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Related Articles The effects of size and surface modification of amorphous silica particles on biodistribution and liver metabolism in mice. Nanotechnology. 2015 May 1;26(17):175101 Authors: Lu X, Ji C, Jin T, Fan X Abstract Engineered nanoparticles, with unconventional properties, are promising platforms for biomedical applications. Since they may interact with a wide variety of biomolecules, it is critical to understand the impact of the physicochemical properties of engineered nanoparticles on biological systems. In this study, the effects of particle size and surface modification alone or in combination of amorphous silica particles (SPs) on biological responses were determined using a suite of general toxicological assessments and metabonomics analysis in mice model. Our results suggested that amino or carboxyl surface modification mitigated the liver toxicity of plain-surface SPs. 30 nm SPs with amino surface modification were found to be the most toxic SPs among all the surface-modified SP treatments at the same dosage. When treatment dose was increased, submicro-sized SPs with amino or carboxyl surface modification also induced liver toxicity. Biodistribution studies suggested that 70 nm SPs were mainly accumulated in liver and spleen regardless of surface modifications. Interestingly, these two organs exhibited different uptake trends. Furthermore, metabonomics studies indicated that surface modification plays a more dominant role to affect the liver metabolism than particle size. PMID: 25837432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles Diagnosis and Monitoring of Cystinosis Using Immunomagnetically Purified Granulocytes. Clin Chem. 2016 Mar 15; Authors: Gertsman I, Johnson WS, Nishikawa C, Gangoiti JA, Holmes B, Barshop BA Abstract BACKGROUND: Cystine determination is a critical biochemical test for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of the lysosomal storage disease cystinosis. The classical mixed-leukocyte cystine assay requires prompt specialized recovery/isolation following blood drawing, providing cystine concentrations normalized to total protein from assorted types of white blood cells, each with varying cystine content. METHODS: We present a new workflow for cystine determination using immunomagnetic granulocyte purification, and new reference ranges established form 47 patient and 27 obligate heterozygote samples assayed. Samples were collected in acid-citrate dextrose tubes and their stability was proven to allow for overnight shipping before analysis. Cystine was quantified by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: The new method was reproducible (<15% root mean square error) and specific, assaying purified granulocytes from blood samples that no longer required immediate preparation and therefore allowing for up to 30 h before processing. There was a nearly a 2-fold increase in the therapeutic target (1.9 nmol half-cystine/mg protein) range, established using distributions of patient, obligate heterozygote, and control samples. The 2.5-97.5 percentile ranges (- 2 SD to + 2 SD around mean) for these cohorts were 0.67- 6.05 nmol/mg protein for patients, 0.33-1.35 nmol/mg protein for obligate heterozygotes, and 0.09-0.35 nmol/mg protein for controls. CONCLUSIONS: The intracellular cystine determination method using immunopurified granulocytes followed by LC-MS/MS analysis improves the inherent variability of mixed leukocyte analysis and eliminates the need for immediate sample preparation following blood draw. PMID: 26980209 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles The Presence Of Lc3b Puncta And Hmgb1 Expression In Malignant Cells Correlate With The Immune Infiltrate In Breast Cancer. Autophagy. 2016 Mar 16;:0 Authors: Ladoire S, Enot D, Senovilla L, Ghiringhelli F, Poirier-Colame V, Chaba K, Semeraro M, Chaix M, Penault-Llorca F, Arnould L, Poillot ML, Arveux P, Delaloge S, Andre F, Zitvogel L, Kroemer G Abstract Several cell-intrinsic alterations have poor prognostic features in human breast cancer, as exemplified by the absence of MAP1LC3B/LC3B (microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta)-positive puncta in the cytoplasm (which indicates reduced autophagic flux) or the loss of nuclear HMGB1 expression by malignant cells. It is well established that breast cancer is under strong immunosurveillance, as reflected by the fact that scarce infiltration of the malignant lesion by CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes or comparatively dense infiltration by immunosuppressive cell types (such as FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells or CD68(+) tumor-associated macrophages), resulting in low CD8(+):FOXP3(+) or CD8(+):CD68(+) ratios, has a negative prognostic impact. Here, we reveal the surprising finding that cell-intrinsic features may influence the composition of the immune infiltrate in human breast cancer. Thus, the absence of LC3B puncta is correlated with intratumoral (but not peritumoral) infiltration by fewer CD8(+) cells and more FOXP3(+) or CD68(+) cells, resulting in a major drop in the CD8(+):FOXP3(+) or CD8(+):CD68(+) ratios. Moreover, absence of HMGB1 expression in nucleus correlated with a general drop in all immune effectors, in particular FOXP3(+) and CD68(+) cells, both within the tumor and close to it. Combined analysis of LC3B puncta and HMGB1 expression allowed for improved stratification of patients with respect to the characteristics of their immune infiltrate as well as overall and metastasis-free survival. It can be speculated that blocked autophagy in, or HMGB1 loss from, cancer cells may favor tumor progression due to their negative impact on anticancer immunosurveillance. PMID: 26979828 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Insights into mutualism mechanism and versatile metabolism of Ketogulonicigenium vulgare Hbe602 based on comparative genomics and metabolomics studies. Sci Rep. 2016;6:23068 Authors: Jia N, Ding MZ, Du J, Pan CH, Tian G, Lang JD, Fang JH, Gao F, Yuan YJ Abstract Ketogulonicigenium vulgare has been widely used in vitamin C two steps fermentation and requires companion strain for optimal growth. However, the understanding of K. vulgare as well as its companion strain is still preliminary. Here, the complete genome of K. vulgare Hbe602 was deciphered to provide insight into the symbiosis mechanism and the versatile metabolism. K. vulgare contains the LuxR family proteins, chemokine proteins, flagellar structure proteins, peptides and transporters for symbiosis consortium. Besides, the growth state and metabolite variation of K. vulgare were observed when five carbohydrates (D-sorbitol, L-sorbose, D-glucose, D-fructose and D-mannitol) were used as carbon source. The growth increased by 40.72% and 62.97% respectively when K. vulgare was cultured on D-mannitol/D-sorbitol than on L-sorbose. The insufficient metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and vitamins is the main reason for the slow growth of K. vulgare. The combined analysis of genomics and metabolomics indicated that TCA cycle, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism were significantly up-regulated when K. vulgare was cultured on the D-mannitol/D-sorbitol, which facilitated the better growth. The present study would be helpful to further understand its metabolic structure and guide the engineering transformation. PMID: 26979567 [PubMed - in process]

Related Articles Metabolomics: beyond biomarkers and towards mechanisms. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2016 Mar 16; Authors: Johnson CH, Ivanisevic J, Siuzdak G Abstract Metabolomics, which is the profiling of metabolites in biofluids, cells and tissues, is routinely applied as a tool for biomarker discovery. Owing to innovative developments in informatics and analytical technologies, and the integration of orthogonal biological approaches, it is now possible to expand metabolomic analyses to understand the systems-level effects of metabolites. Moreover, because of the inherent sensitivity of metabolomics, subtle alterations in biological pathways can be detected to provide insight into the mechanisms that underlie various physiological conditions and aberrant processes, including diseases. PMID: 26979502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles In vitro steroid profiling system for the evaluation of endocrine disruptors. J Biosci Bioeng. 2016 Mar 12; Authors: Nakano Y, Yamashita T, Okuno M, Fukusaki E, Bamba T Abstract Endocrine disruptors (ED) are chemicals that affect various aspects of the endocrine system, often leading to the inhibition of steroidogenesis. Current chemical safety policies that restrict human exposure to such chemicals describe often time-consuming and costly methods for the evaluation of ED effects. We aimed to develop an effective tool for accurate phenotypic chemical toxicology studies. We developed an in vitro ED evaluation system using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) methods for metabolomic analysis of multi-marker profiles. Accounting for sample preparation and GC/MS/MS conditions, we established a screening method that allowed the simultaneous analysis of 17 steroids with good reproducibility and a linear calibration curve. Moreover, we applied the developed system to H295R human adrenocortical cells exposed to forskolin and prochloraz in accordance with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines and observed dose-dependent variations in steroid profiles. While the OECD guidelines include only testosterone and 17β-estradiol, our system enabled a comprehensive and highly sensitive analysis of steroid profile alteration due to ED exposure. The application of our ED evaluation screen could be economical and provide novel insights into the hazards of ED exposure to the endocrine system. PMID: 26979344 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles (1)H NMR brain metabonomics of scrapie exposed sheep. Mol Biosyst. 2015 Jul;11(7):2008-16 Authors: Scano P, Rosa A, Incani A, Maestrale C, Santucciu C, Perra D, Vascellari S, Pani A, Ligios C Abstract While neurochemical metabolite modifications, determined by different techniques, have been diffusely reported in human and mice brains affected by transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), this aspect has been little studied in the natural animal hosts with the same pathological conditions so far. Herein, we investigated, by high resolution (1)H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical data analysis, the brain metabolite profile of sheep exposed to a scrapie agent in a naturally affected flock. On the basis of clinical examinations and western blotting analysis for the pathological prion protein (PrP(Sc)) in brain tissues, sheep were catalogued as not infected (H), infected with clinical signs (S), and infected without clinical signs (A). By discriminant analysis of spectral data, comparing S vs. H, we found a different metabolite distribution, with inosine, cytosine, creatine, and lactate being higher in S than in H brains, while the branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine), phenylalanine, uracil, tyrosine, gamma-amino butyric acid, total aspartate (aspartate + N-acetyl aspartate) being lower in S. By a soft independent modelling of class analogy approach, 1 out of 3 A samples was assigned to class H. Furthermore, A brains were found to be higher in choline and choline-containing compounds. By means of partial least squares regression, an excellent correlation was found between the PrP(Sc) amount and the (1)H NMR metabolite profile of infected (S and A) sheep, and the metabolite mostly correlated with PrP(Sc) was alanine. The overall results, obtained using different chemometric tools, were able to describe a brain metabolite profile of infected sheep with and without clinical signs, compared to healthy ones, and indicated alanine as a biomarker for PrP(Sc) amounts in scrapie brains. PMID: 25959287 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles A metabolomic study of adipose tissue in mice with a disruption of the circadian system. Mol Biosyst. 2015 Jul;11(7):1897-906 Authors: Castro C, Briggs W, Paschos GK, FitzGerald GA, Griffin JL Abstract Adipose tissue functions in terms of energy homeostasis as a rheostat for blood triglyceride, regulating its concentration, in response to external stimuli. In addition it acts as a barometer to inform the central nervous system of energy levels which can vary dramatically between meals and according to energy demand. Here a metabolomic approach, combining both Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, was used to analyse both white and brown adipose tissue in mice with adipocyte-specific deletion of Arntl (also known as Bmal1), a gene encoding a core molecular clock component. The results are consistent with a peripheral circadian clock playing a central role in metabolic regulation of both brown and white adipose tissue in rodents and show that Arntl induced global changes in both tissues which were distinct for the two types. In particular, anterior subcutaneous white adipose tissue (ASWAT) tissue was effected by a reduction in the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) changes were associated with a reduction in chain length. In addition the aqueous fraction of metabolites in BAT were profoundly affected by Arntl disruption, consistent with the dynamic role of this tissue in maintaining body temperature across the day-night cycle and an upregulation in fatty acid oxidation and citric acid cycle activity to generate heat during the day when rats are inactive (increases in 3-hydroxybutyrate and glutamate), and increased synthesis and storage of lipids during the night when rats feed more (increased concentrations of glycerol, choline and glycerophosphocholine). PMID: 25907923 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles Effects of thyroid hormone status on metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid in mice and humans: A targeted metabolomic approach. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat. 2015 Apr-Jun;118-119:11-8 Authors: Yao X, Sa R, Ye C, Zhang D, Zhang S, Xia H, Wang YC, Jiang J, Yin H, Ying H Abstract Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases are frequently found in patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. However, it is unknown whether arachidonic acid metabolites, the potent mediators in cardiovascular system, are involved in cardiovascular disorders caused by hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. To answer this question, serum levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in human subjects with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and mice with hypothyroidism or thyroid hormone treatment were determined by a mass spectrometry-based method. Over ten arachidonic acid metabolites belonging to three catalytic pathways: cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, and cytochrome P450, were quantified simultaneously and displayed characteristic profiles under different thyroid hormone status. The level of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a cytochrome P450 metabolite, was positively correlated with thyroid hormone level and possibly contributed to the elevated blood pressured in hyperthyroidism. The increased prostanoid (PG) I2 and decreased PGE2 levels in hypothyroid patients might serve to alleviate atherosclerosis associated with dyslipidemia. The elevated level of thromboxane (TX) A2, as indicated by TXB2, in hyperthyroid patients and mice treated with thyroid hormone might bring about pulmonary hypertension frequently found in hyperthyroid patients. In conclusion, our prospective study revealed that arachidonic acid metabolites were differentially affected by thyroid hormone status. Certain metabolites may be involved in cardiovascular disorders associated with thyroid diseases. PMID: 25841349 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Hypoxia-induced metabolic stress in retinal pigment epithelial cells is sufficient to induce photoreceptor degeneration. Elife. 2016 Mar 15;5 Authors: Kurihara T, Westenskow PD, Gantner ML, Usui Y, Schultz A, Bravo S, Aguilar E, Wittgrove C, Friedlander MS, Paris LP, Chew E, Siuzdak G, Friedlander M Abstract Photoreceptors are the most numerous and metabolically demanding cells in the retina. Their primary nutrient source is the choriocapillaris, and both the choriocapillaris and photoreceptors require trophic and functional support from retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Defects in RPE, photoreceptors, and the choriocapillaris are characteristic of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common vision-threatening disease. RPE dysfunction or death is a primary event in AMD, but the combination(s) of cellular stresses that affect the function and survival of RPE are incompletely understood. Here, using mouse models in which hypoxia can be genetically triggered in RPE, we show that hypoxia-induced metabolic stress alone leads to photoreceptor atrophy. Glucose and lipid metabolism are radically altered in hypoxic RPE cells; these changes impact nutrient availability for the sensory retina and promote progressive photoreceptor degeneration. Understanding the molecular pathways that control these responses may provide important clues about AMD pathogenesis and inform future therapies. PMID: 26978795 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Overdose taking curcumin initiating the unbalanced state of bodies. J Agric Food Chem. 2016 Mar 15; Authors: Qiu P, Man S, Li J, Liu J, Zhang L, Yu P, Gao W Abstract Curcumin is the major active component of turmeric and widely used as spice and coloring agent in food. However, its safety evaluation has been few investigated. To evaluate the 90-day subchronic toxicity of curcumin in rats, its general observation, clinical biochemistry, pathology and metabolomics were evaluated. The results showed that curcumin induced liver injury through the generation of the over-expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6, and the decrease of the levels of antioxidant enzyme SOD and detoxified enzyme GST. Meanwhile, as the self-protection of rats, curcumin treatment activated the transcription of Nrf2 and elevated the expression of HO-1 to reduce tissues damage. What's more, curcumin significantly increased key mRNA levels of HK2, PKM2, LDHA, CES, Cpt1, Cpt2, FASN, and ATP5b, and decreased levels of GLUT2 and ACC1 to enhance glycolysis and inhibit lipid metabolism and TCA cycle. Therefore, overdose or long-term taking curcumin could initiate the unbalanced state of bodies through oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolic disorders, which induces liver injury. It's necessary for intermittent administration of curcumin in our daily life. PMID: 26978516 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline on the gut microbiota and blood metabolomics of Wistar rats. Sci Rep. 2016;6:23141 Authors: Han H, Xiao H, Zhang K, Lu Z Abstract The impact of 4-epi-oxytetracycline (4-EOTC), one of the main oxytetracycline (OTC) metabolites, on the gut microbiota and physiological metabolism of Wistar rats was analyzed to explore the dynamic alterations apparent after repeated oral exposure (0.5, 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg bw) for 15 days as shown by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis. Both principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed consistently altered patterns with distinct differences in the treated groups versus the control groups. 4-EOTC treatment at 5.0 or 50.0 mg/kg increased the relative abundance of the Actinobacteria, specifically Bifidobacteriaceae, and improved the synthesis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), as shown by the lipid biomarkers LysoPC(16:0), LysoPC(18:3), LysoPC(20:3), and LysoPC(20:4). The metabolomic analysis of urine samples also identified four other decreased metabolites: diacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, triacylglycerol, and phosphatidylglycerol. Notably, the significant changes observed in these biomarkers demonstrated the ongoing disorder induced by 4-EOTC. Blood and urine analysis revealed that residual 4-EOTC accumulated in the rats, even two weeks after oral 4-EOTC administration, ceased. Thus, through thorough analysis, it can be concluded that the alteration of the gut microbiota and disorders in blood metabolomics are correlated with 4-EOTC treatment. PMID: 26976662 [PubMed - in process]

Manipulating proteostasis to repair the F508del-CFTR defect in cystic fibrosis. Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016 Dec;3(1):13 Authors: Esposito S, Tosco A, Villella VR, Raia V, Kroemer G, Maiuri L Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal monogenic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that entails the (diagnostic) increase in sweat electrolyte concentrations, progressive lung disease with chronic inflammation and recurrent bacterial infections, pancreatic insufficiency, and male infertility. Therapies aimed at restoring the CFTR defect have emerged. Thus, a small molecule which facilitates chloride channel opening, the potentiator Ivacaftor, has been approved for the treatment of CF patients bearing a particular class of rare CFTR mutations. However, small molecules that directly target the most common misfolded CFTR mutant, F508del, and improve its intracellular trafficking in vitro, have been less effective than expected when tested in CF patients, even in combination with Ivacaftor. Thus, new strategies are required to circumvent the F508del-CFTR defect. Airway and intestinal epithelial cells from CF patients bearing the F508del-CFTR mutation exhibit an impressive derangement of cellular proteostasis, with oxidative stress, overactivation of the tissue transglutaminase (TG2), and disabled autophagy. Proteostasis regulators such as cysteamine can rescue and stabilize a functional F508del-CFTR protein through suppressing TG2 activation and restoring autophagy in vivo in F508del-CFTR homozygous mice, in vitro in CF patient-derived cell lines, ex vivo in freshly collected primary patient's nasal cells, as well as in a pilot clinical trial involving homozygous F508del-CFTR patients. Here, we discuss how the therapeutic normalization of defective proteostasis can be harnessed for the treatment of CF patients with the F508del-CFTR mutation. PMID: 26976279 [PubMed]

Metabolites Associated With Circulating Interleukin-6 in Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016 Mar 14; Authors: Lustgarten MS, Fielding RA Abstract BACKGROUND: Circulating levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in older adults, but mechanisms are unclear. In the current study, we used an untargeted metabolomic approach to develop an improved understanding about mechanisms related to circulating IL-6 in older adults. METHODS: Serum IL-6 values were log-transformed to normalize its distribution. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to examine the association between 324 serum metabolites with log IL-6. Backward elimination linear regression was used to develop a metabolite predictor set representative of log IL-6. RESULTS: Thirty-six metabolites were significantly associated (p < 0.05 and q < 0.30) with log IL-6 in 73 older adults (average age, 78 years). Metabolites related to tryptophan metabolism (kynurenine, 3-indoxyl sulfate, indoleacetate, indolepropionate, C-glycosyltryptophan), infectious burden (C-glycosyltryptophan, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine, 1-methylurate, N-formylmethionine, N1-methyladenosine, 3-indoxyl sulfate, bilirubin (E,E), indoleacetate, γ-CEHC, N-acetylneuraminate), aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A expression (kynurenine, 3-indoxyl sulfate, indoleacetate, N6-carbamoylthreonyladenosine, bilirubin, 1-methylurate) were positively associated, whereas metabolites related to CYP-mediated ω-oxidation (adipate, 8-hydroxyoctanoate, azelate, sebacate, undecanedioate, γ-CEHC), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) activation (13 + 9-HODE, bilirubin, 5-oxoproline, cholesterol, glycerate, uridine) were negatively associated with log IL-6. The use of backward elimination regression identified tyrosine, cysteine, uridine, bilirubin, N-formylmethionine, indoleacetate, and 3-indoxyl sulfate to collectively explain 51% of the variance inherent in log IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest roles for tryptophan metabolism, infectious burden, activation of host defense, and detoxification through CYP1A-mediated pathways in mechanisms related to elevated inflammation, whereas CYP-mediated ω-oxidation and PPAR-α activation may be related to decreased inflammation in older adults. PMID: 26975982 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A Redox Imbalance Underlies the Fitness Defect Associated with Inactivation of the Pta-AckA Pathway in Staphylococcus aureus. J Proteome Res. 2016 Mar 15; Authors: Marshall DD, Sadykov MR, Thomas VC, Bayles KW, Powers R Abstract The phosphotransacetylase-acetate kinase (Pta-AckA) pathway is thought to be a vital ATP generating pathway for Staphylococcus aureus. Disruption of the Pta-AckA pathway during overflow metabolism causes significant reduction in growth rate and viability, albeit not due to intracellular ATP depletion. Here we demonstrate that toxicity associated with inactivation of the Pta-AckA pathway resulted from an altered intracellular redox environment. Growth of the pta and ackA mutants under anaerobic conditions partially restored cell viability. NMR metabolomics analyses and 13C6-glucose metabolism tracing experiments revealed the activity of multiple pathways that promote redox (NADH/NAD+) turnover to be enhanced in the pta and ackA mutants during anaerobic growth. Restoration of redox homeostasis in the pta mutant by overexpressing L- lactate dehydrogenase, partially restored its viability under aerobic conditions. Together our findings suggest that during overflow metabolism the Pta-AckA pathway plays a critical role in preventing cell viability defects by promoting intracellular redox homeostasis. PMID: 26975873 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Seminal biomarkers for the evaluation of male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2016 Mar 11; Authors: Bieniek JM, Drabovich AP, Lo KC Abstract For men struggling to conceive with their partners, diagnostic tools are limited and often consist of only a standard semen analysis. This baseline test serves as a crude estimation of male fertility, leaving patients and clinicians in need of additional diagnostic biomarkers. Seminal fluid contains the highest concentration of molecules from the male reproductive glands, therefore, this review focuses on current and novel seminal biomarkers in certain male infertility scenarios, including natural fertility, differentiating azoospermia etiologies, and predicting assisted reproductive technique success. Currently available tests include antisperm antibody assays, DNA fragmentation index, sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization, and other historical sperm functional tests. The poor diagnostic ability of current assays has led to continued efforts to find more predictive biomarkers. Emerging research in the fields of genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics holds promise for the development of novel male infertility biomarkers. Seminal protein-based assays of TEX101, ECM1, and ACRV1 are already available or under final development for clinical use. Additional panels of DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites are being explored as we attempt to understand the pathophysiologic processes of male infertility. Future ventures will need to continue data integration and validation for the development of clinically useful infertility biomarkers to aid in male infertility diagnosis, treatment, and counseling. PMID: 26975492 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Investigation of metabolites of Triptergium wilfordii on liver toxicity by LC-MS]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2015 Oct;40(19):3851-8 Authors: Zhao XM, Liu XY, Xu C, Ye T, Jin C, Zhao KJ, Ma ZJ, Xiao XH Abstract In this paper, biomarkers of liver toxicity of Triptergium wilfordii based on metabolomics was screened, and mechanism of liver toxicity was explored to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis for liver toxicity of Triptergium wilfordii. MS method was carried on the analysis to metabolic fingerprint spectrum between treatment group and control group. The potential biomarkers were compared and screened using the multivariate statistical methods. As well, metabolic pathway would be detailed description. Combined with PCA and OPLS-DA pattern recognition analysis, 20 metabolites were selected which showed large differences between model group and blank group (VIP > 1.0). Seven possible endogenous biomarkers were analyzed and identified. They were 6-phosphate glucosamine, lysophospholipid, tryptophan, guanidine acetic acid, 3-indole propionic acid, cortisone, and ubiquinone. The level changes of above metabolites indicated that the metabolism pathways of amino acid, glucose, phospholipid and hormone were disordered. It is speculated that liver damage of T. wilfordii may be associated with the abnormal energy metabolism in citric acid cycle, amino acid metabolism in urea cycle, and glucose metabolism. It will be helpful to further research liver toxicity ingredients of Triptergium wilfordii. PMID: 26975113 [PubMed - in process]

Related Articles Mendelian randomization: where are we now and where are we going? Int J Epidemiol. 2015 Apr;44(2):379-88 Authors: Burgess S, Timpson NJ, Ebrahim S, Davey Smith G PMID: 26085674 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency diagnosed by clinical metabolomic profiling of plasma. Mol Genet Metab. 2015 Jun-Jul;115(2-3):91-4 Authors: Atwal PS, Donti TR, Cardon AL, Bacino CA, Sun Q, Emrick L, Reid Sutton V, Elsea SH Abstract Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism affecting the biosynthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and catecholamines. We report a case of AADC deficiency that was detected using the Global MAPS platform. This is a novel platform that allows for parallel clinical testing of hundreds of metabolites in a single plasma specimen. It uses a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry platform, and the resulting spectra are compared against a library of ~2500 metabolites. Our patient is now a 4 year old boy initially seen at 11 months of age for developmental delay and hypotonia. Multiple tests had not yielded a diagnosis until exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants of uncertain significance (VUS), c.286G>A (p.G96R) and c.260C>T (p.P87L) in the DDC gene, causal for AADC deficiency. CSF neurotransmitter analysis confirmed the diagnosis with elevated 3-methoxytyrosine (3-O-methyldopa). Metabolomic profiling was performed on plasma and revealed marked elevation in 3-methoxytyrosine (Z-score +6.1) consistent with the diagnosis of AADC deficiency. These results demonstrate that the Global MAPS platform is able to diagnose AADC deficiency from plasma. In summary, we report a novel and less invasive approach to diagnose AADC deficiency using plasma metabolomic profiling. PMID: 25956449 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Articles Chemical methods for the simultaneous quantitation of metabolites and proteins from single cells. J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Apr 1;137(12):4066-9 Authors: Xue M, Wei W, Su Y, Kim J, Shin YS, Mai WX, Nathanson DA, Heath JR Abstract We describe chemical approaches for integrated metabolic and proteomic assays from single cells. Quantitative assays for intracellular metabolites, including glucose uptake and three other species, are designed as surface-competitive binding assays with fluorescence readouts. This enables integration into a microarray format with functional protein immunoassays, all of which are incorporated into the microchambers of a single-cell barcode chip (SCBC). By using the SCBC, we interrogate the response of human-derived glioblastoma cancer cells to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition. We report, for the first time, on both the intercellular metabolic heterogeneity as well as the baseline and drug-induced changes in the metabolite-phosphoprotein correlation network. PMID: 25789560 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]