Methylation and Expression of FTO and PLAG1 Genes in Childhood Obesity: Insight into Anthropometric Parameters and Glucose–Lipid Metabolism

The occurrence of childhood obesity is influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors. FTO (FTO alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase) is a gene of well-established connection with adiposity, while a protooncogene PLAG1 (PLAG1 zinc finger) has been only recently linked to this condition. We performed a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 16 obese (aged 6.6–17.7) and 10 healthy (aged 11.4–16.9) children. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between methylation and expression of the aforementioned genes and the presence of obesity as well as alterations in anthropometric measurements (including waist circumference (WC), body fat (BF_kg) and body fat percent (BF_%)), metabolic parameters (lipid profile, blood glucose and insulin levels, presence of insulin resistance) and blood pressure. Expression and methylation were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using a microarray technique and a method based on restriction enzymes, respectively. Multiple regression models were constructed to adjust for the possible influence of age and sex on the investigated associations. We showed significantly increased expression of the FTO gene in obese children and in patients with documented insulin resistance. Higher FTO expression was also associated with an increase in WC, BF_kg, and BF_% as well as higher fasting concentration of free fatty acids (FFA). FTO methylation correlated positively with WC and BF_kg. Increase in PLAG1 expression was associated with higher BF%. Our results indicate that the FTO gene is likely to play an important role in the development of childhood adiposity together with coexisting impairment of glucose-lipid metabolism.     

Attempts at measuring low radioactivity using a Tristan-1024 spectrometer]

A method for measurement of cesium and potassium-40 in environmental samples with the use of a gamma Tristan-1024 spectrometer was presented. The method involves taking into account the influence of the Compton effect on the shape of the observed spectrum, and then counting of the impulses in appropriate energetic intervals. The results showed that it is possible to rapidly measure K-40 activities exceeding 30 Bq/kg as well as the activities of Cs-137 and Cs-134 isotopes of an order of several Bq/kg in so-called "fresh" sample, with no need for applying expensive preparative treatment. The low cost of measurements, as compared with radiochemical methods, is an advantage of the presented method.     

Synthesis, and antiprotozoal and antibacterial activities of S-substituted 4,6-dibromo- and 4,6-dichloro-2-mercaptobenzimidazoles.

The synthesis and some germicidal activities in vitro of two congener series of S-substituted 4,6-dihalogeno-2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazoles are reported. There was no substantial difference between antibacterial activities of corresponding 4,6-dichloro- and 4,6-dibromo-derivatives. The present results confirm lower susceptibility to substituted benzimidazoles of Gram-negative compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of a majority of the novel derivatives ranged between 25 and 100microg/ml for Gram-positive bacteria. The most active compounds (MICs for Gram-positive bacteria: 0.78-50microg/ml) were 4,6-dichloro-2-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-1H-benzimidazole and 4,6-dibromo-2-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-1H-benzimidazole that were 4-32 times more potent than nitrofurantoin against all Gram-positive bacteria utilized but Escherichia faecalis, against which they were, respectively, 2 and 4 times less potent than nitrofurantoin. Among Gram-negative bacteria used, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Bordetella bronchiseptica were most sensitive (as evidenced by a number of MICs 400microg/ml). All the new compounds were at least several times more active against Giardia intestinalis (IC(50): 0.006-0.053microg/ml), and a half of them were at least several times more active against Trichomonas vaginalis (IC(50): 0.0015-0.182microg/ml) than metronidazole (IC(50): 0.210 and 0.037microg/ml, respectively), the drug of choice in the treatment of G. intestinalis and T. vaginalis infections.     

The Use of Brewer’s Spent Grain after Beer Production for Energy Purposes

The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities to use brewer’s spent grains (BSGs) left over from beer production for energy purposes, and to determine its calorific value and chemical composition. The research materials were samples of wet spent grain from a brewery in Poland. Three samples, that are different in ingredient composition, were examined. The examined samples of BSGs were characterised by humidity that is typical for this product (approx. 77–80%). Convective drying of the spent grain contributed to a reduction in the water content in the biomass to below 10%. Samples of dry spent grain that were examined contained a similar amount of ash (3.8–4.1% d.m.) and organic matter (91.0–91.9% d.m.). All the examined spent grain samples demonstrated similar volatile matter content—approx. 77.8–78.7% d.m. and calorific value—approx. 15.6–15.9 MJ/kg. The estimated calorific value for wet samples (approx. 1.4–2.0 MJ/kg) indicated that it is necessary to lower water content in the biomass in order to improve its energy properties.     

Increased oxytocinergic system activity in the cardiac muscle in spontaneously hypertensive SHR rats

IntroductionThe present study aimed to determine whether the presence of cardiac hypertrophy due to arterial hypertension is associated with a change in the activity of the oxytocinergic system in cardiomyocytes.Material and methodsThe experiments were performed on male, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n = 10) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY, n = 12). Blood samples were collected from both SHR and WKY animals to asses plasma oxytocin (OT) concentration; the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Samples of the left and right ventricles were harvested for the analysis of the OT and oxytocin receptor (OTR) protein by ELISA, and OT and OTR mRNA expression by RT-PCR. Immunohistopathological studies were performed to confirm the presence of OTR receptors in the cardiac muscle of the ventricles.ResultsPlasma OT concentration did not differ between SHR and WKY rats. In the SHR rats, the expression of OT mRNA and the OT protein level was higher in the left and the right ventricle, while OTR mRNA expression was significantly lower in both the left and the right ventricle. However, the level of OTR protein was higher only in the left ventricle of the SHR rats. The presence of OTR receptors was confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis in the muscle of the right and left ventricle.ConclusionsThe presence of arterial hypertension is associated with increased activity of the oxytocinergic system in the heart, especially in the area of the left ventricle. These findings support the important role of this system in the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis.