Beta-glucuronidase Activity Research Articles

Promoter of Cassava MeAHL31 Responds to Diverse Abiotic Stresses and Hormone Signals in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

The AT-hook motif nuclear-localized (AHL) family is pivotal for the abiotic stress response in plants. However, the function of the cassava AHL genes has not been elucidated. Promoters, as important regulatory elements of gene expression, play a crucial role in stress resistance. In this study, the promoter of the cassava MeAHL31 gene was cloned. The MeAHL31 protein was localized to the cytoplasm and the nucleus. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the MeAHL31 gene was expressed in almost all tissues tested, and the expression in tuber roots was 321.3 times higher than that in petioles. Promoter analysis showed that the MeAHL31 promoter contains drought, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), and gibberellin (GA) cis-acting elements. Expression analysis indicated that the MeAHL31 gene is dramatically affected by treatments with salt, drought, MeJA, ABA, and GA3. Histochemical staining in the proMeAHL31-GUS transgenic Arabidopsis corroborated that the GUS staining was found in most tissues and organs, excluding seeds. Beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity assays showed that the activities in the proMeAHL31-GUS transgenic Arabidopsis were enhanced by different concentrations of NaCl, mannitol (for simulating drought), and MeJA treatments. The integrated findings suggest that the MeAHL31 promoter responds to the abiotic stresses of salt and drought, and its activity is regulated by the MeJA hormone signal.

Acute Treatment with the Nootropic CILTEP® Does Not Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Middle-Aged Participants

This study investigated the acute effects of the dietary nootropic stack CILTEP®. It contains a combination of ingredients that have been individually reported to improve cognitive performance. Especially, the ingredients luteolin, which is considered a phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, and forskolin, an adenylate cyclase stimulator, were of interest since they can increase the second messenger cAMP and thus also intracellular signaling. Numerous studies have shown that inhibition of PDE4 can improve memory in animals and humans. We examined whether acute dosing of 3 capsules of CILTEP® would improve cognitive function in healthy participants aged 30 to 40 (n = 33). We used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way cross-over design. Our test battery was aimed at measuring memory performance, attention, and sensorimotor speed. The primary outcome measures were the performance on the verbal learning task and the spatial pattern separation task. Secondary outcomes included other cognitive tests, event-related potentials (ERPs), and assessment of the activity of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase and its effect on the bioavailability of luteolin, heart rate, and blood pressure. No relevant effects of acute CILTEP® treatment were found on any measure of the test battery or ERPs. Blood plasma concentrations of luteolin increased, yet about 2000 times too low to likely exert any PDE4 inhibition. CILTEP® treatment did neither affect heart rate nor blood pressure. In summary, there is no evidence that a single standardized dose of 3 capsules of CILTEP® can improve cognitive function in healthy middle-aged participants.

Biochemical and histological study of spermatogenic activity in male albino rats treated with Cantharis Q

Cantharidin is a bioactive toxin produced by the blister beetles commonly called Spanish fly. This natural compound is a bicyclic monoterpene (C10H12O4 ) that has clinical application as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral as well as antitumor agent and has been widely used to treat a variety of skin-related diseases. There are several reports of consumption of dried blister beetles and their traditional formulations due to a long history of the supposed aphrodisiac property of cantharidin. The present study, therefore, aimed at investigating the biochemical and histological changes in the testes of male albino rats of Wistar strain due to oral intake of Cantharis Q, a crude alcoholic extract of blister beetle Lytta vesicatoria used as mother tincture and as diluted potentized form in homeopathy. The experimental rats were given Cantharis Q dosage of 500 µg/Kg body weight for 60 days and the subsequent autorecovery was also studied after 30 days without treatment. The treated rats showed a significant decrease in the weight of testis, seminiferous tubular diameter and sperm count. Activity of testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hyaluronidase (HL) enzyme and content of cholesterol, total protein, DNA and RNA decreased significantly whereas activity of beta-glucuronidase (BG) enzyme and glycogen was significantly increased. Spermatogenesis stages VIII, IX and X showed sloughing of round spermatids into the tubular lumen. The animals kept for autorecovery showed only partial improvement. Thus, it could be concluded that the treatment had a negative impact on the physiological function of testis of albino rat causing detrimental effects on the spermatogenic activity

Functional characterization of the MSP-C6 promoter as a potential tool for mesocarp-preferential expression of transgenes

Modification of lipid composition in the mesocarp tissue of oil palm involves genetic manipulation of multiple genes. More than one mesocarp-preferential promoter is necessary for the expression of individual transgenes in the same plant to obviate transcriptional gene silencing. This study aimed to identify genes that are preferentially expressed in the mesocarp tissue and characterize selected candidate mesocarp-preferential promoters. Ten transcripts that were preferentially expressed in the mesocarp tissue were identified from the analysis of 82 transcriptome datasets of 12 different oil palm tissues. The expression of two candidate genes, MSP-C1 and MSP-C6, was verified to be preferentially expressed in the mesocarp tissues and shown to have a low expression level in non-mesocarp tissues by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). MSP-C6 promoter fragments of different lengths were transformed into tomato plants for further characterization. Both unripe and ripe fruits of transgenic tomato plants transformed with a construct harboring the MSP-C6-F1 (2014 bp) promoter were shown to have high beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activities. The findings of this study suggest the potential applications of the MSP-C6 promoter as a molecular tool for genetic engineering of novel traits in fruit crops.

PartII: Interactive case:Drug‐inducedendocrine disorders

Part<scp>II</scp>: Interactive case:<scp>Drug‐induced</scp>endocrine disorders

Promoter of Vegetable Soybean GmTIP1;6 Responds to Diverse Abiotic Stresses and Hormone Signals in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), a sub-family of aquaporins (AQPs), are known to play important roles in plant abiotic stress responses. However, evidence for the promoters of TIPs involvement in abiotic stress processes remains scarce. In this study, the promoter of the vegetable soybean GmTIP1;6 gene, which had the highest similarity to TIP1-type AQPs from other plants, was cloned. Expression pattern analyses indicated that the GmTIP1;6 gene was dramatically induced by drought, salt, abscisic acid (ABA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) stimuli. Promoter analyses revealed that the GmTIP1;6 promoter contained drought, ABA, and MeJA cis-acting elements. Histochemical staining of the GmTIP1;6 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis corroborated that it was strongly expressed in the vascular bundles of leaves, stems, and roots. Beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity assays showed that the activities of the GmTIP1;6 promoter were enhanced by different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000), NaCl, ABA, and MEJA treatments. Integrating these results revealed that the GmTIP1;6 promoter could be applied for improving the tolerance to abiotic stresses of the transgenic plants by promoting the expression of vegetable soybean AQPs.

Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of Tubby-like Protein (TLP) Gene Family Members in Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca).

Tubby-like proteins (TLPs) play important roles in plant growth and development and in responses to abiotic stress. However, TLPs in strawberry remain poorly studied. In this study, eight TLPs were identified in woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca subspecies vesca ‘Ruegen’). Protein structure analysis revealed that the structure of FvTLPs is highly conserved, but evolutionary and gene structure analyses revealed that the evolutionary pattern of FvTLP family members differs from that of their orthologous genes in Arabidopsis, poplar, and apple. Subcellular localization assays revealed that FvTLPs were localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane. FvTLPs showed no transcriptional activity. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that FvTLPs interact with specific FvSKP1s. The expression patterns of FvTLPs in different tissues and under various abiotic stresses (salt, drought, cold, and heat) and hormone treatments (ABA (abscisic acid) and MeJA (methyl jasmonate)) were determined. The expression patterns of FvTLPs indicated that they play a role in regulating growth and development and responses to abiotic stress in F. vesca. The GUS (beta-glucuronidase) activity of FvTLP1pro::GUS plants in GUS activity assays increased under salt and drought stress and abscisic acid treatment. The results of this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of TLPs.

Association of Gut Bacterial Beta Glucuronidase Activity with Mycophenolate Mofetil Induced Cytopenia

<h3>Purpose</h3> Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is the anti-metabolite of choice in heart transplantation (HT). MMF tolerability is limited by its toxicity, including bone marrow suppression. MMF metabolism is dependent on gastrointestinal flora, particularly pathogens carrying β-D-glucuronidases (GUS). We investigated association between cytopenia and gut microbial composition focusing on GUS bacteria in HT pts. <h3>Methods</h3> 45 HT pts (53±12.9yo, 78.6% M) with 1-month post HT stool samples were included. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Gut alpha-diversity was defined using Shannon Index (SI). GUS bacteria abundance was computed as sum of individual known GUS-producing bacteria, matched by genus and species. The DESeq2 package and linear regression models were used to identify differentially abundant taxa and analyze difference in SI and GUS abundance by cytopenia occurrence. <h3>Results</h3> Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred in 30(66.7%) and 26(57.8%) pts. Mean SI±SD was similar in pts with leukopenia vs not (5.78±0.59 vs 5.58±0.58, p=0.29) and neutropenia vs not (5.73±0.57 vs 5.68±0.62, p=0.76). In DESeq2 analyses, 8 bacteria species were found to be significantly more abundant among those who had leukopenia, including two known GUS producing taxa <i>Bacteroides dorei</i> and <i>Bacteroides cellulosilyticus</i> (<b>Fig 1A</b><i>).</i>Seven bacteria species were significantly more abundant among those who had neutropenia, including <i>Bacteroides dorei</i> (<b>Fig 1B</b>)<i>.</i> Patients with leukopeniat had higher abundance of GUS bacteria 0.21±0.16 vs 0.12±0.18 (p=0.09) (<b>Fig 1C</b>). This difference became significant following adjustment for valcyte (p=0.04). Patients who experienced neutropenia vs not had a similar abundance of GUS bacteria 0.17±0.14 and 0.18±0.20 (p=0.88) (<b>Fig 1D</b>). <h3>Conclusion</h3> GUS bacteria were expanded among HT recipients with cytopenia, potentially highlighting mechanisms of MMF toxicity. Robust clinical trials delineating the effects of gut microbiome on MMF metabolism are warranted.

Potential stress tolerance roles of barley germins and GLPs

Germins and germin-like proteins (GLPs) known as germination markers are encoded by multigene families in several plant species, including barley. To date, functional analysis has revealed germins and GLPs are involved in diverse processes such as embryonic development and stress responses. The aim of this study was the analysis of barley germins and GLPs. In this study, 80 putative germins and GLPs have been identified in barley by using known 17 germins and GLP sequences. Analysis of germins and GLPs showed all germins and GLPs are distributed on all seven chromosomes that most of them spread through chromosome 3, 4 and 7 with 16, 18 and 12 proteins on each, respectively. The protein sizes varied between 185 and 335 amino acids, with an average length of 225 aa. Twelve conserved motifs were found. While germin motifs 1 and 3 were detected in all germins and GLPs, some motifs were found to be related to signalization. Interestingly, protein-protein interaction analysis demonstrated some GLPs are associated with RAB6-interacting golgin, oligopeptide transmembrane transporter activity, beta-glucuronidase activity, protein N-linked glycosylation, multi-pass membrane protein, and proteins containing zinc finger (Znf) domain and RING (really interesting new gene)-type zinc finger domains. Our findings suggest that barley germins and GLPs may have diverse functions that make them important candidates for crop improvement.

Expression of a bacterial 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase (QsuB) reduces lignin and improves biomass saccharification efficiency in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

BackgroundLignin deposited in plant cell walls negatively affects biomass conversion into advanced bioproducts. There is therefore a strong interest in developing bioenergy crops with reduced lignin content or altered lignin structures. Another desired trait for bioenergy crops is the ability to accumulate novel bioproducts, which would enhance the development of economically sustainable biorefineries. As previously demonstrated in the model plant Arabidopsis, expression of a 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase in plants offers the potential for decreasing lignin content and overproducing a value-added metabolic coproduct (i.e., protocatechuate) suitable for biological upgrading.ResultsThe 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase QsuB from Corynebacterium glutamicum was expressed in the bioenergy crop switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) using the stem-specific promoter of an O-methyltransferase gene (pShOMT) from sugarcane. The activity of pShOMT was validated in switchgrass after observation in-situ of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity in stem nodes of plants carrying a pShOMT::GUS fusion construct. Under controlled growth conditions, engineered switchgrass lines containing a pShOMT::QsuB construct showed reductions of lignin content, improvements of biomass saccharification efficiency, and accumulated higher amount of protocatechuate compared to control plants. Attempts to generate transgenic switchgrass lines carrying the QsuB gene under the control of the constitutive promoter pZmUbi-1 were unsuccessful, suggesting possible toxicity issues associated with ectopic QsuB expression during the plant regeneration process.ConclusionThis study validates the transfer of the QsuB engineering approach from a model plant to switchgrass. We have demonstrated altered expression of two important traits: lignin content and accumulation of a co-product. We found that the choice of promoter to drive QsuB expression should be carefully considered when deploying this strategy to other bioenergy crops. Field-testing of engineered QsuB switchgrass are in progress to assess the performance of the introduced traits and agronomic performances of the transgenic plants.

BETA GLUCURONIDASE ACTIVITY IN DIABETES ASSOCIATED PERIODONTITIS

Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for development of periodontal disease with progressive periodontal destruction seen in diabetic patients. Advances in oral and periodontal disease diagnostic research are moving towards methods whereby periodontal risk can be identified and quantified by objective measures such as biomarkers. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of beta glucuronidase activity as an enzymatic biomarker of periodontal tissue destruction in patients of Diabetes mellitus associated with Periodontitis. β Glucuronidase activitywas estimated in saliva, GCF (Gingival Crevicular Fluid) and serum in healthy subjects and patients with Diabetes mellitus, Periodontitis and Diabetes associated periodontitis. Enzyme activity was compared with clinical parameters like Probing pocket depth, Plaque Index and Gingival Index. It was maximally raised in diabetic cases with periodontitis. Enzyme activity was found to be highest in crevicular fluid compared to saliva and serum. However, serum Glucuronidase correlated significantly with clinical indices. β-glucuronidase may be employed on routine basis as a chair side test for screening and diagnosis of patients with periodontitis in diabetics.

Thyroid effects of amiodarone: clinical update.

Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is well established and commonly encountered but is associated with several diagnostic and management challenges. The present review discusses recent evidence published related to the effects of amiodarone on the thyroid gland and thyroid function. Retrospective studies to evaluate amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in children show the occurrence of potential clinically significant changes within 2 weeks of amiodarone initiation that may not be detected if standard adult guidelines for thyroid hormone monitoring are followed. A small study evaluating beta-glucuronidase activity in amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) demonstrated higher levels in patients with AIT type 2 compared to type 1. New data have suggested the incidence of agranulocytosis may be higher in patients on thionamides with AIT compared to hyperthyroidism because of other causes. In a small study, investigators demonstrated the use of a combination of intravenous and oral steroids to treat refractory AIT which needs to be evaluated in further controlled trials. Finally, recent data demonstrated a possible mortality benefit of surgery over medical therapy for AIT in patients with moderate to severe reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction. Recent research regarding the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction were reviewed.

Relationship Between Salivary and Serum Activity of Beta-Glucuronidase and Multiple Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer

Relationship Between Salivary and Serum Activity of Beta-Glucuronidase and Multiple Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer

Beta-Glucuronidase System, Intestinal Microflora, and Genesis of Colorectal Tumors

The review analyzes cellular and molecular aspects of the participation of intestinal microflora and related features of luminal metabolism in the occurrence and subsequent development of colon tumors, primarily colorectal cancer. The article describes the problems of increasing frequency of this disease in recent years, the participation of genetic factors in high risk of colorectal cancer progression. According to the authors, microbial associations and the consequences of the interaction between individual types of microorganisms are of importance. The role of the intestinal microflora can largely be reduced to the activity of its enzyme secretion, which changes the ratio of key metabolites in the intestinal lumen and its permeability. These alterations affect the rate of metabolism and renewal of epithelial cells. From these positions, the structural features and biochemical characteristics of betaglucuronidase, as a key enzyme involved in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer, are considered in detail. The main information about the role of beta-glucuronidase in the clearance of xenobiotics, physiological and pathological consequences of the activity of this enzyme in the intestinal lumen are given. Modern methods for determining the activity, isolation, and purification of beta-glucuronidase, including chromogenic substrate application, are briefly described. At the end of the review, the authors present several approaches based on the use of beta-glucuronidase for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to the tumor, as an element of complex chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Functions of Lysosomes in Mammalian Female Reproductive System

The lysosome is the most acidic membrane-bound intracellular organelle. Lysosomal acidity is primarily maintained by vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) and counter ion channels. There are >60 hydrolytic enzymes in the lysosome for its fundamental digestive role. Lysosomes also play important roles in endocytosis, exocytosis, autophagy, and cell death. Studies that have implicated roles of lysosomes in the female reproductive system are reviewed here. In the ovary, lysosomes are implicated in the preparation of free cholesterol for steroidogenesis and degradation of regulators of steroidogenesis, regulation of follicular atresia, follicle rupture during ovulation, luteal cell survival, and luteal regression. In the oviduct, lysosomes are involved in endocytosis of both serum and oviductal luminal components. In the uterus during the menstrual/estrous cycle, lysosomes are associated with endometrial secretion, apoptosis, and menstruation. In the uterus during early pregnancy, lysosomes are involved in the temporal and directional changes of endocytosis, uterine epithelial acidification upon embryo implantation initiation, and embryo-maternal mutual communications via extracellular vesicles. In the placenta, lysosomes are implicated in nutrient transport and placental separation from the uterus for parturition. In the mammary gland, lysosomes are important for mammary gland development and involution. These findings suggest/demonstrate functions of lysosomes in multiple processes of female reproduction, from ovulation to ovarian steroidogenesis for pregnancy maintenance, and from essential in utero nurturing of developing embryos/fetuses via embryo/fetal-maternal communications, to optional postpartum nurturing of newborns via lactation. Future studies using genetically or modified animal models and pharmacological approaches will provide novel insights into the functions and mechanisms of lysosomes in the mammalian female reproductive system.

Microbial production of essential and toxic compounds among oat-using CeD and NCGS patients

AbstractThe recent development of diagnostic methods and current well-being trend have increased the awareness of gluten-related diseases, such as celiac disease (CeD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), 1% and 6 % of general population, respectively. Currently for both CeD and NCGS, the only effective treatment is a life-long gluten-free diet, which makes adequate intake of fiber challenging. Despite of improving gut function, dietary fibers promote the growth of gut beneficial microbes. They are in charge of production of numerous compounds, which are essential for human health, such as enzymes and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Moreover, dietary fiber has an effect on ammoniacal nitrogen levels and beta-glucuronidase activity, which are harmful for human in high concentrations. Gluten-free oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber and they have exceptionally good nutritional properties.In this observational study, SCFA production, ammoniacal nitrogen levels and beta-glucuronidase activity of oat-using CeD patients, NCGS patients and healthy controls were compared. SPME-GC-MS method was developed for SCFA analysis and the other biomarkers were analyzed by spectrophotometer.There were no significant differences between groups on propionic acid and butyric acid production, only the percentage of acetic acid of total SCFAs was higher in control group compared to NCGS group, (p = 0,03). Neither was there significant differences between groups in ammonia production or beta-glucuronidase activity.It has been scientifically proven that pure oats are suitable for celiac disease and gluten-sensitive patients, but they are not commonly used outside of Scandinavia. Our results stated that oat-using CeD and NCGS patients, whose disease is in balance, have gut microbiota capable of healthy production of essential SCFAs and normal levels of harmful compounds.

Ganciclovir reduces irinotecan-induced intestinal toxicity by inhibiting NLRP3 activation.

Delayed diarrhea is a common side effect of irinotecan administration, leading to a reduction in dose and thus a delay in anticancer therapy. Ganciclovir (GCV), an antiretroviral drug, is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. It is unclear whether GCV exhibits protective effects against irinotecan-induced intestinal dysfunction. Intraperitoneal administration of irinotecan with or without GCV for 4days induced intestinal toxicity in mice to analyze diarrhea; beta-glucuronidase (β-GLU) activity; fecal occult blood; hepatic function in blood samples, histopathological changes; and NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB), occludin, and zonular occludens (ZO-1) expression in colonic and ileal tissues. In addition, an irinotecan-treated mouse model was constructed and analyzed based on survival time. Expression levels of NLRP3, TLR4, HMGB1, p-NF-κB, occludin, and ZO-1 in normal colonic epithelial cells (NCM460 cells) stimulated with SN-38 were analyzed. GCV treatment reduced various indicators of irinotecan-induced intestinal dysfunction, including delayed-onset diarrhea, pathomorphological changes indicating hepatotoxicity, and proteins related to the HMGB1/TLR4 pathway that induced inflammation; the results were increased body weight, food intake, and expression of the protective proteins occludin and ZO-1. No changes in β-GLU activity were observed. Changes in the expression of proteins related to the HMGB1/TLR4 pathway, occludin, and ZO-1 in SN-38-stimulated NCM460 cells were similar to changes in these proteins in vivo. In addition, administration of GCV improved mouse survival, indicating that the drug had long-term efficacy. Furthermore, GCV + irinotecan did not decrease the anti-tumor effect of irinotecan in vivo. In summary, GCV had intestine-protective and anti-inflammatory properties that possibly reduced irinotecan-induced intestinal dysfunction.

Plasma Beta-Glucuronidase Activity: A Novel Tool to Distinguish Type 1 from Type 2 Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis?

Background: Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a common and deleterious side effect of amiodarone use. There are two types of AIT, characterized by distinct pathogenic mechanisms and, hence, different treatments. Discriminating between type 1 (AIT1) and type 2 (AIT2) AIT is often very challenging. Beta-glucuronidase (β-G) is a lysosomal enzyme released into the extracellular fluid during inflammation. Objectives: To examine whether the determination of the plasma activity of β-G is useful in distinguishing AIT1 from AIT2. Methods: The study included 67 subjects: 9 with AIT1, 9 with AIT2, 14 with hyperthyroidism due to Grave’s disease or toxic multinodular goiter, 14 with subacute thyroiditis, and 21 euthyroid controls. Thyroid function tests and plasma β-G activity were determined in all participants, while thyrotoxic patients also underwent thyroid ultrasound/scintigraphy and urine iodine excretion assessment. Results: Plasma β-G activity (expressed as mean ± SD in nmol 4-methylumbelliferone [4-MU]/mL plasma/h) in AIT2 was higher compared to AIT1 (2,263.6 ± 771 vs. 1,101.8 ± 201.9, p < 0.05) and similar to subacute thyroiditis (2,263.6 ± 771 vs. 2,083.2 ± 987.5, p = ns). β-G activity did not differ significantly between AIT1 and controls (1,101.8 ± 201.9 vs. 954.6 ± 248.6, p = ns). ROC curve analysis revealed that β-G activity had a high predictive value for destructive processes, namely AIT2 and subacute thyroiditis (AUC 0.846, 95% CI 0.748–0.943) and a cut-off value of 1,480.5 nmol 4-MU/mL plasma/h was able to discriminate between destructive and non-destructive thyroid conditions with 74% sensitivity and 82% specificity. Conclusion: In our study, plasma β-G activity performed well in distinguishing AIT1 from AIT2. Further studies are warranted to establish its usefulness as a discriminator between the two AIT types.

Cutibacterium avidum is phylogenetically diverse with a subpopulation being adapted to the infant gut

The infant gut harbors a diverse microbial community consisting of several taxa whose persistence depends on adaptation to the ecosystem. In healthy breast-fed infants, the gut microbiota is dominated by Bifidobacterium spp.. Cutibacterium avidum is among the initial colonizers, however, the phylogenetic relationship of infant fecal isolates to isolates from other body sites, and C. avidum carbon utilization related to the infant gut ecosystem have been little investigated.In this study, we investigated the phylogenetic and phenotypic diversity of 28 C. avidum strains, including 16 strains isolated from feces of healthy infants. We investigated the in vitro capacity of C. avidum infant isolates to degrade and consume carbon sources present in the infant gut, and metabolic interactions of C. avidum with infant associated Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Bifidobacterium bifidum.Isolates of C. avidum showed genetic heterogeneity. C. avidum consumed d- and l-lactate, glycerol, glucose, galactose, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and maltodextrins. Alpha-galactosidase- and β-glucuronidase activity were a trait of a group of non-hemolytic strains, which were mostly isolated from infant feces. Beta-glucuronidase activity correlated with the ability to ferment glucuronic acid. Co-cultivation with B. infantis and B. bifidum enhanced C. avidum growth and production of propionate, confirming metabolic cross-feeding.This study highlights the phylogenetic and functional diversity of C. avidum, their role as secondary glycan degraders and propionate producers, and suggests adaptation of a subpopulation to the infant gut.

BplMYB46 from Betula platyphylla Can Form Homodimers and Heterodimers and Is Involved in Salt and Osmotic Stresses.

MYB proteins play important roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses. Overexpression of BplMYB46 from Betula platyphylla improved plant salt and osmotic tolerances. In the present study, the interaction of eight avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factors with BplMYB46 was investigated using the yeast two-hybrid system, which showed that BplMYB46 could form homodimers and heterodimers with BplMYB6, BplMYB8, BplMYB11, BplMYB12, and BplMYB13. Relative beta-glucuronidase activity and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that the interaction between BplMYB46 and the five MYBs increased the binding of BplMYB46 to the MYBCORE motif. A subcellular localization study showed that these MYBs were all located in the nucleus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results indicated that the expressions of BplMYB46 and the five MYB genes could be induced by salt and osmotic stress, and the BplMYB46 and BplMYB13 exhibited the most similar expression patterns. BplMYB46 and BplMYB13 co-overexpression in tobacco using transient transformation technology improved tobacco’s tolerance to salt and osmotic stresses compared with overexpressing BplMYB13 or BplMYB46 alone. Taken together, these results demonstrated that BplMYB46 could interact with five other MYBs to form heterodimers that activate the transcription of target genes via an enhanced binding ability to the MYBCORE motif to mediate reactive oxygen species scavenging in response to salt and osmotic stresses.