The roles and interaction of FXR and PPARs in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background and study aimsTo identify the roles and interaction of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis.Material and Methods16 C57/BL male FXR knockout (KO) mice and sex- and age-matched C57/BL wild type mice were received either standard rodent chow or high-fat and sucrose diet (Blank control, NAFLD, FXR KO and FXR KO NAFLD) for 8 weeks. After that, all mice were sacrificed. Liver tissues and blood samples were collected for laboratory and RT-PCR examination.ResultsNAFLD, FXR KO and FXR KO NAFLD mouse models were successful established. Compared with blank control, FXR and PPAR-α mRNA expression decreased significantly (P < 0.05), PPAR-β expression increased slightly (P > 0.05), PPAR-γ expression increased significantly in NAFLD (P < 0.05). Slight increased PPAR-α mRNA expression (P > 0.05) and markedly decreased PPAR-β and PPAR-γ expression (P < 0.05) were found in FXR KO. Compared with FXR KO group, there was a slight increase in PPAR-αand PPAR-βmRNA expression (P > 0.05) and significant increase in PPAR-γ expression (P < 0.05) in FXR KO NAFLD group. Comparison with NAFLD, PPAR-α mRNA expression increased slightly (P > 0.05), PPAR-β and PPAR-γ expression decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in FXR KO NAFLD.ConclusionFXR and PPARs interaction may play important roles in NAFLD pathogenesis.     

Detection and complete genome characterization of human enterovirus 118 from children with acute respiratory disease in China

Enterovirus 118 (EV-118) within species HEV-C was detected in two 5-month-old boys with pneumonia in China. The EV-118 from both cases was genetically closer to ISR10 strain from Israel than to PER161 strain from Peru based on VP1 gene sequences. The complete genome of the detected EV-118 consists of 7,360 nucleotides, excluding the poly (A) tail. The 5′UTR contains 669 nucleotides, and 3′UTR consists of 73 nucleotides. A single open reading frame from base 670 to 7,287 that encodes a 2,206-amino-acid polyprotein was featured. The base composition of the full genome is 27.9 % A, 24.2 % C, 24.4 % G, and 23.6 % U. Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome sequences illustrated EV-118 was genetically closer to EV-109 and EV-105, and the Chinese strain differed from Peru strain. In summary, the presence of EV-118 was confirmed in pediatric pneumonia cases and complete genome sequences were identified for the first time in China.     

Retrospective analysis of a TMJ ankylosis protocol with a 9 year follow up

ObjectiveTemporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJa) is a debilitating condition that causes difficulty in mastication, speech and mouth opening. Its treatment poses surgical and rehabilitative challenges along with a high incidence of reankylosis. This study was designed to assess the long-term outcomes with a new two phase physiotherapy protocol following conservative resection of the ankylotic mass.Materials and methods143 patients who were treated for TMJa were initially recruited, among whom 98 were inducted into the study and retrospectively evaluated using clinical records and 3-dimensional computed tomography. All the patients underwent a minimal pre auricular incision and conservative interpositional gap arthroplasty with collagen membrane. This was followed by the new two phase physiotherapy protocol with the use of a bite block. The primary outcome measures were the maximum interincisal distance, vertical ramus height and complications. The patients were followed up at monthly intervals during the first year, quarterly intervals during the second year, and at intervals of 6 months during subsequent follow-up years. The mean follow up period was 6.38 ± 2.36 years after ankylotic release. Paired student t test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean scores for mouth opening at T1, T2 and T3 were statistically significantly different at all intervals (p < 0.0005). The mean scores for ramal length were statistically significantly different at T1 and T2 interval (p < 0.0005) and insignificant at T2 and T3 interval. No reankylosis was observed in patients who followed the physiotherapy protocol.ConclusionsIn the management of TMJa, the success of the conservative surgical technique with interpositional arthroplasty is less dependent on the longevity and rigidity of the interpositional material but more indebted to the patient compliance in following the proposed physiotherapy protocol.