The role of endoglin in atherosclerosis

Endoglin (CD 105, TGF-β receptor III) is a homodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a regulatory role in TGF-β signaling. Its functional role in the context of atherosclerosis has yet to be defined and should be stated here. Therefore, we focused on the role of endoglin in atherosclerosis in both humans and experimental animals. Endoglin expression was demonstrated in atherosclerotic vessels predominantly in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in various types of blood vessels in mice and humans, suggesting its participation in atherogenesis. Endoglin expression was also related to the expression of eNOS in endothelium, repair of the vessel wall, plaque neoangiogenesis, production of collagen and stabilization of atherosclerotic lesions. In addition, increased levels of soluble endoglin were associated with hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction and were related to inhibition of TGF-β signaling in the vessel wall. Moreover, soluble endoglin levels were significantly lowered after a series of extracorporeal eliminations in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, statin treatment decreased levels of soluble endoglin and increased its expression in aorta, which was related to reduced atherosclerosis in mice. In conclusion, we propose that measurement of soluble endoglin might give information about progression of the atherosclerotic process or the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, which is the task that must be answered in clinical trials.     

Conversion of the chill susceptible fruit fly larva (Drosophila melanogaster) to a freeze tolerant organism

Among vertebrates, only a few species of amphibians and reptiles tolerate the formation of ice crystals in their body fluids. Freeze tolerance is much more widespread in invertebrates, especially in overwintering insects. Evolutionary adaptations for freeze tolerance are considered to be highly complex. Here we show that surprisingly simple laboratory manipulations can change the chill susceptible insect to the freeze tolerant one. Larvae of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly of tropical origin with a weak innate capacity to tolerate mild chilling, can survive when approximately 50% of their body water freezes. To achieve this goal, synergy of two fundamental prerequisites is required: (i) shutdown of larval development by exposing larvae to low temperatures (dormancy) and (ii) incorporating the free amino acid proline in tissues by feeding larvae a proline-augmented diet (cryopreservation).     

Selfish supernumerary chromosome reveals its origin as a mosaic of host genome and organellar sequences

Supernumerary B chromosomes are optional additions to the basic set of A chromosomes, and occur in all eukaryotic groups. They differ from the basic complement in morphology, pairing behavior, and inheritance and are not required for normal growth and development. The current view is that B chromosomes are parasitic elements comparable to selfish DNA, like transposons. In contrast to transposons, they are autonomously inherited independent of the host genome and have their own mechanisms of mitotic or meiotic drive. Although B chromosomes were first described a century ago, little is known about their origin and molecular makeup. The widely accepted view is that they are derived from fragments of A chromosomes and/or generated in response to interspecific hybridization. Through next-generation sequencing of sorted A and B chromosomes, we show that B chromosomes of rye are rich in gene-derived sequences, allowing us to trace their origin to fragments of A chromosomes, with the largest parts corresponding to rye chromosomes 3R and 7R. Compared with A chromosomes, B chromosomes were also found to accumulate large amounts of specific repeats and insertions of organellar DNA. The origin of rye B chromosomes occurred an estimated ～1.1-1.3 Mya, overlapping in time with the onset of the genus Secale (1.7 Mya). We propose a comprehensive model of B chromosome evolution, including its origin by recombination of several A chromosomes followed by capturing of additional A-derived and organellar sequences and amplification of B-specific repeats.     

Decreased serum antioxidant capacity in patients with Wilson disease is associated with neurological symptoms

Background &; Aims

Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper disposition caused by an ATP7B transporter gene mutation, leading to copper accumulation in predisposed tissues. In addition to a genetic predisposition, other factors are likely to contribute to its clinical manifestation. The aim of the study was to assess whether oxidative stress affects the phenotypic manifestation of WD.

Methods

In 56 patients with WD (29 men; 26 with the hepatic form, 22 with the neurologic form, and eight asymptomatic; mean age 38.5?±?12 years), total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) and inflammatory parameters (hs-CRP, IL-1??, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-??) were analyzed and related to the clinical manifestation, and mutations of the ATP7B gene. The control group for the TAC and inflammatory parameters consisted of 50 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals.

Results

WD patients had a significantly lower TAC (p?Conclusions Data from our study suggest that the increased oxidative stress contributes significantly to the clinical manifestation of WD; as a lower TAC is associated with the neurological symptoms in WD patients.     

Renal function assessed using cystatin C and antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel assessed using the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein index in patients having percutaneous coronary intervention

Renal dysfunction is a strong independent predictor of stent thrombosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the strength and direction of the association between kidney function and clopidogrel efficacy. The study group consisted of consecutive patients (n = 275) who underwent stent implantation. Drug efficacy was measured using the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) index 20 ± 4 hours after clopidogrel 600 mg. Nonresponse was defined as an VASP index ≥50%. Renal function was determined using serum cystatin C. The upper reference levels are 1.12 mg/L for ≤65 years of age and 1.21 mg/L for >65 years of age. Estimated glomerular filtration was calculated using cystatin C. The median value of cystatin C was 1.16 mg/L (twenty-fifth and seventy-fifth percentiles 0.96 and 1.43); 47.63% of the study population had cystatin C above reference levels and 33.1% of patients were nonresponders to clopidogrel. No correlation was found between clopidogrel efficacy assessed with the VASP index and kidney function assessed with cystatin C (Spearman r = -0.070, p = 0.248). Based on cystatin C the proportion of nonresponders to clopidogrel was 34.4% versus 31.9% (p = 0.702) in patients with impaired renal function compared to normal renal function, respectively. The proportion of clopidogrel nonresponders did not differ (p = 0.902) among groups with normal (28.8%), mildly impaired (34.8%), moderately impaired (32.9%), and severely impaired (34.8%) renal function. In conclusion, renal function assessed by cystatin C does not predict clopidogrel efficacy. Renal dysfunction is a complex entity and its significant relation to stent thrombosis cannot be explained simply by a decrease in clopidogrel efficacy.     

New European initiatives in colorectal cancer screening: Budapest Declaration. Official appeal during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union under the Auspices of the United European Gastroenterology Federation, the European Association for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy and the Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of death in the European Union (EU). CRC is an enormous health and economic burden. Early detection and prevention have the possibility of reducing this burden significantly. Many cancer-associated deaths can be avoided through early detection by high-quality colorectal screening programs followed by appropriate treatment. Under the auspices of the United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEGF), the European Association for Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, the Hungarian Society of Gastroenterology and the Hungarian College of Gastroenterology, the 'Budapest Declaration' (2011) was an accepted official scientific program during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Budapest Declaration follows the Munich Declaration (2001), the Brussels Declaration (2007), the Transatlantic Declaration (2009), the Barcelona Declaration (2010), the written declaration of CRC screening, a joint initiative with European Parliamentarians coordinated by the UEGF, and finally, the 'European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnosis'. The 'Budapest Declaration' together with previous declarations aims to urge the national and supranational healthcare decision makers to launch new Europe-wide initiatives to establish high-quality CRC programs to achieve optimal efficiency in CRC screening. In case of implementation of the proposals, actions and conditions recommended, we can achieve that one of the basic principles of the EU - the chance of equal access - be realized in member states with respect to the prevention of CRC and reduction of cancer-related mortality. To better achieve this goal, we propose to establish an UEGF joint committee, with one participant representing each EU member state to coordinate and supervise the implementation of CRC screening.     

Markedly asymmetric presentation in multiple system atrophy

BackgroundMultiple system atrophy (MSA) presents with fairly symmetrical, levodopa unresponsive parkinsonism and additional features like autonomic dysfunction, cerebellar and corticospinal tract involvement. Marked asymmetry in atypical parkinsonism suggests alternative diagnosis like Corticobasal syndrome (CBS).MethodsWe describe five unusual cases, who presented initially with markedly asymmetric parkinsonism, rigid dystonic abnormal limb posturing and subsequently developed clinical and/or radiological features consistent with probable MSA-P.ResultsUsing the internationally accepted diagnostic criteria, the patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for probable MSA-P after 5 years from disease onset. Case 4 and 5 had characteristic MRI features and Case 2 was pathologically confirmed.ConclusionsWe use these cases to highlight that MSA-P MSA-P can present rarely with very marked asymmetry, dystonic limb and myoclonic jerks leading to a diagnosis of CBS at onset.