Yak genome database: a multi-omics analysis platform.

BACKGROUND: The yak (Bos grunniens) is a large ruminant species that lives in high-altitude regions and exhibits excellent adaptation to the plateau environments. To further understand the genetic characteristics and adaptive mechanisms of yak, we have developed a multi-omics database of yak including genome, transcriptome, proteome, and DNA methylation data. DESCRIPTION: The Yak Genome Database ( http://yakgenomics.com/ ) integrates the research results of genome, transcriptome, proteome, and DNA methylation, and provides an integrated platform for researchers to share and exchange omics data. The database contains 26,518 genes, 62 transcriptomes, 144,309 proteome spectra, and 22,478 methylation sites of yak. The genome module provides access to yak genome sequences, gene annotations and variant information. The transcriptome module offers transcriptome data from various tissues of yak and cattle strains at different developmental stages. The proteome module presents protein profiles from diverse yak organs. Additionally, the DNA methylation module shows the DNA methylation information at each base of the whole genome. Functions of data downloading and browsing, functional gene exploration, and experimental practice were available for the database. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive database provides a valuable resource for further investigations on development, molecular mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation, and molecular breeding of yak.

IL-6/STAT3 axis is hijacked by GCRV to facilitate viral replication via suppressing type â IFN signaling.

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) infections and hemorrhagic disease (GCHD) outbreaks are typically seasonally periodic and temperature-dependent, yet the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we depicted that temperature-dependent IL-6/STAT3 axis was exploited by GCRV to facilitate viral replication via suppressing type Ⅰ IFN signaling. Combined multi-omics analysis and qPCR identified IL-6, STAT3, and IRF3 as potential effector molecules mediating GCRV infection. Deploying GCRV challenge at 18 °C and 28 °C as models of resistant and permissive infections and switched to the corresponding temperatures as temperature stress models, we illustrated that IL-6 and STAT3 expression, genome level of GCRV, and phosphorylation of STAT3 were temperature dependent and regulated by temperature stress. Further research revealed that activating IL-6/STAT3 axis enhanced GCRV replication and suppressed the expression of IFNs, whereas blocking the axis impaired viral replication. Mechanistically, grass carp STAT3 inhibited IRF3 nuclear translocation via interacting with it, thus down-regulating IFNs expression, restraining transcriptional activation of the IFN promoter, and facilitating GCRV replication. Overall, our work sheds light on an immune evasion mechanism whereby GCRV facilitates viral replication by hijacking IL-6/STAT3 axis to down-regulate IFNs expression, thus providing a valuable reference for targeted prevention and therapy of GCRV.

Effects of aluminum (Al) stress on the isoprenoid metabolism of two Citrus species differing in Al-tolerance.

Isoprenoid metabolism and its derivatives took part in photosynthesis, growth regulation, signal transduction, and plant defense to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, how aluminum (Al) stress affects the isoprenoid metabolism and whether isoprenoid metabolism plays a vital role in the Citrus plants in coping with Al stress remain unclear. In this study, we reported that Al-treatment-induced alternation in the volatilization rate of monoterpenes (α-pinene, ß-pinene, limonene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and 3-carene) and isoprene were different between Citrus sinensis (Al-tolerant) and C. grandis (Al-sensitive) leaves. The Al-induced decrease of CO2 assimilation, maximum quantum yield of primary PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the lower contents of glucose and starch, and the lowered activities of enzymes involved in the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway might account for the different volatilization rate of isoprenoids. Furthermore, the altered transcript levels of genes related to isoprenoid precursors and/or derivatives metabolism, such as geranyl diphosphate (GPP) synthase (GPPS) in GPP biosynthesis, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), chlorophyll synthase (CHS) and GGPP reductase (GGPPR) in chlorophyll biosynthesis, limonene synthase (LS) and α-pinene synthase (APS) in limonene and α-pinene synthesis, respectively, might be responsible for the different contents of corresponding products in C. grandis and C. sinensis. Our data suggested that isoprenoid metabolism was involved in Al tolerance response in Citrus, and the alternation of some branches of isoprenoid metabolism could confer different Al-tolerance to Citrus species.

Genome-wide comparison of DNA methylation patterns between yak and three cattle strains and their potential association with mRNA transcription.

Yak has evolved specific adaptative mechanisms to high-altitude environment. Up to date, only a few studies reported the DNA methylation in yak. In the present study, genome-wide DNA methylome and transcriptome profiles in lung, mammary, and biceps brachii muscle tissues were compared between yak and three cattle breeds (Tibetan cattle, Sanjiang cattle, and Holstein cattle). The association between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was analyzed, and the biological functions of DEGs potentially driven by DMRs were explored by KEGG enrichment analysis. Finally, we found that yak-specific DMRs-driven DEGs were mainly involved in neuromodulation, respiration, lung development, blood pressure regulation, cardiovascular protection, energy metabolism, DNA repair, and immune functions. The higher levels of the key genes associated with these functions were observed in yak than in cattle, suggesting that DNA methylation might regulate these genes. Overall, the present study contributes basic data at the DNA methylation level to further understand the physiological metabolism in yak.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking study of novel pleuromutilin derivatives containing substituted benzoxazole as antibacterial agents.

A series of pleuromutilin analogs containing substituted benzoxazole were designed, synthesised, and assessed for their antibacterial activity both in vivo and in vitro. The MIC of the synthesised derivatives was initially assessed using the broth dilution method against four strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 29213, clinical isolation of S. aureus AD3 and S. aureus 144). Most of the synthesised derivatives displayed prominent in vitro activity (MIC ≤ 0.5 µg/mL). Compounds 50 and 57 exhibited the most effective antibacterial effect against MRSA (MIC = 0.125 µg/mL). Furthermore, the time-kill curves showed that compounds 50 and 57 had a certain inhibitory effect against MRSA in vitro. The in vivo antibacterial activity of compound 50 was evaluated further using a murine thigh model infected with MRSA (-1.24 log10CFU/mL). Compound 50 exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy to tiamulin. It was also found that compound 50 did not display significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells. Molecular docking study revealed that compound 50 can effectively bind to the active site of the 50S ribosome (the binding free energy -7.50 kcal/mol).

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel pleuromutilin derivatives containing benzimidazoles as effective anti-MRSA agents.

A series of pleuromutilin derivatives containing benzimidazole were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antibacterial activities against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in this study. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the synthesized derivatives against four strains of S. aureus (MRSA ATCC 43300, S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus 144, and S. aureus AD3) were determined by the broth dilution method. Among these derivatives, compound 58 exhibited superior in vitro antibacterial effect against MRSA (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 0.0625 µg/mL) than tiamulin (MIC = 0.5 µg/mL). Compound 58 possessed a faster bactericidal kinetic and a longer post-antibiotic effect time against MRSA than tiamulin. Meanwhile, at 8 µg/mL concentration, compound 58 did not display obviously cytotoxic effect on the RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, compound 58 (-2.04 log10 CFU/mL) displayed superior in vivo antibacterial efficacy than tiamulin (-1.02 log10 CFU/mL) in reducing MRSA load in mice thigh infection model. In molecular docking study, compound 58 can successfully attach to the 50S ribosomal active site (the binding free energy is -8.11 kcal/mol). Therefore, compound 58 was a potential antibacterial candidate for combating MRSA infections.

Dynamic alterations in yak (Bos grunniens) rumen microbiome in response to seasonal variations in diet.

Rumen microorganisms play important roles in the healthy growth of yaks. This study investigated changes in yak rumen microbiome during natural grazing at the warm seasons and supplementary feeding at cold seasons. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and metagenome analysis were conducted to investigate the structures and functions of yak rumen microbial communities. The results indicated that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla. In addition, Bacteroidetes might play a more important role than Firmicutes during the supplementary feeding stage (spring and winter), but less during natural grazing stage (summer and autumn). KEGG analysis showed that the amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, and fructose and mannose metabolism were the main pathways in the microbial community, which were significantly different between seasons. The carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) annotation revealed that cellulose was an important carbon source for microorganisms in yak rumen. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) were the most abundant class of CAZymes, followed by glycosyl transferases (GTs), which were important to digestion of oil, cellulose, and hemicellulose in food. These results contribute to the understanding of microbial components and functions in yak rumen.

Differences in proteomic profiles between yak and three cattle strains provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation.

Yaks display unique properties of the lung and heart, enabling their adaptation to high-altitude environments, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. In the present study, the proteome differences in lung and heart tissues were compared between yak (Bos grunniens) and three cattle strains (Bos taurus, Holstein, Sanjiang and Tibetan cattle) using the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra/data-independent acquisition (SWATH/DIA) proteomic method. In total, 51,755 peptides and 7215 proteins were identified. In the lung tissue, there were 162, 310 and 118 differential abundance proteins (DAPs) in Tibetan, Holstein and Sanjiang cattle compared to yak respectively. In the heart tissue, there were 71, 57 and 78 DAPs in Tibetan, Holstein and Sanjiang cattle compared to yak respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the DAPs were enriched for the retinol metabolism and toll-like receptor categories in lung tissue. The changes in these two pathways may regulate hypoxia-induced factor and immune function in yaks. Moreover, DAPs in heart tissues were enriched for cardiac muscle contraction, Huntington's disease, chemical carcinogenesis and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450. Further exploration indicated that yaks may alter cardiac function through regulation of type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and Ca2+ -release channels. The present results are useful to further develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying adaptation of animals to high-altitude conditions.

Cystinosis induced by CTNS gene mutation: a rare disease study. / ç½•è§ç— ç ”ç©¶ï¼šCTNSåŸºå› çªå˜è‡´èƒ±æ°¨é ¸è´®ç§¯ç—‡.

A boy, aged 1 year and 6 months, was found to have persistent positive urine glucose at the age of 4 months, with polydipsia, polyuria, and growth retardation. Laboratory examinations suggested that the boy had low specific weight urine, anemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic acidosis, glycosuria, acidaminuria, increased fractional excretion of potassium, and decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate. X-ray examinations of the head, thorax, and right hand showed changes of renal rickets. The slit-lamp examination showed a large number of cystine crystals in the cornea. The genetic testing showed a suspected pathogenic homozygous mutation of the CTNS gene, C.922g>A(p.Gly308Arg). The boy was finally diagnosed with cystinosis. At the beginning of treatment, symptomatic supportive treatment was given to maintain the stability of the internal environment, and cysteamine tartaric acid capsules were used after diagnosis to remove cysteine. This article reported a case of cystinosis caused by CTNS gene mutation and summarized the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease, which can provide a reference for the early diagnosis, treatment, and subsequent study of the disease.

Signature of high altitude adaptation in the gluteus proteome of the yak.

Yak is the unique Bovidae species in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A previous proteomic study has compared the yak muscle tissue to one cattle strain using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification approach. In this study, to further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying yak adaptation, the proteomic profiles of gluteus were compared between yak and one moderate-altitude cattle strain (Tibetan cattle) and two low-altitude cattle strains (Holstein and Sanjiang cattle) using a label-free quantitative method. The comparisons identified 20, 364, 143 upregulated proteins and 4, 6, 37 downregulated proteins in yak, compared with Tibetan, Holstein, and Sanjiang cattle, respectively. Protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins were mainly related to "oxidative phosphorylation" and "electron transport chain." Further analysis revealed that NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 11, NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta subcomplex subunit 4, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 6A2, mitochondrial and cytochrome c oxidase subunit NDUFA4 were all increased in the yak, suggesting that yak might increase mitochondrial capacity to sustain metabolic rates under high altitude conditions, which might be a long-term adaptive mechanism underlying adaptation to high altitude environments. Yak increased the level of thioredoxin reductase 2 to protect themselves from oxidative damages. Moreover, the increased expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform and caveolin-1 in yak suggested that yaks promoted glucose uptake for adaptation to high altitude. These results provided more information to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying yak adaption.

Psoriatic lesions are characterized by higher bacterial load and imbalance between Cutibacterium and Corynebacterium.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have found that the microbiota of psoriatic lesions is different from that of healthy skin. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the microbiota of lesional and unaffected skin in patients with psoriasis and controls and investigate the correlation between cutaneous microbiota and clinical features of psoriasis. METHODS: Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA sequencing, we assayed the profiles of cutaneous microbiota in controls, unaffected skin, and psoriatic lesions. We also investigated the correlation of psoriasis-associated taxa with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: High bacterial load was identified in the psoriatic lesions compared with unaffected skin and controls. There was an imbalance between Cutibacterium (also known as Propionibacterium) and Corynebacterium in psoriatic skin. Lesions showed a higher proportion of Corynebacterium and a lower proportion of Cutibacterium compared with unaffected skin and controls. Corynebacterium was correlated with the severity of local lesions, whereas Cutibacterium showed correlation with the abnormity of skin capacitance. LIMITATIONS: We did not conduct a longitudinal study. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriatic lesions are characterized by higher bacterial load and imbalance between Cutibacterium and Corynebacterium.

Mutation of CarO participates in drug resistance in imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

OBJECTIVE: Acinetobacter baumannii has become an important problem because of the high drug resistance rate. The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial resistance profile and explore the role of membrane porin in imipenem resistance of A baumannii. METHODS: A total of 63 isolates of imipenem-resistant A baumannii (IRAB) and 21 of imipenem-sensitive A baumannii (ISAB) were collected. Susceptibility testing to 16 kinds of antimicrobial agents was conducted by K-B method. PCR technique was used to detect carO and oprD genes, and sequencing was performed to compare the sequence between IRAB and ISAB. Three-dimensional structure model of CarO protein was established. RESULTS: While ISAB isolates presented sensitive to most classes of antibiotics, isolates of IRAB displayed much higher resistance rate except tigecycline (3.2%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (28.6%), and minocycline (30.2%). All 84 isolates were observed carrying both carO and oprD genes. Further sequencing revealed important mutations of carO gene existed in IRAB in comparison with ISAB. Meanwhile, significant differences in three-dimensional structure of carO protein molecule were also found between IRAB and ISAB. CONCLUSIONS: The drug resistance profile of IRAB is increasingly severe in clinical settings. Mutation of CarO was identified as one of the molecular mechanisms involved in imipenem resistance in A baumannii.

Bisphenol F Disrupts Thyroid Hormone Signaling and Postembryonic Development in Xenopus laevis.

The safety of bisphenol A (BPA) alternatives has attracted much attention due to their wide use. In this study, we investigated the effects of bisphenol F (BPF), an alternative to BPA, on thyroid hormone (TH) signaling and postembryonic development in vertebrates using T3-induced and spontaneous Xenopus metamorphosis as models. We found that in the T3-induced metamorphosis assay, higher concentrations of BPF (100-10000 nM) antagonized T3-induced TH-response gene transcription and morphological changes including intestinal remodeling in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas 10 nM BPF exerted stimulatory effects on T3-induced integral metamorphosis when inhibited T3-induced TH-response gene transcription, demonstrating TH signaling disrupting effects of BPF. In the spontaneous metamorphosis assay, correspondingly, BPF inhibited development at metamorphic climax (with high endogenous TH levels), but promoted pre- and pro-metamorphic development (with low endogenous TH levels), displaying a developmental stage-dependent manner. Importantly, we observed agonistic actions of BPF on Notch signaling in intestines, showing that BPF disrupts vertebrate development possibly via multi pathways besides TH signaling. Thus, we infer the biphasic concentration-response relationship between BPF exposure and T3-induced metamorphosis could result from the interactions of TH signaling with other signaling pathways such as Notch signaling. Our study highlights the adverse influences of BPF on vertebrate development.

[Epidemiological Studies on Echinococcosis in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang].

Objective: To understand the prevalence and characteristics of echinococcosis in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture (abbreviated as Kizilsu) of Xinjiang, in the aim of providing evidence for prevention and treatment of echinococcosis. Methods: Sixty-two villages were selected as investigation spots from 19 towns in agricultural and pasturing areas of Ulugqat County, Artux City, Akto County, and Akqi County during 2011-2012. Ultrasound abdominal scan was performed in all residents in these spots to examine the occurance of echinococcosis. ELISA was performed to detect the echinococcosis-specific antibody in sera from children of 6-12 years and the antigen of Echinococcus granulosus in freshly-collected dog feces. Hydatid cysts in viscera of at slaughterhouses in the four spots were examined by touching and visual observation. Results: Ultrasound was conducted in 12 000 residents, among whom 60 were found to be positive for echinococcosis (echinococcosis granulosa), with a morbidity of 0.5%（60/12 000）. The morbidity in Ulugqat County was 1.1%（35/3 200）, significantly higher than that in Artux City（0.5%, 13/2 400）, Akto County（0.2%, 8/3 200）, and Akqi County（0.1%, 4/3 200）（χ2=4.92-24.79, P<0.05）. The morbidity was highest in residents ≥71 years（1.2%, 4/323）, followed by the age group of 0-10 years（0.9%, 3/350）, but with no significant difference among age groups（χ2=0.39-3.31, P＞0.05）. The serum antibody positive rate in children was 3.1%（230/7 338）, highest in Artux City（4.9%, 89/1 828） with significant difference in comparison to Akto County（2.9%, 56/1 927）, and Akqi County（0.7%, 11/1 639）（χ2=9.71, 54.34, P<0.05）. The hydatid cyst rate in livestock was 7.7%（291/3 769）, of which 97.3%（283/291） were in sheep. The antigen positive rate in dog feces was 3.3%（74/2 219）. Conclusion: The morbidity（1.1%） was highest in Ulugqat County and the antibody positive rate（4.9%） in children was highest in Artux City. Infection was found in livestock and dogs.

[Epidemiological Survey on Human Intestinal Protozoa in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2015].

Objective: An epidemiological survey was made on human intestinal protozoa in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) to evaluate recent control achievements and provide basis for making specific control strategies. Methods: Regions in Xinjiang were categorized by types of ecological system and geographical characteristics into five ecological areas（types I-V） according to the National Ecological Function Stratification issued by the Ministry of Environment Protection and Chinese Academy of Science and Technology. Stratification sampling was made in each ecological area. Feces from human of all ages were collected for morphological identification of protozoan species using the Iodine Liquid Direct Smear Method. Results: In the five ecological areas, 26 886 people from 132 survey sites in 39 counties (cities) were examined, with an examination rate of 81.47% （26 886/33 000）. The infection rate was 0.32%（85/26 886）. Four species of intestinal protozoa were detected, i.e., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, and Entamoeba coli, with an infection rate of 0.22% （60/26 886）, 0.03% （9/26 886）, 0.01% （2/26 886） and 0.61% （17/26 886）, respectively. Of the five areas, the type IV area had the highest infection rate of 0.75%（28/3 758）（P<0.05）. Besides, the infection rate was higher in males （0.24%, 33/13 623） than that in females （0.39%, 52/13 263） （P<0.05）, higher in age ranges of 21-30（1.40%, 16/3 959） and 31-40 years（0.46%, 22/4 799） than other age groups （P>0.05）, higher in housewives （0.48%, 2/418） than those with other occupations, higher in the Hui group （0.61%, 15/2 445） than that in other ethnic groups, as well as highest in populations with a primary education level （0.37%, 35/9 375） and lowest in those with a college level or above（0.20%, 8/3 945）. Conclusion: The human intestinal protozoa infection was at a low level in Xinjiang in 2015.

Topical application of a linoleic acid-ceramide containing moisturizer exhibit therapeutic and preventive benefits for psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammatory disorder with frequent relapse. Ceramides and their key enzymes are deficient in the lesions, resulting in impaired epidermal permeability barrier, which correlates with disease severity. We evaluated the efficacy of linoleic acid-ceramide moisturizer (LA-Cer) as an adjunctive and preventive therapy for psoriasis vulgaris. 106 patients were randomized into two groups. The control group (C1 ) received Mometasone Furoate 0.1% Cream (MF) while the treatment group (T1 ) was given 0.1% MF in combination with LA-Cer moisturizer. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), pruritus, capacitance (CAP), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of normal skin and lesion were evaluated at Week 0, 2, 4, 8. Subsequently, T1 patients were randomized for another 1 year. LA-Cer-group (T2 ) maintained the use of moisturizer while control group (C2 ) discontinued. CAPs, TEWLs, PASI were assessed after 1 year. Primary endpoints (PASI-50 at Week 8) revealed superiority of LA-Cer-MF versus MF, less relapse, and rebound in LA-Cer-group than control (C2 ) at Year 1. There were time-by-therapy interaction effect on CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI. LA-Cer-MF induced higher CAP, an earlier reduction of lesional TEWL and PASI than control (C1 ). CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI remained stable in LA-Cer-group. CAPs, lesional TEWL, and PASI were comparable to the baseline levels in control group (C2 ). Topical LA-Cer moisturizer can alleviate psoriasis, and could be a valuable approach for the treatment and prevention of psoriasis.

The Relationship Between Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A(2), Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein and Lipid Profile and Risk of Atherosclerosis in Women with Iron Deficiency Anaemia.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and risk of atherosclerosis in IDA women has not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate lipid-related atherogenic risk factors in women with IDA. METHODS: Eighty women with IDA and 80 age-matched healthy women as the control group were enrolled in the study. Serum lipid profile, Lp-PLA2, and CETP were determined. Correlations between lipid-related atherogenic risk factors were analyzed by Pearson's correlation analyses. RESULTS: TG levels were higher and HDL-C levels were lower in the IDA women. Lp-PLA2 activity, Lp-PLA2 concentration, and CETP concentration were higher in the IDA women. There were negative correlations between activity or concentration of Lp-PLA2 and hemoglobin level (r = -0.29 or r = -0.33, p < 0.05), as well as HDL-C level (r = -0.38 or r = -0.35, p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between Lp-PLA2 activity and Lp-PLA2 concentration and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (r = 0.41 or r = 0.36 respectively, p < 0.05). CETP concentration was negatively correlated with hemoglobin (r = -0.56, p < 0.01) and HDL-C level (r = -0.35, p < 0.05) and positively correlated with triglyceride level (r = 0.34, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increases in the levels of circulating CETP and Lp-PLA2 might partly play a role in the atherogenic disturbances in patients with IDA through increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.

[The effects of DNA methylation on the homeostasis in vascular diseases].

Homeostasis is fundamental to maintain normal physiological functions in our body. Internal and external physical, chemical and biologial changes can cause dysregulation of vascular homeostasis, which is closely associated with the homeostasis of oxygen supply, blood transportation and lipid metabolism. Subsequent epigenetic modifications are able to lead to abnormal structures and function of vessels. DNA methylation has been shown to play a vital role in the development of vascular diseases. In addition, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and N(6)-methyladenine (m(6)A), as new epigenetic modifications, provide additional clues for vascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the effects of DNA methylation on the homeostasis dysregulation in the vascular diseases.

The periplasmic PDZ domain-containing protein Prc modulates full virulence, envelops stress responses, and directly interacts with dipeptidyl peptidase of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

PDZ domain-containing proteases, also known as HtrA family proteases, play important roles in bacterial cells by modulating disease pathogenesis and cell-envelope stress responses. These proteases have diverse functions through proteolysis- and nonproteolysis-dependent modes. Here, we report that the genome of the causative agent of rice bacterial blight, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, encodes seven PDZ domain-containing proteins. Systematic inactivation of their encoding genes revealed that PXO_01122 and PXO_04290 (prc) are involved in virulence. prc encodes a putative HtrA family protease that localizes in the bacterial periplasm. Mutation of prc also resulted in susceptibility to multiple environmental stresses, including H2O2, sodium dodecylsulfate, and osmolarity stresses. Comparative subproteomic analyses showed that the amounts of 34 periplasmic proteins were lower in the prc mutant than in wild-type. These proteins were associated with proteolysis, biosynthesis of macromolecules, carbohydrate or energy metabolism, signal transduction, and protein translocation or folding. We provide in vivo and in vitro evidence demonstrating that Prc stabilizes and directly binds to one of these proteins, DppP, a dipeptidyl peptidase contributing to full virulence. Taken together, our results suggest that Prc contributes to bacterial virulence by acting as a periplasmic modulator of cell-envelope stress responses.