Cellular signal transduction.

This study evaluated the stability of oral bacteria in healthy subjects and documented
community shifts in smokers and oral/periodontal disease by employing PCR-RFLP,
DGGE and sequence analysis of the 16S rDNA gene from metagenomes and plate-wash
(cultured) bacteria of oral wash from 15 participants,. A stable core of bacterial DNA
fingerprint was detected within and between subjects and did not change over time when
analyzed in smokers and healthy non-smokers. Signature bands in smokers, non-smokers
and periodontal disease subjects were evident suggesting the presence of potential
indicators of health and poor oral health. Taxon diversity was higher in smokers
including members of the genera Rothia, Synechococcus, Neisseria, Thiomargarita and
Pyrobaculum but highest in periodontal disease. The two techniques successfully aligned
the subjects within appropriate categories (based on their oral microbial genetic
patterns)confirming their diagnostic suitability.

Obesity is associated with elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines
interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), contributing to systemic
insulin resistance. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a vital metabolic and
inflammatory regulator, however circulating FGF21 concentrations are elevated in obese
individuals. Acute aerobic exercise increases systemic FGF21 in normal-weight
individuals, however the effect of acute aerobic exercise on plasma FGF21 response and
the relationships with inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), insulin resistance, and energy
expenditure in obese individuals is unknown. Following 30 minutes of treadmill running
at 75% VO2max, plasma FGF21 response, as indicated by area-under-the-curve “with
respect to increase” (AUCi) analyses, was attenuated in 12 obese compared to 12 normalweight
subjects. Additionally, FGF21 AUCi positively correlated with glucose AUCi,
total relative energy expenditure, and relative VO2max, suggesting that cardiorespiratory fitness levels may predict FGF21 response, contributing to the enhanced regulation of
glucose and energy metabolism.