Hypothalamic astrocyte NAD+ salvage pathway mediates the coupling of dietary fat overconsumption in a mouse model of obesity.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ serves as a crucial coenzyme in numerous essential biological reactions, and its cellular availability relies on the activity of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-catalyzed salvage pathway. Here we show that treatment with saturated fatty acids activates the NAD+ salvage pathway in hypothalamic astrocytes. Furthermore, inhibition of this pathway mitigates hypothalamic inflammation and attenuates the development of obesity in male mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Mechanistically, CD38 functions downstream of the NAD+ salvage pathway in hypothalamic astrocytes burdened with excess fat. The activation of the astrocytic NAMPT-NAD+-CD38 axis in response to fat overload induces proinflammatory responses in the hypothalamus. It also leads to aberrantly activated basal Ca2+ signals and compromised Ca2+ responses to metabolic hormones such as insulin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide 1, ultimately resulting in dysfunctional hypothalamic astrocytes. Our findings highlight the significant contribution of the hypothalamic astrocytic NAD+ salvage pathway, along with its downstream CD38, to HFD-induced obesity.

Circulating blood eNAMPT drives the circadian rhythms in locomotor activity and energy expenditure.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential cofactor of critical enzymes including protein deacetylase sirtuins/SIRTs and its levels in mammalian cells rely on the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)-mediated salvage pathway. Intracellular NAMPT (iNAMPT) is secreted and found in the blood as extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT). In the liver, the iNAMPT-NAD+ axis oscillates in a circadian manner and regulates the cellular clockwork. Here we show that the hypothalamic NAD+ levels show a distinct circadian fluctuation with a nocturnal rise in lean mice. This rhythm is in phase with that of plasma eNAMPT levels but not with that of hypothalamic iNAMPT levels. Chemical and genetic blockade of eNAMPT profoundly inhibit the nighttime elevations in hypothalamic NAD+ levels as well as those in locomotor activity (LMA) and energy expenditure (EE). Conversely, elevation of plasma eNAMPT by NAMPT administration increases hypothalamic NAD+ levels and stimulates LMA and EE via the hypothalamic NAD+-SIRT-FOXO1-melanocortin pathway. Notably, obese animals display a markedly blunted circadian oscillation in blood eNAMPT-hypothalamic NAD+-FOXO1 axis as well as LMA and EE. Our findings indicate that the eNAMPT regulation of hypothalamic NAD+ biosynthesis underlies circadian physiology and that this system can be significantly disrupted by obesity.

Priming Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells with a Combination of a Low Dose of IFN-γ and Bortezomib Results in Potent Suppression of Pathogenic Th17 Immunity Through the IDO1-AHR Axis.

Preconditioning of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) with the inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ enhances not only their immunosuppressive activity but also their expression of HLA and proinflammatory genes. We hypothesized that prevention of the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and HLA molecules in IFN-γ-primed MSCs would render these cells more immunosuppressive and less immunogenic. In this study, we discovered the following findings supporting this hypothesis: (1) activated human T cells induced the expression of IDO1 in MSCs via IFN-γ secretion and those MSCs in turn inhibited T-cell proliferation in an AHR-dependent fashion; (2) there was no difference in the expression of IDO1 and HLA-DR in MSCs after priming with a low dose (25 IU/mL) versus a high dose (100 IU/mL) of IFN-γ; (3) the transient addition of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, to culture MSCs after IFN-γ priming decreased the expression of HLA-DR, inflammatory cytokine genes and Vcam1 while increasing the expression of IDO1 and the production of L-kynurenine; finally, MSCs primed with a combination of a low dose of IFN-γ and bortezomib were more effective in inhibiting Th17-mediated idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) and chronic colitis than unprimed MSCs. Our results suggest that bortezomib significantly eliminates the unfavorable effects of IFN-γ priming of MSCs (increased expression of MHC molecules and inflammatory cytokines and cell aggregation genes) and simultaneously increases their immunosuppressive activity by upregulating IDO1. Taken together, our newly established MSC priming method may contribute to MSC-based cell therapy for inflammatory diseases.

Tear Neuromediators in Subjects with and without Dry Eye According to Ocular Sensitivity.

To investigate differences of tear neuromediators between subjects with and without dry eye (DE) depending on the ocular sensitivity. Thirty-one subjects with DE and 29 subjects without DE were recruited in this study. The eyes were stimulated by exposure to an irritating product applied to the periocular region. Both DE and non-DE subjects were divided into the high sensitivity and low sensitivity groups based on the degree of ocular sensitivity to ocular irritation. Baseline tear film break-up time (TBUT) and corneal staining score were examined, and tear samples were collected. The concentrations of the tear neuromediators, including nerve growth factor (NGF), serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were measured using the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. The baseline neuromediator concentrations were compared between subjects with and without DE based on ocular sensitivity. In both DE and non-DE subjects, baseline TBUT was significantly lower in the high sensitivity group than in the low sensitivity group. In the high sensitivity group, baseline tear NGF levels were higher in subjects with DE than in those without DE. In the low sensitivity group, baseline levels of tear CGRP were lower in subjects with DE than in those without DE. Tear neuromediators associated with DE had differences in their concentrations depending on ocular sensitivity. In patients with DE, tear NGF levels increased with high ocular sensitivity to ocular irritation, whereas tear CGRP levels decreased with low ocular sensitivity.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-targeted therapy for CD4+ T cell-mediated idiopathic pneumonia syndrome in mice.

We previously demonstrated that interferon γ (IFN-γ) derived from donor T cells co-opts the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) → aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) axis to suppress idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS). Here we report that the dysregulated expression of AP-1 family genes in Ahr-/- lung epithelial cells exacerbated IPS in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation settings. AHR repressed transcription of Jund by preventing STAT1 from binding to its promoter. As a consequence, decreased interleukin-6 impaired the differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward Th17 cells. IFN-γ- and IDO1-independent induction of Ahr expression indicated that the AHR agonist might be a better therapeutic target for IPS than the IDO1 activator. We developed a novel synthetic AHR agonist (referred to here as PB502) that potently inhibits Jund expression. PB502 was highly effective at inducing AHR activation and ameliorating IPS. Notably, PB502 was by far superior to the endogenous AHR ligand, L-kynurenine, in promoting the differentiation of both mouse and human FoxP3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells. Our results suggest that the IDO1-AHR axis in lung epithelial cells is associated with IPS repression. A specific AHR agonist may exhibit therapeutic activity against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by promoting regulatory T-cell differentiation.

Mitohormesis in Hypothalamic POMC Neurons Mediates Regular Exercise-Induced High-Turnover Metabolism.

Low-grade mitochondrial stress can promote health and longevity, a phenomenon termed mitohormesis. Here, we demonstrate the opposing metabolic effects of low-level and high-level mitochondrial ribosomal (mitoribosomal) stress in hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. POMC neuron-specific severe mitoribosomal stress due to Crif1 homodeficiency causes obesity in mice. By contrast, mild mitoribosomal stress caused by Crif1 heterodeficiency in POMC neurons leads to high-turnover metabolism and resistance to obesity. These metabolic benefits are mediated by enhanced thermogenesis and mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (UPRmt) in distal adipose tissues. In POMC neurons, partial Crif1 deficiency increases the expression of ß-endorphin (ß-END) and mitochondrial DNA-encoded peptide MOTS-c. Central administration of MOTS-c or ß-END recapitulates the adipose phenotype of Crif1 heterodeficient mice, suggesting these factors as potential mediators. Consistently, regular running exercise at moderate intensity stimulates hypothalamic MOTS-c/ß-END expression and induces adipose tissue UPRmt and thermogenesis. Our findings indicate that POMC neuronal mitohormesis may underlie exercise-induced high-turnover metabolism.

Two tiered approaches combining alternative test methods and minimizing the use of reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium tests for the evaluation of eye irritation potency of test chemicals.

In order to overcome the limitations of single in vitro eye irritation tests, Integrated Approaches to Testing Assessment strategies have been suggested for evaluating eye irritation. This study developed two tiered approaches combining alternative test methods. They were designed in consideration of the solubility property of test chemicals and to use the RhCE tests at final steps. The tiered approach A is composed of the STE, BCOP, HET-CAM or RhCE tests, whereas the tiered approach B is designed to perform simultaneously two in vitro test methods at the first stage and the RhCE test at the final stage. The predictive capacity of the two tiered approaches was estimated using 47 chemicals. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity value of the tiered approach A were 95.7% (45/47), 100% (34/34), and 84.6% (11/13), respectively, whereas those of the tiered approach B were 95.7% (45/47), 97.1% (33/34), and 92.3% (12/13), respectively. The approach A and B were considered to be available methods for distinguishing test chemicals of Category 1 (all 73.3%) and No Category (84.6% and 92.3%), respectively. Especially, the approach B was considered as an efficient method as the Bottom-Up approach, because it predicted correctly test chemicals classified as No Category.

Me-too validation study for in vitro eye irritation test with 3D-reconstructed human cornea epithelium, MCTT HCETM.

The need for in vitro eye irritation test replacing in vivo is steadily increasing. The MCTT HCE™ eye irritation test (EIT) using 3D reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium, was developed to identify ocular irritants from non-irritants those that are not requiring classification and labelling for eye irritation. Here, we report the results of me-too validation study, which was conducted to evaluate the reliability and relevance of the MCTT HCETM EIT, according to performance standards (PS) of OECD TG 492. The optimal cutoff to determine irritation in the prediction model was preliminarily established at 45% with the receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curve for 141 reference substances. To demonstrate the reproducibility of within- and between-laboratory (WLR and BLR), a set of 30 PS reference chemicals were tested in three laboratories three times. The WLR and BLR concordance with the binary decision of whether non-irritant or irritant was estimated to be 90-100% and 90%, respectively, and both met the PS requirements. The predictive capacity of the respective laboratories for the 30 reference chemicals were evaluated based on three different estimation methods, and the results were comparable, with sensitivity ranging from 89.6 to 93.3%, the specificity ranging from 62.2 to 66.7%, and the accuracy ranging from 75.9 to 80.0%. Additional test with the new set of 30 PS substances in the revised OECD GD 216 yielded a performance of sensitivity ranging from 92.6-93.3%, the specificity 62.2-66.7% and the accuracy 77.4-80.0%. 95.0% sensitivity, 67.2% specificity, and 83.0% accuracy were obtained for 141 reference substances in total. Furthermore, separate cutoffs for liquids and solids, 35% and 60%, respectively, produced better predictivity, which was established as a final prediction model. Collectively, our study demonstrated that MCTT HCETM EIT meets the reproducibility and predictivity criteria stated in OECD TG 492 PS.

Inhibition of acute lethal pulmonary inflammation by the IDO-AhR pathway.

The lung is a prototypic organ that was evolved to reduce immunopathology during the immune response to potentially hazardous endogenous and exogenous antigens. In this study, we show that donor CD4+ T cells transiently induced expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in lung parenchyma in an IFN-γ-dependent manner early after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Abrogation of host IDO expression by deletion of the IDO gene or the IFN-γ gene in donor T cells or by FK506 treatment resulted in acute lethal pulmonary inflammation known as idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS). Interestingly, IL-6 strongly induced IDO expression in an IFN-γ-independent manner when deacetylation of STAT3 was inhibited. Accordingly, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) could reduce IPS in the state where IFN-γ expression was suppressed by FK506. Finally, l-kynurenine produced by lung epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages during IPS progression suppresses the inflammatory activities of lung epithelial cells and CD4+ T cells through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. Taken together, our results reveal that IDO is a critical regulator of acute pulmonary inflammation and that regulation of IDO expression by HDACi may be a therapeutic approach for IPS after HSCT.

Correction: Identification of Potential Novel Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways Related to Otitis Media Induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles Using Transcriptomic Analysis in an In Vivo System.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166044.].

Interaction of FUN14 domain containing 1, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, with kinesin light chain 1 via the tetratricopeptide repeat domain.

Kinesin 1 is a member of the kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs) of microtubule-dependent molecular motor proteins that transport organelles and protein complexes in cells. Kinesin 1 consists of a homo- or hetero-dimer of kinesin heavy chains (KHCs), often, although not always, associated with two kinesin light chains (KLCs). KLCs are non-motor proteins that associate with many different binding proteins and cargoes, but their binding partners have not yet been fully identified. In the present study, a yeast two-hybrid system was used to identify proteins that interact with the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of KLC1. The results of the current study revealed an interaction between the TPR domain of KLC1 and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1), which is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein mediating hypoxia-induced mitophagy. FUNDC1 bound to the six TPR motif-containing regions of KLC1 and did not interact with KIF5B (a motor subunit of kinesin 1) and KIF3A (a motor subunit of kinesin 2) in the yeast two-hybrid assay. The cytoplasmic amino N-terminal domain of FUNDC1 is essential for interaction with KLC1. When co-expressed in HEK-293T cells, FUNDC1 co-localized with KLC1 and co-immunoprecipitated with KLC1, but not KIF5B. Collectively, these results indicate that KLC1 may potentially compete with LC3, a key component for autophagosome formation, to interact with FUNDC1.

Prevalidation trial for a novel in vitro eye irritation test using the reconstructed human cornea-like epithelial model, MCTT HCE™.

Here, we report the results of a prevalidation trial for an in vitro eye irritation test (EIT) using the reconstructed human cornea-like epithelium, MCTT HCE™. The optimal cutoff to determine irritation in the prediction model was established at 35% with the receiver operation characteristics(ROC) curve for 126 substances. Within-lab(WL) and between-lab(BL) reproducibility was tested for 20 reference substances by 3 participating laboratories. Viability data described by mean±SD or ±1/2 difference between duplicate wells, and scatter plots, demonstrated the WL/BL consistency. WL/BL concordance with the binary decision, whether non-irritant or irritant was estimated to be 85-95% and 95%, respectively. WL/BL reproducibility of viability data was further supported by a strong correlation(ICC, r>0.9). WL/BL agreement of binary decisions was also examined by Fleiss' Kappa statistics, which showed a strong level of agreement (>0.78), nevertheless weaker than the reproducibility of the viability. The EIT with MCTT HCE™ exhibited a sensitivity of 82.2% (60/73), a specificity of 81.1% (43/53), and an accuracy of 81.8% (103/126) for 126 reference substances (for liquids; a sensitivity of 100% (47/47), a specificity of 70.6% (24/34), and an accuracy of 87.7% (71/81), and for solids, a sensitivity of 50% (13/26), a specificity of 100% (19/19), and an accuracy of 71.1% (32/45), suggesting that the accuracy is satisfactory but the sensitivity needs improvement, which shall be addressed through correcting the poor sensitivity for solid substances in future full validation trials.

Therapeutic activity of the histone deacetylase inhibitor SB939 on renal fibrosis.

Fibrosis is the final pathological outcome of many chronic kidney diseases and is quite common. Thus, development of effective anti-fibrotic agents is urgently needed. Although histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been reported to be involved in renal fibrosis, current HDAC inhibitors are unsatisfactory anti-fibrosis drugs. Therefore, more potentially relevant anti-renal fibrosis HDAC inhibitors are needed. We initially found that non-cytotoxic concentrations of SB939 (pracinostat) had strong anti-fibrotic activity, drastically decreasing TGF-ß1-induced alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in the NRK renal fibroblast cell line. Similar anti-fibrotic activity of SB939 on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was confirmed using the HK-2 human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line. SB939 inhibited Smad-independent TGF-ß signaling involving the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. To evaluate in vivo anti-fibrotic activity, we administered SB939 in a unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) model. SB939 treatment markedly inhibited the accumulation of α-SMA and tissue injury. Inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines in the obstructed kidney were also significantly decreased by SB939 treatment. Our results suggest that SB939 might be a promising therapeutic drug for preventing renal fibrosis.

In vitro anti-obesity effects of sesamol mediated by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in 3T3-L1 cells.

Sesamol is a phenol derivative of sesame oil and a potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, and anti-aging compound. We investigated the effects of sesamol on the molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The intracellular lipid accumulation accompanied by increased extracellular release of free glycerol was decreased during differentiation on treating 3T3-L1 with sesamol. Sesamol treatment on 3T3-L1 inhibited adipogenic differentiation by down-regulating adipogenesis-related factors (C/EBPα, PPARγ, and SREBP-1). Lipid accumulation was repressed by decreasing fatty acid synthase and by up-regulating lipolysis-response genes (HSL and LPL). The molecular mechanisms of sesamol-induced inhibition in adipogenesis were mediated by increased levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and its substrate acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Sesamol treatment, in turn, modulated the different members of the mitogenactivated protein kinase family by suppressing phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and JNK and by increasing the phosphorylation of p38. In summary, sesamol inhibits adipogenic differentiation by reducing phosphorylation levels of ERK 1/2 and JNK while inducing lipolysis by activating p38 and AMPK. Our results demonstrate that the molecular mechanisms of in vitro anti-obesity effects of sesamol are due to the combined effects of preventing both lipid accumulation and adipogenesis.

Identification of Potential Novel Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways Related to Otitis Media Induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles Using Transcriptomic Analysis in an In Vivo System.

INTRODUCTION: Air pollutants are associated with inflammatory diseases such as otitis media (OM). Significantly higher incidence rates of OM are reported in regions with air pollution. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) comprise a major class of contaminants among numerous air pollutants, and they are characterized by a carbonic mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitro-PAHs, and small amounts of sulfate, nitrate, metals and other trace elements. DEP exposure is a risk factor for inflammatory diseases. Our previous study identified potential biomarkers using gene expression microarray and pathway analyses in an in vitro system. Although in vitro investigations have been conducted to elucidate plausible biomarkers and molecular mechanisms related to DEP exposure, in vivo studies are necessary to identify the exact biological relevance regarding the incidence of OM caused by DEP exposure. In this study, we identified potential molecular biomarkers and pathways triggered by DEP exposure in a rodent model. METHODS: Transcriptomic analysis was employed to identify novel potential biomarkers in the middle ear of DEP-exposed mice. RESULTS: A total of 697 genes were differentially expressed in the DEP-exposed mice; 424 genes were upregulated and 273 downregulated. In addition, signaling pathways among the differentially expressed genes mediated by DEP exposure were predicted. Several key molecular biomarkers were identified including cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1 (CHRM1), erythropoietin (EPO), son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and interferon alpha-1 (IFNA1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results shed light on the related cell processes and gene signaling pathways affected by DEP exposure. The identified biomarkers might be potential candidates for determining early diagnoses and effective treatment strategies for DEP-mediated disorders.

Performance standard-based validation study for local lymph node assay: 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-flow cytometry method.

Local lymph node assay: 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-flow cytometry method (LLNA: BrdU-FCM) is a modified non-radioisotopic technique with the additional advantages of accommodating multiple endpoints with the introduction of FCM, and refinement and reduction of animal use by using a sophisticated prescreening scheme. Reliability and accuracy of the LLNA: BrdU-FCM was determined according to OECD Test Guideline (TG) No. 429 (Skin Sensitization: Local Lymph Node Assay) performance standards (PS), with the participation of four laboratories. Transferability was demonstrated through successfully producing stimulation index (SI) values for 25% hexyl cinnamic aldehyde (HCA) consistently greater than 3, a predetermined threshold, by all participating laboratories. Within- and between-laboratory reproducibility was shown using HCA and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, in which EC2.7 values (the estimated concentrations eliciting an SI of 2.7, the threshold for LLNA: BrdU-FCM) fell consistently within the acceptance ranges, 0.025-0.1% and 5-20%, respectively. Predictive capacity was tested using the final protocol version 1.3 for the 18 reference chemicals listed in OECD TG 429, of which results showed 84.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 88.9% accuracy compared with the original LLNA. The data presented are considered to meet the performance criteria for the PS, and its predictive capacity was also sufficiently validated.

(-)-Epicatechin derivate from Orostachys japonicus as potential inhibitor of the human butyrylcholinesterase.

Cholinesterase inhibitors block the bioconversion of neurotransmitters by cholinesterase in the nervous system. Epicatechin derivatives (1, 3 and 5), polyphenols (6 and 7) from Orostachys japonicus, and catechin derivatives (2 and 4) from our in-house library were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on cholinesterase. Compound 5 exhibited IC50 values of 58.3±2.4 and 17.8±3.8µg/mL on AChE and BuChE, respectively. Compound 5 inhibited BuChE more strongly than AChE through a competitive behavior. In silico binding positions of 5 in the active site were predicted using Autodock 4.2 and processed in a 10000-ps molecular dynamics simulation to assess the stability of compound 5 binding.

Clinical Relevance of the SRS-Schwab Classification for Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of the SRS-Schwab classification for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The SRS-Schwab classification has been presented and validated as a useful tool for adult spinal deformity (ASD). This classification includes various types of ASD (degenerative de novo scoliosis or adult form of idiopathic scoliosis). However, DLS has different clinical characteristics and pathophysiology compared with other forms of ASD. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 216 (146 conservatively treated and 70 surgically treated) DLS patients were enrolled. The average patient age was 72.1 ±â€Š7.4 years. Clinical parameters for disability were measured using Oswestry disability index (ODI) and back and leg pain numerical rating scale. Radiographic parameters included SRS-Schwab sagittal modifiers (pelvic tilt [PT]; sagittal vertical axis [SVA];pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis [PI-LL]), T1 pelvic angle, and coronal parameters (Cobb's angle [CA]; coronal imbalance [CI]; coronal deviation distance [CDD]; tilting angle [TA]). Correlations between clinical parameters and radiographic parameters were assessed and surgical rates along the SRS-Schwab sagittal modifiers were evaluated. RESULTS: Only PI-LL as a sagittal radiographic parameter showed a weak correlation with clinical parameters (r = 0.137-0.176) (P < 0.05). Coronal parameters such as CA, CI, CDD, and TA also showed weak correlation with clinical parameters (r = 0.137-0.202) (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified CA, CI, CDD, and PI-LL to be correlated with clinical parameters. On analysis for clinical outcomes (surgical rates and patient self-reported disability) along the grades of the SRS-Schwab sagittal modifiers, PT and SVA were not related to higher surgical rates or disability. CONCLUSION: Even though some radiological parameters showed statistically significant results, correlation between radiological and clinical parameters was weak. Not only deformity but also other clinical factors should be considered when evaluating DLS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Predictive capacity of a non-radioisotopic local lymph node assay using flow cytometry, LLNA:BrdU-FCM: Comparison of a cutoff approach and inferential statistics.

In order for a novel test method to be applied for regulatory purposes, its reliability and relevance, i.e., reproducibility and predictive capacity, must be demonstrated. Here, we examine the predictive capacity of a novel non-radioisotopic local lymph node assay, LLNA:BrdU-FCM (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-flow cytometry), with a cutoff approach and inferential statistics as a prediction model. 22 reference substances in OECD TG429 were tested with a concurrent positive control, hexylcinnamaldehyde 25%(PC), and the stimulation index (SI) representing the fold increase in lymph node cells over the vehicle control was obtained. The optimal cutoff SI (2.7≤cutoff <3.5), with respect to predictive capacity, was obtained by a receiver operating characteristic curve, which produced 90.9% accuracy for the 22 substances. To address the inter-test variability in responsiveness, SI values standardized with PC were employed to obtain the optimal percentage cutoff (42.6≤cutoff <57.3% of PC), which produced 86.4% accuracy. A test substance may be diagnosed as a sensitizer if a statistically significant increase in SI is elicited. The parametric one-sided t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon rank-sum test produced 77.3% accuracy. Similarly, a test substance could be defined as a sensitizer if the SI means of the vehicle control, and of the low, middle, and high concentrations were statistically significantly different, which was tested using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis, with post hoc analysis, Dunnett, or DSCF (Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner), respectively, depending on the equal variance test, producing 81.8% accuracy. The absolute SI-based cutoff approach produced the best predictive capacity, however the discordant decisions between prediction models need to be examined further.

Effect of upregulated TLR2 expression from G-CSF-mobilized donor grafts on acute graft-versus-host disease.

Our previous study demonstrated that G-CSF treatment increased the expression of TLR2 in donor grafts; this contributed to rapid engraftment after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in mice. In the current study, we investigated the effects of upregulated TLR2 expression in G-CSF-mobilized donor grafts on acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We found that TLR2 was highly expressed on myeloid cell populations but not T and B cells from the spleens of G-CSF-treated donor mice. After transplantation, the mortality and disease severity in recipients were not significantly different between G-CSF-treated TLR2-/- and wt donor grafts. Although endogenous TLR2 ligand was detected in the serum of both recipients, T cells from TLR2-/- and wt donors have the same ability regarding alloreactivity. Moreover, the blockade of TLR2 signaling in recipients by administering anti-TLR2 blocking antibody after BMT did not lead to a significant difference in acute GVHD compared with control IgG treatment. However, the hematopoietic ability of G-CSF-mobilized lin−c-kit+ HSCs from TLR2-/- donor grafts was lower than that from wt donor grafts. Our results demonstrate that upregulated TLR2 expression in G-CSF-mobilized donor grafts has no effect on acute GVHD, suggesting that TLR2 is a valuable target for increasing HSCT efficiency in order to enhance engraftment without exacerbating acute GVHD.