Excess suicides in Japan: A three-year post-pandemic assessment of gender and age disparities.

This study offers an in-depth analysis of Japan's suicide trends three years after the COVID-19 outbreak. Using data from the National Police Agency (January 2010-May 2023), we examined suicide rates across genders and age groups. Employing the quasi-Poisson regression, we predicted monthly death counts. Findings indicate a steady rise in female suicides from April 2020 to January 2023. Notably, male cohorts aged 50-59 and over 80 in 2022 displayed heightened death rates. While these trends may reflect the impacts of the pandemic, it is essential to consider other factors, including socio-economic changes, to fully understand the context of Japan's suicide patterns.

The Anticancer Drug Daunomycin Directly Affects Gene Expression and DNA Structure.

Daunomycin (DM), an anthracycline antibiotic, is frequently used to treat various cancers, but the direct effects of DM on gene expression and DNA structure are unclear. We used an in vitro cell-free system, optimized with spermine (SP), to study the effect of DM on gene expression. A bimodal effect of DM on gene expression, weak promotion followed by inhibition, was observed with increasing concentration of DM. We also performed atomic force microscopy observation to measure how DM affects the higher-order structure of DNA induced with SP. DM destroyed SP-induced flower-like conformations of DNA by generating double-strand breaks, and this destructive conformational change of DNA corresponded to the inhibitory effect on gene expression. Interestingly, the weakly enhanced cell-free gene expression occurred as DNA conformations were elongated or relaxed at lower DM concentrations. We expect these newly unveiled DM effects on gene expression and the higher-order structure of DNA will contribute further to the development and refinement of useful anticancer therapy chemicals.

Markedly Different Effects of Monovalent Cations on the Efficiency of Gene Expression.

The effect of monovalent cations on a cell-free transcription-translation (TX-TL) system is examined using a luciferase assay. It is found that the potency for all ions analyzed here is in the order Rb+  > K+  > Cs+  > Na+  ≈ Li+  > (CH3 )4 N+ , where Rb+ is most efficient at promoting TX-TL and the ions of Li+ , Na+ , and (CH3 )4 N+ exhibit an inhibitory effect. Similar promotion/inhibition effects are observed for cell-free TL alone with an mRNA template.

Blue light exposure enhances oxidative stress, causes DNA damage, and induces apoptosis signaling in B16F1 melanoma cells.

Studies have shown that visible light, specifically blue light, adversely affects cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. We investigated the effect of blue light on apoptosis, DNA integrity, and transcription of apoptotic and melanogenic genes using B16F1 melanoma cells. In this study, cells were irradiated with 2-50 W/m2 blue light (465 nm) for several time duration. Exposure to blue light decreased cell viability, but the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK rescued blue light-induced cell death. Blue light also inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle. Blue light-irradiated cells displayed several apoptotic features, like depolarized mitochondrial membranes and enhanced caspase-3 activity. Furthermore, blue light induced strand breaks in the genomic DNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner but did not induce the formation of cyclobutene pyrimidine dimers. The cell cycle inhibitor p21 and the pro-apoptotic gene Bax were upregulated in blue light-exposed cells, whereas the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and the apoptosis inhibitor survivin were downregulated. The key enzyme in melanin synthesis, tyrosinase, was upregulated after high-intensity (50 W/m2) blue light exposure and downregulated after low-intensity (0.2 W/m2) blue light exposure. Our study demonstrates that blue light triggers apoptosis and some of its effects are similar to those of ultraviolet radiation.

Activation/Inhibition of Gene Expression Caused by Alcohols: Relationship with the Viscoelastic Property of a DNA Molecule.

Alcohols are used in the life sciences because they can condense and precipitate DNA. Alcohol consumption has been linked to many diseases and can alter genetic activity. In the present report, we carried out experiments to make clear how alcohols affect the efficiency of transcription-translation (TX-TL) and translation (TL) by adapting cell-free gene expression systems with plasmid DNA and RNA templates, respectively. In addition, we quantitatively analyzed intrachain fluctuations of single giant DNA molecules based on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to gain insight into how alcohols affect the dynamical property of a DNA molecule. Ethanol (2-3%) increased gene expression levels four to five times higher than the control in the TX-TL reaction. A similar level of enhancement was observed with 2-propanol, in contrast to the inhibitory effect of 1-propanol. Similar alcohol effects were observed for the TL reaction. Intrachain fluctuation analysis through single DNA observation showed that 1-propanol markedly increased both the spring and damping constants of single DNA in contrast to the weak effects observed with ethanol, whereas 2-propanol exhibits an intermediate effect. This study indicates that the activation/inhibition effects of alcohol isomers on gene expression correlate with the changes in the viscoelastic mechanical properties of DNA molecules.

Higher-order structure of DNA determines its positioning in cell-size droplets under crowded conditions.

BACKGROUND: It is becoming clearer that living cells use water/water (w/w) phase separation to form membraneless organelles that exhibit various important biological functions. Currently, it is believed that the specific localization of biomacromolecules, including DNA, RNA and proteins in w/w microdroplets is closely related to their bio-activity. Despite the importance of this possible role of micro segregation, our understanding of the underlying physico-chemical mechanism is still unrefined. Further research to unveil the underlying mechanism of the localization of macromolecules in relation to their steric conformation in w/w microdroplets is needed. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Single-DNA observation of genome-size DNA (T4 GT7 bacteriophage DNA; 166kbp) by fluorescence microscopy revealed that DNAs are spontaneously incorporated into w/w microdroplets generated in a binary aqueous polymer solution with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX). Interestingly, DNAs with elongated coil and shrunken conformations exhibit Brownian fluctuation inside the droplet. On the other hand, tightly packed compact globules, as well as assemblies of multiple condensed DNAs, tend to be located near the interface in the droplet. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The specific localization of DNA molecules depending on their higher-order structure occurs in w/w microdroplet phase-separation solution under a binary aqueous polymer solution. Such an aqueous solution with polymers mimics the crowded conditions in living cells, where aqueous macromolecules exist at a level of 30-40 weight %. The specific positioning of DNA depending on its higher-order structure in w/w microdroplets is expected to provide novel insights into the mechanism and function of membraneless organelles and micro-segregated particles in living cells.

Longer DNA exhibits greater potential for cell-free gene expression.

Cell-free gene expression systems have been valuable tools for understanding how transcription/translation can be regulated in living cells. Many studies have investigated the determining factors that affect gene expression. Here we report the effect of the length of linearized reporter DNAs encoding the firefly luciferase gene so as to exclude the influence of supercoiling. It is found that longer DNA molecules exhibit significantly greater potency in gene expression; for example, the expression level for DNA with 25.7 kbp is 1000-times higher than that for DNA of 1.7 kbp. AFM observation of the DNA conformation indicates that longer DNA takes shrunken conformation with a higher segment density in the reaction mixture for gene expression, in contrast to the stiff conformation of shorter DNA. We propose an underlying mechanism for the favorable effect of longer DNA on gene expression in terms of the enhancement of access of RNA polymerase to the shrunken conformation. It is expected that the enhancement of gene expression efficiency with a shrunken DNA conformation would also be a rather general mechanism in living cellular environments.

Similarity of subjective symptoms between autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: Preliminary findings.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the adult clinical population using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Adult ADHD Rating Scales self-report screening version (CAARS-S:SV). METHODS: We included 50 adults with ASD and 52 with ADHD diagnosed using the DSM-5 criteria. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the AQ and CAARS-S:SV. RESULTS: The AQ score was elevated in the ADHD group and the CAARS scores were increased in the ASD group. Specifically, the total AQ score in adults with ADHD was lower than that in the ASD group, but was higher than that in controls. Similarly, the CAARS scores in adults with ASD were lower than in those with ADHD, but were higher than those in controls. No significant correlations were found between AQ, CAARS Inattention/Memory Problems, and CAARS Hyperactivity/Restlessness scores in both the ASD and ADHD groups. CONCLUSION: While adults with ASD and ADHD exhibited similar clinical symptoms, the absence of AQ-CAARS correlations suggests the need for examining factors other than the apparent similarity of clinical symptoms of the two disorders.

Effects of Structural Isomers of Spermine on the Higher-Order Structure of DNA and Gene Expression.

Polyamines are involved in various biological functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, gene regulation, etc. Recently, it was found that polyamines exhibit biphasic effects on gene expression: promotion and inhibition at low and high concentrations, respectively. Here, we compared the effects of three naturally occurring tetravalent polyamines, spermine (SPM), thermospermine (TSPM), and N4-aminopropylspermidine (BSPD). Based on the single DNA observation with fluorescence microscopy together with measurements by atomic force microscopy revealed that these polyamines induce shrinkage and then compaction of DNA molecules, at low and high concentrations, respectively. We also performed the observation to evaluate the effects of these polyamine isomers on the activity of gene expression by adapting a cell-free luciferase assay. Interestingly, the potency of their effects on the DNA conformation and also on the inhibition of gene expression activity indicates the highest for TSPM among spermine isomers. A numerical evaluation of the strength of the interaction of these polyamines with negatively charged double-strand DNA revealed that this ordering of the potency corresponds to the order of the strength of the attractive interaction between phosphate groups of DNA and positively charged amino groups of the polyamines.

K+ promotes the favorable effect of polyamine on gene expression better than Na.

BACKGROUND: Polyamines are involved in a wide variety of biological processes including a marked effect on the structure and function of DNA. During our study on the interaction of polyamines with DNA, we found that K+ enhanced in vitro gene expression in the presence of polyamine more strongly than Na+. Thus, we sought to clarify the physico-chemical mechanism underlying this marked difference between the effects of K+ and Na+. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: It was found that K+ enhanced gene expression in the presence of spermidine, SPD(3+), much more strongly than Na+, through in vitro experiments with a Luciferase assay on cell extracts. Single-DNA observation by fluorescence microscopy showed that Na+ prevents the folding transition of DNA into a compact state more strongly than K+. 1H NMR measurement revealed that Na+ inhibits the binding of SPD to DNA more strongly than K+. Thus, SPD binds to DNA more favorably in K+-rich medium than in Na+-rich medium, which leads to favorable conditions for RNA polymerase to access DNA by decreasing the negative charge. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: We found that Na+ and K+ exhibit markedly different effects through competitive binding with a cationic polyamine, SPD, to DNA, which causes a large difference in the higher-order structure of genomic DNA. It is concluded that the larger favorable effect of Na+ than K+ on in vitro gene expression observed in this study is well attributable to the significant difference between Na+ and K+ on the competitive binding inducing conformational transition of DNA.

Specific effects of antitumor active norspermidine on the structure and function of DNA.

We compared the effects of trivalent polyamines, spermidine (SPD) and norspermidine (NSPD), a chemical homologue of SPD, on the structure of DNA and gene expression. The chemical structures of SPD and NSPD are different only with the number of methylene groups between amine groups, [N-3-N-4-N] and [N-3-N-3-N], respectively. SPD plays vital roles in cell function and survival, including in mammals. On the other hand, NSPD has antitumor activity and is found in some species of plants, bacteria and algae, but not in humans. We found that both polyamines exhibit biphasic effect; enhancement and inhibition on in vitro gene expression, where SPD shows definitely higher potency in enhancement but NSPD causes stronger inhibition. Based on the results of AFM (atomic force microscopy) observations together with single DNA measurements with fluorescence microscopy, it becomes clear that SPD tends to align DNA orientation, whereas NSPD induces shrinkage with a greater potency. The measurement of binding equilibrium by NMR indicates that NSPD shows 4-5 times higher affinity to DNA than SPD. Our theoretical study with Monte Carlo simulation provides the insights into the underlying mechanism of the specific effect of NSPD on DNA.

Branched-Chain Polyamine Found in Hyperthermophiles Induces Unique Temperature-Dependent Structural Changes in Genome-Size DNA.

A pentavalent branched-chain polyamine, N4 -bis(aminopropyl)spermidine 3(3)(3)4, is a unique polycation found in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, which grows at temperatures between 60 and 100 °C. We studied the effects of this branched-chain polyamine on DNA structure at different temperatures up to 80 °C. Atomic force microscopic observation revealed that 3(3)(3)4 induces a mesh-like structure on a large DNA (166 kbp) at 24 °C. With an increase in temperature, DNA molecules tend to unwind, and multiple nano-loops with a diameter of 10-50 nm are generated along the DNA strand at 80 °C. These results were compared to those obtained with linear-chain polyamines, homocaldopentamine 3334 and spermidine, the former of which is a structural isomer of 3(3)(3)4. These specific effects are expected to neatly concern with its role on high-temperature preference in hyperthermophiles.

2-Ethoxybenzamide stimulates melanin synthesis in B16F1 melanoma cells via the CREB signaling pathway.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used for the treatment of inflammation, pain, and fever. In this study, we found that 2-ethoxybenzamide (ETZ) significantly enhanced melanin synthesis in B16F1 melanoma cells, and also induced melanosome formation. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism by which ETZ up-regulated melanin synthesis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that ETZ increased melanogenic protein levels, except that for TRP-2. Moreover, semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR analyses showed that ETZ enhanced the mRNA levels of melanogenic genes, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and melanocortin 1 receptor. We also observed phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) following ETZ treatment. However, ETZ did not affect intracellular cAMP levels. ERK was also activated by ETZ treatment, and melanin content was enhanced upon treatment with the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059. Together, our results indicate that ETZ induces melanin synthesis via CREB phosphorylation.

Dual effects of acetylsalicylic acid on ERK signaling and Mitf transcription lead to inhibition of melanogenesis.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used as an analgesic/antipyretic drug. It exhibits a wide range of biological effects, including preventative effects against heart attack and stroke, and the induction of apoptosis in various cancer cells. We previously found that ASA inhibits melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. However, the mechanisms of how ASA down-regulates melanin synthesis remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of ASA on melanogenic pathways, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf) transcription. ASA significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner without oxidative stress and cell death. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the inhibitory effect of ASA might be due to the inhibition of Mitf gene transcription. Interestingly, ASA also induced ERK phosphorylation. Additionally, treatment with PD98059, a specific ERK phosphorylation inhibitor, abolished the anti-melanogenic effect of ASA. These results suggest that the depigmenting effect of ASA results from down-regulation of Mitf, which is induced by both the induction of ERK phosphorylation and the inhibition of Mitf transcription.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in VMH as the causal factor for and therapeutic tool to treat visceral adiposity and hyperleptinemia in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

We previously reported that the type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats at young adult ages (6-12 weeks) exhibited increased visceral fat mass and hyperleptinemia, due to hyperphagia caused primarily by neuropeptide Y (NPY) overexpression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Later, we found that GK rats continued to exhibit mesenteric fat accumulation and hyperleptinemia at least until 26 weeks of age, while hyperphagia and NPY overexpression ceased at 15 weeks of age. Therefore, we hypothesized that the long-lasting fat accumulation and hyperleptinemia are due to unidentified brain dysfunction other than NPY overexpression. In GK rats aged 26 weeks, glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) mRNA expression in ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) was markedly reduced in parallel with significant decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level and BDNF-expressing cell numbers in the VMH. Pharmacologic inhibition of glucose utilization reduced BDNF mRNA expression in VMH in vivo and in vitro. The results suggested that impaired glucose utilization caused the reduction of BDNF. On the other hand, intracerebroventricular injection of BDNF for 6 days ameliorated hyperleptinemia in a long-lasting manner concurrently with feeding suppression in GK rats. Restricted feeding paired to BDNF-treated rats reduced plasma leptin level only transiently. BDNF treatment also reduced mesenteric fat mass in GK rats. These results reveal a novel action mode of BDNF to long-lastingly counteract visceral adiposity and hyperleptinemia in addition to and independently of its anorexigenic action. These results suggest that visceral fat accumulation and hyperleptinemia are at least partly due to the reduction of BDNF in VMH primarily caused by impaired glucose utilization in GK rats. The BDNF supplementation could provide an effective treatment of visceral obesity, hyperleptinemia and leptin resistance in type 2 diabetes.

Gold nanoparticles coated with semi-fluorinated oligo(ethylene glycol) produce sub-100 nm nanoparticle vesicles without templates.

Gold nanoparticles (NPs) with diameters of 5, 10, and 20 nm coated with semifluorinated oligo(ethylene glycol) ligands were formed into sub-100 nm hollow NP assemblies (NP vesicles) in THF without the use of a template. The NP vesicles maintained their structure even after the solvent was changed from THF to other solvents such as butanol or CH(2)Cl(2). NMR analyses indicated that the fluorinated ligands are bundled on the NPs and that the solvophobic feature of the fluorinated bundles is the driving force for NP assembly. The formed NP vesicles were surface-enhanced Raman scattering-active capsules.

Inspiration from chemical photography: accelerated photoconversion of AgCl to functional silver nanoparticles mediated by DNA.

We demonstrate a facile approach for converting AgCl to functional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via photoreduction in the presence of DNA. The resulting AgNPs are biofunctionalized, and exhibit photostable luminescence and DNA-specific Raman signatures, showing high potential for use in DNA-directed recognition and advanced bioimaging.

Improving in vivo hepatic transfection activity by controlling intracellular trafficking: the function of GALA and maltotriose.

The successful control of intracellular trafficking (i.e., endosomal escape and nuclear delivery) is prerequisite for the development of a gene delivery system. In the present study, we developed an in vivo hepatic gene delivery system using a plasmid DNA (pDNA)-encapsulating lipid envelope-type nanoparticle, to which we refer as a multifunctional envelope-type nanodevice (MEND). The critical structural elements of the MEND are a DNA/protamine condensed core coated with lipid bilayers including serum-resistant cationic lipids. Intravenous administration of bare MEND represents minimal transfection activity. For the surface modification of functional devices, hydrophobic moieties were chemically attached, which are shed in the spontaneous orientation outward from the MEND surface by anchoring to the lipid bilayers. Modification of the pH-dependent fusogenic peptide GALA as an endosome escape induced transfection activity by 1 and 2 orders of magnitude. In an attempt to induce the nuclear delivery of pDNA, maltotriose, a recently characterized nuclear localization signal, was additionally modified. As a result, transfection activity further enhanced by 1 order of magnitude, and it reached to the higher level obtained for a conventional lipoplex and an in vivo jetPEI-Gal, with less hepatic toxicity. The data show that the combination of GALA and maltotriose results in a highly potent functional device that shows an enhanced endosomal escape and nuclear delivery in vivo.

Self-lubricating nanoparticles: self-organization into 3D-superlattices during a fast drying process.

Fluorinated tetraethylene glycol-stabilized Au nanoparticles (FTEG-AuNPs) were well-dispersed in general polar organic solvents, such as methanol (MeOH) and THF. The cast film of FTEG-AuNPs on a TEM grid and a glass substrate was found to form a highly ordered 3D-superlattice assembly, whereas tetraethylene glycol-stabilized AuNPs (TEG-AuNPs) provide an amorphous AuNP aggregation. These data indicate that the fluorine feature on the surface of the FTEG-AuNPs is critical for the nanostructured assembly.

Envelope-type lipid nanoparticles incorporating a short PEG-lipid conjugate for improved control of intracellular trafficking and transgene transcription.

Lipid envelope-type nanoparticles are promising carriers for gene delivery. The modification of liposomes with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) can often be useful in liposomal formation and pharmacokinetics. However, there is a dilemma concerning the use of PEG because of its poor intracellular trafficking properties. To overcome this problem, in the present study, we report on a strategy for improving the intracellular trafficking of PEG-modified lipid particles by incorporating a short PEG lipid. The findings presented here show that the incorporation of tetra(ethylene)glycol (TEG)-conjugated cholesterol into a liposome composition is useful in controlling the number of lipid envelopes, resulting in an improvement in particle uniformity with a reduced particle size. The TEG-modified lipid particles were found to enhance transfection activity by more than 100-fold. This increase is attributed to an enhancement of cellular uptake, and nuclear transcription by improving intracellular decoating. Moreover, the use of a various short PEG lipids in lipid particle formation showed a clear threshold polymerization degree (less or equal 25: PEG1100), for achieving stimulated transfection activity. Collectively, the use of short PEG lipid promises to be useful in developing an efficient non-viral gene vector.