Positive correlation of serum HDL cholesterol with blood mercury concentration in metabolic syndrome Korean men (analysis of KNANES 2008–2010, 2013)

Abstracts

Purpose

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) is anti-inflammatory in the basal state and pro-inflammatory during the acute-phase response. Blood mercury also has an inflammatory property. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum HDLC and blood mercury concentration in relation with metabolic syndrome (MS).

Methods

The data of 7616 subjects (3713 men and 3903 women), over 20 years of age, from 2008 to 2013, Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were selected for cross-sectional analyses. Correlation and regression of serum HDLC and blood mercury were initially done. We compared serum HDLC concentration according to blood mercury quartile after adjustment for relevant variables in subjects with MS.

Results

Mean blood mercury concentrations is 5.6 and 3.9 μg/dL in men and women, respectively. Blood mercury concentration in MS subjects was positively correlated with serum HDLC concentration, especially in men. In addition, HDLC concentration was significantly higher according to the higher blood mercury quartile.

Conclusion

Serum HDLC was positively associated with blood mercury concentration in MS Korean men. Therefore, elevated blood mercury may be a factor to increase serum HDLC concentration in MS men.

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Benzochloroporphyrin derivative photosensitizer-mediated photodynamic therapy for Ewing sarcoma

Publication date: July 2016
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 160
Author(s): Mengxiong Sun, Chenghao Zhou, Hui Zeng, Fei Yin, Zhuoying Wang, Jianzhong Yao, Yingqi Hua, Zhengdong Cai
In this study, we evaluated the photodynamic efficacy of a new photosensitizer, benzochloroporphyrin derivative 18 (BCPD-18), in Ewing sarcoma. We found that BCPD-18 decreased the viability of TC-71 cells irradiated by 670nm laser in a concentration dependent manner. We also observed cells undergoing apoptosis as well as cell cycle arrest at the G2M phase after BCPD–18-mediated photodynamic therapy (BCPD-PDT). In addition, in vivo study (subcutaneous and orthotopic models) showed that BCPD-PDT reduced tumor size, tumor weight and tumor-bearing leg weight. After PDT, apoptosis was shown in vivo. Bax expression was increased, and Bcl-2 expression was decreased. This study provides evidence that BCPD-18 could probably be a useful photosensitizer in PDT for Ewing sarcoma.

Graphical abstract

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Preparation and characterization of new zinc(II) phthalocyanine — Containing poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer micelles for photodynamic therapy

Publication date: July 2016
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 160
Author(s): Łukasz Lamch, Julita Kulbacka, Jadwiga Pietkiewicz, Joanna Rossowska, Magda Dubińska-Magiera, Anna Choromańska, Kazimiera A. Wilk
Poly(l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer (mPEG-b-PLLA) micelles were fabricated and applied as a new biodegradable and biocompatible nanocarrier for solubilization of hydrophobic zinc (II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc). The nanocarrier demonstrated a good colloidal stability and its in vitro sustained cargo release profile was assessed. Photobleaching of ZnPc, both in its native form and encapsulated in the obtained polymeric micelles, was studied by means of spectroscopic measurements. The photodynamic reaction (PDR) protocol for cyto- and photocytotoxicity was performed on metastatic melanoma cells (Me45), normal human keratinocytes (HaCaT) being used for comparison. The intracellular accumulation of free and encapsulated ZnPc was visualized at various time periods (1, 3 and 24h). The proapoptotic potential of the encapsulated phthalocyanine was evaluated by monitoring DNA double strand break damage fragmentation (TUNEL assay) and caspase 3/7 activity. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility studies were conducted by determining hemolytic activity of Zn-Pc-loaded mPEG-b-PLLA micelles and their lack of cytotoxicity against macrophages (P388/D1) and endothelial cells (HUV-EC-C). Our results suggest that the PDR using Zn-Pc-loaded mPEG-b-PLLA micelles can be effective in inhibiting tumor cell growth and apoptosis induction with higher responses, observed for Me45 cells. Additionally, the ZnPc-loaded micelles appear to be hemato-biocompatible and safe for normal keratinocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells.

Graphical abstract

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Interactive effects on CO2, drought, and ultraviolet-B radiation on maize growth and development

Publication date: July 2016
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 160
Author(s): Chathurika Wijewardana, W. Brien Henry, Wei Gao, K. Raja Reddy
Crop growth and development are highly responsive to global climate change components such as elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), drought, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Plant tolerance to these environmental stresses comprises its genetic potential, physiological changes, metabolism, and signaling pathways. An inclusive understanding of morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to these abiotic stresses is imperative for the development of stress tolerant varieties for future environments. The objectives of this study were to characterize the changes in vegetative and physiological traits in maize hybrids in their response to multiple environmental factors of (CO2) [400 and 750μmolmol⁻¹ (+(CO2)], irrigation treatments based evapotranspiration (ET) [100 and 50% (−ET)], and UV-B radiation [0 and 10kJm⁻²d⁻¹ (+UV-B)] and to identify the multiple stress tolerant hybrids aid in mitigating projected climate change for shaping future agriculture. Six maize hybrids (P1498, DKC 65–81, N75H-GTA, P1319, DKC 66–97, and N77P-3111) with known drought tolerance variability were grown in eight sunlit, controlled environment chambers in which control treatment consisted of 400μmolmol⁻¹ [CO2], 100% ET-based irrigation, and 0kJ UV-B. Plants grown at +UV-B alone or combination with 50% ET produced shorter plants and smaller leaf area while elevated CO2 treatments ameliorated the damaging effects of drought and higher UV-B levels on maize hybrids. Plant height, leaf area, total dry matter chlorophyll, carotenoids, and net photosynthesis measured were increased in response to CO2 enrichment. Total stress response index (TSRI) for each hybrid, developed from the cumulative sum of response indices of vegetative and physiological parameters, varied among the maize hybrids. The hybrids were classified as tolerant (P1498), intermediate (DKC 65–81, N75H-GTA, N77P-3111) and sensitive (P1319 and DKC 66–97) to multiple environmental stresses. The positive correlation between TSRI and vegetative and physiological index developed in this study demonstrates that a combination of vegetative and physiological traits is an effective screening tool to identify germplasm best suited to cope with future changing climates. Furthermore, the tolerant hybrids identified in this study indicate that the possibility of cultivar selection for enhanced agronomic performance and stability in a water limited environment with higher UV-B, anticipated to occur in future climates.



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Caffeic acid-coated multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for the treatment and bimodal imaging of tumours

Publication date: July 2016
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 160
Author(s): Jun Lee, Kyoung Sub Kim, Kun Na
Accurate theragnosis of tumour is essential for improving the life rate of tumour patients. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been used as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents. However, their application is often limited because of a lack of water solubility, lack of cancer treatment efficacy, and ineffective targeting of tumour cells. In this report, a double ligand (caffeic acid–polyethylene glycol–folic acid; FA–PEG–CA, caffeic acid–polyethylene glycol–pheophorbide-a; PheoA–PEG–CA) coated iron oxide nanoparticle has been fabricated that overcomes the limitations of conventional SPION. Photosensitizer and tumour targeting ligands were coated on SPION using a ligand-substitution method. We confirmed the successful substitution of oleic acid ligands with FA–PEG–CA and PheoA–PEG–CA ligands by FT-IR spectroscopy. The caffeic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles (CAMNPs) also demonstrated high water solubility in an aqueous environment and folate-mediated active tumour targeting. The water solubility of CAMNPs was evaluated by DLS measurement and TEM images. The cytotoxicity of CAMNPs increased two-fold in MDA-MB-231 cells at a laser irradiation condition. The fabricated CAMNPs retained their ability to function as both MRI diagnostic and tumour-selective therapeutic agents. These results suggest that these efficient characteristics of CAMNPs can be incorporated into applications, thus enhancing the efficacy of clinical cancer treatment.



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Circulating IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP) and IL-18 as Dual Biomarkers of Total-Body Irradiation in Mice

Radiation Research, Volume 185, Issue 4, Page 375-383, April 2016.


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Theoretical versus Ex Vivo Assessment of Radiation Damage Repair: An Investigation in Normal Breast Tissue

Radiation Research, Volume 185, Issue 4, Page 393-401, April 2016.


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