Role of Serum Cholesterol and Statin Use in the Risk of Prostate Cancer Detection and Tumor Aggressiveness

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between statin use along with serum cholesterol levels and prostate cancer (PCa) detection and aggressiveness. Statin users of three years or more and serum cholesterol levels (SC) were assessed in 2408 men scheduled for prostate biopsy. SC was classified as normal (NSC: <200 mg/dL) or high (HSC: >200 mg/dL). High-grade PCa (HGPCa) was considered if the Gleason score was greater than 7. Statin users comprised 30.9% of those studied. The PCa detection rate was 31.2% of men on statins and 37% of non-statin users (p < 0.006). The PCa detection rate was 26.3% in men with NSC and 40.6% in those with HSC (p < 0.001). In the subset of NSC men, the PCa rate was 26.5% for statin users and 26.2% for non-users (p = 0.939), while in men with HSC, the PCa rate was 36.4% for statin users and 42.0% for non-statin users (p = 0.063). The HGPCa rate was 41.8% for statin users and 32.5% for non-users (p = 0.012). NSC men had a 53.8% rate of HGPCa, while the rate was only 27.6% in HSC men (p < 0.001). NSC men on statins had an HGPCa rate of 70.2%, while non-statin users had a rate of 41.2% (p < 0.001). The HGPCa rate for HSC men on statins was 18.8%, while the rate was 30.0% (p = 0.011) for non-users. Logistic regression analysis suggested that serum cholesterol levels could serve as an independent predictor of PCa risk, OR 1.87 (95% CI 1.56–2.24) and HGPCa risk, OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.23–0.44), while statin usage could not. Statin treatment may prevent PCa detection through serum cholesterol-mediated mechanisms. A disturbing increase in the HGPCa rate was observed in statin users who normalized their serum cholesterol.     

Expression Profiling of Exosomal miRNAs Derived from Human Esophageal Cancer Cells by Solexa High-Throughput Sequencing

Cellular genetic materials, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs and proteins, are packaged inside exosomes, small membrane vesicles of endocytic origin that are released into the extracellular environment. These cellular genetic materials can be delivered into recipient cells, where they exert their respective biological effects. However, the miRNA profiles and biological functions of exosomes secreted by cancer cells remain unknown. The present study explored the miRNA expression profile and distribution characteristics of exosomes derived from human esophageal cancer cells through Solexa high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that 56,421 (2.94%) unique sequences in cells and 7727 (0.63%) in exosomes matched known miRNAs. A total of 342 and 48 known miRNAs were identified in cells and exosomes, respectively. Moreover, 64 and 32 novel miRNAs were predicted in cells and exosomes, respectively. Significant differences in miRNA expression profiles were found between human esophageal cancer cells and exosomes. These findings provided new insights into the characteristics of miRNAs in exosomes derived from human esophageal cancer cells and the specific roles of miRNAs in intercellular communication mediated by exosomes in esophageal cancer.     

Small Molecule Metabolite Biomarker Candidates in Urine from Mice Exposed to Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde (FA) is a ubiquitous compound used in a wide variety of industries, and is also a major indoor pollutant emitted from building materials, furniture, etc. Because FA is rapidly metabolized and endogenous to many materials, specific biomarkers for exposure have not been identified. In this study, we identified small metabolite biomarkers in urine that might be related FA exposure. Mice were allowed to inhale FA (0, 4, 8 mg/m³) 6 h per day for 7 consecutive days, and urine samples were collected on the 7th day of exposure. Liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight-mass spectrometry and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to determine alterations of endogenous metabolites in urine. Additionally, immune toxicity studies were conducted to ensure that any resultant toxic effects could be attributed to inhalation of FA. The results showed a significant decrease in the relative rates of T lymphocyte production in the spleen and thymus of mice exposed to FA. Additionally, decreased superoxide dismutase activity and increased reactive oxygen species levels were found in the isolated spleen cells of exposed mice. A total of 12 small molecules were found to be altered in the urine, and PCA analysis showed that urine from the control and FA exposed groups could be distinguished from each other based on the altered molecules. Hippuric acid and cinnamoylglycine were identified in urine using exact mass and fragment ions. Our results suggest that the pattern of metabolites found in urine is significantly changed following FA inhalation, and hippuric acid and cinnamoylglycine might represent potential biomarker candidates for FA exposure.     

Neuroprotective Role of Liver Growth Factor “LGF” in an Experimental Model of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxias (CA) comprise a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by a lack of motor coordination. They are caused by disturbances in the cerebellum and its associated circuitries, so the major therapeutic goal is to correct cerebellar dysfunction. Neurotrophic factors enhance the survival and differentiation of selected types of neurons. Liver growth factor (LGF) is a hepatic mitogen that shows biological activity in neuroregenerative therapies. We investigate the potential therapeutic activity of LGF in the 3-acetylpiridine (3-AP) rat model of CA. This model of CA consists in the lesion of the inferior olive-induced by 3-AP (40 mg/kg). Ataxic rats were treated with 5 µg/rat LGF or vehicle during 3 weeks, analyzing: (a) motor coordination by using the rota-rod test; and (b) the immunohistochemical and biochemical evolution of several parameters related with the olivo-cerebellar function. Motor coordination improved in 3-AP-lesioned rats that received LGF treatment. LGF up-regulated NeuN and Bcl-2 protein levels in the brainstem, and increased calbindin expression and the number of neurons receiving calbindin-positive projections in the cerebellum. LGF also reduced extracellular glutamate and GABA concentrations and microglia activation in the cerebellum. In view of these results, we propose LGF as a potential therapeutic agent in cerebellar ataxias.     

Effect of graft copolymer matrix prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer and atom transfer radical polymerization on the electro‐optical properties of polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals

A type of graft macroinitiator, synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and atom transfer radical polymerization, was employed to prepare polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) with graft copolymer matrix; meanwhile, a linear macroinitiator was also synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The effect of linear and graft macroinitiators on the electro‐optical (EO) properties of the PDLCs was investigated. The results showed that the graft macroinitiator could make a large difference to the EO properties of the PDLCs. The memory effect was reduced remarkably, but the driving voltage increased and transmittance decreased. A possible mechanism is presented. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Core–shell polypyrrole nanoparticles obtained by atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization

Polypyrrole hollow nanoparticles were prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization. The structure of the nanoparticles was studied using Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopies and atomic force microscopy. In contrast to low‐pressure plasma polymerization of pyrrole, which can produce films and solid nanoparticles, we obtained two types of hollow nanoparticles: a fraction with single spherical core and another with a core composed of small bubbles. Thermal characterization allowed us to determine that the nanoparticles are composed of highly crosslinked polymer. A mechanism that explains the formation of both types of hollow nanoparticles as well as solid nanoparticles is proposed. Chemical characterization shows that, in addition to the expected chemical structures due to pyrrole polymerization, the high energy of the plasma at atmospheric pressure produces intense dehydrogenation and oxidation processes. The fluorescence spectrum of the nanoparticles, however, shows a peak at 482 nm indicating that some degree of π‐conjugation is present in the material. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Lipoprotein Lipase,Tissue Expression and Effects on Genes Related to Fatty Acid Synthesis in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) serves as a central factor in hydrolysis of triacylglycerol and uptake of free fatty acids from the plasma. However, there are limited data concerning the action of LPL on the regulation of milk fat synthesis in goat mammary gland. In this investigation, we describe the cloning and sequencing of the LPL gene from Xinong Saanen dairy goat mammary gland, along with a study of its phylogenetic relationships. Sequence analysis showed that goat LPL shares similarities with other species including sheep, bovine, human and mouse. LPL mRNA expression in various tissues determined by RT-qPCR revealed the highest expression in white adipose tissue, with lower expression in heart, lung, spleen, rumen, small intestine, mammary gland, and kidney. Expression was almost undetectable in liver and muscle. The expression profiles of LPL gene in mammary gland at early, peak, mid, late lactation, and the dry period were also measured. Compared with the dry period, LPL mRNA expression was markedly greater at early lactation. However, compared with early lactation, the expression was lower at peak lactation and mid lactation. Despite those differences, LPL mRNA expression was still greater at peak, mid, and late lactation compared with the dry period. Using goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC), the in vitro knockdown of LPL via shRNA or with Orlistat resulted in a similar degree of down-regulation of LPL (respectively). Furthermore, knockdown of LPL was associated with reduced mRNA expression of SREBF1, FASN, LIPE and PPARG but greater expression of FFAR3. There was no effect on ACACA expression. Orlistat decreased expression of LIPE, FASN, ACACA, and PPARG, and increased FFAR3 and SREBF1 expression. The pattern of LPL expression was similar to the changes in milk fat percentage in lactating goats. Taken together, results suggest that LPL may play a crucial role in fatty acid synthesis.     

水泥回转窑和RH炉用镁铬残砖中铬价态分析

为了弄清含铬耐火材料是否在使用过程中都会形成六价铬化合物,采用XRD、XPS和ICP等手段分析了水泥回转窑烧成带用镁铬残砖及RH炉(浸渍管)用镁铬残砖中Cr6+的存在情况。结果表明:水泥回转窑烧成带用镁铬残砖中有六价铬化合物存在,并且含量较高;RH炉(浸渍管)用镁铬残砖中没有发现六价铬化合物。这表明,并非在所有应用环境中含铬耐火材料都会生成六价铬化合物。     

The effect of photoinitiator concentration and structures of RAFT macroinitiators on the memory effect of polymer dispersed liquid crystals

The article aimed to decrease the memory effect of polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) films, reversible additional‐fragmental chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was used to synthesize RAFT‐polystyrene (RAFT‐PS), which was a kind of RAFT macroinitiators and used to prepare PDLCs via photo polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS). Different RAFT agents were used to synthesize RAFT‐PS. The effect of photoinitiator concentration on the memory effect of these PDLCs was investigated, and the effect of structures of RAFT macroinitiators on the memory effect of the PDLCs was also discussed. The results showed that PDLC films with higher photoinitiator concentration and polymer matrix which had two rigid chains in two ends showed lower memory effect, which could be reduced from 10.9% to 2.5% in this experiment. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:8–13, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers