Temporal variation of the pseudo total content of heavy metals in Ulaanbaatar soil

This work shows some of the results of investigation into pseudo total content of heavy metals in the surface soil of Ulaanbaatar.The main objectives of this study are to (i) evaluate temporal variability of pseudo-total content of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co and Mn in surface soil of Ulaanbaatar collected from 2003 to 2018, (ii) identify the main discriminates - metals during the years 2003-2018 years and, (iii) investigate the interdependence of main discriminates on the soil reaction (pH) and soil organic matter.Due to urbanization and negative human activities, surface soil in Ulaanbaatar losing their natural features, which are changing, while the spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in urban surface soil is becoming irregular. In Ulaanbaatar surface soil, the mean concentration of Cu, Zn and Pb much mois very high and the mean concentration of Co is lower than background soil. In some land use zones, it was found that the mean concentraion of Zn and Cr was considerably higher than the permissible level. The pollution condition of Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni and Cd was the same in 2010-2018 and the pollution conditions of Pb, Cu and Co are different. The main discriminants are Pb, Cu and Co. In Ulaanbaatar soil, a strikingly close correlationhip was established for Cu, Pb with the soil organic matter, and for Cd, Zn, Cr with the pH, respectively

Content and distribution of some chemical elements in the poplar leaves (Populus laurifolia) in Ulaanbaatar

In the last more than two decades, technogenic environmental pollution of Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) has become a critical issue due to the rapid growth of the city’s population and environmental objects such as soil, plant and water in Ulaanbaatar territory have been heavily contaminated through air. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the toxic and biophilic elements in the leaves of laurel poplar (Populus laurifolia) in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and to study the behaviour and interdependence of its distribution, (2) and to assess the ecological state of laurel poplar (Populus laurifolia). In the leaves of laurel poplar (Populus laurifolia) on the territory of Ulaanbaatar, the distribution of most of the studied toxic and biophilic elements is even, but only Mg, Ca, and Mn are not evenly distributed. The biogeochemical feature of laurel poplar (Populus laurifolia) on the territory of Ulaanbaatar was studied by comparing it with the value of the world clarke and with the average content of elements in plant ash according to Alekseenko and with the background value. Our study revealed the accumulation of Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb and the scattering of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu in the leaves of laurel poplar (Populus laurifolia) in Ulaanbaatar In Populus laurifolia leaves in Ulaanbaatar area the median value of Fe/Mn ratio is 4.2-2.7 times, and the median value of Pb/Mn ratio is 6.7 times higher the normal and Cu/Zn ratio is at an equilibrium. The highest Fe/Mn ratios are found along the main highway (10.45) and in the city centre (11.09)

The Role of S1P2 in Atherogenesis

Aim: The bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), has various roles in the physiology and pathophysiology of many diseases. There are five S1P receptors; however, the role of each S1P receptor in atherogenesis is still obscure. Here we investigated the contribution of S1P receptor 2 (S1P2) to atherogenesis by using a specific S1P2 antagonist, ONO-5430514, in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe−/− ) mice. Methods: Apoe−/− mice fed with a western-type diet (WTD) received ONO-5430514 (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle. To examine the effect on atherogenesis, Sudan IV staining, histological analysis, qPCR, and vascular reactivity assay was performed. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used for in vitro experiments. Results: WTD-fed Apoe−/− mice had significantly higher S1P2 expression in the aorta compared with wild-type mice. S1P2 antagonist treatment for 20 weeks reduced atherosclerotic lesion development (p＜0.05). S1P2 antagonist treatment for 8 weeks ameliorated endothelial dysfunction (p＜0.05) accompanied with significant reduction of lipid deposition, macrophage accumulation, and inflammatory molecule expression in the aorta compared with vehicle. S1P2 antagonist attenuated the phosphorylation of JNK in the abdominal aorta compared with vehicle (p＜0.05). In HUVEC, S1P promoted inflammatory molecule expression such as MCP-1 and VCAM-1 (p＜0.001), which was attenuated by S1P2 antagonist or a JNK inhibitor (p＜0.01). S1P2 antagonist also inhibited S1P-induced JNK phosphorylation in HUVEC (p＜0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggested that an S1P2 antagonist attenuates endothelial dysfunction and prevents atherogenesis. S1P2, which promotes inflammatory activation of endothelial cells, might be a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis

P2Y12阻害薬チカグレロールはアポリポ蛋白E欠損マウスの血管障害を軽減して動脈硬化形成を抑制する

Background and aims: Ticagrelor reduces cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies demonstrated the expression of P2Y12 on vascular cells including endothelial cells, as well as platelets, and suggested its contribution to atherogenesis. We investigated whether ticagrelor attenuates vascular dysfunction and inhibits atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoe-/-) mice. Methods: Eight-week-old male apoe-/- mice were fed a western-type diet (WTD) supplemented with 0.1% ticagrelor (approximately 120 mg/kg/day). Non-treated animals on WTD served as control. Atherosclerotic lesions were examined by en-face Sudan IV staining, histological analyses, quantitative RT-PCR analysis, and western blotting. Endothelial function was analyzed by acetylcholine-dependent vasodilation using aortic rings. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used for in vitro experiments. Results: Ticagrelor treatment for 20 weeks attenuated atherosclerotic lesion progression in the aortic arch compared with control (p < 0.05). Ticagrelor administration for 8 weeks attenuated endothelial dysfunction (p < 0.01). Ticagrelor reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, macrophage accumulation, and lipid deposition. Ticagrelor decreased the phosphorylation of JNK in the aorta compared with control (p < 0.05). Ticagrelor and a JNK inhibitor ameliorated impairment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in wild-type mouse aortic segments. Furthermore, ticagrelor inhibited the expression of inflammatory molecules which were promoted by ADP in HUVEC (p < 0.001). Ticagrelor also inhibited ADP-induced JNK activation in HUVEC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ticagrelor attenuated vascular dysfunction and atherogenesis through the inhibition of inflammatory activation of endothelial cells. These effects might be a potential mechanism by which ticagrelor decreases cardiovascular events in patients with ACS

Effects of Esaxerenone on Diabetes-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction

Aims: Pharmacological blockade of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) is a potential therapeutic approach to reduce cardiovascular complications since MRs play a crucial role in cardiovascular regulation. Recent studies suggest that MR antagonists affect several extrarenal tissues, including vessel function. We investigated the effect of a novel nonsteroidal selective MR blocker, esaxerenone, on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin in 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Esaxerenone (3 mg/kg/day) or a vehicle was administered by gavage to diabetic mice for 3 weeks. Metabolic parameters, plasma aldosterone levels, and parameters related to renal function were measured. Endothelium-dependent or -independent vascular responses of the aortic segments were analyzed with acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside, respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for the in vitro study. Results: Induction of diabetes elevated plasma aldosterone level (P＜0.05) and impaired endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation (P＜0.05). The administration of esaxerenone ameliorated the endothelial dysfunction (P＜0.01) without the alteration of metabolic parameters, blood pressure, and renal function. Esaxerenone improved the eNOSSer1177 phosphorylation in the aorta obtained from diabetic mice (P＜0.05) compared with that in the vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, a major MR agonist, aldosterone, decreased eNOSSer1177 phosphorylation and increased eNOSThr495 phosphorylation in HUVECs, which recovered with esaxerenone. Esaxerenone ameliorated the endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation caused by aldosterone in the aortic segments obtained from C57BL/6 mice (P＜0.001). Conclusion: Esaxerenone attenuates the development of diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction in mice. These results suggest that esaxerenone has potential vascular protective effects in individuals with diabetes

Results of the study of pH and organic matter in the surface soil of Ulaanbaatar

This work summarizes the results of a study into such important urban soil parameters as soil actual (pH) and potential acidity (pH) and soil organic matter content (SOM) in the surface soil of Ulaanbaatar. The soil pH in Ulaanbaatar is slightly alkaline, with a median pH value of 7.36 (actual acidity) and 6.93 (potential acidity), and they were found to be the highest in the industrial zone as compared to other zones in the city. The median value of organic matter content in Ulaanbaatar surface soil was 5.61%, with a high variability in the industrial (C.V.-119%) and transport (C.V.-55.34%) zones. The SOM mean value in urban soil is less than the background value in surface soil from natural area, indicating to increasing compaction and reduction of porosity of soil in urban areas. Also, organic matter content have decreased relatively to previous data, reflecting the urbanization process and such long-term processes as aerial urban fallout

The Contributions of Food Groups to the Daily Caloric Intake in Mongolian Population: A Mon-Timeline Study

(1) Background: The “Ger Recommendations” have been advised to promote a healthy diet in Mongolia. These recommendations emphasize the ratio of six macro-food components to ensure proper nutrition. In this study, the ratio of these six groups to the total daily caloric intake was determined. (2) Methods: This study was conducted as part of a study at the Clinical Cohort (“Mon-Timeline”) of the Mongolian National University of Medical Science. A macro-community ratio was calculated using a 24-h dietary recall diary of a total of 498 people. (3) Results: The mean age of the study participants was 43.9 ± 12.9 years. Among them, 21.8% (n = 110) were male. Of the total calories, 44.7% were grains, 29.2% were meat and protein products, 9.3% were fats, 7.1% were dairy products, 6.6% were vegetables, and 3.1% were fruits. According to the ratio of the six groups in the Ger Recommendations, meat and grains exceeded the recommended amount, while fruits, milk, and vegetables were consumed less. It has been observed that the older a person ages, the closer they are to following these recommendations. In terms of gender, women consumed more fruit and milk than men. (4) Conclusions: The ratio of macronutrients in the daily caloric intake of Mongolians is inadequate. Therefore, knowledge about the “Ger Recommendations” needs to be studied in relation to people’s healthy eating knowledge and attitudes. If necessary, the appropriate awareness needs to be increased to educate the public on proper eating habits

Effect of Pemafibrate on Eicosanoids

Aims: Various pathological processes related to diabetes cause endothelial dysfunction. Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (AA) have roles in vascular regulation. Fibrates have recently been shown to attenuate vascular complications in diabetics. Here we examined the effects of pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator, on plasma eicosanoid levels and endothelial function in diabetic mice. Methods: Diabetes was induced in 7-week-old male wild-type mice by a single injection of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg). Pemafibrate (0.3 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for 3 weeks. Untreated mice received vehicle. Circulating levels of eicosanoids and free fatty acids were measured using both gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively, were analyzed. Results: Pemafibrate reduced both triglyceride and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P＜0.01), without affecting body weight. It also decreased circulating levels of AA (P＜0.001), thromboxane B2 (P＜0.001), prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4 (P＜0.05), and 5 hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (P＜0.001), all of which were elevated by the induction of diabetes. In contrast, the plasma levels of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2, which declined following diabetes induction, remained unaffected by pemafibrate treatment. In diabetic mice, pemafibrate decreased palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid concentrations (P＜0.05). Diabetes induction impaired endothelial function, whereas pemafibrate ameliorated it (P＜0.001). The results of ex vivo experiments indicated that eicosanoids or PA impaired endothelial function. Conclusion: Pemafibrate diminished the levels of vasoconstrictive eicosanoids and free fatty acids accompanied by a reduction of triglyceride. These effects may be associated with the improvement of endothelial function by pemafibrate in diabetic mice

Effects of esaxerenone on insulin sensitivity

Background: Esaxerenone is a novel, non-steroidal selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker. MR activation plays a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of esaxerenone on various metabolic parameters in mice. Methods: Esaxerenone (3 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed male C57BL/6 mice. Mice fed a normal diet (ND) served as controls. Glucose and insulin tolerance, plasma lipid levels, and transaminase levels were assessed as metabolic parameters. Macrophage accumulation in the adipose tissue was evaluated using histological analysis. 3T3-L1 adipocytes, HepG2 cells, and C2C12 myotubes were used for in vitro experiments. Gene expression and insulin signaling were examined using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Results: HFD successfully induced insulin resistance compared with that in ND. Esaxerenone ameliorated insulin resistance (P < 0.05) without altering other metabolic parameters, such as the lipid profile. Esaxerenone administration tended to decrease plasma transaminase levels compared with those in the non-treated group. In the adipose tissue, esaxerenone decreased macrophage accumulation (P < 0.05) and increased the expression levels of adiponectin and PPARγ. Aldosterone significantly decreased the expression levels of PPARγ and adiponectin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Furthermore, aldosterone attenuated insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, HepG2 cells, and C2C12 myotubes in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01). These effects were ameliorated by pretreatment with esaxerenone. Conclusion: Esaxerenone ameliorated insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. Reduction of inflammation and improvement in insulin signaling may underlie the beneficial effects of esaxerenone

Olive mill wastewater and hydroxytyrosol inhibits atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Background and Aims The Mediterranean diet, which is characterized by high consumption of olive oil, prevents cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, olive mill wastewater (OMWW), which is obtained as a byproduct during olive oil production, contains various promising bioactive components such as water-soluble polyphenols. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), the major polyphenol in OMWW, has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the atheroprotective effects of OMWW and HT remain to be fully understood. Here, we investigated the effect of OMWW and HT on atherogenesis. Methods and Results Male 8-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were fed a western-type diet supplemented with OMWW (0.30%w/w) or HT (0.02%w/w) for 20 weeks. The control group was fed a non-supplemented diet. OMWW and HT attenuated the development of atherosclerosis in the aortic arch as determined by Sudan IV staining (P<0.01, respectively) without alteration of body weight, plasma lipid levels, and blood pressure. OMWW and HT also decreased the production of oxidative stress (P<0.01, respectively) and the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits (e.g., NOX2 and p22phox) and inflammatory molecules (e.g., IL-1β and MCP-1) in the aorta. The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that HT inhibited the expression of these molecules that were stimulated with LPS in RAW264.7 cells, murine macrophage-like cells. Conclusion OMWW and HT similarly attenuated atherogenesis. HT is a major component of water-soluble polyphenols in OMWW, and it inhibited inflammatory activation of macrophages. Therefore, our results suggest that the atheroprotective effects of OMWW are at least partially attributable to the anti-inflammatory effects of HT