Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae): Molecular characterization, distribution and its potential roles in larva-pupa ecdysis

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Yan Shi, Tian-Yuan Liu, Yu-Xia Pei, Hong-Bo Jiang, Wei Dou, Guy Smagghe, Jin-Jun Wang
Insects must undergo ecdysis for successful development and growth, and the crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) is one of the most important hormone in this process. Here we reported a cDNA encoding for the CCAP precursor cloned from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a most destructive insect pest of agriculture. The CCAP mature peptide (PFCNAFTGC-NH2) of B. dorsalis was generated by post-translational processing and found to be highly comparable with other insects. RT-qPCR showed that mRNA of CCAP in B. dorsalis (BdCCAP) was predominantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and midgut of 3rd-instar larvae. By using immunohistochemical analysis, we also localized the endocrine cells that produce CCAP in the CNS, ring gland and midgut of 3rd-instar larvae of B. dorsalis. The synthetic CCAP mature peptide could induce the expression of mRNA of adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the metabolic neuropeptides in insects. The expression of BdCCAP mRNA in the CNS, but not in the midgut, could be upregulated in the response to the challenge of insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone.



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Lumbar Gout Tophus Mimicking Epidural Abscess with Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Bone, and Gallium Scans

Justo Serrano Vicente, Alejandro Lorente Gómez, Rafael Lorente Moreno, Jose Rafael Infante Torre, Lucía García Bernardo, Juan Ignacio Rayo Madrid

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):158-160

Gout is a common metabolic disorder, typically diagnosed in peripheral joints. Tophaceous deposits in lumbar spine are a very rare condition with very few cases reported in literature. The following is a case report of a 52-year-old patient with low back pain, left leg pain, and numbness. Serum uric acid level was in normal range. magnetic resonance imaging, bone scan, and gallium-67 images suggested an inflammatory-infectious process focus at L4. After a decompressive laminectomy at L4–L5 level, histological examination showed a chalky material with extensive deposition of amorphous gouty material surrounded by macrophages and foreign-body giant cells (tophaceous deposits).

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The Radioprotective Effects of Curcumin and Trehalose Against Genetic Damage Caused By I-131

Seyed Masoud Jafarpour, Mehdi Safaei, Mehran Mohseni, Morteza Salimian, Akbar Aliasgharzadeh, Bagher Fahood

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):99-104

Background: Thyroid cancer has been growing rapidly during the last decades. Radioiodine-131 (I-131) as an appropriate therapy modality is currently using in the treatment of cancer and hyperthyroidism diseases. This radiotracer is considered as a cause of oxidative DNA damage in nontarget cells and tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin and trehalose on the level of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) caused by I-131 in human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: First, 6-mL blood samples were taken from each of the five volunteers. After 1 h of preincubation with the antioxidants, a total of 20 μCi I-131/2 mL (blood + NaCl) was added to each sample, and then, the samples were reincubated for 1 h. Lymphocytes were separated and the mean DSB levels were measured for each sample through γ-H2AX assay to evaluate the effects of antioxidants. Results: After 1-h incubation with I-131, the DSBs increased by 102.9% compared to the control group (0.343 vs. 0.169 DSB/cell; P = 0.00). Furthermore, compared to the control + I-131 group, curcumin and trehalose reduced the DSBs by 42% and 38%, respectively. There was a significant decrement (P = 0.00) in the levels of DSBs of the curcumin + I-131 and trehalose + I-131 subgroups compared to the control + I-131 subgroup. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between the radioprotective effect of curcumin and trehalose (P = 0.95). Conclusion: The use of curcumin and trehalose as antioxidant can reduce the numbers of DSBs caused by I-131. Meanwhile, the radioprotective effect of curcumin was more than trehalose.

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Which is Better - A Standalone Ventilation or Perfusion Scan or Combined Imaging to Predict Postoperative FEV1in One Seconds in Patients Posted for Lung Surgeries with Borderline Pulmonary Reserve

Padma Subramanyam, P Shanmuga Sundaram

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):105-111

Introduction: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is an independent predictor for respiratory morbidity. Reports are varied and controversial substantiating the use of either lung perfusion (Q) or ventilation (V) scintigraphy as a single stage investigation to predict postoperative (ppo) FEV1in patients scheduled for lung resection surgeries. It is said that there is no additional benefit by performing both V/Q scan. As per one of the recommendations, no further respiratory function tests are required for a lobectomy if the postbronchodilator FEV1is >1.5 l. We wanted to study the ppo FEV1in patients with FEV1of <1.5 L scheduled for lung surgeries. Being a high-risk population, we wanted to assess (a) whether the ppo changes by this combined V/Q imaging and (b) whether the incidence of respiratory complication in the postoperative setting of this subgroup is different, (c) and study the short- and long-term clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two high-risk patients (with comorbidities) and borderline preoperative FEV1of 1.5 L or less planned for lung resection were enroled in this prospective study. V and Q scans were performed, and tracer uptake percentage was tabulated. Results: Tracer uptake in each lung was quantitated. Manual method of ROI drawing is preferred in high risk patients with reduced pulmonary reserve over the automatic method. Based on uptake patterns by V/Q scans, 4 different types of patterns were tabulated. Eighty-eight percentage of centrally placed tumors showed the difference in uptake patterns. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients usually showed more modest ventilatory defects (categorised as type 2 or 3). Lung tumours produce erratic uptake patterns (Type 4) which depend heavily on their location and extent. The range of FEV1predicted was 0.6–1.38 L/min Conclusion: We recommend that combined imaging should be performed in patients with borderline pulmonary reserve to derive the benefit of surgery as it provides a realistic ppo FEV1in patients with moderate to severely damaged lung. Centrally placed hilar or bronchial tumors (even those <2 cm in size), produce discrepancies in V/Q distribution pattern. Patient who was thought ineligible for surgery due to low baseline FEV1may be actually be operable by this combined imaging if uptake pattern is better in V or Q scan with a good outcome. Accurate estimation of postop FEV1in fact helps the surgical team to implement measures to prepare high risk patients to reduce postoperative complications, enable faster weaning from ventilatory support and ensure favourable prognosis.

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Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-computed Tomography Evaluation of an Interesting Case of Uterine Carcinosarcoma with Isolated Appendicular Skeletal Metastases

Chidambaram Natrajan Balasubramanian Harisankar

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):152-153

Uterine carcinosarcomas, also known as malignant mixed mullerian tumors, are one of the rare and most aggressive neoplasms of the uterus. They have an aggressive course and can spread to distant organs. Owing to the low incidence of these tumors, the optimal adjuvant management after surgery is not well established. Many patients develop distant metastases during follow-up. An interesting case of uterine carcinosarcoma who developed metastases to the femur, tibia, and calcaneum during follow is presented.

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Role of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Various Orbital Malignancies

Aravintho Natarajan, Piyush Chandra, Nilendu Purandare, Archi Agrawal, Sneha Shah, Ameya Puranik, Venkatesh Rangarajan

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):118-124

Orbital swelling comprises wide spectrum of pseudotumors, benign and malignant tumor. Malignant tumor may be primary or secondary tumor, and they constitute about 36% of orbital tumors in adult. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan is extensively used in hematological malignancies and in solid tumors for staging, treatment response, and restaging. Recently, the use of FDG-PET/CT in orbital malignancies has gained importance. The aim of this pictorial essay is to illustrate few important orbital malignancies detected in F-18 FDG-PET/CT and discuss its role in assessing the primary lesion and associated systemic finding.

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Simultaneous 18F- FDG PET/MRI in Autoimmune Limbic Encephalitis

Sangeeta Taneja, Vinit Suri, Aashim Ahuja, Amarnath Jena

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):174-176

Limbic encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the brain with rapidly progressing dementia which requires definitive neurological evaluation. We describe both clinical as well as imaging findings in a case of limbic encephalitis using positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging.

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An Interesting Case of Retropharyngeal Lymph Nodal Metastases in a Case of Iodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer

Chidambaram Natrajan Balasubramanian Harisankar, Ramakrishnan Vijayabhaskar

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):125-127

Metastases to cervical lymph node are fairly common in differentiated thyroid cancer. In iodine-refractory disease, the disease may persist in the thyroid bed, cervical lymph nodes, lungs, or the bones commonly. Retropharyngeal lymph nodal involvement in thyroid cancer is unusual and may even be the presenting complaint. We represent a case of iodine-refractory thyroid cancer with retropharyngeal lymph nodal involvement in addition to lung metastases.

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Role of Preablative Stimulated Thyroglobulin in Prediction of Nodal and Distant Metastasis on Iodine Whole-Body Scan

Meghana Prabhu, Sanju Samson, Avinash Reddy, Sunil Hejaji Venkataramanarao, Naveen Hedne Chandrasekhar, Vijay Pillai, Vivek Shetty, Moni Abraham Koriokose, Bushan Vaidhya, Subramanian Kannan

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):93-98

Background: Preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) is an important investigation in the follow-up of patients with Differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC) after surgery. Levels of ps-Tg >2–10 ng/ml have been suggested to predict metastasis to cervical and extracervical sites. There is still debate on the need for routine iodine whole-body scan (131I WBS) in the management of low-to-intermediate-risk DTC patients. Objective: We analyzed our data of patients with DTC who underwent total thyroidectomy to discuss the predictability of ps-Tg on metastatic disease on the 131I WBS. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient records. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients with DTC (95 papillary thyroid cancer [71 had classic histology, 8 had tall cell variant, 16 had follicular variant] and 22 follicular thyroid cancer [18 minimally invasive, 2 hurtle cell, and 2 widely invasive cancers]) had undergone total thyroidectomy. All these patients underwent ps-Tg assessment and an 131I WBS. About 65% of them went on to have radioiodine ablation along with a posttherapy 131I WBS. We divided the cohort into four groups based on their ps-Tg levels: Group 1 (ps-Tg <1), Group 2 (ps-Tg 1–1.9), Group 3 (ps-Tg 2–5), and Group 4 (ps-Tg >5). None of the patients in Group 1, 7% of those combined in Groups 2 and 3 (2 out of 28 patients), and 26% (12 out of 47) of those in Group 4 had either cervical or extracervical metastasis. Those with extracervical metastatic disease to lungs and bones had a mean (standard deviation) ps-Tg value of 436 (130) and median of 500 ng/ml and those with cervical metastatic disease had a mean Tg value of 31 (64) and median 6.6 ng/ml. Conclusions: A ps-Tg value in the absence of anti-Tg antibodies <1 ng/ml reliably excludes metastatic disease in DTC, while a value >5 ng/ml has a 26% risk of having either cervical or extracervical metastasis.

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Mismatch in Brain Perfusion and Metabolism Detected with 99mTc-Hexamethyl Propylene Amine Oxime Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Moyamoya Disease

Justo Serrano Vicente, Luis Fernández Prudencio, José Rafael Infante Torre, Juan Ignacio Rayo Madrid

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):154-157

We report a 47-year-old woman who developed an ischemic stroke with diplopia and dysarthria. Emergency computed tomography (CT) showed no pathological findings, and magnetic resonance (MR) showed mild ischemic-degenerative lesions. MR angiography and angiogram showed severe stenosis of both internal carotid and main intracranial arteries with plenty collateral vessels with "puff of smoke" suggesting a moyamoya disease (MMD). Brain perfusion single-photon emission CT showed global diminished perfusion in the brain lobes and a marked relative hyperperfusion in the cerebellum. However, brain 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography showed physiological metabolism in the brain cortex with only slightly relative cerebellar hypermetabolism. MMD is a well-known arterial pathology that frequently develops with only mild symptoms until the middle age. Functional neuroimaging findings indicate a mismatch between brain glucose metabolism and brain perfusion, probably due to neuronal subclinical chronic ischemia in the brain cortex with preserved viability of neurons.

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Serendipitous Unearthing of Silent Multiple Giant Rasmussen's Aneurysms by Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography

Vatturi Venkata Satya Prabhakar Rao, Sujatha Naidu, Gangireddy Venkateshwar Reddy, Swetha Hanumanthu

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):136-139

The authors report multiple giant bilateral pseudoaneurysms of pulmonary artery, also known as Rasmussen's aneurysms, which remained silent and unrevealed despite the large size and multiplicity unearthed by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography.

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Postrenal Transplant Allograft “Page Kidney” Identified and Salvaged using 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid Renogram and Single-photon Emission-computed Tomography

Aashish Gambhir, Indirani Elangovan, Shelley Simon, Avani Jain

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):161-164

99mTc diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) renogram is a commonly performed evaluation postrenal transplant to assess graft function and for early detection of suspected immediate and late transplant-associated complications. Although several modalities can be utilized to detect perinephric collection in posttransplant period, the utility of 99mTc DTPA single-photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) is not recognized. Herein, we discuss the incremental role of seldom considered SPECT-CT in early detection, leading to timely appropriate management and graft salvage in a case of posttransplant deteriorating renal allograft as a result of subcapsular hematoma.

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Discordant Primary Resistance to Imatinib Mesylate in the Same Individual and Splenic Involvement in Recurring Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Assessment by Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Preeti Fargose, Sandip Basu

Indian Journal of Nuclear Medicine 2018 33(2):140-142

Discordant primary resistance and response of the metastatic lesions in the same individual coupled with splenic involvement in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are relatively uncommon. We herein report such a case of recurring GIST of the stomach that presented with the involvement of spleen with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) imaging documentation. Ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration cytology from the splenic and paravesical lesions demonstrated metastatic spindle cell tumor consistent with diagnosis of metastasis from GIST of the stomach. The splenic and the paravesical lesions appeared resistant to the conventional 400 mg of imatinib mesylate, while most other abdominopelvic metastatic lesions demonstrated good metabolic response on FDG-PET/CT, with the noteworthy findings of interlesional heterogeneity of the metastatic lesions in terms of differential primary response in the same individual.

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Parent perspectives on the clinician-client relationship in speech-language treatment for children

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Kerry Danahy Ebert
Few studies have explored clinician-client relationships in speech-language treatment for children, although evidence indicates that these relationships may be important. Parents play a unique role in clinician-client relationships and their views have yet to be considered in the speech-language pathology literature. This study explored parents' perspectives on the clinician-client relationship in speech-language treatment for children using both quantitative and qualitative information. An online survey collected responses from 159 parents with children enrolled in speech-language services. Respondents were asked to complete a rating of the clinician-client relationship, provide information on length of treatment and treatment setting, and respond to open-ended questions about what enhances the clinician-client relationship. Length of treatment was unrelated to the parent rating of the clinician-client relationship. However, ratings did vary by treatment setting; parents of children enrolled in treatment services in schools provided lower ratings than parents with children enrolled in other settings. Thematic analysis of parent views on what enhances the clinician-client relationship yielded four main themes: qualities of the speech-language pathologist (SLP), session characteristics, the child-SLP bond, and communication. The most frequent subthemes in the analysis related to characteristics of the sessions: the integration of play and fun, and a child-oriented approach to sessions. These results provide insight into the development of clinician-client relationships in children's speech-language treatment, with implications for both clinicians and researchers.



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Chinese herb medicine matrine induce apoptosis in human esophageal squamous cancer KYSE-150 cells through increasing reactive oxygen species and inhibiting mitochondrial function

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice
Author(s): Jin-Huan Jiang, Jiang Pi, Hua Jin, Fen Yang, Ji-Ye Cai
Matrine, as a natural alkaloid isolated from the traditional herb medicine sophora flavescens, has been proved to possess excellent biological activities, including anticancer effects. Now, this research aims to assess the anticancer activities and the mechanism of matrine against esophageal cancer cells, we investigated the proliferative inhibition, apoptosis induction, as well as the underlying mechanism of matrine on esophageal cancer KYSE-150 cells. It was found that matrine could suppress KYSE-150 cell proliferation and significantly mediate cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent relation by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species level and triggering mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. More precise mechanism studies demonstrated that matrine could up-regulate the expression of Bax proteins and down-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 proteins, as well as the activation about caspase-3, 8 and 9 in KYSE-150 cells. The morphological analysis of KYSE-150 cells exhibited that matrine could destroy the F-actin and nuclei structures and induce morphological damage with increased surface height distribution and roughness of cell membrane. These results not only demonstrated the potential anticancer activity mechanism of matrine at nanoscale, but also provide preliminary guidance for the treatment of esophageal cancer using matrine.



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Opposing Effects of CREBBP Mutations Govern the Phenotype of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome and Adult SHH Medulloblastoma

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Developmental Cell
Author(s): Daniel J. Merk, Jasmin Ohli, Natalie D. Merk, Venu Thatikonda, Sorana Morrissy, Melanie Schoof, Susanne N. Schmid, Luke Harrison, Severin Filser, Julia Ahlfeld, Serap Erkek, Kaamini Raithatha, Thomas Andreska, Marc Weißhaar, Michael Launspach, Julia E. Neumann, Mehdi Shakarami, Dennis Plenker, Marco A. Marra, Yisu Li, Andrew J. Mungall, Richard A. Moore, Yussanne Ma, Steven J.M. Jones, Beat Lutz, Birgit Ertl-Wagner, Andrea Rossi, Rabea Wagener, Reiner Siebert, Andreas Jung, Charles G. Eberhart, Boleslaw Lach, Michael Sendtner, Stefan M. Pfister, Michael D. Taylor, Lukas Chavez, Marcel Kool, Ulrich Schüller
Recurrent mutations in chromatin modifiers are specifically prevalent in adolescent or adult patients with Sonic hedgehog-associated medulloblastoma (SHH MB). Here, we report that mutations in the acetyltransferase CREBBP have opposing effects during the development of the cerebellum, the primary site of origin of SHH MB. Our data reveal that loss of Crebbp in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) during embryonic development of mice compromises GNP development, in part by downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). Interestingly, concomitant cerebellar hypoplasia was also observed in patients with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a congenital disorder caused by germline mutations of CREBBP. By contrast, loss of Crebbp in GNPs during postnatal development synergizes with oncogenic activation of SHH signaling to drive MB growth, thereby explaining the enrichment of somatic CREBBP mutations in SHH MB of adult patients. Together, our data provide insights into time-sensitive consequences of CREBBP mutations and corresponding associations with human diseases.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Merk et al. show that the developmental time frame of CREBBP mutation acquisition in cerebellar granule neurons determines the pathogenic effect of these alterations in the cerebellum. These time-sensitive consequences explain phenotypic differences seen in patients with germline (Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome) or somatic mutations (adult SHH medulloblastoma) of CREBBP.


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Herpesvirus-encoded microRNAs detected in human gingiva alter host cell transcriptome and regulate viral infection

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Regulatory Mechanisms
Author(s): Afsar R. Naqvi, Alexandra Seal, Jennifer Shango, Maria Brambila Navarette, Gloria Martinez, Gabriela Chapa, Shirin Hasan, Tejabhiram Yadavalli, Dinesh Jaishankar, Deepak Shukla, Salvador Nares
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs of ~18-25 nucleotides that have gained extensive attention as critical regulators in complex gene networks including immune cell lineage commitment, differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of immune homeostasis and function. Many viruses encode miRNAs that directly downregulate the expression of factors of the innate immune system, which includes proteins involved in promoting apoptosis and recruitment. In this study, we examined the expression profiles of three previously identified viral miRNAs (v-miRs) from the human herpesvirus (HHV) family, HSV-1 (miR-H1), KSHV (miR-K12-3-3p), and HCMV (miR-US4) in healthy and diseased periodontal tissues and observed increased levels of v-miRs in diseased tissues. To understand the significance of this increase, we overexpressed v-miRs in human oral keratinocytes (HOK), a common target for various HHV, and analyzed the impact of miR-H1 and miR-K12-3-3p on the host transcriptome. More than 1300 genes were altered in HOK overexpressing miR-H1 and miR-K12-3-3p. Global pathway analysis of deregulated genes identified several key cellular pathways that may favor viral persistence. Using bioinformatic analysis, we predicted hundreds of potential v-miR binding sites on genes downregulated by miR-H1 and miR-K12-3-3p and validated three novel target v-miR sites suggesting widespread direct and indirect modualtion of numerous host genes/pathways by a single v-miR. Finally, in vitro HSV-1 infection assays showed that miR-H1 can regulate viral entry and infection in human oral keratinocytes (HOK). Overall, our results demonstrate clinical and functional relevance of pathogenic viral molecules viz., v-miRs that regulate both host and viral functions and may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory oral diseases.



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Impairing L-Threonine Catabolism Promotes Healthspan through Methylglyoxal-Mediated Proteohormesis

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Meenakshi Ravichandran, Steffen Priebe, Giovanna Grigolon, Leonid Rozanov, Marco Groth, Beate Laube, Reinhard Guthke, Matthias Platzer, Kim Zarse, Michael Ristow
Whether and how regulation of genes and pathways contributes to physiological aging is topic of intense scientific debate. By performing an RNA expression-based screen for genes downregulated during aging of three different species, we identified glycine-C-acetyltransferase (GCAT, EC 2.3.1.29). Impairing gcat expression promotes the lifespan of C. elegans by interfering with threonine catabolism to promote methylglyoxal (MGO; CAS 78-98-8) formation in an amine oxidase-dependent manner. MGO is a reactive dicarbonyl inducing diabetic complications in mammals by causing oxidative stress and damaging cellular components, including proteins. While high concentrations of MGO consistently exert toxicity in nematodes, we unexpectedly find that low-dose MGO promotes lifespan, resembling key mediators of gcat impairment. These were executed by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, namely PBS-3 and RPN-6.1 subunits, regulated by the stress-responsive transcriptional regulators SKN-1/NRF2 and HSF-1. Taken together, GCAT acts as an evolutionary conserved aging-related gene by orchestrating an unexpected nonlinear impact of proteotoxic MGO on longevity.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Ravichandran et al. show that the gcat gene is downregulated during normal aging in different species, and show that impairment of GCAT delays aging by promoting formation of methylglyoxal. This diabetes-related and toxic compound unexpectedly also extends healthspan at low concentrations. Both interventions converge at stress-response and proteostasis pathways.


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Elevated Levels of the Reactive Metabolite Methylglyoxal Recapitulate Progression of Type 2 Diabetes

Publication date: Available online 15 March 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Alexandra Moraru, Janica Wiederstein, Daniel Pfaff, Thomas Fleming, Aubry K. Miller, Peter Nawroth, Aurelio A. Teleman
The molecular causes of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not well understood. Both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D are characterized by impaired insulin signaling and hyperglycemia. From analogy to T1D, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia are thought to also play causal roles in T2D. Recent clinical studies, however, found that T2D patients treated to maintain glycemia below the diabetes definition threshold (HbA1c < 6.5%) still develop diabetic complications. This suggests additional insulin- and glucose-independent mechanisms could be involved in T2D progression and/or initiation. T2D patients have elevated levels of the metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). We show here, using Drosophila glyoxalase 1 knockouts, that animals with elevated methylglyoxal recapitulate several core aspects of T2D: insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. Thus elevated MG could constitute one root cause of T2D, suggesting that the molecular causes of elevated MG warrant further study.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Moraru et al. find that elevated levels of the reactive metabolite methylglyoxal in a Drosophila model recapitulate the progression of type 2 diabetes, causing flies to become obese, insulin resistant, and hyperglycemic. This raises the question of whether elevated methylglyoxal might be a cause of type 2 diabetes.


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Confucian Culture as Determinants of Consumers' Food Leftover Generation: Evidence from Chengdu, China

Abstract

Food waste is a worldwide problem due to its effects on carbon emission, water pollution, and arable lands. Previous studies of food waste generation and reduction focus on demographic, psychological, and situational factors, whereas the effects of culture in different countries have been ignored. This paper investigates the influence of Confucian culture on behaviors that waste food, considering additional factors of face saving and group conformity. We used an integrated behavioral intention model combining the TPB model and Lee's modified Fishbein model. The results show that including the constructors of Confucian culture increases the predictive power of the model. Face saving and group conformity are found to significantly influence attitude toward food waste reduction. Face saving can greatly reduce the intention to pack leftovers, and group conformity has a significant effect on the ordering of small portion sizes. Based on these results, we give a discussion and put forward with suggestions to the government and the catering industry. Limitations and implications for future research are provided accordingly.

http://ift.tt/2FXjTVi