PPARδ binding to heme oxygenase 1 promoter prevents angiotensin II-induced adipocyte dysfunction in Goldblatt hypertensive rats

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) regulates adipogenic response with adipocyte hypertrophy by increasing oxidative stress. Recent studies have shown the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-d (PPARδ) agonist in attenuation of angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to explore a potential mechanistic link between PPARδ and the cytoprotective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and to elucidate the contribution of HO-1 to the adipocyte regulatory effects of PPARδ agonism in an animal model of enhanced RAS, the Goldblatt 2 kidney 1 clip (2K1C) model. METHOD: We first established a direct stimulatory effect of the PPARδ agonist (GW 501516) on the HO-1 gene by demonstrating increased luciferase activity in COS-7 cells transfected with a luciferase-HO-1 promoter construct. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated animals, 2K1C rats and 2K1C rats treated with GW 501516, in the absence or presence of the HO activity inhibitor, stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP). RESULTS: 2K1C animals had increased visceral adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, increased inflammatory cytokines, increased circulatory and adipose tisssue levels of renin and Ang II along with increased adipose tissue gp91 phox expression (Po0.05) when compared with sham-operated animals. Treatment with GW 501516 increased adipose tissue HO-1 and adiponectin levels (Po0.01) along with enhancement of Wnt10b and b-catenin expression. HO-1 induction was accompanied by the decreased expression of Wnt5b, mesoderm specific transcript (mest) and C/EBPa levels and an increased number of small adipocytes (Po0.05). These effects of GW501516 were reversed in 2K1C animals exposed to SnMP (Po0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, our study demonstrates, for the first time, that increased levels of Ang II contribute towards adipose tissue dysregulation, which is abated by PPARδ-mediated upregulation of the heme-HO system. These findings highlight the pivotal role and symbiotic relationship of HO-1, adiponectin and PPARδ in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in adipose tissues

Integrated management of ash from industrial and domestic combustion : a new sustainable approach for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy conversion

This work supports, for the first time, the integrated management of waste materials arising from industrial processes (fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration and coal fly ash), agriculture (rice husk ash), and domestic activities (ash from wood biomass burning in domestic stoves). The main novelty of the paper is the reuse of wood pellet ash, an underestimated environmental problem, by the application of a new technology (COSMOS-RICE) that already involves the reuse of fly ashes from industrial and agricultural origins. The reaction mechanism involves carbonation: this occurs at room temperature and promotes permanent carbon dioxide sequestration. The obtained samples were characterized using XRD and TGA (coupled with mass spectroscopy). This allowed quantification of the mass loss attributed to different calcium carbonate phases. In particular, samples stabilized using wood pellet ash show a weight loss, attributed to the decomposition of carbonates greater than 20%. In view of these results, it is possible to conclude that there are several environmental benefits from wood pellet ash reuse in this way. In particular, using this technology, it is shown that for wood pellet biomass the carbon dioxide conversion can be considered negative

Endo-therapies for biliary duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation: outcomes of a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate endo-therapeutic approach to biliary anastomotic strictures is yet to be defined. AIM: To retrospectively report on the endo-therapy of duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures during 2013 in Italy. METHODS: Data were collected from 16 Endoscopy Units at the Italian Liver Transplantation Centers (BASALT study group). RESULTS: Complete endo-therapy and follow-up data are available for 181 patients: 101 treated with plastic multistenting, 26 with fully covered self-expandable metal stenting (SEMS) and 54 with single stenting. Radiological success was achieved for 145 patients (80%), i.e. 88% of plastic multistenting, 88% of SEMS and 61% of single stenting (p<0.001 vs plastic multistenting; p<0.05 vs SEMS)]. After first-line endo-therapy failure, the patients underwent a second-line endo-therapy with plastic multistenting for 25%, fully covered SEMS for 53% and single stenting for 22% of cases, and radiological success was achieved for 84%, i.e. 100%, 85%, and 63% with plastic multistenting, SEMS and single stenting (p<0.05 vs plastic multistenting or SEMS), respectively. Procedure-related complications occurred in 7.8% of ERCP. Overall clinical success was achieved in 87% of patients after a median follow-up of 25 months. CONCLUSION: Plastic multistenting is confirmed as the preferred first-line treatment, while fully covered SEMS as rescue option for biliary anastomotic strictures. Single stenting has sub-optimal results and should be abandoned. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Erosion consequences on beach functions along the Maresme coast (NW Mediterranean, Spain)

A methodology to analyse the influence of erosion on beach functions at a regional scale is presented. The method considers erosion hazards at different timescales and assesses consequences by evaluating impacts on recreation and protection functions. To provide useful information to decision makers for managing these functions, hazard and consequences are integrated at the municipal level within a risk matrix. This methodology is applied at the Maresme, a 45-km sandy coast situated northward of Barcelona, which supports a strong urban and infrastructure development as well as an intensive beach recreational use. Obtained results indicate differentiated erosion implications along the region, depending on the management target considered. Thus, southern municipalities are more prone to erosion affecting the protection function of the beach and leisure use by the local population, whereas erosion will have a greater effect on foreign tourism in the northern municipalities. These results highlight the necessity to employ an articulated erosion risk assessment focusing on specific targets depending on the site in question. This methodology can help coastal managers to adopt tailored measures to manage erosion impacts towards specific goals, in a more efficient and sustainable manner