The TLR2/TLR6 ligand FSL-1 mitigates radiation-induced hematopoietic injury in mice and nonhuman primates.

Thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, anemia, and infection are life-threatening issues following accidental or intentional radiation exposure. Since few therapeutics are available, safe and efficacious small molecules to mitigate radiation-induced injury need to be developed. Our previous study showed the synthetic TLR2/TLR6 ligand fibroblast stimulating lipopeptide (FSL-1) prolonged survival and provided MyD88-dependent mitigation of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) in mice. Although mice and humans differ in TLR number, expression, and function, nonhuman primate (NHP) TLRs are like those of humans; therefore, studying both animal models is critical for drug development. The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of FSL-1 on hematopoietic recovery in small and large animal models subjected to sublethal total body irradiation and investigate its mechanism of action. In mice, we demonstrate a lack of adverse effects, an easy route of delivery (subcutaneous) and efficacy in promoting hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation by FSL-1. NHP given radiation, followed a day later with a single subcutaneous administration of FSL-1, displayed no adversity but showed elevated hematopoietic cells. Our analyses revealed that FSL-1 promoted red blood cell development and induced soluble effectors following radiation exposure. Cytologic analysis of bone marrow aspirates revealed a striking enhancement of mononuclear progenitor cells in FSL-1-treated NHP. Combining the efficacy of FSL-1 in promoting hematopoietic cell recovery with the lack of adverse effects induced by a single administration supports the application of FSL-1 as a viable countermeasure against H-ARS.

Application of Machine Learning in Material Synthesis and Property Prediction.

Material innovation plays a very important role in technological progress and industrial development. Traditional experimental exploration and numerical simulation often require considerable time and resources. A new approach is urgently needed to accelerate the discovery and exploration of new materials. Machine learning can greatly reduce computational costs, shorten the development cycle, and improve computational accuracy. It has become one of the most promising research approaches in the process of novel material screening and material property prediction. In recent years, machine learning has been widely used in many fields of research, such as superconductivity, thermoelectrics, photovoltaics, catalysis, and high-entropy alloys. In this review, the basic principles of machine learning are briefly outlined. Several commonly used algorithms in machine learning models and their primary applications are then introduced. The research progress of machine learning in predicting material properties and guiding material synthesis is discussed. Finally, a future outlook on machine learning in the materials science field is presented.

Killing tumor-associated bacteria with a liposomal antibiotic generates neoantigens that induce anti-tumor immune responses.

Increasing evidence implicates the tumor microbiota as a factor that can influence cancer progression. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), we found that pre-resection antibiotics targeting anaerobic bacteria substantially improved disease-free survival by 25.5%. For mouse studies, we designed an antibiotic silver-tinidazole complex encapsulated in liposomes (LipoAgTNZ) to eliminate tumor-associated bacteria in the primary tumor and liver metastases without causing gut microbiome dysbiosis. Mouse CRC models colonized by tumor-promoting bacteria (Fusobacterium nucleatum spp.) or probiotics (Escherichia coli Nissle spp.) responded to LipoAgTNZ therapy, which enabled more than 70% long-term survival in two F. nucleatum-infected CRC models. The antibiotic treatment generated microbial neoantigens that elicited anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Heterologous and homologous bacterial epitopes contributed to the immunogenicity, priming T cells to recognize both infected and uninfected tumors. Our strategy targets tumor-associated bacteria to elicit anti-tumoral immunity, paving the way for microbiome-immunotherapy interventions.

The integrated transcriptome bioinformatics analysis identifies key genes and cellular components for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) is a chronic complication of Diabetes and the main cause of blindness among the world's working population at present. While there have been many studies on the pathogenesis of PDR, its intrinsic molecular mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In recent years, several studies have employed bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and cellular components associated with PDR. This study adds to this expanding body of work by identifying PDR's target genes and cellular components by conducting an integrated transcriptome bioinformatics analysis. This study integrately examined two public bulk RNA-seq datasets(including 11 PDR patients and 7 controls) and one single-cell RNA-seq datasets(including 5 PDR patients) of Fibro (Vascular) Membranes (FVMs) from PDR patients and control. A total of 176 genes were identified as DEGs between PDR patients and control among both bulk RNA-seq datasets. Based on these DEGs, 14 proteins were identified in the protein overlap within the significant ligand-receptor interactions of retinal FVMs and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, three of which were associated with PDR (CD44, ICAM1, POSTN), and POSTN might act as key ligand. This finding may provide novel gene signatures and therapeutic targets for PDR.

Knockdown of METTL16 disrupts learning and memory by reducing the stability of MAT2A mRNA.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is abundant in the mammalian brain and is considered to have a wide range of effects on learning and memory. Here, we found that the upregulated methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) in the hippocampal tissues of Morris water maze (MWM)-trained mice contributed to improved memory formation and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Mechanismly, METTL16 promoted the expression of methionine adenosyltransferase 2A (MAT2A) by the m6A methylation of the MAT2A mRNA-3'UTR-end to increase its stability, and this involved in improving hippocampal global m6A levels, plasticity of dendritic spine, learning and memory. This study provides a new perspective to explore the regulatory mechanisms of m6A for learning and memory.

Comparison of Hysteroscopic Morcellation Versus Resectoscopy in Treatment of Patients with Endometrial Lesions: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Hysteroscopic surgery has been widely used in clinical practice for more than 30 years due to its advantages of less trauma, less bleeding, and direct vision. The aim of this study was to compare hysteroscopic morcellation versus conventional resectoscopy for removal of endometrial lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS For the database search, we used the keywords "morcellator," "morcellators," "morcellate," "morcellation," and "morcellated" combined with "hysteroscopy," "hysteroscopy," "uteroscope," and "transcervical". The last search was conducted on February 1, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS According to our retrieval scheme and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we found 6 studies including 565 patients. For enumeration data, we calculated the effect size as relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), while for quantitative data we used the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). There was no significant difference between success rate of hysteroscopic morcellation and conventional resectoscopy (relative risk and 95% confidence interval 1.05(0.97,1.13); P=0.232). Procedure time was also shorter with hysteroscopic morcellation, the procedure time of the hysteroscopic morcellation group was 3.43 min shorter compared with the conventional resectoscopy group, and the operating time in the hysteroscopic morcellation group was 2.81 min shorter. In terms of fluid deficit, there was no statistically significant difference in fluid loss between the 2 groups (P=0.209). CONCLUSIONS Hysteroscopic morcellation is associated with a shorter procedure time and operative time among patients with endometrial lesions compared with resectoscopy.

Disentangling survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soils: From a subpopulation perspective.

Soil physicochemical properties and microbial community have been proved to be correlated to survival behaviors of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7, but the roles of biotic and abiotic factors in the different stages of inactivation process remain unclear. Here, fruit producing soils were collected, and soils physicochemical properties, bacterial and fungal community structure were characterized. Survival experiments were performed by inoculating E. coli O157:H7 in soils. Double Weibull survival model was found to better fit the experimental data, and two subpopulations with different capability on resistance to stress were identified. The sensitive subpopulation with smaller δ (time needed for first decimal reduction) (i.e., δ1) died off faster compared to the more resistant subpopulation with greater δ (i.e., δ2). Partial Mantel test revealed that ttd (time needed to reach detection limit) was jointly influenced by physical factors, chemical factors, and bacterial composition (P < 0.05); δ1 was shaped by physical factors (P < 0.01) and additional bacterial composition (P < 0.05); and δ2 was strongly steered by bacterial community (P < 0.001). Bacterial co-occurrence network analysis revealed that samples with lower δ2 were coupled with higher network complexity and closer taxa relationship (e.g. higher average (weighted) degree, higher network diameter, higher graph density, and lower modularity), and vice versa. Taken together, the sensitive subpopulation had difficulty in adapting to coarse particles conditions, while resistant subpopulation might eventually succumb to the robust biodiversity. This study provides novel insights into the E. coli O157:H7 survival mechanism through subpopulation perspective and sheds light on the reduction of edaphic colonization by pathogens via agricultural management strategy.

Gut microbiome in neuroendocrine and neuroimmune interactions: The case of genistein.

The healthy and diverse microbes living in our gut provide numerous benefits to our health. It is increasingly recognized that the gut microbiome affects the host's neurobehavioral state through production of metabolites, modulation of intestinal immunity (e.g., cytokines) and other mechanisms (e.g., gut neuropeptides). By sending the sensed information (e.g., metabolic and immunologic mediators) about the state of the inner organs to the brain via afferent fibers, the vagus nerve maintains one of the connections between the brain and GI tract, and oversees many critical bodily functions (e.g., mood, immune response, digestion and heart rate). The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication between the gut, its microbiome, and the nervous system. In the present review, the roles of microbiome in neuroendocrine and neuroimmune interactions have been discussed using naturally occurring isoflavones, particularly the phytoestrogen genistein, as there are sex differences in the interactions among the microbiome, hormones, immunity and disease susceptibility. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions among the endocrine modulators, brain, endocrine glands, gut immune cells, vagus nerve, enteric nervous system and gut microbiome will provide important knowledges that may ultimately lead to treatment and prevention of debilitating disorders characterized by deficits of microbiome-neuroendocrine-neuroimmune relationships.

Analysis of factors associated with vision after cataract surgery in chronic renal failure patients on dialysis.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the related factors of visual acuity after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients (51 eyes) with CRF (failure, uremia) on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and 40 patients (50 eyes) without CRF as a control group. Each individual underwent physical and laboratory examinations including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell count, fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for macular examination. The patients with abnormal platelet, liver and kidney function, coagulation function received treatment accordingly to reduce the perioperative risk. All patients underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgery and included BCVA, slit lamp examination, noncontact IOP, dilated fundus examination and OCT of the macula. RESULTS: In control group the preoperative RBC, HB, Cr, and urea values were not associated with the pre- or postoperative BCVA. The RBC, HB, Cr, urea, SBP, DBP, preoperative BCVA and postoperative BCVA values were all significantly different between CRF and control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In CRF patients, the RBC, HB, Cr and Urea indexes should be monitored before the cataract operation for guarded visual outcome. The pre-existing ocular comorbidities could significantly compromise the vision. The CRF patients could achieve relatively good visual outcome after cataract surgery when the underlaying diseases are effectively managed.

Interaction between Fungal Communities, Soil Properties, and the Survival of Invading E. coli O157:H7 in Soils.

Pathogens that invade into the soil cancontaminate food and water, andinfect animals and human beings. It is well documented that individual bacterial phyla are well correlated with the survival of E. coliO157 (EcO157), while the interaction betweenthe fungal communities and EcO157 survival remains largely unknown. In this study, soil samples from Tongliao, Siping, and Yanji in northeast China were collected and characterized. Total DNA was extracted for fungal and bacterial community characterization. EcO157 cells were spiked into the soils, and their survival behavior was investigated. Results showed that both fungal and bacterial communities were significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with the survival of EcO157 in soils, and the relative abundances of fungal groups (Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes) and some bacterial phyla (Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, gamma- and delta-Proteobacteria)weresignificantly correlated with ttds (p < 0.01). Soil pH, EC (electric conductance) salinity, and water-soluble nitrate nitrogen were significantly correlated with survival time (time to reach the detection limit, ttd) (p < 0.05). The structural equation model indicated that fungal communities could directly influence ttds, and soil properties could indirectly influence the ttds through fungal communities. The first log reduction time (δ) was mainly correlated with soil properties, while the shape parameter (p) was largely correlated with fungal communities. Our data indicated that both fungal and bacterial communities were closely correlated (p < 0.05)with the survival of EcO157 in soils, and different fungal and bacterial groups might play different roles. Fungal communities and bacterial communities explained 5.87% and 17.32% of the overall variation of survival parameters, respectively. Soil properties explained about one-third of the overall variation of survival parameters. These findings expand our current understanding of the environmental behavior of human pathogens in soils.

Bisphenol S Modulates Type 1 Diabetes Development in Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mice with Diet- and Sex-Related Effects.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is a common replacement for bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics, which has resulted in widespread human exposure. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from pancreatic ß-cell destruction and has been increasing in incidence globally. Because of the similarities (e.g., endocrine disrupting) between BPS and BPA, and the fact that BPA was previously shown to accelerate T1D development in female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, it was hypothesized that BPS could contribute to the increasing T1D incidence by altering immunity with sex-biased responses. Adult female non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were orally administered BPS at environmentally relevant doses (3, 30, 150 and 300 µg/kg), and males were given 0 or 300 µg/kg BPS. Females following 30 µg/kg BPS treatment on a soy-based diet had significantly delayed T1D development at the end of the study and decreased non-fasting blood glucose levels (BGLs) during the study. In contrast, BPS-exposed males on a soy-based diet showed an increased insulin resistance and varied BGLs. This might be a mixture effect with phytoestrogens, since males on a phytoestrogen-free diet showed improved glucose tolerance and decreased insulin resistance and CD25+ T cells. Additionally, while BPS altered BGLs in soy-based diet mice, minimal effects were observed concerning their immunotoxicity. Thus, BPS had sex- and diet-dependent effects on T1D and glucose homeostasis, which were likely caused by other mechanisms in addition to immunomodulation.

Isoflavone daidzein regulates immune responses in the B6C3F1 and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice.

Daidzein (DAZ), a dominant isoflavone in various natural products such as soybeans, has been gaining attention due to the beneficial health effects (e.g., protection against cancer and diabetes) of its metabolites. Our major hypothesis was that dietary exposure to the soy phytoestrogen DAZ could modulate the immune responses toward a protective effect and lead to improved metabolic functions (such as glucose metabolism). In this study, we applied complementary mouse models, the hybrid B6C3F1 and inbred type 1 diabetes prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, to investigate if DAZ exposure modulated the immune responses. The animals were orally administered DAZ at various physiological doses (2-20 mg/kg body weight) during adulthood. DAZ significantly altered the relative organ weights in female B6C3F1 mice and decreased the B cell population (represented by CD3-IgM+), while the T cell populations (represented by CD3+IgM-, CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+) were increased. In addition, DAZ dosing produced a decrease in the percentage of late apoptotic thymocytes. However, the activities cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells were not altered in the B6C3F1 mice. In NOD mice, the blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were not affected by DAZ exposure, but DAZ modulated the antibody production, as shown by increased levels of IgG2b in NOD females and IgG1 in NOD males. Further, DAZ increased CD8+CD25+ splenocytes in NOD females. Taken together, DAZ induced an immunomodulatory effect in both NOD and B6C3F1 mouse strains; however, minimal effects on glucose homeostasis were observed.

Bisphenol A alteration of type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) female mice is dependent on window of exposure.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic ß-cell destruction can be mediated by dysbiosis, infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells, and cytokines/chemokines. Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor (ED), can lead to aberrant immunity and gut microbiota. We determined whether BPA had age-dependent effects on T1D by modulating immune homeostasis following various windows of exposure in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Juvenile NOD females were orally exposed to 0 or 30 µg BPA/kg BW from postnatal day (PND) 28 to PND56. Adult NOD females were exposed to 0 or 300 µg BPA/kg BW. Female and male NOD offspring were exposed to 0 or 300 µg BPA/kg BW perinatally from gestation day 5 to PND28 by dosing the dams. It was found that BPA increased T1D risk in juvenile females with gut microbiota shifted towards pro-inflammation (e.g. increased Jeotgalicoccus). In agreement with our previous study, adult females had a trend of increased T1D and a general increase in immune responses. However, female offspring had a reduced T1D development. Consistently, female offspring had a shift towards anti-inflammation (e.g. decreased pro-inflammatory F4/80+Gr1+ cells). In contrast, BPA had minimal effects on immunity and T1D in male offspring. Thus, it was concluded that BPA had age- and sex-dependent effects on T1D with the alteration of gut microbiota and inflammation being the primary mechanisms for T1D exacerbation in juvenile exposure and decreases of inflammation being responsible for attenuated T1D in perinatally exposed females.

Sex-dependent effects of bisphenol A on type 1 diabetes development in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by immune-mediated pancreatic ß-cell destruction. The endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) has widespread human exposure and can modulate immune function and the gut microbiome (GMB), which may contribute to the increasing T1D incidence worldwide. It was hypothesized that BPA had sex-dependent effects on T1D by modulating immune homeostasis and GMB. Adult female and male non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were orally administered BPA at environmentally relevant doses (30 or 300 µg/kg). Antibiotic-treated adult NOD females were exposed to 0 or 30 µg/kg BPA. BPA accelerated T1D development in females, but delayed males from T1D. Consistently, females had a shift towards pro-inflammation (e.g., increased macrophages and Bacteroidetes), while males had increases in anti-inflammatory immune factors and a decrease in both anti- and pro-inflammatory GMB. Although bacteria altered during sub-acute BPA exposure differed from bacteria altered from chronic BPA exposure in both sexes, the GMB profile was consistently pro-inflammatory in females, while males had a general decrease of both anti- and pro-inflammatory gut microbes. However, treatment of females with the antibiotic vancomycin failed to prevent BPA-induced glucose intolerance, suggesting changes in Gram-positive bacteria were not a primary mechanism. In conclusion, BPA exposure was found to have sex dimorphic effects on T1D with detrimental effects in females, and immunomodulation was identified as the primary mechanism.

Exacerbation of Type 1 Diabetes in Perinatally Genistein Exposed Female Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) Mouse Is Associated With Alterations of Gut Microbiota and Immune Homeostasis.

Despite various hypothesized benefits of dietary isoflavone genistein (GEN) from soy-based products, many questions surrounding GEN's immunotoxic effects, especially during perinatal exposure, have yet to be answered. The objective of the study was to determine if there existed a sex-specific effect of GEN on type 1 diabetes (T1D) following perinatal exposure. We exposed offspring of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice to GEN per oral at a physiological dose (20 mg/kg body weight) from embryonic day 7 to postnatal day (PND) 21. In female offspring, perinatal GEN dosing significantly increased the incidence of T1D at early time points, and the exacerbation was associated with decreased serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IgG2a, and IgM. In male offspring dosed with GEN, a decrease in serum IgG1 was also observed. Flow cytometric analysis in females suggested an increased pro-inflammatory splenic CD5+CD24- and CD4-CD8+ cell counts, while both %T cells and %CD4+ T cells were significantly decreased in males, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Gut microbiota (GMB) analysis indicated that fecal microbiota from PND 90 female offspring exhibited an increased level of Enterobacteriales (suggesting a pro-inflammatory response), while the similar changes were not found in PND 30 females. Moreover, RNA sequencing showed that intestinal α-defensin expression was down-regulated in GEN-treated females, supporting a pro-inflammatory response. However, perinatal GEN administration perturbed GMB toward an anti-inflammatory response in PND 90 males. Taken together, a strong sex-specific effect was found in the perinatal GEN exposure window, and the T1D exacerbation in NOD females was associated with GMB-related immunomodulatory mechanisms.

A clinical analysis of vitrectomy for severe vitreoretinopathy in patients with chronic renal.

BACKGROUND: The recent advancement in the management of chronic renal failure (CRF) has significantly increased the longevity of the patients, which increase the incidence of severe vitreoretinopathy. The vitrectomy is highly risky in this particular group of patients due to their systemic comorbidity. The timing surgical intervention is usually delayed because of the systemic conditions. This study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 25-guage vitrectomy for severe vitreoretinopathy in the CRF patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 16 eyes of 16 CRF patients with severe vitreoretinopathy were undergone 25-guage vitrectomy in the department of Ophthalmology of the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from February 2015 to April 2017. The visual outcome, complications and perioperative medical management were documented and analyzed. RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)of fourteen eyes were lower than 20/200 preoperatively. Surgery duration ranged from 28 to 72 min, with a mean of 48.4 ± 13.6 min. During the surgery, 12 eyes were diagnosed with DR, while two them were complicated with tractional retinal detachment and one with branch retinal vein occlusion. Three eyes were diagnosed with branch retinal vein occlusion, and one eye was diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. Postoperative BCVA of six eyes ≥20/40, seven eyes ≥20/200, and three eyes < 20/200. BCVA of eight eyes improved more than three lines, three eyes improved two lines, and four eyes improved one line. BCVA decreased from hand movement to light perception in one patient who developed neovascular glaucoma two weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: In chronic renal failure patients with severe vitreoretinopathy, the well-planned minimally invasive vitrectomy is effective and safe. Additionally, careful management of the perioperative systemic conditions is important to improve the visual acuity and quality of life as well.

Genistein prevention of hyperglycemia and improvement of glucose tolerance in adult non-obese diabetic mice are associated with alterations of gut microbiome and immune homeostasis.

Although studies have linked soy phytoestrogen 4,7,4-trihydroxyisoflavone genistein (GEN) to reduced type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk, the mechanism of dietary GEN on T1D remains unknown. In our studies, adult non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model was employed to investigate the effects of GEN exposure on blood glucose level (BGL), glucose tolerance, gut microbiome, and immune responses. Adult male and female NOD mice were fed with either soy-based or casein-based diet, and received GEN at 20mg/kg body weight by gavage daily. The BGL and immune responses (represented by serum antibodies, cytokines and chemokines, and histopathology) were monitored, while the fecal gut microbiome was sequenced for 16S ribosomal RNA to reveal any alterations in gut microbial communities. A significantly reduced BGL was found in NOD males fed with soy-based diet on day 98 after initial dosing, and an improved glucose tolerance was observed on both diets. In addition, an anti-inflammatory response (suggested by reduced IgG2b and cytokine/chemokine levels, and alterations in the microbial taxonomy) was accompanied by an altered ß-diversity in gut microbial species. Among the NOD females exposed to GEN, a later onset of T1D was observed. However, the profiles of gut microbiome, antibodies and cytokines/chemokines were all indicative of pro-inflammation. This study demonstrated an association among GEN exposure, gut microbiome alteration, and immune homeostasis in NOD males. Although the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of GEN in NOD mice need to be explored further, the current study suggested a GEN-induced sex-specific effect in inflammatory status and gut microbiome.

Clinicopathological and biochemical findings of thyroid amyloid in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with and without liver transplantation.

Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a fatal disease causing systemic organ dysfunctions. Histopathological studies revealed that thyroid glands are major target tissues. However, details about thyroid functions remain to be fully elucidated in this disease. For patient treatment, liver transplantation (LT) reportedly prolongs patient survival, but thyroid gland function after LT still remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the thyroid functions in 101 patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis and the effects of LT on thyroid functions in those patients. In addition, we investigated histopathological and biochemical findings of thyroid specimens obtained at autopsy. Disease duration and age at examination inversely correlated with serum levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3) in hereditary TTR amyloidosis. On the contrary, in patients who underwent transplantation, time from disease onset to transplantation and age at transplantation clearly correlated with serum fT3and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. In autopsy studies, amounts of thyroid amyloid deposits in patients with transplantation were significantly lower than those in patients without transplantation. Mass spectrometric analyzes also revealed that proportions of wild-type (WT) TTR in thyroid amyloid deposits in patients with hereditary TTR amyloidosis who underwent transplantations were higher than those in patients without transplantation. Thyroid hormone functions may diminish according to the disease progression. LT could prevent thyroid dysfunction in hereditary TTR amyloidosis.

Potential Involvement of Draxin in the Axonal Projection of Cranial Nerves, Especially Cranial Nerve X, in the Chick Hindbrain.

The appropriate projection of axons within the nervous system is a crucial component of the establishment of neural circuitry. Draxin is a repulsive axon guidance protein. Draxin has important functions in the guidance of three commissures in the central nervous system and in the migration of neural crest cells and dI3 interneurons in the chick spinal cord. Here, we report that the distribution of the draxin protein and the location of 23C10-positive areas have a strong temporal and spatial correlation. The overexpression of draxin, especially transmembrane draxin, caused 23C10-positive axon bundles to misproject in the dorsal hindbrain. In addition, the overexpression of transmembrane draxin caused abnormal formation of the ganglion crest of the IX and X cranial nerves, misprojection of some anti-human natural killer-1 (HNK-1)-stained structures in the dorsal roof of the hindbrain, and a simultaneous reduction in the efferent nerves of some motoneuron axons inside the hindbrain. Our data reveal that draxin might be involved in the fascicular projection of cranial nerves in the hindbrain.