Functional classes of bronchial mucosa genes that are differentially expressed in asthma

BACKGROUND: Asthma pathogenesis and susceptibility involves a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Their interaction modulates the airway inflammation and remodelling processes that are present even in mild asthma and governs the appearance and severity of symptoms of airway hyperresponsiveness. While asthma is felt to develop as the result of interaction among many different genes and signalling pathways, only a few genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing this condition. RESULTS: We report the results of expression microarray studies using tissue obtained from bronchial biopsies of healthy controls and of subjects with allergic asthma, both before and following inhaled corticotherapy. We identified 79 genes that show significant differences in expression (following Bonferroni cutoff using p < 6.6 × 10(-6 )to correct for multiple testing) in asthmatics compared to controls at significance levels. These included 21 genes previously implicated in asthma, such as NOS2A and GPX3, as well as new potential candidates, such as ALOX15, CTSC and CX3CR1. The expression levels of one third of these transcripts were partially or completely corrected following inhaled corticosteroid therapy. CONCLUSION: The study shows that bronchial biopsies obtained from healthy and asthmatic subjects display distinct expression profiles. These differences provide a global view of physiopathologic processes active in the asthmatic lung and may provide invaluable help to clarify the natural history of asthma

Impact de la saison sèche sur les flux de CO2 en forêt tropicale humide guyanaise

National audienc

Impact de la saison sèche sur les flux de CO2 en forêt tropicale humide guyanaise

National audienc

Effects of a supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with or without fish gelatin on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in obese, insulin-resistant subjects

Aim: To investigate gene expression changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA plus fish gelatin (+FG) supplementation. Methods: A transcriptome comparison of 8-week supplementation with n-3 PUFA and n-3 PUFA+FG was carried out in PBMCs of 16 obese insulin-resistant subjects. Results: Erythrocyte n-3 PUFA concentration increased and plasma triglycerides decreased significantly without altering inflammatory parameters after both supplementations. n-3 PUFA supplementation changed the expression of 805 genes, whereas n-3 PUFA+FG supplementation altered the expression of 184 genes. Three genes were commonly changed: fatty acid desaturase 1, free fatty acid receptor 3, and ectodysplasin. Pathway analyses indicate changes in gene expression via the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway after both supplementations. Further, the extent of modifications in the expression of genes implicated in the inflammatory pathways – the oxidative stress response mediated by nuclear factor (erythroidderived 2)-like 2, nuclear transcription factor B, oxidative stress, and hypoxia-inducible factor signaling – was different after each supplementation. Conclusion: Although n-3 PUFA and n-3 PUFA+FG supplementations have a distinct impact on gene expression levels, the consequences on biochemical parameters and metabolic pathways were comparable after both supplementations

Induction of a State of Iron Limitation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 by Cranberry-Derived Proanthocyanidins as Revealed by Microarray Analysis ▿

Transcriptional profiles of uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 exposed to cranberry-derived proanthocyanidins (PACs) were determined. Our results indicate that bacteria grown on media supplemented with PACs were iron deprived. To our knowledge, this is the first time that PACs have been shown to induce a state of iron limitation in this bacterium

Relationship between design strategies of commercial three-way monolithic catalysts and their performances in realistic conditions

International audienceMonolith-shaped three-way catalysts (TWC) are always at the edge of science and technology as a response to the stringent updates on the emission standards worldwide. In spite of rapid research on TWC materials, the exact compositions adapted by major automotive companies are not fully known. This study focuses on comparing two fresh commercial monolithic catalysts for gasoline engines, namely, monolith-A and monolith-B, to highlight the significance of their manufacturing strategies by its characterization and catalytic evaluation under realisticlean/rich/stoichiometric regimes. Firstly, monolith-A demonstrates a zoning on its front and back side with high Pd and Rh loading to enhance CO/HC oxidation and NOx reduction, respectively, having higher amounts of trace dopants like La, Y, Pr and S. Whereas, monolith-B has a homogeneous composition with much lower noble metal/trace elements content without any Pr and S. Secondly, the double-layer washcoating is employed by following different routes with distinct compositions of alumina and ceria-zirconia. Monolith-B showed betterlow temperature CO oxidation performance while monolith-A performed better for NOx reduction owing to higher Rh loading. Overall, the zoning strategy of monolith-A raises question on its cost effectiveness in regards to its performance while poor reduction capabilities is exhibited by monolith-B. This study highlights that the latest TWC strategies have a scope of further development particularly with respect to the catalytic performance/expense ratio

Evaluation of three-way monolithic catalyst performances in realistic transient conditions

International audienc