIMS) analysis revealed that red muscle possessed high levels of palmitic acid and oleic acid, but white muscle contained more phosphate ions. Moreover, elastica-van Gieson (EVG) and Mito-Tracker green FM staining showed that collagen and elastic fibers were highly, respectively, distributed in connective tissues and mitochondria in red muscle. An electron micrographic analysis indicated that red muscle had a relatively higher number of mitochondria and longer sarcomere lengths and Z-line widths, while myofibril diameters were thicker in white muscle. Myofibrillar proteins separated by SDS-PAGE showed that the major giant protein, titin, was highly expressed in white muscle than in red muscle. Furthermore, ratios of titin to myosin heavy chain (MHC) (titin/MHC) were about 1.3 times higher in white muscle than red muscle. We postulated that white muscle is fit for short and strong contractile performance due to high levels of titin and condensed sarcomeres, whereas red muscle is fit for low intensity and long-lasting activity due to high levels of lipids and mitochondria and long sarcomeres.

Embryonic exposure to 4-methylimidazole leads to zebrafish myofibril misalignment.

4-methylimidazole (4-MI) is an imidazole-derived organic chemical compound that can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of diverse chemicals and has been identified as an ingredient of caramel color in soybean sauce, beers, and other soft drinks. The aim of the present study was to investigate the teratogenic effects of 4-MI during zebrafish embryogenesis. Zebrafish embryos were treated with different dosages of 4-MI (0-120 mM) for different exposure durations (12-60 hours). The percentages of embryos with malformed phenotypes increased as the exposure dosages and duration time of 4-MI increased. We also used immunofluorescence and transmission microscopy to evaluate the subtle changes in the myofibril alignment and ultrastructure of muscle organization. Our data showed that 4-MI treatment disturbs muscle fiber alignment. Electron microscopy data indicated that Z-lines were undetectable in the 4-MI-treated embryos. Although the thick and thin filaments were visible, they were all disorganized. In addition, zebrafish embryos treated by 4-MI exhibited aberrant expression of 2 muscle-specific genes, myod and myogenin. Taken together, we concluded that early exposure to 4-MI affects zebrafish myogenesis, especially in myofibril alignment.

A dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor promotes wound healing in normoglycemic mice by modulating keratinocyte activity.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a well-known and novel class of oral antihyperglycaemic drugs. DPP-4 inhibition facilitates ulcer healing in patients with diabetes. However, the actual mechanisms, which are independent of lower blood glucose levels, are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin on wound healing through a glucose-independent pathway. In this study, DPP-4 inhibitors facilitate keratinocyte differentiation and the proliferation, increase blood flow in the cutaneous of wounds in healthy C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, the administration of the DPP-4 inhibitor ameliorates wound healing and enhances adiponectin expression in healthy C57BL/6 mice. Taken together, our results reveal a protective role for the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin in wound healing by regulating adiponectin and phospho-eNOS levels in keratinocytes. Based on these results, the DPP-4 inhibitor may have therapeutic potential for healing wounds through a diabetes-independent mechanism.

Low Second-To-Fourth Digit Ratio Has High Explosive Power? A Prepubertal Study.

Hsu, CC, Fong, TH, Chang, HM, Su, B, Chi, CP, Kan, NW, and Hsu, MC. Low second-to-fourth digit ratio has high explosive power? A prepubertal study. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2091-2095, 2018-A recent study reported that lower limb explosive power had no correlation with the index finger: ring finger (2D:4D) ratio. However, many studies hypothesized that a lower 2D:4D ratio (reflecting a relative higher testosterone exposure) predicts higher physical fitness. The aim of this study was to replicate the study of explosive power and the 2D:4D ratio in a sample of Taiwanese children. A total of 541 Taiwanese prepubertal children (257 girls and 284 boys aged 9-10 years) participated in this study. This study analyzed the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and explosive power. Explosive power of the lower limbs was assessed using the standing long jump (SLJ) test. The lengths of the second and fourth fingers of the right hand were measured to calculate the 2D:4D ratio. The SLJ length was correlated with the 2D:4D ratios (r = -0.144, p = 0.015) in boys. After controlling for age and the body mass index, this correlation remained significant (r = -0.134, p = 0.024). For girls, 2D:4D ratios were not significantly correlated with SLJ scores. These results indicate that the SLJ distance was negatively correlated with the 2D:4D ratio in boys, but not in girls. These findings might suggest that prenatal testosterone exposure is negatively correlated with the explosive power in men, but not in women.

YC-1 induces lipid droplet formation in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

BACKGROUND: 3-(5'-Hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole (YC-1) is a potential anticancer drug that may activate soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and increase the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The aim of this study was to explore the effects of YC-1 on lipid droplet accumulation and foam cell formation in macrophages. RESULTS: Human-oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to induce accumulation of lipid droplets in a murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7. Oil red O staining showed that treatment with 20 µM YC-1 for 24 h increased the area of intracellular lipid droplets in macrophages. The results of high content screening (HCS) with the AdipoRed™ assay further revealed that YC-1 enhanced ox-LDL-induced foam cell formation. This was evidenced by an increase in the total area of lipid droplets and the mean fluorescence intensity per cell. Inhibition of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) using KT5823 significantly reduced YC-1-enhanced lipid droplet formation in ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cells. CONCLUSION: YC-1 induces lipid droplet formation in macrophages, possibly through the sGC/cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. This chemical should be tested with caution in future clinical trials.

Development and Testing of X-Ray Imaging-Enhanced Poly-L-Lactide Bone Screws.

Nanosized iron oxide particles exhibit osteogenic and radiopaque properties. Thus, iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were incorporated into a biodegradable polymer (poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA) to fabricate a composite bone screw. This multifunctional, 3D printable bone screw was detectable on X-ray examination. In this study, mechanical tests including three-point bending and ultimate tensile strength were conducted to evaluate the optimal ratio of iron oxide nanoparticles in the PLLA composite. Both injection molding and 3D printing techniques were used to fabricate the PLLA bone screws with and without the iron oxide nanoparticles. The fabricated screws were implanted into the femoral condyles of New Zealand White rabbits. Bone blocks containing the PLLA screws were resected 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Histologic examination of the surrounding bone and the radiopacity of the iron-oxide-containing PLLA screws were evaluated. Our results indicated that addition of iron oxide nanoparticles at 30% significantly decreased the ultimate tensile stress properties of the PLLA screws. The screws with 20% iron oxide exhibited strong radiopacity compared to the screws fabricated without the iron oxide nanoparticles. Four weeks after surgery, the average bone volume of the iron oxide PLLA composite screws was significantly greater than that of PLLA screws without iron oxide. These findings suggested that biodegradable and X-ray detectable PLLA bone screws can be produced by incorporation of 20% iron oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, these screws had significantly greater osteogenic capability than the PLLA screws without iron oxide.

Comparative decline of the protein profiles of nebulin in response to denervation in skeletal muscle.

The sliding filament model of the sarcomere was developed more than half a century ago. This model, consisting only of thin and thick filaments, has been efficacious in elucidating many, but not all, features of skeletal muscle. Work during the 1980s revealed the existence of two additional filaments: the giant filamentous proteins titin and nebulin. Nebulin, a giant myofibrillar protein, acts as a protein ruler to maintain the lattice arrays of thin filaments and plays a role in signal transduction and contractile regulation. However, the change of nebulin and its effect on thin filaments in denervation-induced atrophic muscle remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine the content and pattern of nebulin, myosin heavy chain (MHC), actin, and titin in innervated and denervated tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of rats using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), densitometry and electron microscopic (EM) analyses. The results revealed that denervation induced muscle atrophy is accompanied by decreased nebulin content in a time-dependent manner. For instant, the levels of nebulin in denervated muscles were markedly (P < 0.05) decreased, about 24.6% and 40.2% in comparison with innervated muscle after denervation of 28 and 56 days, respectively. The nebulin/MHC, nebulin/actin, and nebulin/titin ratios were decreased, suggesting a concomitant reduction of nebulin in denervated muscle. Moreover, a western blotting assay proved that nebulin declined faster than titin on 28 and 56 days of denervated muscle. In addition, EM study revealed that the disturbed arrangements of myofilaments and a disorganized contractile apparatus were also observed in denervated muscle. Overall, the present study provides evidence that nebulin is more sensitive to the effect of denervation than MHC, actin, and titin. Nebulin decline indeed resulted in disintegrate of thin filaments and shortening of sarcomeres.

Hinokitiol Exerts Anticancer Activity through Downregulation of MMPs 9/2 and Enhancement of Catalase and SOD Enzymes: In Vivo Augmentation of Lung Histoarchitecture.

Melanoma is extremely resistant to chemotherapy and the death rate is increasing hastily worldwide. Extracellular matrix promotes the migration and invasion of tumor cells through the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9. Evidence has shown that natural dietary antioxidants are capable of inhibiting cancer cell growth. Our recent studies showed that hinokitiol, a natural bioactive compound, inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelets aggregation. The present study is to investigate the anticancer efficacy of hinokitiol against B16-F10 melanoma cells via modulating tumor invasion factors MMPs, antioxidant enzymes in vitro. An in vivo mice model of histological investigation was performed to study the patterns of elastic and collagen fibers. Hinokitiol inhibited the expression and activity of MMPs-2 and -9 in B16-F10 melanoma cells, as measured by western blotting and gelatin zymography, respectively. An observed increase in protein expression of MMPs 2/9 in melanoma cells was significantly inhibited by hinokitiol. Notably, hinokitiol (1-5 µM) increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) from the reduction in melanoma cells. Also, hinokitiol (2-10 µM) concentration dependently reduced in vitro Fenton reaction induced hydroxyl radical (OH·) formation. An in vivo study showed that hinokitiol treatment increased elastic fibers (EF), collagens dispersion, and improved alveolar alterations in the lungs of B16/F10 injected mice. Overall, our findings propose that hinokitiol may be a potent anticancer candidate through down regulation of MMPs 9/2, reduction of OH· production and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT.

Elite collegiate tennis athletes have lower 2D: 4D ratios than those of nonathlete controls.

The ratio of the length of the second finger (index finger) to the fourth finger (ring finger) (2D:4D ratio) is a putative marker for prenatal hormones. Physiological research has suggested a low 2D:4D ratio correlates with high athletic ability. Athletes of specific sports (e.g., American football) have lower 2D:4D ratios than those of nonathletes, whereas athletes of some sports (e.g., rowing, gymnastics, and soccer) do not. This study investigated the 2D:4D ratios among collegiate tennis athletes, elite collegiate tennis athletes, and nonelite collegiate tennis athletes and compared them with nonathletes of both sexes. The participants included 43 elite collegiate tennis athletes (Level I intercollegiate athletes in Taiwan; 27 males and 16 females), 107 nonelite collegiate tennis athletes (Level II athletes; 55 males and 52 females), and 166 nonathlete college students (80 males and 86 females). The principle findings suggest that (a) regardless of sex, collegiate tennis athletes have lower 2D:4D values than those of nonathletes; (b) elite collegiate tennis athletes have lower 2D:4D values than those of nonathletes; (c) among females but not males, athletes and nonelite athletes have lower 2D:4D values than those of nonathletes; and (d) males have lower 2D:4D values than those of females.