Differential expression of hypothalamic fear- and stress-related genes in broiler chickens showing short or long tonic immobility

The serotonin system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis play important roles in modulating fear and stress-coping characteristics. Tonic immobility (TI) is a fear-related phenotype, and previously we have shown that broiler chickens showing short TI (STI) duration experience better growth performance and higher adaptability to stress. Here, we sought to further elucidate the central mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences between chickens showing STI and long TI duration, by comparing the hypothalamic expression of genes in the serotonergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis under basal and corticosterone-exposed situations. The STI broilers had significantly lower (P < 0.01) hypothalamic expression of serotonin reuptake transporter and serotonin receptor 1A. Moreover, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 was expressed significantly lower in STI chickens at the level of both mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.05). Hypothalamic expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA tended to be higher (P < 0.059) in long TI chickens, but the protein content was approximately 2 times higher (P < 0.01) in STI chickens. The uncoupled expression of GR mRNA and protein was associated with significantly lower (P < 0.05) expression of gga-miR-181a, gga-miR-211, and gga-miR-22, which are predicted to target GR, in STI chickens. Corticosterone administration reduced the mRNA expression of postsynaptic serotonin receptors, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1B (P = 0.059) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 (P < 0.05), yet significantly increased the protein content of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that broilers of different TI phenotypes have a distinct pattern of hypothalamic expression of fear- and stress-related genes.

Large magnetoelectric coupling in Co4Nb2O9

Magnetoelectric materials which simultaneously exhibit electric polarization and magnetism have attracted more and more attention due to their novel physical properties and promising applications for next-generation devices. Exploring new materials with outstanding magnetoelectric performance, especially the manipulation of magnetization by electric field, is of great importance. Here, we demonstrate the cross-coupling between magnetic and electric orders in polycrystalline Co₄Nb₂O₉, in which not only magnetic-field-induced electric polarization but also electric field control of magnetism is observed. These results reveal rich physical phenomenon and potential applications in this compound.

Abstract P3-01-04: Obesity induces functional transcriptomic changes enhancing the cancer hallmarks of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Obesity increases the risk of cancer death among postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but the direct evidence for the mechanisms is lacking. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate direct evidence for the mechanisms mediating this epidemiologic phenomenon. Transcriptomic profiles of pretreatment biopsies from a prospective cohort of 137 ER+ breast cancer patients were analyzed. A transgenic and an orthotopic/syngeneic obese mouse models were created to phenocopy obese patients and evaluate the effect of obesity on breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and to explore further direct mechanisms. Functional transcriptomic analysis of untreated human ER+ breast cancer revealed that obesity was associated with increased insulin signaling among others. Many of the functional changes in obese patients were linked to cancer hallmarks. Obese mouse models recapitulated the functional transcriptomic landscape of obesity-associated changes seen in human ER+ breast cancer and demonstrated the role of the Akt/mTOR pathway in obesity-induced breast carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Functional transcriptomic analysis identified 85 biological functions common to humans and mice. An in vitro co-culture model revealed that adipocyte-secreted adipokines (e.g., TIMP-1) regulate adipocyte-induced breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The human transcriptomic data provided direct evidence for the roles of hyperinsulinemia, estrogen signaling, adipokine secretion, and inflammation in the link between obesity and ER+ breast cancer. Our animal experiments provide strong evidence for the causal relationship between obesity and accelerated carcinogenesis and cancer progression and for potential therapeutic interventions by blocking these signaling pathways.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-01-04.

miRNA-374 regulates dexamethasone-induced differentiation of primary cultures of porcine adipocytes

To investigate the effect of glucocorticoid on adipocytes metabolism and miRNAs that may be involved in adipocyte differentiation, primary porcine preadipocytes were treated with 10-6 M dexamethasone and RU486 (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) for 48 h. PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ), and C/EBP-β (CCTTA enhancer binding protein-β) gene and protein expression were measured. The expressions of miRNAs predicted to directly target C/EBP-β were determined, and the functions of the potential miRNAs were verified. The results showed that the triglyceride content in cultured adipocytes increased significantly after 10-6 M dexamethasone treatment for 48 h, whereas the cell viability did not differ among the four groups (

CONTROL

10-6 M dexamethasone; 10-6 M RU486: 10-6 M dexamethasone+10-6 M RU486) (p>0.05). Cells treated with dexamethasone for 48 h significantly upregulated perilipin and PPAR-γ gene expression, and PPAR-γ protein expression was also significantly increased. However, C/EBP-β mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased. Both miR-374a and miR-374b, targeting the C/EBP-β 3'-UTR (3'-untranslated region), were significantly increased. Dual luciferase activity assay results indicated that miR-374a/b was directly recognised and bound to the 3'-UTR of C/EBP-β and thereby suppressed C/EBP-β gene expression. The present study showed that 10-6 M dexamethasone promotes lipid accumulation in primary cultures of porcine preadipocytes. PPAR-γ and C/EBP-β protein abundance showed differences after 48 h dexamethasone treatment; miR-374a/b may be involved in regulating of C/EBP-β expression. These results provide new targets for further regulation of porcine lipid metabolism.

The safety and efficacy of stenting in the treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a seven-case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of stenting with coil in the endovascular treatment of complex posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms.

METHODS

The data on PCA aneurysms treated with stents were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively collected intervention database. The literature was reviewed concerning the use of stents for PCA aneurysms.

RESULTS

Seven cases with complex PCA aneurysms (male: female = 6:1; ruptured: unruptured = 4:3) were retrieved from our database. Three aneurysms were localized at the junction of P1 and P2 segments (P1-2), two at P1, and two at P2A. Four were wide-necked saccular aneurysms, while the other three were dissecting ones. A total of nine stents (one Neuroform and eight Enterprise stents) were successfully deployed. Two aneurysms were totally eliminated, three were with neck residues and two were partially occluded. No procedure-related complications occurred. All patients recovered well. Angiographic follow-ups (FU) showed that three aneurysms achieved total obliterations, one got improved, two remained stable, and one recurred. The recurred aneurysm caused no symptom and was treated with two stents. Clinical FU demonstrated no neurological deterioration or bleeding. In literature review, the procedure-related mortality is 5.3 % (2/38). The incidence of permanent neurologic deficit is 2.6 % (1/38). Three (3/23) aneurysms recurred, of which one caused rebleeding. Four (4/23) in-stent stenoses were all asymptomatic. No other hemorrhagic or ischemic event occurred in clinical FU.

CONCLUSION

Stent offers a therapeutic alternative for complex PCA aneurysms especially when PVO cannot be tolerated. Long-term therapeutic efficacy requires further observations in clinical series with larger case numbers.

Optimization of salt adsorption rate in membrane capacitive deionization

Membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) is a water desalination technique based on applying a cell voltage between two oppositely placed porous electrodes sandwiching a spacer channel that transports the water to be desalinated. In MCDI, ion-exchange membranes are positioned in front of each porous electrode to prevent co-ions from leaving the electrode region during ion adsorption, thereby enhancing the salt adsorption capacity. MCDI can be operated at constant cell voltage (CV), or at a constant electrical current (CC). In this paper, we present both experimental and theoretical results for desalination capacity and rate in MCDI (both in the CV- and the CC-mode) as function of adsorption/desorption time, salt feed concentration, electrical current, and cell voltage. We demonstrate how by varying each parameter individually, it is possible to systematically optimize the parameter settings of a given system to achieve the highest average salt adsorption rate and water recovery.

Breed-specific patterns of hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucocorticoid action in pigs

Abstract. In the present study, Erhualian and Pietrain pigs were employed to investigate the breed-specific patterns of hepatic gluconeogenesis by detecting the related enzyme mRNA expression, and to analyse the relationship with the hepatic glucocorticoid receptors and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) expression. Furthermore, hepatic DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was determined to detect DNA methyltransferase state difference between the two breeds. The results demonstrated that the Erhualian pigs exhibited significantly lower plasma lactate acid concentration, but higher liver lactate acid content than the Pietrain pigs. A significantly higher expression of pyruvate carboxylase (PC), fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBP) and the mitochondria phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2) mRNA were observed in Erhualian pigs. The Erhualian pigs demonstrated a significantly higher expression of glucocorticoid receptor and 11β-HSD1 mRNA than the Pietrain pigs, though there was no difference in the hepatic cortisol content between the two breeds. The hepatic DNMT1 mRNA expression in the Erhualian pigs was significantly lower, and the DNMT1 protein content in Erhualian pigs tended to be decreased compared with Pietrain pigs (P=0.066). The results suggest that the Erhualian pigs demonstrated higher hepatic gluconeogenesis capacity in comparison to the Pietrain pigs. The up-regulation of hepatic glucocorticoid receptor and 11β-HSD1 expression may be involved in the enhanced hepatic gluconeogenesis in Erhualian pigs. Moreover, the down-regulation of DNMT1 in Erhualian pigs implies possible involvement of DNA methylation in a breed-specific pattern of hepatic gluconeogenesis.

In ovo leptin administration accelerates post-hatch muscle growth and changes myofibre characteristics, gene expression and enzymes activity in broiler chickens

To evaluate the effect of maternal leptin on muscle growth, we injected 0 μg (control, CON), 0.5 μg (low leptin dose, LL) or 5.0 μg (high leptin dose, HL) of recombinant murine leptin dissolved in 100 μl of PBS into the albumen of broiler eggs prior to incubation. The newly hatched chicks were all raised under the same conditions until 21 days of age (D21), when body weight was measured and samples of gastrocnemius muscle were collected and weighed. Myosin ATPase staining was applied to identify myofibre types and measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of myofibres. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify leptin receptor (LEPR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and myostatin (MSTN) mRNA expression in the gastrocnemius muscle. The activity of calpains (CAPNs) in the gastrocnemius muscle was measured using a quantitative fluorescence detection kit. Male chickens treated with both high and low doses of leptin had significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight on D21. The high leptin significantly increased the CSA (p < 0.05) of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens, which coincided with a 93% increase (p < 0.05) in IGF-1 mRNA expression. Likewise, the LL dose increased the weight of gastrocnemius muscle in male chickens (p < 0.05), which was accompanied by a 41% down-regulation (p < 0.05) of MSTN mRNA expression and a decreased activity of CAPNs. However, all these changes were not observed in female chickens. The proportion of myofibre types did not altered. No significant change was detected for LEPR and GHR mRNA expression. These results indicate that in ovo leptin treatment affects skeletal muscle growth in chickens in a dose-dependent and sex-specific manner. The altered expression of IGF-1, MSTN mRNA and activity of CAPNs in skeletal muscle may be responsible for such effects.

Breaking the speed limits of phase-change memory

Phase-change random-access memory (PCRAM) is one of the leading candidates for next-generation data-storage devices, but the trade-off between crystallization (writing) speed and amorphous-phase stability (data retention) presents a key challenge. We control the crystallization kinetics of a phase-change material by applying a constant low voltage via prestructural ordering (incubation) effects. A crystallization speed of 500 picoseconds was achieved, as well as high-speed reversible switching using 500-picosecond pulses. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal the phase-change kinetics in PCRAM devices and the structural origin of the incubation-assisted increase in crystallization speed. This paves the way for achieving a broadly applicable memory device, capable of nonvolatile operations beyond gigahertz data-transfer rates.

In ovo leptin administration inhibits chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis in female chicken embryos through the STAT3-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway

Previous studies indicate that leptin regulates placental angiogenesis and fetal growth in mammals and that in ovo leptin administration affects embryonic development and hatch weight in the chicken. To test the hypothesis that leptin affects embryonic growth through modifying chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis, we injected 0.5 μg of recombinant murine leptin into the albumen of fertilized eggs before incubation. On embryonic day 12 (E12), the number and the total area of blood vessels on CAM were measured, and expression of genes involved in angiogenesis was quantitated to show the possible mechanisms. Leptin in ovo administration decreased (P < 0.05) both the total area of blood vessels and the number of small-sized capillaries on CAM of E12 female chicken embryos, which coincided with significantly decreased (P < 0.05) embryo weight on E12 and BW at hatching. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and eNOS) were all downregulated (P < 0.05) in CAM both at the mRNA and protein/activity levels with reduced (P < 0.05) nitric oxide (NO) concentration in chorioallantoic fluid of female embryos. Furthermore, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) was found to be diminished (P < 0.05) both at the mRNA and protein levels and associated with decreased (P < 0.05) binding of STAT3 to VEGF promotor in the CAM of leptin-treated E12 female embryos. These data suggest that in ovo leptin administration affects CAM angiogenesis and embryo growth in female chicken embryos, probably through STAT3-mediated VEGF/NO pathways.

Cysteamine improves growth performance and gastric ghrelin expression in preweaning piglets

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cysteamine on growth performance of preweaning piglets and gastric expression of ghrelin mRNA in vivo and in vitro. Twelve litters of newborn piglets were allocated randomly to control and treatment groups. From 15 d of age, piglets in the control group were fed basal creep diet, whereas the treatment group received basal diet supplemented with 120 mg cysteamine per kg of diet until weaning on 35 d of age. Body weight gain, creep feed consumption, and diarrhea rates were recorded, and gastric mucosal tissues were collected for quantifying mRNA expression. To evaluate the direct effect of cysteamine on gastric ghrelin expression, primary cultures of gastric mucosal cells isolated from 35-d-old piglets were exposed to cysteamine for 20 h at 0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL, respectively. Dietary cysteamine increased (P < 0.05) average daily creep feed consumption and BW gain in preweaning pigs, which was accompanied by reduction in diarrhea rates. At 35 d of age, piglets treated with cysteamine showed increased (P < 0.05) ghrelin and gastrin and decreased (P < 0.05) somatostatin mRNA expression in gastric mucosa. Moreover, dietary cysteamine treatment increased serum concentration of gastrin (P < 0.05). In vitro, cysteamine significantly increased ghrelin mRNA expression in gastric mucosal cells at the concentration of 10 μg/mL. In conclusion, dietary cysteamine is effective in improving the growth performance and health condition of preweaning piglets, which is associated with its stimulatory effects on gastric ghrelin mRNA expression both in vivo and in vitro.

Coenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitro

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10) ) is a well-known antioxidant and has been used in many skincare products for anti-ageing purpose. However, the molecular mechanisms of CoQ(10) function in skin cells are not fully understood. In this paper, we compared the effects of CoQ(10) on primary human dermal fibroblasts from three individuals, including adult. We demonstrated that CoQ(10) treatment promoted proliferation of fibroblasts, increased type IV collagen expression and reduced UVR-induced matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) level in embryonic and adult cells. In addition, CoQ(10) treatment increased elastin gene expression in cultured fibroblasts and significantly decreased UVR-induced IL-1α production in HaCat cells. Taken together, CoQ(10) presented anti-ageing benefits against intrinsic ageing as well as photo damage. Interestingly, CoQ(10) was able to inhibit tyrosinase activity, resulting in reduced melanin content in B16 cells. Thus, CoQ(10) may have potential depigmentation effects for skincare.

Investigation of aqueous-phase photooxidation of glyoxal and methylglyoxal by aerosol chemical ionization mass spectrometry: observation of hydroxyhydroperoxide formation

Aqueous-phase processing of glyoxal (GLY) and methylglyoxal (MG) produces highly oxygenated, less volatile organic acids that can contribute to SOA formation and aging. In this study, aerosol chemical ionization mass spectrometry (aerosol CIMS) is employed to monitor aqueous-phase photooxidation of GLY and MG. Using iodide (I(-)) as the reagent ion, aerosol CIMS can simultaneously detect important species involved in the reactions: organic acids, peroxides, and aldehydes, so that the reconstructed total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations from aerosol CIMS data agree well with offline TOC analysis. This study also reports the first direct detection of hydroxyhydroperoxide (HHP) formation from the reaction of H(2)O(2) with GLY or MG. The formation of HHPs is observed to be reversible and an estimate of their equilibrium constants is made to be between 40 and 200 M(-1). Results of this study suggest that HHPs can form additional formic acid and acetic acid via photooxidation and regenerate GLY or MG during photooxidation, compensating their loss. HHP formation needs to be further studied for inclusion in aqueous-phase chemical models given that it may affect the aqueous partitioning of carbonyls in the atmosphere.

Sulphoraphane inhibited the expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 through MyD88-dependent toll-like receptor-4 pathway in cultured endothelial cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic inflammation plays pivotal roles in both cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A large body of evidence suggests that high intake of cruciferous vegetables is closely related with low risk of these disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of protection are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to test the protective effects of an isothiocyanate sulphoraphane on inflammatory injury and related regulation pathways in cultured endothelial cells.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The expressions of adhesion molecules were determined by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) translocation was detected by immunofluorescent hybridisation. Other proteins were measured by Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that sulphoraphane significantly suppresses the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) both at the transcriptional and translational levels. In addition, sulphoraphane inhibited the translocation of NF-кB into the nucleus. Sulphoraphane decreased the phosphorylation of extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), while further blockade and activation using individually specific agents confirm that p38 MAPK and JNK are mainly involved. Interestingly, sulphoraphane down-regulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, a receptor of LPS located on the membrane. In addition, MyD88, an effector downstream TLR-4 signal pathway was subsequently attenuated.

CONCLUSION

Taken all together, adhesion molecules are confirmed to be the novel targets of sulphoraphane in preventing inflammatory insult to endothelial cells. Sulphoraphane suppressed TLR-4 followed by MyD88 and downstream factors such as p38 MAPK and JNK, ultimately blocking NF-кB translocation and the subsequent expression of adhesion molecules. These data suggested a novel inflammatory pathway mediated by sulphoraphane.

Colocalization of myostatin and decorin in bovine skeletal muscle

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression and localization of myostatin (MSTN) and decorin (DCN) in bovine skeletal muscle and to find associations with muscle fibre and adipocyte development. Samples of two muscles, known for differences in meat quality and fibre composition, namely longissimus muscle (LD) and semitendinosus muscle (ST), were obtained from 18 months old bulls of the F2 generation of a Charolais×Holstein cross. Individual muscle sections were stained for determination of size and type of muscle fibres and immunohistochemical detection of the proteins. The mRNA abundance and protein expression of MSTN and DCN were quantified by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. As expected, the ST had more fast fibres, less fibres of the intermediate and the slow type, and less intramuscular fat than the LD. Despite these differences, the mRNA and protein abundance of MSTN was comparable in both muscles. The protein abundance of MSTN inhibitors, namely MSTN propeptide and DCN, was greater in LD, which may have affected the biological activity of mature MSTN. Myostatin propeptide was detected in all muscle fibres; however the mature MSTN was detected to a much lower extent and mainly in slow fibres. Furthermore, MSTN was localized in close proximity to DCN in intermyocellular space, suggesting possible interactions between both proteins and effects on muscle structure and meat quality. The role of MSTN and DCN as well as their interactions in the determination of muscle composition needs to be further elucidated.

Eya2 is required to mediate the pro-metastatic functions of Six1 via the induction of TGF-β signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cell properties

Six1 is a critical regulator of embryonic development that requires interaction with the Eya family of proteins (Eya1-4) to activate the transcription of genes involved in neurogenesis, myogenesis, and nephrogenesis. While expression of Six1 and Eya family members is predominantly observed in development, their overexpression is observed in numerous cancers. Importantly, both Six1 and Eya have independently been shown to mediate breast cancer metastasis, but whether they functionally interact during tumor progression has not been explored. Herein we demonstrate that knockdown of Eya2 in MCF7 mammary carcinoma cells reverses the ability of Six1 to induce TGF-β signaling, as well as to induce characteristics associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs), suggesting that Six1 is dependent on Eya2 to mediate numerous pro-metastatic characteristics. The importance of the Six1/Eya interaction in human breast cancer is underscored by the finding that high levels of Six1 correlate with shortened time to relapse and metastasis as well as decreased survival only when co-expressed with high levels of Eya2. Overall, these data implicate Eya2 as a necessary cofactor for many of the metastasis promoting functions of Six1, suggesting that targeting the Six1/Eya interaction may inhibit breast cancer progression. Since Six1 and Eya2 are not highly expressed in most adult tissues, the Six1-Eya interaction may be a valuable future therapeutic target whose inhibition would be expected to impair breast cancer progression while conferring limited side effects.

Drag-reducing polymers diminish near-wall concentration of platelets in microchannel blood flow

The accumulation of platelets near the blood vessel wall or artificial surface is an important factor in the cascade of events responsible for coagulation and/or thrombosis. In small blood vessels and flow channels this phenomenon has been attributed to the blood phase separation that creates a red blood cell (RBC)-poor layer near the wall. We hypothesized that blood soluble drag-reducing polymers (DRP), which were previously shown to lessen the near-wall RBC depletion layer in small channels, may consequently reduce the near-wall platelet excess. This study investigated the effects of DRP on the lateral distribution of platelet-sized fluorescent particles (diam. = 2 μm, 2.5 × 10⁸/ml) in a glass square microchannel (width and depth = 100 μm). RBC suspensions in PBS were mixed with particles and driven through the microchannel at flow rates of 6-18 ml/h with and without added DRP (10 ppm of PEO, MW = 4500 kDa). Microscopic flow visualization revealed an elevated concentration of particles in the near-wall region for the control samples at all tested flow rates (between 2.4 ± 0.8 times at 6 ml/h and 3.3 ± 0.3 times at 18 ml/h). The addition of a minute concentration of DRP virtually eliminated the near-wall particle excess, effectively resulting in their even distribution across the channel, suggesting a potentially significant role of DRP in managing and mitigating thrombosis.