The C-terminal moiety of HIV-1 Vpr induces cell death via a caspase-independent mitochondrial pathway

Previous biochemical studies suggested that HIV-1-encoded Vpr may kill cells through an effect on the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), thereby causing mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP). Here, we show that Vpr fails to activate caspases in conditions in which it induces cell killing. The knock-out of essential caspase-activators (Apaf-1 or caspase-9) or the knock-out of a mitochondrial caspase-independent death effector (AIF) does not abolish Vpr-mediated killing. In contrast, the cytotoxic effects of Vpr are reduced by transfection-enforced overexpression of two MMP-inhibitors, namely the endogenous protein Bcl-2 or the cytomegalovirus-encoded ANT-targeted protein vMIA. Vpr, which can elicit MMP through a direct effect on mitochondria, and HIV-1-Env, which causes MMP through an indirect pathway, exhibit additive (but not synergic) cytotoxic effects. In conclusion, it appears that Vpr induces apoptosis through a caspase-independent mitochondrial pathway.     

Superior Appetite Hormone Profile After Equivalent Weight Loss by Gastric Bypass Compared to Gastric Banding

The goal of this study was to understand the mechanisms of greater weight loss by gastric bypass (GBP) compared to gastric banding (GB) surgery. Obese weight‐ and age‐matched subjects were studied before (T0), after a 12 kg weight loss (T1) by GBP (n = 11) or GB (n = 9), and at 1 year after surgery (T2). peptide YY_3–36 (PYY_3–36), ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), leptin, and amylin were measured after an oral glucose challenge. At T1, glucose‐stimulated GLP‐1 and PYY levels increased significantly after GBP but not GB. Ghrelin levels did not change significantly after either surgery. In spite of equivalent weight loss, leptin and amylin decreased after GBP, but not after GB. At T2, weight loss was greater after GBP than GB (P = 0.003). GLP‐1, PYY, and amylin levels did not significantly change from T1 to T2; leptin levels continued to decrease after GBP, but not after GB at T2. Surprisingly, ghrelin area under the curve (AUC) increased 1 year after GBP (P = 0.03). These data show that, at equivalent weight loss, favorable GLP‐1 and PYY changes occur after GBP, but not GB, and could explain the difference in weight loss at 1 year. Mechanisms other than weight loss may explain changes of leptin and amylin after GBP.     

Ultrastructure of the rat pineal stalk

The ultrastructure of the rat pineal stalk was described. The pineal stalk contained few pinealocytes, glial cells and numerous nerve fibers. The last were mostly non-myelinated axons, although a few myelinated ones were also observed. Glial cells showed many filaments, mostly in the processes which presented a longitudinal orientation. Other more lamellar processes were found enclosing the axons. The pineal stalk became wider as it reached the body of the gland. Ultrastructurally, this wide region resembled more the pineal body. Bundles of non-myelinated nerve fibers were seen around the pineal stalk.     

A mitochondrial protein fraction catalyzing transport of the K+ analog T1+.

A protein fraction has been obtained from detergent-solubilized mitochondrial membranes by its affinity for quinine, an inhibitor of K+ transport. A peptide derived from the predominant 53 kDa protein in this fraction is found to be identical in sequence to a portion of aldehyde dehydrogenase. Antigenically unrelated bands at 97, 77, 57, and 31 kDa are also seen on polyacrylamide gels. Observations utilizing a fluorescent probe entrapped in the lumen of membrane vesicles indicate that the reconstituted protein fraction imparts permeability to the K+ analog Tl+. These and other findings suggest that the affinity purified fraction includes a cation transport catalyst.     

Biological characteristics of IL-6 and related intestinal diseases

The intestine serves as an important digestive and the largest immune organ in the body. Interleukin-6(IL-6), an important mediator of various pathways, participates in the interactions between different kinds of cells and closely correlates with intestinal physiological and pathological condition. In this review we summarize the signaling pathways of IL-6 and its functions in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. We also explored its relation with nervous system and highlight its potential role in Parkinson''s disease. Based on its specialty of the double-side influences on intestinal tumors and inflammation, we summarize how they are done through distinctive process.     

IPBES土地退化和恢复专题评估报告及其潜在影响

随着国际社会对生物多样性保护和人类福祉关注度的提升, 土地退化作为全球面临的重要问题逐渐成为国际公约和进程关注的热点问题。生物多样性和生态系统服务政府间科学政策平台(Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES)将“土地退化和恢复”列入2014-2018年工作方案, 开展评估。2018年3月, 该评估报告在IPBES第六次全体会议上获得通过。本文概述了评估报告的主要内容和结论, 探讨了对其他国际进程的可能影响。评估报告在IPBES概念框架的基础上, 厘清了土地退化的概念与内涵, 全面梳理了土地退化对人类生活质量的影响, 阐明了土地退化的现状和进程, 分析了直接和间接驱动因素与土地退化的作用, 揭示了土地退化与人类福祉的关系, 提出了土地退化和恢复的对策建议。该项评估将为各国决策者制定政策工具提供最有效的技术支撑, 为相关国际进程谈判提供重要的科学参考。中国作为生物多样性大国, 应重视IPBES的评估机制并积极参与, 加强促进生物多样性和生态系统服务领域的科学成果转化, 适时针对国内关键问题启动相关评估, 促进我国生态文明建设和山水林田湖草系统治理, 实现美丽中国的建设目标。