Human adipose tissue H3K4me3 histone mark in adipogenic, lipid metabolism and inflammatory genes is positively associated with BMI and HOMA-IR.

Adipose tissue is considered an important metabolic tissue, in charge of energy storage as well as being able to act in systemic homeostasis and inflammation. Epigenetics involves a series of factors that are important for gene regulation or for chromatin structure, mostly DNA methylation and histone-tail modifications, which can be modified by environmental conditions (nutrition, lifestyle, smoking…). Since metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes are closely related to lifestyle and nutrition, epigenetic deregulation could play an important role in the onset of these diseases and vice versa. However, little is known about histone marks in human adipose tissue. In a previous work, we developed a protocol for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of frozen human adipose tissue. By using this method, this study investigates, for the first time, the H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) mark (open chromatin) on the promoter of several factors involved in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from human subjects with different degrees of body mass index (BMI) and metabolic disease. VAT was collected and frozen at -80°C. 100 mg VAT samples were fixed in 0.5% formaldehyde and homogenized. After sonication, the sheared chromatin was immune-precipitated with an anti-H3K4me3 antibody linked to magnetic beads and purified. H3K4me3 enrichment was analyzed by qPCR for LEP, LPL, SREBF2, SCD1, PPARG, IL6, TNF and E2F1 promoters. mRNA extraction on the same samples was performed to quantify gene expression of these genes. H3K4me3 was enriched at the promoter of E2F1, LPL, SREBF2, SCD1, PPARG and IL6 in lean normoglycemic compared to morbid obese subjects with prediabetes. Accordingly H3K4me3 mark enrichment at E2F1, LPL, SREBF2, SCD1, PPARG and IL6 promoters was positively correlated with the BMI and the HOMA-IR. Regression analysis showed a strong relationship between the BMI with H3K4me3 at the promoter of E2F1 and LPL, and with mRNA levels of LEP and SCD. In the case of HOMA-IR, the regression analysis showed associations with H3K4me3 enrichment at the promoter of SCD1 and IL6, and with the mRNA of LEP and SCD1. Moreover H3K4me3 at the E2F1 promoter was positively associated to E2F1 mRNA levels. H3K4me3 enrichment in the promoter of LEP, LPL, SREBF2, SCD1, PPARG, IL6, TNF and E2F1 is directly associated with increasing BMI and metabolic deterioration. The H3k4me3 mark could be regulating E3F1 mRNA levels in adipose tissue, while no associations between the promoter enrichment of this mark and mRNA levels existed for the other genes studied

Diets containing sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) meals are hypocholesterolemic in young rats

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory in M\'exico: The Primary Detector

The High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory is a second-generation continuously operated, wide field-of-view, TeV gamma-ray observatory. The HAWC observatory and its analysis techniques build on experience of the Milagro experiment in using ground-based water Cherenkov detectors for gamma-ray astronomy. HAWC is located on the Sierra Negra volcano in M\'exico at an elevation of 4100 meters above sea level. The completed HAWC observatory principal detector (HAWC) consists of 300 closely spaced water Cherenkov detectors, each equipped with four photomultiplier tubes to provide timing and charge information to reconstruct the extensive air shower energy and arrival direction. The HAWC observatory has been optimized to observe transient and steady emission from sources of gamma rays within an energy range from several hundred GeV to several hundred TeV. However, most of the air showers detected are initiated by cosmic rays, allowing studies of cosmic rays also to be performed. This paper describes the characteristics of the HAWC main array and its hardware.Comment: Accepted for publications in Nuclear Inst. and Methods in Physics Research, A (2023) 168253 ( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168900223002437 ); 39 pages, 14 Figure

Dental Health and Mortality in People With End-Stage Kidney Disease Treated With Hemodialysis: A Multinational Cohort Study

Background Dental disease is more extensive in adults with chronic kidney disease, but whether dental health and behaviors are associated with survival in the setting of hemodialysis is unknown. Study Design Prospective multinational cohort. Setting & Participants 4,205 adults treated with long-term hemodialysis, 2010 to 2012 (Oral Diseases in Hemodialysis [ORAL-D] Study). Predictors Dental health as assessed by a standardized dental examination using World Health Organization guidelines and personal oral care, including edentulousness; decayed, missing, and filled teeth index; teeth brushing and flossing; and dental health consultation. Outcomes All-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 12 months after dental assessment. Measurements Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models fitted with shared frailty to account for clustering of mortality risk within countries. Results During a mean follow-up of 22.1 months, 942 deaths occurred, including 477 cardiovascular deaths. Edentulousness (adjusted HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.10-1.51) and decayed, missing, or filled teeth score ≥ 14 (adjusted HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.33-2.17) were associated with early all-cause mortality, while dental flossing, using mouthwash, brushing teeth daily, spending at least 2 minutes on oral hygiene daily, changing a toothbrush at least every 3 months, and visiting a dentist within the past 6 months (adjusted HRs of 0.52 [95% CI, 0.32-0.85], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.64-0.97], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.58-0.99], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.71-0.99], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.95], and 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.96], respectively) were associated with better survival. Results for cardiovascular mortality were similar. Limitations Convenience sample of clinics. Conclusions In adults treated with hemodialysis, poorer dental health was associated with early death, whereas preventive dental health practices were associated with longer survival

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Role of stearoyl CoA desaturase on conjugated Linoleic acid concentration in bovine milk: review Papel de la estearoil CoA desaturasa sobre la variabilidad en los niveles de ácido linoléico conjugado en la leche bovina: revisión Papel do estereaoil CoA desnaturase na variação dos níveis do ácido linoléico conjugado em leite bovino: Revisão

Interesting health benefits have been attributed to the intake of conjugated linoleic acid, CLA (C18:2 cis9, trans-11), which is the main isomer of linoleic acid, and is present in bovine milk. Among those benefits are: cancer prevention, diminished risk for the onset of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, modulation of the immune response, and reduction of preeclampsia risk in primigravid women. Although an adequate nutrition of cows has permitted to increase the amount of CLA in their milk, there is variation in CLA concentrations among cows consuming the same diet. It has been suggested that this variation is due either to changes in the activity of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), changes in the gene expression, or to alterations in the ruminal process of biohydrogenation. Research conducted in semimembranosus muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of cattle suggests there are two isoforms of SCD.Al isómero mayoritario del ácido linoléico, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (Ácido Linoléico Conjugado, ALC) en la leche bovina, se le han atribuido propiedades benéficas para la salud humana, entre las que está su efecto en la prevención del cáncer, disminución de los factores de riesgo para la presentacion de diabetes tipo II y de enfermendades cardiovasculares, modulación de la respuesta inmune como también, en la reducción del riesgo de preeclamsia en mujeres primigrávidas. Aunque se ha logrado elevar la concentración de ALC en leche mediante sistemas de alimentación adecuados, existe variabilidad en su concentración para individuos de una misma especie y sometidos a la misma alimentación. Para explicar dicha variabilidad, se ha sugerido que esta se debe a cambios en la actividad de la Estearoil CoA Desaturasa (ECD), de la expresión genética diferencial o a alteraciones en el proceso de biohidrogenación ruminal. Trabajos realizados en músculo semimembranoso y tejido adiposo subcutáneo en bovinos, sugieren la presencia de dos isoformas de la ECD.Ao isómero maioritário do ácido linoléico, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (Ácido Linoléico Conjugado, ALC) no leite bovina, tem-se atribuído propriedades benéficas para a saúde humana, entre as quais estão: seu efeito na prevenção do câncer, diminuição dos factores de risco para a apresentação da diabetes tipo II e de doenças cardiovasculares, modulação da resposta imune, como também, a redução do risco da préeclâmsia em mulheres primigrávidas. Embora tem-se logrado elevar a concentração dos ALC no leite mediante sistemas de alimentação adequados, existe a variabilidade na sua concentração para indivíduos da mesma espécie e submetidos a uma alimentação semelhante. Para explicar a variabilidade, tem-se sugerido que é causada por mudanças na actividade do Estearoil CoA Desaturase (ECD), da expressão genética diferencial ou às alterações no processo de biohidrogenação ruminal. Trabalhos realizados no músculo semimembranoso e tecido adiposo subcutâneo em bovinos, sugerem a presencia de duas isoformas do ECD

Release of bioactive peptides by simulated gastrointestinal digestion of sea cucumber protein (Isostichopus Badionotus)

Resumen del póster presentado al 11th European Nutrition Conference celebrado en Madrid del 26 al 29 de octubre de 2011.[Introduction]: Sea cucumber is widely consumed as a putative functional food. Three sea cucumber species predominate off the coasts of the Yucatan Peninsula in southeast Mexico. Of these, Isostichopus badionotus is captured most intensively due to its turgid body wall, a desirable trait on international markets. The body wall is generally consumed after boiling of previously dried and salted organisms. It contains many biologically active substances, but only limited research on its properties in vivo has been done, mainly investigating nutritional value and the hypocholesterolemic effect. However, no data about activity of peptides released from Sea cucumber protein hydrolyzed under conditions simulating gastrointestinal digestion have been reported to date. [Objectives]: The main aim of this work was to evaluate the biological activities of peptides released from Sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) under simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. [Method/Design]: Sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus (Holoturia) were collected from the sea floor off the coast of Sisal, Yucatan state, Mexico and cooked in water for 1 h at 100°C followed by lyophylization. It was then processed with a two-stage in vitro enzymatic procedure simulating physiological digestion. First, the sea cucumber was digested with pepsin at pH 2.0 and 37 ºC for 90 min. The enzyme was inactivated, the enzyme Corolase PP added, and the mixture incubated for 240 min at pH 7.5 and 37 ºC. Aliquots were taken after the pepsin and Corolase PP digestions, centrifuged and subjected to ultra-filtration through a hydrophilic 3000 Da cut-off membrane. Different biological activities were analyzed in the hydrolyzates and the 3kDa fractions. Antioxidant activity was determined using two in vitro assays, oxygen radical scavenging capacity, and Fe3+ to Fe2+ reduction capacity. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, antithrombotic, hypocholesterolemic and anti-proliferative activities were also analyzed. [Results]: Hydrolyzates obtained from Sea cucumber hydrolyzed under simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions exhibited potent in vitro antioxidant activity through different action mechanisms. Peptides released from pepsin and Corolase PP action were able to scavenge oxygen radicals and to reduce iron. Preliminary studies are showing that peptides generated after gastrointestinal digestion exert a notable angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. [Conclusions]: Sea cucumber protein is a promising source of biological peptides after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Different activities demonstrated for these peptides increase the high nutritional and functional value of this animal, making it a promising functional food.Peer Reviewe

Role of stearoyl CoA desaturase on conjugated Linoleic acid concentration in bovine milk: review

Interesting health benefits have been attributed to the intake of conjugated linoleic acid, CLA (C18:2 cis- 9, trans-11), which is the main isomer of linoleic acid, and is present in bovine milk. Among those benefits are: cancer prevention, diminished risk for the onset of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, modulation of the immune response, and reduction of preeclampsia risk in primigravid women. Although an adequate nutrition of cows has permitted to increase the amount of CLA in their milk, there is variation in CLA concentrations among cows consuming the same diet. It has been suggested that this variation is due either to changes in the activity of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), changes in the gene expression, or to alterations in the ruminal process of biohydrogenation. Research conducted in semimembranosus muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of cattle suggests there are two isoforms of SCD.Ao isómero maioritário do ácido linoléico, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (Ácido Linoléico Conjugado, ALC) no leite bovina, tem-se atribuído propriedades benéficas para a saúde humana, entre as quais estão: seu efeito na prevenção do câncer, diminuição dos factores de risco para a apresentação da diabetes tipo II e de doenças cardiovasculares, modulação da resposta imune, como também, a redução do risco da préeclâmsia em mulheres primigrávidas. Embora tem-se logrado elevar a concentração dos ALC no leite mediante sistemas de alimentação adequados, existe a variabilidade na sua concentração para indivíduos da mesma espécie e submetidos a uma alimentação semelhante. Para explicar a variabilidade, tem-se sugerido que é causada por mudanças na actividade do Estearoil CoA Desaturase (ECD), da expressão genética diferencial ou às alterações no processo de biohidrogenação ruminal. Trabalhos realizados no músculo semimembranoso e tecido adiposo subcutâneo em bovinos, sugerem a presencia de duas isoformas do ECD.Al isómero mayoritario del ácido linoléico, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (Ácido Linoléico Conjugado, ALC) en la leche bovina, se le han atribuido propiedades benéficas para la salud humana, entre las que está su efecto en la prevención del cáncer, disminución de los factores de riesgo para la presentacion de diabetes tipo II y de enfermendades cardiovasculares, modulación de la respuesta inmune como también, en la reducción del riesgo de preeclamsia en mujeres primigrávidas. Aunque se ha logrado elevar la concentración de ALC en leche mediante sistemas de alimentación adecuados, existe variabilidad en su concentración para individuos de una misma especie y sometidos a la misma alimentación. Para explicar dicha variabilidad, se ha sugerido que esta se debe a cambios en la actividad de la Estearoil CoA Desaturasa (ECD), de la expresión genética diferencial o a alteraciones en el proceso de biohidrogenación ruminal. Trabajos realizados en músculo semimembranoso y tejido adiposo subcutáneo en bovinos, sugieren la presencia de dos isoformas de la ECD

First Data on the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Phenolic Compounds in the Model Hornwort Anthoceros agrestis

Hornworts are the least species-rich bryophyte lineage, but represent a key group to understand the evolution of plants because, together with the remaining bryophyte lineages (mosses and liverworts), they constitute the earliest diverging land plants. The responses of hornworts to ultraviolet (UV) radiation are unknown, but they may be important to infer how primitive hornworts (and bryophytes in general) coped with UV upon land colonization. In this context, our aim was to show the first data on the effects of UV radiation on the accumulation patterns of phenolic UV-absorbing compounds (UVACs) in the emerging model hornwort Anthoceros agrestis. Thalli of 52 days age were exposed to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) alone (P regime) and to a combination of PAR + UV-A + UV-B radiation (PAB regime) for 21 days, using realistic UV doses (equivalent to the natural ambient doses received in summer at mid-latitudes). At the end of the culture period, we measured the bulk levels and individual contents of phenolic UV-absorbing compounds (UVACs), differentiating in both cases the UVACs located in the methanol-soluble (mainly vacuolar) and -insoluble (cell wall-bound) fractions (SUVACs and IUVACs, respectively). Three soluble and one insoluble compounds were identified, among which the soluble rosmarinic and anthocerotonic acids are not present in any other bryophyte lineage. The bulk levels of SUVACs were higher than those of IUVACs, a physiological trait more typical of liverworts than of mosses. None of the variables measured responded significantly to UV exposure, but all of them showed an increasing trend under the PAB regime. Given that UV responsiveness of phenolic compounds depends on the UV levels used and the thallus age (with decreasing responsiveness as age increases), further research using higher UV levels and younger thalli should be conducted to more reliably establish the UV reactiveness of Anthoceros agrestis. © 2018 Adac. Tous droits réservés