Phosphate Phosphatase Research Articles

Unusual stomach and duodenum mucosal changes in a kidney transplant patient after long-term peritoneal dialysis

A 33-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of dyspepsia and nausea. He had undergone kidney transplantation (KT) 22 years ago due to renal failure of unknown aetiology. He underwent...

Dietary xylooligosaccharide improved growth, nutrient utilization, gut microbiota and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus)

This study was conducted to examine the dietary effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on growth, nutrient utilization, intestinal histology, microbial diversity and disease resistance of tilapia. A total of 375 fish (5.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed the five experimental diets containing XOS (95 % purity) at 0 (CON), 0.5 (X-1), 1 (X-2), 2 (X-3) and 4 (X-4) g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The weight gain (WG) and nutrient retention were significantly promoted, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased by dietary supplementation of XOS (P<0.05). The X-3 group (2 g/kg XOS addition) had the highest WG (1113.11 %) and the lowest FCR (0.97) among all the groups. The digestibility of dry matter was significantly enhanced by XOS supplementation at 2 g/kg (X-3 group) (P<0.05). The serum activities of alkaline phosphate (except X-1 group) and acid phosphatase (except X-4 group) were significantly increased by XOS supplementation, and the lysozyme activity was significantly enhanced in X-4 group (P<0.05). In liver, the superoxide dismutase activity was significantly improved in all XOS groups, and the catalase activity was significantly advanced in X-3 and X-4 groups (P<0.05). The protease (except X-4 group) and amylase activities were significantly promoted by XOS supplementation (P<0.05). The villus height of X-2, X-3, X-4 groups and muscular thickness of X-4 group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), but the XOS supplementation presented lower villus width than the control group (P<0.05). The numbers of lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus were significantly enhanced in all XOS groups (P<0.05), and the number of Escherichia coli was decreased in X-3 and X-4 groups (P<0.05). Dietary XOS significantly reduced the cumulative mortality of tilapia after injected with Aeromonas hydrophila (P<0.05). In conclusion, the growth performance and health status of tilapia were promoted by dietary XOS, and the supplementation level was suggested to be 1−2 g/kg feed.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) as a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis in children

Repetitive hypoxia seen in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) may affect bone metabolism increasing the risk for secondary osteoporosis. This study investigates the association between OSAS in children and secondary osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study included 150 children aged 10–17 years: 86 with OSAS and 64 with no OSAS. OSAS was confirmed by polysomnography. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of calcaneum measuring speed of sound (SoS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) were collected. Other parameters collected including bone profile, vitamin D levels, physical activity scoring and dietary calcium intake. Majority were male and Malay ethnicity. OSAS children were mostly obese (84%) and 57% had moderate to severe OSAS. Most had lower physical activities scores. Mean (SD) phosphate and Alkaline phosphatase were lower in OSA children compared to controls: PO4, p = 0.039 and ALP, p < 0.001. Using both single and multivariate analysis, children with OSAS had a lower mean SoS value, p < 0.001 and p = 0.004 respectively after adjusting for age, BMI and bone profile. Children with OSAS had lower SoS suggesting risk for secondary osteoporosis. QUS calcaneus is a non-invasive, feasible tool and can be used to screen risk of osteoporosis in children. Further bone mineral density assessment is needed in these groups of children to confirm diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Vitamin B6 Acquisition and Metabolism in Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomes are parasitic platyhelminths that currently infect >200 million people globally. The adult worms can live within the vasculature of their hosts for many years where they acquire all nutrients necessary for their survival and growth. In this work we focus on how Schistosoma mansoni parasites acquire and metabolize vitamin B6, whose active form is pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). We show here that live intravascular stage parasites (schistosomula and adult males and females) can cleave exogenous PLP to liberate pyridoxal. Of the three characterized nucleotide-metabolizing ectoenzymes expressed at the schistosome surface (SmAP, SmNPP5, and SmATPDase1), only SmAP hydrolyzes PLP. Heat-inactivated recombinant SmAP can no longer cleave PLP. Further, parasites whose SmAP gene has been suppressed by RNAi are significantly impaired in their ability to cleave PLP compared to controls. When schistosomes are incubated in murine plasma, they alter its metabolomic profile—the levels of both pyridoxal and phosphate increase over time, a finding consistent with the action of host-exposed SmAP acting on PLP. We hypothesize that SmAP-mediated dephosphorylation of PLP generates a pool of pyridoxal around the worms that can be conveniently taken in by the parasites to participate in essential, vitamin B6-driven metabolism. In addition, since host PLP‐dependent enzymes play active roles in inflammatory processes, parasite-mediated cleavage of this metabolite may serve to limit parasite-damaging inflammation. In this work we also identified schistosome homologs of enzymes that are involved in intracellular vitamin B6 metabolism. These are pyridoxal kinase (SmPK) as well as pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase (SmPLP-Ph) and pyridox(am)ine 5’-phosphate oxidase (SmPNPO) and cDNAs encoding these three enzymes were cloned and sequenced. The three genes encoding these enzymes all display high relative expression in schistosomula and adult worms suggestive of robust vitamin B6 metabolism in the intravascular life stages.

Breaking the Dimer of the Voltage Sensing Phosphatase

Voltage sensing phosphatases (VSPs) are one-of-a-kind proteins. They are regulated by voltage through a voltage sensing domain (VSD) similar to those in voltage-gated ion channels. Instead of a pore, however, the VSD is coupled to a phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) phosphatase. As a result, VSPs are the only known protein with a direct link between voltage and phosphatase activity. VSPs form concentration-dependent dimers through interactions between their VSDs and phosphatase domains, yet the functional relevance of dimerization is not well understood. Both 3- and 5-phosphatase activity are observed at dimer-forming protein concentrations. When the concentration of VSP is significantly lowered, monomers and 5-phosphatase activity are detected. Furthermore, we observe only 5-phosphatase activity for dimers between functional and catalytically dead VSPs, suggesting 3-phosphatase activity requires two functional subunits. To confirm these changes to the substrate specificity, we are introducing mutations to monomerize VSP. The resulting proteins will be tested for dimerization with a coimmunoprecipitation and a single molecule pulldown assay (SiMPull). Preliminary results suggest multiple mutations are required to break the VSP dimer. We will also test functional differences between monomer and dimer VSPs by characterizing VSD motions using voltage clamp fluorometry and activity using FRET-based PIP biosensors.

Association Between Vitamin D and Resistin in Postmenopausal FemalesWith Altered Bone Health.

BackgroundResistin is a relatively novel adipokine that has a role in bone remodeling and may regulate bone mineral density (BMD). Vitamin D and adipokines have a dynamic role in the body’s various metabolic processes, including bone metabolism, and may alter bone metabolism in relation to each other. This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D and serum resistin levels in postmenopausal non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic females.MethodsThis correlational analytical study was conducted on 161 postmenopausal females, divided into two groups, non-osteoporotic and osteoporotic, between 50–70 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Serum resistin and vitamin D levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase with spectrophotometry. A correlation was checked using spearman’s rho correlation coefficient, and multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to predict serum resistin levels.ResultsPostmenopausal females (n=161) having sufficient, insufficient and deficient levels of vitamin D were 87 (54.0%), 64 (39.8%), and 10 (6.2%), respectively. Lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.001), total hip BMD (p < 0.001), and serum resistin levels (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant negative correlation between serum resistin and vitamin D in postmenopausal females (rho = -0.182, p = 0.021) and osteoporotic group (rho = -0.253, p = 0.019) but non-significant in non-osteoporotic group (rho = -0.077, p = 0.509). Serum vitamin D was found to be independent predictor of serum resistin levels, accounting for only 3% variance.ConclusionSerum vitamin D levels were low while serum resistin levels were high in postmenopausal osteoporotic females and vitamin D is a negative predictor of serum resistin levels.

Sucrose-phosphate phosphatase from sugarcane reveals an ancestral tandem duplication

BackgroundSugarcane is capable to store large amounts of sucrose in the culm at maturity hence it became a major source of sucrose for the food and the renewable energy industries. Sucrose, the main disaccharide produced by photosynthesis, is mainly stored in the vacuole of the cells of non-photosynthetic tissues. Two pathways are known to release free sucrose in plant cells, one is de novo synthesis dependent on sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose phosphate phosphatase (S6PP) while the other is regulatory and dependent on sucrose synthase (SuSy) activity. The molecular understanding of genes that give rise to the expression of the enzyme sucrose phosphate phosphatase, responsible for the release of sucrose in the last synthetic step lag behind the regulatory SuSy gene.ResultsSugarcane genome sequencing effort disclosed the existence of a tandem duplication and the present work further support that both S6PP.1 and S6PP_2D isoforms are actively transcribed in young sugarcane plants but significantly less at maturity. Two commercial hybrids (SP80–3280 and R570) and both Saccharum spontaneum (IN84–58) and S.officinarum (BADILLA) exhibit transcriptional activity at three-month-old plants of the tandem S6PP_2D in leaves, culm, meristem and root system with a cultivar-specific distribution. Moreover, this tandem duplication is shared with other grasses and is ancestral in the group.ConclusionDetection of a new isoform of S6PP resulting from the translation of 14 exon-containing transcript (S6PP_2D) will contribute to the knowledge of sucrose metabolism in plants. In addition, expression varies along plant development and between sugarcane cultivars and parental species.

Identification of regulated proteins by epigallocatechin gallate treatment in an ischemic cerebral cortex animal model: a proteomics approach.

Ischemic stroke is a fatal disease that has long-term disability. It induces excessive oxidative stress generation and cellular metabolic disorders, result in tissue damage. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a naturally derived flavonoid with strong antioxidant property. We previously reported the neuroprotective effect of EGCG in ischemic stroke. The defensive mechanisms of stroke are very diverse and complex. This study investigated specific proteins that are regulated by EGCG treatment in the ischemic brain damage. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to induce focal cerebral ischemia. EGCG (50 mg/kg) or vehicle was intraperitoneally administered just prior to MCAO. MCAO induced severe neurological deficits and disorders. EGCG treatment alleviated these neurological disorder and damage. Cerebral cortex was used for this study. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were performed to detect the proteins altered by EGCG. We identified various proteins that were changed between vehicle- and EGCG-treated animals. Among these proteins, isocitrate dehydrogenase, dynamin-like protein 1, and γ-enolase were decreased in vehicle-treated animals, while EGCG treatment prevented these decreases. However, pyridoxal-5’-phosphate phosphatase and 60 kDa heat shock protein were increased in vehicle-treated animals with MCAO injury. EGCG treatment attenuated these increases. The changes in these proteins were confirmed by Western blot and reverse transcription-PCR analyses. These proteins were associated with cellular metabolism and neuronal regeneration. Thus, these findings can suggest that EGCG performs a defensive mechanism in ischemic damage by regulating specific proteins related to energy metabolism and neuronal protection.

Anti-osteoporosis effect and purification of peptides with high calcium-binding capacity from walnut protein hydrolysates.

The walnut protein hydrolysate (WPH) was prepared via simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The degree of hydrolysis (DH), amino acid composition, and relative molecular weight distribution of WPH were analyzed. The results showed that the DH of WPH was 11.6%, WPH was rich in Glu and Pro, and the relative average molecular weight of 572 Da accounted for 59.78%. The effects of WPH on osteoporosis were evaluated using a model of retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis rat. Treatment with WPH effectively increased the serum calcium and phosphorus contents, alleviated calcium loss, and reduced tartrate-resistant acid phosphate and alkaline phosphatase activities and bone gla protein content. WPH treatment significantly improved the biomechanical properties of the bone and increased the value of bone mineral density. In addition, WPH treatment improved the bone microstructure. WPH was isolated and purified by Sephadex G-25 gel filtration chromatography and semi-preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. A fraction with high calcium-binding activity was obtained and 15 peptides were identified.

Prognostic role of lipid phosphate phosphatases in non-smoker, lung adenocarcinoma patients

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive sphingolipid, plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis. It mediates its function through S1P receptors. A few components of the S1P signaling pathway, such as sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1), have been shown to contribute to lung carcinogenesis. In the present study, using web-based computational tools, we assessed the prognostic roles of eight S1P metabolizing enzymes and five S1P receptors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Except for SPHK1, low expression of S1P metabolizing enzymes was correlated with worse overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients. Moreover, lower expression of lipid phosphate phosphatase-1 and - 3 (PLPP1 and PLPP3) was significantly associated with worse OS in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and non-smoker NSCLC patients. Furthermore, the UALCAN database analysis showed that mRNA and protein expression of PLPP3 and S1PR1 are significantly down regulated in primary tumors due to hypermethylation of their respective promoters. Expression of PLPP3, S1PR1, and S1PR4 was positively correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in NSCLC patients. These results indicate that S1P signaling genes play a critical prognostic role in LUAD patients. Therefore, this gene signature could be used to predict their prognosis more accurately.

Long Term Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management on Phosphorous Dynamics under Different Cropping Systems of Typic Ustochrept Soil of India

ABSTRACT Information on phosphorus (P) dynamics in soil is crucial for careful management of phosphorus fertilization in respect to the sustainable development of agriculture in IGP regions. The sorption and desorption of phosphate, different fractions of phosphate, dehydrogenase activity, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were studied in soils under organic inorganic and integrated nutrient management practices in four different cropping systems. The P adsorption maxima of long-term organic soil was highest (77.52 µg P g−1) under coarse rice-barley-green gram cropping system. The bonding energy of phosphorus in the soil solution varies from 0.38 to 0.20 ml µ−1. Average across the cropping systems, the bonding energy of adsorb P were 68.54% and 39.05% higher under organic and integrated nutrient-managed plots respectively as compared to the inorganic nutrient management. Maximum buffering capacity of phosphate was observed (29.59 ml g−1 soil) under Coarse rice-barley-green gram cropping systems in organic nutrient management practice. Application of organic nutrient management practice increases 26.04% higher water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) as compared to the inorganic nutrient management practice, average across the cropping systems. All other fractions of phosphorus in the soil were higher under inorganic nutrient management that leads to higher amount of total of phosphorus, average across the cropping systems. Long-term application of organic for 14 years increases the bonding energy and adsorption capacity for P in soil but decreased its desorption potential, increasing P availability to the plant and leading to higher P uptake irrespective of cropping systems.

Metabolic bone disease of prematurity-National survey of current neonatal and paediatric endocrine approaches.

AimThis study aimed to identify current trends in the management of metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) in the United Kingdom.MethodsA nationwide electronic survey was disseminated to all neonatal networks across the United Kingdom, as well as to paediatric endocrinologists for comparison. Weighted averages were used to compare relative importance placed on screening and diagnostic investigations (1 = not important, 5 = essential).ResultsSixty‐nine individuals responded from 53 neonatal units. Greatest emphasis was placed on levels of serum phosphate and alkaline phosphatase for screening (weighted average 4.5 and 4.6, respectively), diagnosis (weighted average 4.1 and 4.5, respectively) and monitoring (93% and 97% of neonatal responders, respectively) of MBDP by neonatologists. Although similar results were obtained for endocrinologists, significantly greater emphasis was placed on plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) level for screening, diagnosis and monitoring (p < 0.001 for each). Phosphate supplementation was reported almost universally by neonatal responders (99%), but was significantly less for endocrine responders (62%) for the treatment of MBDP (p < 0.001).ConclusionThere is an under‐utilisation of plasma PTH as a screening, diagnostic and monitoring investigation to guide appropriate supplementation for MBDP by neonatologists.

Abstract 16007: Myeloid-specific Deletion in Lipid Phosphate Phosphatase3 (plpp3) Increases Cardiac Inflammation

Introduction and Hypothesis: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The innate immune response plays a major role in cardiac remodeling after AMI. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), produced by autotaxin (ATX) and degraded by Lipid phosphate phosphatase 3 (LPP3), regulates monocytosis and promotes inflammation. However, the role of LPP3 in post-AMI inflammation is not understood. Here, we investigated the possible role of Myeloid-specific Plpp3 KO mice in cardiac and systemic inflammation and resulting in adverse cardiac remodeling post-MI. Methods and Results: To generate mice with Myeloid-specific Plpp3 deletion , female Plpp3 fl/fl mice were crossed to male Plpp3 mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the LysM promoter to generate lysm-plpp3. mice. These mice and their littermate control underwent MI or sham surgery. Inflammatory cell content was assessed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Cardiac function and scar size were assessed by echocardiography and Mason Trichrome staining, respectively. Increased number of Ly6C hi monocytes (CD45 + /Ly6C/G hi /CD115 hi ) and pro-inflammatory macrophages (CD45 + /F4-80 + /CD11b + ) (CD45 + /F4-80 + /CD86 + ), in cardiac tissue of Cre+LysM mice was observed compared to Cre-fl/fl littermate controls during peak post-MI inflammation, as assessed by flow cytometry ( Fig.1A-C ). This increase in inflammatory cells and inflammation may be the consequence of the significant increase in bone marrow and spleen progenitor cell count and proliferation. Moreover, Cre+LysM mice cardiac functional recovery was also reduced significantly ( Fig. 1D-F ) as assessed by echocardiography. Conclusion: Myeloid-specific Plpp3 deletion increases the deleterious effects of inflammation on the ischemic myocardium and ATX/ LPA signaling could represent a novel therapeutic target for future clinical studies of coronary heart diseases.

Rapid Reduction of Herbicide Susceptibility in Junglerice by Recurrent Selection with Sublethal Dose of Herbicides and Heat Stress

Global climate change, specifically rising temperature, can alter the molecular physiology of weedy plants. These changes affect herbicide efficacy and weed management. This research aimed to investigate the combined effect of heat stress (HS) and sublethal doses of herbicides (four active ingredients) on adaptive gene expression and efficacy of herbicide on Echinochloa colona (L.) Link (junglerice). Three factors were evaluated; factor A was E. colona generation (G0-original population from susceptible standard; G1 and G2 were progenies of recurrent selection), factor B was herbicide treatment (florpyrauxifen-benzyl, glufosinate-ammonium, imazethapyr, quinclorac and nontreated check) and factor C was HS (30 and 45 °C). The herbicides were applied at 0.125× the recommended dose. Recurrent exposure to HS, combined with sublethal doses of herbicides, favors the selection of plants less susceptible to the herbicide. Upregulation of defense (antioxidant) genes (APX: Ascorbate peroxidase), herbicide detoxification genes (CYP450 family: Cytochrome P450), stress acclimation genes (HSP: Heat shock protein, TPP: Trehalose phosphate phosphatase and TPS: Trehalose phosphate synthase) and genes related to herbicide conjugation (UGT: UDP Glucosyltransferase) was significant. The positive regulation of these genes may promote increased tolerance of E. colona to these herbicides.

Deregulation of lysophosphatidic acid metabolism in oral cancer promotes cell migration via the up-regulation of COX-2.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and accounts for 300,000 new cases yearly. The five-year survival rate is approximately 50% and the major challenges to improving patient prognosis include late presentation, treatment resistance, second primary tumours and the lack of targeted therapies. Therefore, there is a compelling need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we have examined the effect of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on OSCC cell migration, invasion and response to radiation, and investigated the contribution of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in mediating the tumour promoting effects of LPA. Using the TCGA data set, we show that the expression of the lipid phosphate phosphatases (LPP), LPP1 and LPP3, was significantly down-regulated in OSCC tissues. There was no significant difference in the expression of the ENPP2 gene, which encodes for the enzyme autotaxin (ATX) that produces LPA, between OSCCs and control tissues but ENPP2 levels were elevated in a subgroup of OSCCs. To explore the phenotypic effects of LPA, we treated OSCC cell lines with LPA and showed that the lipid enhanced migration and invasion as well as suppressed the response of the cells to irradiation. We also show that LPA increased COX-2 mRNA and protein levels in OSCC cell lines and inhibition of COX-2 activity with the COX-2 inhibitor, NS398, attenuated LPA-induced OSCC cell migration. Collectively, our data show for the first time that COX-2 mediates some of the pro-tumorigenic effects of LPA in OSCC and identifies the ATX-LPP-LPA-COX-2 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for this disease.

Phosphate Solubilization and Plant Growth Promoting Actinobacteria from Rhizosphere Soil

Background: Phosphorus has been considered as the key element as it is directly involved in most of the life processes including in plants. Soil contains both organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus. Phosphate solubilization is the important property of soil bacteria to develop them as plant growth promoting bacteria in the agricultural field. The present study report the phosphate solubilizing and plant growth promoting properties of selected actinobacteria isolated from rhizosphere soil.Methods: Actinobacterial strains were isolated from rhizosphere soil and screened for in vitro phosphate solubilizing properties using agar plate method. The efficiency of phosphate solubilization and phosphatase activity of isolated actinobacterial strains were tested using Pikovskaya broth. Result: In the present study phosphate solubilization and phosphatase activity of isolated actinobacteria, Streptomyces sp. CTD-2 was comparatively higher in lab conditions. In pot trial experiment strain CTD-2 showed higher growth when compared to the control plant. The chlorophyll content of leaves in the experimental plants were found maximum with actinobacteria strain CTD-2 treated plant. Plant growth measurements such as root length, shoot length, leaf length, total plant growth measurements, quick yield production were also observed.

P.703 Administration of thiamine to rats regulates the brain pyridoxal kinase and pyridoxal-5’-phosphate phosphatase without affecting pyridoxine-5’-phosphate oxidase

P.703 Administration of thiamine to rats regulates the brain pyridoxal kinase and pyridoxal-5’-phosphate phosphatase without affecting pyridoxine-5’-phosphate oxidase

Correlative Study of Bone-related Biochemicals and Endocrine Changes in Perimenopausal Women in Enugu, Nigeria.

Perimenopause is a physiological occurrence in women, and is characterized by endocrine and biochemical changes. During perimenopause phase, many derangements or abnormal health conditions start developing as a result of hormonal changes. These derangements in health conditions and biochemical changes lead to higher incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) occurrence with or without bone involvement. There is a scarcity of information on MetS in Enugu, Southern Nigeria and there is no available data on the correlation of selected bone-related biochemicals with endocrine parameters and MetS in perimenopausal women from the region. We consecutively sampled 200 apparently healthy women, and categorized them into 120 perimenopausal women (age (!) = 50years) and a second group of 80 women in premenopause (age (!) = 35years). Measurement of anthropometric indices like blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were taken. Fasting blood samples were collected for the estimation of endocrine parameters (estradiol (E₂), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), uric acid, inorganic phosphate, calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels were determined using standard biochemical methods. The evaluation of MetS was carried out in the women using the three different criteria: World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel 111 (NCEP-ATP 111) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). For statistical analysis, Student's t-test, Pearson correlation and Chi-square were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Calcium was predominantly high in the three criteria (p<0.05). LH and FSH showed a positive correlation with FPG while E₂ was negatively associated with FPG. Similarly, LH showed a positive association with inorganic phosphate while E₂ was negatively associated with alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05). Perimenopausal women are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis than premenopausal women. This emphasizes the need for timely diagnosis of osteoporosis in perimenopausal women.

Recurrent Selection by Herbicide Sublethal Dose and Drought Stress Results in Rapid Reduction of Herbicide Sensitivity in Junglerice

Echinochloa colona (junglerice) is a problematic global weed for many crops, primarily controlled with herbicides. Drought stress alters the overall plant physiology and reduces herbicide efficacy. This research aimed to study the joint effect of drought stress (DS) and recurrent selection with sublethal dose of herbicide on adaptive gene expression and herbicide efficacy on E. colona. Three factors were evaluated: (A) E. colona generation (G0, original population from susceptible standard; G1 and G2, progenies of recurrent selection); (B) herbicide treatment (florpyrauxifen-benzyl, 0.25×; glyphosate, 0.125×; quinclorac, 0.125× the recommended dose; and nontreated check); (C) DS (50% and 100% field capacity). Recurrent exposure to sublethal herbicide dose, combined with drought stress, favors the selection of plants less susceptible to the herbicide. Upregulation of defense (antioxidant) genes (APX: ascorbate peroxidase), herbicide detoxification genes (CYP450 family: cytochrome P450), stress acclimation genes (HSP: heat-shock protein, TPP: trehalose phosphate phosphatase, and TPS: trehalose phosphate synthase), and genes related to herbicide conjugation (UGT: UDP glucosyltransferase) in the G2 population was significant. Recurrent exposure to sublethal herbicide dose under drought stress reduces junglerice sensitivity to herbicide, seemingly due to “imprinted” upregulation of metabolic and protection genes in response to these stresses.

Parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism in a changing landscape for the management of end-stage renal disease

BackgroundThe landscape of patients with end-stage renal disease is changing with the increasing availability of kidney transplantation. In the near future, a less aggressive approach to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism might be beneficial. We report outcomes of parathyroidectomy for end-stage renal disease–related hyperparathyroidism comparing the outcomes of limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients were divided into 3 parathyroidectomy subgroups: limited (<3 glands removed), subtotal (3–3.5 glands), and total (4 glands) parathyroidectomy. Primary outcome was serum levels of parathyroid hormone. Secondary endpoints were serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, postoperative complications, and persistent or recurrent disease rates. ResultsIn total, 195 patients were included for analysis of whom 13.8% underwent limited parathyroidectomy, 46.7% subtotal parathyroidectomy, and 39.5% total parathyroidectomy. Preoperative parathyroid hormone levels (pg/mL) were 471 (210–868), 1,087 (627–1,795), and 1,070 (475–1,632) for the limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy groups, respectively (P < .001). A decrease in serum parathyroid hormone was seen in all groups; however, postoperative levels remained greater in the limited parathyroidectomy group compared to the subtotal and total parathyroidectomy groups (P < .001). Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in all groups to within the reference range. In the limited parathyroidectomy group, persistent disease and recurrence occurred more frequently (P = .02 and P = .07, respectively). ConclusionSubtotal parathyroidectomy is the optimal strategy in an era with an increasing availability of kidney transplantation and improved regimens of dialysis. In this changing practice, the approach to parathyroid surgery, however, might shift to a less aggressive and patient-tailored approach.