Integrative Molecular Phenotyping
INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR
PHENOTYPING
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY

PubMed

Quorum Sensing Coordinates Cooperative Expression of Pyruvate Metabolism Genes To Maintain a Sustainable Environment for Population Stability.

Thu, 08/12/2016 - 12:27
Related Articles Quorum Sensing Coordinates Cooperative Expression of Pyruvate Metabolism Genes To Maintain a Sustainable Environment for Population Stability. MBio. 2016 Dec 06;7(6): Authors: Hawver LA, Giulietti JM, Baleja JD, Ng WL Abstract Quorum sensing (QS) is a microbial cell-cell communication system that regulates gene expression in response to population density to coordinate collective behaviors. Yet, the role of QS in resolving the stresses caused by the accumulation of toxic metabolic by-products at high cell density is not well defined. In response to cell density, QS could be involved in reprogramming of the metabolic network to maintain population stability. Using unbiased metabolomics, we discovered that Vibrio cholerae mutants genetically locked in a low cell density (LCD) QS state are unable to alter the pyruvate flux to convert fermentable carbon sources into neutral acetoin and 2,3-butanediol molecules to offset organic acid production. As a consequence, LCD-locked QS mutants rapidly lose viability when grown with fermentable carbon sources. This key metabolic switch relies on the QS-regulated small RNAs Qrr1-4 but is independent of known QS regulators AphA and HapR. Qrr1-4 dictate pyruvate flux by translational repression of the enzyme AlsS, which carries out the first step in acetoin and 2,3-butanediol biosynthesis. Consistent with the idea that QS facilitates the expression of a common trait in the population, AlsS needs to be expressed cooperatively in a group of cells. Heterogeneous populations with high percentages of cells not expressing AlsS are unstable. All of the cells, regardless of their respective QS states, succumb to stresses caused by toxic by-product accumulation. Our results indicate that the ability of the bacteria to cooperatively control metabolic flux through QS is critical in maintaining a sustainable environment and overall population stability. IMPORTANCE: Our work reveals a novel role for Vibrio cholerae quorum sensing (QS) in relieving the stresses caused by toxic metabolite accumulation when the population becomes crowded through metabolic reprogramming. QS enables V. cholerae switching from a low cell density energy-generating metabolism that is beneficial to individuals at the expense of the environment to a high cell density mode that preserves environmental habitability by sacrificing individual fitness. This cooperative switch provides a stable environment as the common good in maintaining the stability of the community. However, the common good can be exploited by uncooperative mutants that pollute the environment, causing population collapse. Our findings provide insights into the metabolic stress response of a major human pathogen, with implications for our understanding of microbial social biology and cooperation from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. PMID: 27923919 [PubMed - in process]

Using silver and bighead carp cell lines for the identification of a unique metabolite fingerprint from thiram-specific chemical exposure.

Thu, 08/12/2016 - 12:27
Related Articles Using silver and bighead carp cell lines for the identification of a unique metabolite fingerprint from thiram-specific chemical exposure. Chemosphere. 2016 Dec 03;: Authors: Putnam JG, Nelson JE, Leis EM, Erickson RA, Hubert TD, Amberg JJ Abstract Conservation biology often requires the control of invasive species. One method is the development and use of biocides. Identifying new chemicals as part of the biocide registration approval process can require screening millions of compounds. Traditionally, screening new chemicals has been done in vivo using test organisms. Using in vitro (e.g., cell lines) and in silico (e.g., computer models) methods decrease test organism requirements and increase screening speed and efficiency. These methods, however, would be greatly improved by better understanding how individual fish species metabolize selected compounds. We combined cell assays and metabolomics to create a powerful tool to facilitate the identification of new control chemicals. Specifically, we exposed cell lines established from bighead carp and silver carp larvae to thiram (7 concentrations) then completed metabolite profiling to assess the dose-response of the bighead carp and silver carp metabolome to thiram. Forty one of the 700 metabolomic markers identified in bighead carp exhibited a dose-response to thiram exposure compared to silver carp in which 205 of 1590 metabolomic markers exhibited a dose-response. Additionally, we identified 11 statistically significant metabolomic markers based upon volcano plot analysis common between both species. This smaller subset of metabolites formed a thiram-specific metabolomic fingerprint which allowed for the creation of a toxicant specific, rather than a species-specific, metabolomic fingerprint. Metabolomic fingerprints may be used in biocide development and improve our understanding of ecologically significant events, such as mass fish kills. PMID: 27923506 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses to understand the dynamic responses of rice plants to attack by the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Thu, 08/12/2016 - 12:27
Related Articles Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses to understand the dynamic responses of rice plants to attack by the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). BMC Plant Biol. 2016 Dec 07;16(1):259 Authors: Liu Q, Wang X, Tzin V, Romeis J, Peng Y, Li Y Abstract BACKGROUND: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), which is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, is frequently attacked by herbivorous insects, including the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis. C. suppressalis substantially reduces rice yields in temperate regions of Asia, but little is known about how rice plants defend themselves against this herbivore at molecular and biochemical level. RESULTS: In the current study, we combined next-generation RNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques to investigate the changes in gene expression and in metabolic processes in rice plants that had been continuously fed by C. suppressalis larvae for different durations (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Furthermore, the data were validated using quantitative real-time PCR. There were 4,729 genes and 151 metabolites differently regulated when rice plants were damaged by C. suppressalis larvae. Further analyses showed that defense-related phytohormones, transcript factors, shikimate-mediated and terpenoid-related secondary metabolism were activated, whereas the growth-related counterparts were suppressed by C. suppressalis feeding. The activated defense was fueled by catabolism of energy storage compounds such as monosaccharides, which meanwhile resulted in the increased levels of metabolites that were involved in rice plant defense response. Comparable analyses showed a correspondence between transcript patterns and metabolite profiles. CONCLUSION: The current findings greatly enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of induced defense response in rice plants against C. suppressalis infestation at molecular and biochemical levels, and will provide clues for development of insect-resistant rice varieties. PMID: 27923345 [PubMed - in process]

Direct infusion mass spectrometry for metabolomic phenotyping of diseases.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Direct infusion mass spectrometry for metabolomic phenotyping of diseases. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):131-148 Authors: González-Domínguez R, Sayago A, Fernández-Recamales Á Abstract Metabolomics based on direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, either by direct infusion or flow injection of crude sample extracts, shows a great potential for metabolic fingerprinting because of its high-throughput screening capability, wide metabolite coverage and reduced time of analysis. Considering that numerous metabolic pathways are significantly perturbed during the initiation and progression of diseases, these metabolomic tools can be used to get a deeper understanding about disease pathogenesis and discover potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. In this work, we describe the most common metabolomic platforms used in biomedical research, with special focus on strategies based on direct MS analysis. Then, a comprehensive review on the application of direct MS fingerprinting in clinical issues is provided. PMID: 27921460 [PubMed - in process]

Investigation of the derivatization conditions for GC-MS metabolomics of biological samples.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Investigation of the derivatization conditions for GC-MS metabolomics of biological samples. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):53-65 Authors: Moros G, Chatziioannou AC, Gika HG, Raikos N, Theodoridis G Abstract AIM: Metabolomics applications represent an emerging field where significant efforts are directed. Derivatization consists prerequisite for GC-MS metabolomics analysis. METHODS: Common silylation agents were tested for the derivatization of blood plasma. Optimization of methoxyamination and silylation reactions was performed on a mixture of reference standards, consisting of 46 different metabolites. Stability of derivatized metabolites was tested at 4°C. RESULTS: Optimum results were achieved using N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. Methoxyamination at room temperature for 24 h followed by 2-h silylation at high temperature lead to efficient derivatization. CONCLUSION: Formation and stability of derivatives among metabolites differ greatly, so derivatization should be studied before application in metabolomics studies. PMID: 27921459 [PubMed - in process]

Metabolic profile of human coelomic fluid.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Metabolic profile of human coelomic fluid. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):37-51 Authors: Virgiliou C, Valianou L, Witting M, Moritz F, Fotakis C, Zoumpoulakis P, Chatziioannou AC, Lazaros L, Makrydimas G, Chatzimeletiou K, Raikos N, Theodoridis GA Abstract AIM: Till now there is very limited knowledge on the molecular content of coelomic fluid and cells. This study presents the first attempt to elucidate the metabolic profile of such samples. METHODOLOGY: Samples were collected via coelocentesis from 41 women during the first trimester of gestation. Metabolic content was assessed using four different analytical platforms. For targeted analysis a hydrophilic interaction chromatography ultra high performance LC-MS/MS method was applied. Holistic analysis performed by GC-MS, NMR spectroscopy and ion cyclotron ultra-high resolution MS (FT-ICR-MS) instrumentation. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest coelomic fluid and cells as promising biosamples, rich in metabolites with potential use in mammalian system biology studies. PMID: 27921458 [PubMed - in process]

Impact of exercise on fecal and cecal metabolome over aging: a longitudinal study in rats.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Impact of exercise on fecal and cecal metabolome over aging: a longitudinal study in rats. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):21-36 Authors: Deda O, Gika H, Panagoulis T, Taitzoglou I, Raikos N, Theodoridis G Abstract AIM: Physical exercise can reduce adverse conditions during aging, while both exercise and aging act as metabolism modifiers. The present study investigates rat fecal and cecal metabolome alterations derived from exercise during rats' lifespan. METHODS & RESULTS: Groups of rats trained life-long or for a specific period of time were under study. The training protocol consisted of swimming, 15-18 min per day, 3-5 days per week, with load of 4-0% of rat's weight. Fecal samples and cecal extracts were analyzed by targeted and untargeted metabolic profiling methods (GC-MS and LC-MS/MS). Effects of exercise and aging on the rats' fecal and cecal metabolome were observed. CONCLUSION: Fecal and cecal metabolomics are a promising field to investigate exercise biochemistry and age-related alterations. PMID: 27921457 [PubMed - in process]

Capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry as a tool for untargeted metabolomics.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry as a tool for untargeted metabolomics. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):99-130 Authors: García A, Godzien J, López-Gonzálvez Á, Barbas C Abstract Highly polar and ionic metabolites, such as sugars, most amino acids, organic acids or nucleotides are not retained by conventional reversed-phase LC columns and polar stationary phases and hydrophilic-interaction LC lacks of robustness, which is still limiting their applications for untargeted metabolomics where reproducibility is a must. Biological samples such as blood, urine or even tissues include many hydrophilic compounds secreted from cells, their analysis is essential for biomarker discovery, disease progression or treatment effects. This review focuses on CE coupled to MS as a mature technique for untargeted metabolomics including sample pretreatment, types of matrices, analytical methods, applications and data treatment strategies for polar compound analysis in biological matrices. The main applications and results of CE-MS in untargeted metabolomics are discussed and presented in a tabulated format. PMID: 27921456 [PubMed - in process]

Lipoprotein profiling methodology based on determination of apolipoprotein concentration.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Lipoprotein profiling methodology based on determination of apolipoprotein concentration. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):9-19 Authors: Takeda H, Izumi Y, Tomita A, Koike T, Shiomi M, Fukusaki E, Matsuda F, Bamba T Abstract AIM: Abnormal lipid metabolism results in the alteration of lipid compositions in lipoproteins; therefore an accurate and quantitative analytical approach is required for the detailed structural characterization of lipoproteins. However, the specific lipid composition of each lipoprotein particle is poorly understood. MATERIALS & METHODS: Lipid composition of very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein particles derived from myocardial infarction-prone rabbits was determined by normalization of lipidomics data using apoB-100 levels. RESULTS: The ratio of lipid levels between very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein particles was different according to not only lipid classes, but also phosphatidylethanolamine subclasses by applying our developed methodology to myocardial infarction-prone rabbits. CONCLUSION: Our novel analytical approach represents to be a potentially useful tool to obtain particle-specific lipid components of lipoproteins. PMID: 27921455 [PubMed - in process]

Methods and techniques for metabolic phenotyping.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Methods and techniques for metabolic phenotyping. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):1-3 Authors: Wilson I PMID: 27921454 [PubMed - in process]

Simultaneous profiling of 17 steroid hormones for the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in H295R cells.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Simultaneous profiling of 17 steroid hormones for the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in H295R cells. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):67-69 Authors: Jumhawan U, Yamashita T, Ishida K, Fukusaki E, Bamba T Abstract AIM: There is urgent need to develop a new protocol for the evaluation of chemical substances to potentially interact with the endocrine system and induce numerous pathological issues. The recently validated in vitro screening assay is limited on monitoring two steroid hormones. Methodology & results: The H295R model cell was exposed to seven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The levels of 17 steroid hormones in cell extracts were subsequently determined by a quantitative targeted GC/MS/MS method. Through wide coverage, this system managed to capture the effects of exposure to increasing EDCs concentrations in the entire steroidogenic pathways. CONCLUSION: The developed approach could be beneficial for the mechanistic investigation of EDCs. PMID: 27921452 [PubMed - in process]

Targeted full-scan LC-MS metabolomics: simultaneous quantitation of knowns and feature discovery provide the best of both worlds.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Targeted full-scan LC-MS metabolomics: simultaneous quantitation of knowns and feature discovery provide the best of both worlds. Bioanalysis. 2017 Jan;9(1):5-8 Authors: Rosebrock AP PMID: 27921451 [PubMed - in process]

UPLC-MS for metabolomics: a giant step forward in support of pharmaceutical research.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles UPLC-MS for metabolomics: a giant step forward in support of pharmaceutical research. Drug Discov Today. 2016 Dec 02;: Authors: Nassar AF, Wu T, Nassar SF, Wisnewski AV Abstract Metabolomics is a relatively new and rapidly growing area of post-genomic biological research. As use of metabolomics technology grows throughout the spectrum of drug discovery and development, and its applications broaden, its impact is expanding dramatically. This review seeks to provide the reader with a brief history of the development of metabolomics, its significance and strategies for conducting metabolomics studies. The most widely used analytical tools for metabolomics: NMR, LC-MS and GC-MS, are discussed along with considerations for their use. Herein, we will show how metabolomics can assist in pharmaceutical research studies, such as pharmacology and toxicology, and discuss some examples of the importance of metabolomics analysis in research and development. PMID: 27919805 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metabolomics identifies perturbations in amino acid metabolism in the prefrontal cortex of the learned helplessness rat model of depression.

Wed, 07/12/2016 - 14:29
Related Articles Metabolomics identifies perturbations in amino acid metabolism in the prefrontal cortex of the learned helplessness rat model of depression. Neuroscience. 2016 Dec 02;: Authors: Zhou X, Liu L, Zhang Y, Pu J, Yang L, Zhou C, Yuan S, Zhang H, Xie P Abstract Major depressive disorder is a serious psychiatric condition associated with high rates of suicide and is a leading cause of health burden worldwide. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of major depression are still essentially unclear. In our study, a non-targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate metabolic changes in the prefrontal cortex of the learned helplessness rat model of depression. Body-weight measurements and behavioral tests including the active escape test, sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, elevated plus-maze and open field test were used to assess changes in the behavioral spectrum after inescapable footshock stress. Rats in the stress group exhibited significant learned helpless and depression-like behaviors, while without any significant change in anxiety-like behaviors. Using multivariate and univariate statistical analysis, a total of 18 differential metabolites were identified after the footshock stress protocol. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and MetaboAnalyst were applied for predicted pathways and biological functions analysis. "Amino Acid Metabolism, Molecule Transport, Small Molecule Biochemistry" was the most significantly altered network in the learned helplessness model. Amino acid metabolism, particularly glutamate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, was significantly perturbed in the prefrontal cortex of learned helplessness rats. PMID: 27919695 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metabolomics and Its Application in the Development of Discovering Biomarkers for Osteoporosis Research.

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Metabolomics and Its Application in the Development of Discovering Biomarkers for Osteoporosis Research. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Dec 02;17(12): Authors: Lv H, Jiang F, Guan D, Lu C, Guo B, Chan C, Peng S, Liu B, Guo W, Zhu H, Xu X, Lu A, Zhang G Abstract Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and increased risk of fracture in later life. The incidence and costs associated with treating osteoporosis cause heavy socio-economic burden. Currently, the diagnosis of osteoporosis mainly depends on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. However, these indexes are not sensitive and accurate enough to reflect the osteoporosis progression. Metabolomics offers the potential for a holistic approach for clinical diagnoses and treatment, as well as understanding of the pathological mechanism of osteoporosis. In this review, we firstly describe the study subjects of osteoporosis and bio-sample preparation procedures for different analytic purposes, followed by illustrating the biomarkers with potentially predictive, diagnosis and pharmaceutical values when applied in osteoporosis research. Then, we summarize the published metabolic pathways related to osteoporosis. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of chronological data and combination of multi-omics in fully understanding osteoporosis. The application of metabolomics in osteoporosis could provide researchers the opportunity to gain new insight into the metabolic profiling and pathophysiological mechanisms. However, there is still much to be done to validate the potential biomarkers responsible for the progression of osteoporosis and there are still many details needed to be further elucidated. PMID: 27918446 [PubMed - in process]

Mechanisms of Cross-talk between the Diet, the Intestinal Microbiome, and the Undernourished Host.

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Mechanisms of Cross-talk between the Diet, the Intestinal Microbiome, and the Undernourished Host. Gut Microbes. 2016 Dec 05;:0 Authors: Velly H, Britton RA, Preidis GA Abstract Undernutrition remains one of the most pressing global health challenges today, contributing to nearly half of all deaths in children under five years of age. Although insufficient dietary intake and environmental enteric dysfunction are often inciting factors, evidence now suggests that unhealthy gut microbial populations perpetuate the vicious cycle of pathophysiology that results in persistent growth impairment in children. The metagenomics era has facilitated new research identifying an altered microbiome in undernourished hosts and has provided insight into a number of mechanisms by which these alterations may affect growth. This article summarizes a range of observational studies that highlight differences in the composition and function of gut microbiota between undernourished and healthy children; discusses dietary, environmental and host factors that shape this altered microbiome; examines the consequences of these changes on host physiology; and considers opportunities for microbiome-targeting therapies to combat the global challenge of child undernutrition. PMID: 27918230 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Blood hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-885-5p levels associate with fatty liver and related lipoprotein metabolism-The Young Finns Study.

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Blood hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-885-5p levels associate with fatty liver and related lipoprotein metabolism-The Young Finns Study. Sci Rep. 2016 Dec 05;6:38262 Authors: Raitoharju E, Seppälä I, Lyytikäinen LP, Viikari J, Ala-Korpela M, Soininen P, Kangas AJ, Waldenberger M, Klopp N, Illig T, Leiviskä J, Loo BM, Oksala N, Kähönen M, Hutri-Kähönen N, Laaksonen R, Raitakari O, Lehtimäki T Abstract MicroRNAs are involved in disease development and may be utilized as biomarkers. We investigated the association of blood miRNA levels and a) fatty liver (FL), b) lipoprotein and lipid pathways involved in liver lipid accumulation and c) levels of predicted mRNA targets in general population based cohort. Blood microRNA profiling (TaqMan OpenArray), genome-wide gene expression arrays and nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics were performed for Young Finns Study participants aged 34-49 years (n = 871). Liver fat status was assessed ultrasonographically. Levels of hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p were up-regulated in individuals with FL (fold change (FC) = 1.55, p = 1.36 * 10(-14) and FC = 1.25, p = 4.86 * 10(-4), respectively). In regression model adjusted with age, sex and BMI, hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p predicted FL (OR = 2.07, p = 1.29 * 10(-8) and OR = 1.41, p = 0.002, respectively). Together hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p slightly improved the detection of FL beyond established risk factors. These miRNAs may be associated with FL formation through the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism as hsa-miR-122-5p levels associated with small VLDL, IDL, and large LDL lipoprotein subclass components, while hsa-miR-885-5p levels associated inversely with XL HDL cholesterol levels. Hsa-miR-885-5p levels correlated inversely with oxysterol-binding protein 2 (OSBPL2) expression (r = -0.143, p = 1.00 * 10(-4)) and suppressing the expression of this lipid receptor and sterol transporter could link hsa-miR-885-5p with HDL cholesterol levels. PMID: 27917915 [PubMed - in process]

Pathway Analysis and Metabolites Identification by Metabolomics of Etiolation Substrate from Fresh-Cut Chinese Water Chestnut (Eleocharis tuberosa).

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Related Articles Pathway Analysis and Metabolites Identification by Metabolomics of Etiolation Substrate from Fresh-Cut Chinese Water Chestnut (Eleocharis tuberosa). Molecules. 2016 Dec 01;21(12): Authors: Li YX, Pan YG, He FP, Yuan MQ, Li SB Abstract Fresh-cut Chinese water chestnuts (CWC) turn yellow after being peeled, reducing their shelf life and commercial value. Metabolomics, the systematic study of the full complement of small molecular metabolites, was useful for clarifying the mechanism of fresh-cut CWC etiolation and developing methods to inhibit yellowing. In this study, metabolic alterations associated with etiolation at different growth stages (0 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days) from fresh-cut CWC were investigated using LC-MS and analyzed by pattern recognition methods (principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA)). The metabolic pathways of the etiolation molecules were elucidated. The main metabolic pathway appears to be the conversion of phenylalanine to p-coumaroyl-CoA, followed by conversion to naringenin chalcone, to naringenin, and naringenin then following different pathways. Firstly, it can transform into apigenin and its derivatives; secondly, it can produce eriodictyol and its derivatives; and thirdly it can produce dihydrokaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin. The eriodictyol can be further transformed to luteolin, cyanidin, dihydroquercetin, dihydrotricetin, and others. This is the first reported use of metabolomics to study the metabolic pathways of the etiolation of fresh-cut CWC. PMID: 27916965 [PubMed - in process]

Perinatal exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide alters the thyrotrophic axis and causes thyroid hormone homeostasis imbalance in male rats.

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Related Articles Perinatal exposure to glyphosate-based herbicide alters the thyrotrophic axis and causes thyroid hormone homeostasis imbalance in male rats. Toxicology. 2016 Dec 01;: Authors: de Souza JS, Kizys MM, da Conceição RR, Glebocki G, Romano RM, Ortiga-Carvalho TM, Giannocco G, da Silva ID, da Silva MR, Romano MA, Chiamolera MI Abstract Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used in agriculture. Recently, several animal and epidemiological studies have been conducted to understand the effects of these chemicals as an endocrine disruptor for the gonadal system. The aim of the present study was to determine whether GBHs could also disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. Female pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to a solution containing GBH Roundup(®)Transorb (Monsanto). The animals were divided into three groups (control, 5mg/kg/day or 50mg/kg/day) and exposed from gestation day 18 (GD18) to post-natal day 5 (PND5). Male offspring were euthanized at PND 90, and blood and tissues samples from the hypothalamus, pituitary, liver and heart were collected for hormonal evaluation (TSH-Thyroid stimulating hormone, T3-triiodothyronine and T4-thyroxine), metabolomic and mRNA analyses of genes related to thyroid hormone metabolism and function. The hormonal profiles showed decreased concentrations of TSH in the exposed groups, with no variation in the levels of the thyroid hormones (THs) T3 and T4 between the groups. Hypothalamus gene expression analysis of the exposed groups revealed a reduction in the expression of genes encoding deiodinases 2 (Dio2) and 3 (Dio3) and TH transporters Slco1c1 (former Oatp1c1) and Slc16a2 (former Mct8). In the pituitary, Dio2, thyroid hormone receptor genes (Thra1 and Thrb1), and Slc16a2 showed higher expression levels in the exposed groups than in the control group. Interestingly, Tshb gene expression did not show any difference in expression profile between the control and exposed groups. Liver Thra1 and Thrb1 showed increased mRNA expression in both GBH-exposed groups, and in the heart, Dio2, Mb, Myh6 (former Mhca) and Slc2a4 (former Glut4) showed higher mRNA expression in the exposed groups. Additionally, correlation analysis between gene expression and metabolomic data showed similar alterations as detected in hypothyroid rats. Perinatal exposure to GBH in male rats modified the HPT set point, with lower levels of TSH likely reflecting post-translational events. Several genes regulated by TH or involved in TH metabolism and transport presented varying degrees of gene expression alteration that were probably programmed during intrauterine exposure to GBHs and reflects in peripheral metabolism. In conclusion, the role of GBH exposure in HPT axis disruption should be considered in populations exposed to this herbicide. PMID: 27916585 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Bluetongue Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA) vaccine: Studies on the optimal route and dose in sheep.

Tue, 06/12/2016 - 13:31
Related Articles Bluetongue Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA) vaccine: Studies on the optimal route and dose in sheep. Vaccine. 2016 Dec 01;: Authors: van Rijn PA, Daus FJ, Maris-Veldhuis MA, Feenstra F, van Gennip RG Abstract Bluetongue (BT) is a disease of ruminants caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) transmitted by biting midges of the Culicoides genus. Outbreaks have been controlled successfully by vaccination, however, currently available BT vaccines have several shortcomings. Recently, we have developed BT Disabled Infectious Single Animal (DISA) vaccines based on live-attenuated BTV without expression of dispensable non-structural NS3/NS3a protein. DISA vaccines are non-pathogenic replicating vaccines, do not cause viremia, enable DIVA and are highly protective. NS3/NS3a protein is involved in virus release, cytopathogenic effect and suppression of Interferon-I induction, suggesting that the vaccination route can be of importance. A standardized dose of DISA vaccine for serotype 8 has successfully been tested by subcutaneous vaccination. We show that 10 and 100times dilutions of this previously tested dose did not reduce the VP7 humoral response. Further, the vaccination route of DISA vaccine strongly determined the induction of VP7 directed antibodies (Abs). Intravenous vaccination induced high and prolonged humoral response but is not practical in field situations. VP7 seroconversion was stronger by intramuscular vaccination than by subcutaneous vaccination. For both vaccination routes and for two different DISA vaccine backbones, IgM Abs were rapidly induced but declined after 14days post vaccination (dpv), whereas the IgG response was slower. Interestingly, intramuscular vaccination resulted in an initial peak followed by a decline up to 21dpv and then increased again. This second increase is a steady and continuous increase of IgG Abs. These results indicate that intramuscular vaccination is the optimal route. The protective dose of DISA vaccine has not been determined yet, but it is expected to be significantly lower than of currently used BT vaccines. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of improved safety and DIVA compatibility, the novel DISA vaccines will be cost-competitive to commercially available live attenuated and inactivated vaccines for Bluetongue. PMID: 27916409 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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