Caffeine increases the expression of cystatin SN in human submandibular acinar-like HSG cells

ObjectiveThe study aimed at evaluating in vitro the effect of caffeine on expression of cystatin SN, a potential marker of sensitivity to bitterness in humans.MethodsDifferentiation of human submandibular gland (HSG) cells was induced by culturing cells on Matrigel. Caffeine cytotoxicity was assessed over 3 days by the Resazurin test. Finally, effects of 5, 50 and 100 μM caffeine exposure on cystatin SN expression were explored over 3 days by ELISA.ResultsAt concentrations relevant to human adult plasma levels (5, 50 and 100 μM), caffeine did not affect cell viability whether cells were differentiated or not. Cystatin SN levels were overall higher in differentiated cells and increased with time in both conditions. There was a significant (p < 0.001) effect of caffeine on cystatin SN expression specifically in differentiated cells.ConclusionsThe HSG cell line proved to be a relevant tool to study in vitro the effect of caffeine at concentrations consistent with dietary intake in human subjects. The results suggest that salivary cystatin SN abundance may depend on caffeine intake, with possible consequences on taste sensitivity.     

ApoA-I Induction as a Potential Cardioprotective Strategy: Rationale for the SUSTAIN and ASSURE Studies

Background  

Considerable interest has focused on the development of therapies that target the functionality of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Upregulation of endogenous synthesis of the major protein on HDL particles, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), represents a novel approach to generation of new HDL particles. The Study of Quantitative Serial Trends in Lipids with Apolipoprotein A-I Stimulation (SUSTAIN, NCT01423188) study aims to evaluate the lipid efficacy, safety and tolerability of an apoA-I inducer (RVX-208). The ApoA-I Synthesis Stimulation and Intravascular Ultrasound for Coronary Atheroma Regression Evaluation (ASSURE, NCT01067820) study aims to evaluate the effect of RVX-208 on plaque burden.     

Chronic bronchitis in the general population: influence of age, gender and socio-economic conditions

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is an indicator of an increased risk of developing COPD, but its symptoms are often underestimated. Demographic and socio-economic conditions might influence its prevalence, reporting and impact. Data from a large epidemiological survey of the French general population were analyzed to determine the burden of CB, the magnitude of under-diagnosis and the influence of age, gender and socio-economic conditions. Altogether, 9050 participants aged 45 years or more provided complete data. The prevalence of symptoms and diagnosis of CB was 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively. CB was associated with impaired health status and activity and, in women, work loss. Among subjects with symptoms of CB, only 28.6% declared a known diagnosis of respiratory disease. Factors associated with symptoms of CB in multivariate analysis were male gender, active smoking, lower income and occupational category: the highest prevalence was observed in manual workers (5.6%) and self-employed subjects (5.2%). The under-diagnosis of CB was more marked in men and subjects of higher socio-economic categories. These results confirm that CB is markedly under-diagnosed in the general population. Socio-economic conditions influence both its prevalence (higher in low categories) and rate of diagnosis (lower in high categories), which should be considered when elaborating prevention and detection campaigns.