Highly Sensitive Virome Characterization of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens Complex from Central Europe and the Caribbean Reveals Potential for Interspecies Viral Transmission.

Mosquitoes are the most important vectors for arthropod-borne viral diseases. Mixed viral infections of mosquitoes allow genetic recombination or reassortment of diverse viruses, turning mosquitoes into potential virologic mixing bowls. In this study, we field-collected mosquitoes of different species (Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex), from different geographic locations and environments (central Europe and the Caribbean) for highly sensitive next-generation sequencing-based virome characterization. We found a rich virus community associated with a great diversity of host species. Among those, we detected a large diversity of novel virus sequences that we could predominately assign to circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses, including the full-length genome of a yet undescribed Gemykrogvirus species. Moreover, we report for the first time the detection of a potentially zoonotic CRESS-DNA virus (Cyclovirus VN) in mosquito vectors. This study expands the knowledge on virus diversity in medically important mosquito vectors, especially for CRESS-DNA viruses that have previously been shown to easily recombine and jump the species barrier.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system gender differences in an Afro-Caribbean population.

HYPOTHESIS / INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have denoted gender differences in the expression and therapeutic benefits of hypertension treatment and clinical outcomes. This study documents for the first time gender differences in the expression of blood and urine angiotensin peptides in normotensive Afro-Caribbean Barbadians (25 males; 26 females). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants provided clinical anthropometric measurements, 24h ambulatory blood pressure and urine collections, and a blood sample for measurements of angiotensin peptides. RESULTS: Plasma renin activity ranged between 0.00 and 3.00 ng/ml/h. Plasma and urinary Ang II were comparable in both genders, while urinary Ang-(1-7) was greater in females (p<0.05). Urinary Ang-(1-7) and office systolic blood pressure correlated significantly in females only (p<0.01), while plasma Ang-(1-7) and Ang II correlated significantly in both genders (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A shift in the balance between Ang II and Ang-(1-7) and their respective pressor and depressor axes might be markers of the cardio-renal protective mechanisms that may be present in females of Afro-Caribbean descent.

Racial difference in Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP) correlates to triglyceride in non-obese and obese African American and Caucasian women.

BACKGROUND: Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP) has been shown to influence adipose tissue triglyceride (TG) storage. The aim was to examine ethnic differences in ASP and leptin levels in relation to lipid profiles and postprandial changes amongst African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) women matched for BMI. METHODS: 129 women were recruited in total (age 21 - 73 y): 24 non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m²) CA, 27 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) CA, 13 obese diabetic CA, 25 non-obese AA, 25 obese AA, and 15 obese diabetic AA. Cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoB, glucose and insulin were measured at baseline. TG, non-esterified fatty acids, leptin, and ASP were measured at baseline and postprandially following a fat meal. RESULTS: ASP, leptin, insulin and TG were significantly increased in obese subjects within each race. However, AA women had significantly lower ASP and TG than CA women at all BMI. Obese and diabetic AA women had significantly lower apoB levels than CA women when compared to their respective counterparts. For AA women, fasting ASP was positively correlated with BMI, cholesterol, apoB, LDL-C and glucose. For CA women, fasting ASP was positively correlated with BMI, leptin, glucose and insulin. However, for any given BMI, ASP was significantly reduced in AA vs CA (p = 0.0004). Similarly, for any given leptin level or TG levels, ASP was significantly lower in AA women (p = 0.041 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: CA women have higher baseline TG levels and an earlier TG peak that is accompanied with higher ASP levels suggesting increased ASP resistance, while AA women have lower baseline TG levels and a later TG peak at lower ASP levels suggesting increased ASP sensitivity. This may explain why AA women may have fewer metabolic complications, such as diabetes and CVD, when compared to their Caucasian counterparts at the same level of obesity.