Endothelial-adipocyte Cx43 mediated gap junctions can regulate adiposity.

Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adipose capillary adipose endothelial cells (CaECs), plays a crucial role in lipid transport and storage. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying CaEC-adipocyte interaction and its impact on metabolic function. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed an enrichment of fatty acid handling machinery in CaECs from high fat diet (HFD) mice, suggesting their specialized role in lipid metabolism. Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed direct heterocellular contact between CaECs and adipocytes. To model this, we created an in vitro co-culture transwell system to model the heterocellular contact observed with TEM. Contact between ECs and adipocytes in vitro led to upregulation of fatty acid binding protein 4 in response to lipid stimulation, hinting intercellular signaling may be important between ECs and adipocytes. We mined our and others scRNAseq data sets to examine which connexins may be present in adipose capillaries and adipocytes and consistently identified Connexin 43 (Cx43) in mouse and humans. Genetic deletion of endothelial Cx43 resulted in increased epididymal fat pad (eWAT) adiposity and dyslipidemia in HFD mice. Consistent with this observation, phosphorylation of Cx43 at serine 368, which closes gap junctions, was increased in HFD mice and lipid treated ECs. Mice resistant to this post-translational modification, Cx43S368A, were placed on a HFD and were found to have reduced eWAT adiposity and improved lipid profiles. These findings suggest Cx43-mediated heterocellular communication as a possible regulatory mechanism of adipose tissue function.

Association between pathogens from tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm of patients on mechanical ventilation.

The aim of this study was to detect possible associations between respiratory pathogens from tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm samples in intubated patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), and to identify the most common respiratory pathogens in oral biofilm, particularly in patients that developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Two oral biofilm samples were collected from the tongue of intubated patients (at admission and after 48 hours) and analyzed by culture with the Antibiotic Sensitivity Test. The results from the tongue biofilm samples were compared with the tracheal secretions samples. A total of 59.37% of patients exhibited the same species of pathogens in their tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm, of which 8 (42.1%) developed VAP, 10 (52.63%) did not develop pneumonia and one (5.26%) had aspiration pneumonia. There was a statistically significant association between presence of microorganisms in the tracheal and mouth samples for the following pathogens: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter gergoviae, Streptococcus spp and Serratia marcescens (p < 0.05). Pathogens that are present in tracheal aspirates of intubated patients can be detected in their oral cavity, especially in those who developed VAP or aspiration pneumonia. Thus, the results indicate that an improved oral care in these patients could decrease ICU pneumonia rates.

Association between pathogens from tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm of patients on mechanical ventilation

Abstract The aim of this study was to detect possible associations between respiratory pathogens from tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm samples in intubated patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), and to identify the most common respiratory pathogens in oral biofilm, particularly in patients that developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Two oral biofilm samples were collected from the tongue of intubated patients (at admission and after 48 hours) and analyzed by culture with the Antibiotic Sensitivity Test. The results from the tongue biofilm samples were compared with the tracheal secretions samples. A total of 59.37% of patients exhibited the same species of pathogens in their tracheal aspirate and oral biofilm, of which 8 (42.1%) developed VAP, 10 (52.63%) did not develop pneumonia and one (5.26%) had aspiration pneumonia. There was a statistically significant association between presence of microorganisms in the tracheal and mouth samples for the following pathogens: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter gergoviae, Streptococcus spp and Serratia marcescens (p < 0.05). Pathogens that are present in tracheal aspirates of intubated patients can be detected in their oral cavity, especially in those who developed VAP or aspiration pneumonia. Thus, the results indicate that an improved oral care in these patients could decrease ICU pneumonia rates.