Association between the rs6950982 polymorphism near the SERPINE1 gene and blood pressure and lipid parameters in a high-cardiovascular-risk population: interaction with Mediterranean diet

The SERPINE1 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 1) gene, better known by its previous symbol PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), has been associated with cardiovascular phenotypes with differing results. Our aim was to examine the association between the rs6950982 (G > A) near the SERPINE1 gene, blood pressure (BP) and plasma lipid concentrations as well as the modulation of the polymorphism effects by adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD). We studied 945 high-cardiovascular-risk subjects. Biochemical, clinical, dietary and genetic data (rs6950982) were obtained. We also determined the common rs1799768 (4G/5G), for checking independent effects. AMD was measured by a validated questionnaire, and four groups were considered. rs6950982 (A > G) and rs1799768 (4G/5G) were only in moderate–low linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.719; r2 = 0.167). The most significant associations we obtained were with rs6950982 (A > G). In males, the G allele was nominally associated with higher diastolic BP (AA: 81.5 ± 10.9, AG: 82.1 ± 11.4, GG: 85.7 ± 10.5 mmHg; Padditive = 0.030) and systolic BP (AA + AG: 141.4 ± 6.9 mmHg vs. GG: 149.8 ± 8.0 mmHg; Precessive = 0.036). In the whole population, the rs6950982 was also associated with plasma lipids. Subject with the G allele presented higher total cholesterol (Padditive = 0.016, Precessive = 0.011), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Padditive = 0.032, Precessive = 0.031) and triglycerides (Padditive = 0.040, Precessive = 0.029). AMD modulated the effect of rs6950982 on triglyceride concentrations (P for interaction = 0.036). Greater AMD reduced the higher triglyceride concentrations in GG subjects. No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. The rs6950982 was associated with higher BP in men and higher triglycerides in the whole population, this association being modulated by AMD

Obesity and neuroinflammatory phenotype in mice lacking endothelial megalin

BACKGROUND: The multiligand receptor megalin controls the brain uptake of a number of ligands, including insulin and leptin. Despite the role of megalin in the transport of these metabolically relevant hormones, the role of megalin at the blood–brain-barrier (BBB) has not yet been explored in the context of metabolic regulation. METHODS: Here we investigate the role of brain endothelial megalin in energy metabolism and leptin signaling using an endothelial cell-specific megalin deficient (EMD) mouse model. RESULTS: We found megalin is important to protect mice from developing obesity and metabolic syndrome when mice are fed a normal chow diet. EMD mice developed neuroinflammation, by triggering several pro-inflammatory cytokines, displayed reduced neurogenesis and mitochondrial deregulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results implicate brain endothelial megalin expression in obesity-related metabolic changes through the leptin signaling pathway proposing a potential link between obesity and neurodegeneration. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0800-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Physicochemical, textural, volatile, and sensory profiles of traditional Sepet cheese

WOS: 000294085600006PubMed ID: 21854903Characterization of traditional cheeses is important for the protection of diversity of tradition and contributing baseline data for further research and quality control. Sepet cheese is a traditional cheese and specific to the Aegean region of Turkey. In this study, 52 Sepet cheese samples were analyzed to characterize the physicochemical, textural, volatile compounds, and sensory profiles. The changes in the physicochemical and volatile compositions were investigated during production and ripening periods. The average dry matter (DM; 55.16%), fat-in-DM (45.80%), protein (29.18%), salt-in-DM (12.88%), water activity (0.83), pH (5.50), titratable acidity (1.69%), ripening and lipolysis indices (11.06 and 6.36), firmness (212.20 N), springiness (0.62), cohesiveness (0.57), adhesiveness (0.48 Nmm), and chewiness (66.87 N) values of Sepet cheese samples were determined. Hexanoic, octanoic, decanoic, and butyric acids, which were responsible for the cheesy, waxy, goaty odors, were the most abundant volatile compounds in these cheeses. Most of the volatile compounds increased significantly during production and ripening. Significant changes in most of the physicochemical characteristics were observed up to the third month of ripening. As a result of the descriptive sensory analysis, Sepet cheeses were described with descriptors such as free fatty acid, animal like, sulfurous, creamy, cooked, and whey, and aromatics with high salty basic taste.Izmir Institute of TechnologyIzmir Institute of Technology [2008-IYTE-17]This research was supported by the Research Funds of Izmir Institute of Technology (Project no 2008-IYTE-17). The authors thank the Biotechnology and Bioengineering Research Center and Environmental Research Center of Izmir Institute of Technology (Turkey) for providing the GC and GC/MS for aroma analysis. The authors also thank panel members for their participation

Toksikologi Reproduksi dan Perkembangan

Buku ini disusun dengan harapan dapat membantu mahasiswa, dosen dan masyarakat dalam menyusun bahan ajar yang digunakan pada pendidikan biologi molekuler. Buku ini disusun dalam 8 Bab yaitu: Bab 1 Ruang Lingkup Toksikologi Reproduksi dan Perkembangan Bab 2 Gangguan Endokrin Bab 3 Karsinogenisitas Bab 4 Infertilitas dan Teratogenisitas Bab 5 Efek Toksikan Terhadap Reproduksi Pria dan Wanita Bab 6 Toksikologi Perkembangan Bab 7 Uji Reprotoksik Secara In Vitro Bab 8 Uji Teratogeni