RNA deep sequencing reveals novel candidate genes and polymorphisms in boar testis and liver tissues with divergent androstenone levels

Boar taint is an unpleasant smell and taste of pork meat derived from some entire male pigs. The main causes of boar taint are the two compounds androstenone (5α-androst-16-en-3-one) and skatole (3-methylindole). It is crucial to understand the genetic mechanism of boar taint to select pigs for lower androstenone levels and thus reduce boar taint. The aim of the present study was to investigate transcriptome differences in boar testis and liver tissues with divergent androstenone levels using RNA deep sequencing (RNA-Seq). The total number of reads produced for each testis and liver sample ranged from 13,221,550 to 33,206,723 and 12,755,487 to 46,050,468, respectively. In testis samples 46 genes were differentially regulated whereas 25 genes showed differential expression in the liver. The fold change values ranged from −4.68 to 2.90 in testis samples and −2.86 to 3.89 in liver samples. Differentially regulated genes in high androstenone testis and liver samples were enriched in metabolic processes such as lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry and molecular transport. This study provides evidence for transcriptome profile and gene polymorphisms of boars with divergent androstenone level using RNA-Seq technology. Digital gene expression analysis identified candidate genes in flavin monooxygenease family, cytochrome P450 family and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family. Moreover, polymorphism and association analysis revealed mutation in IRG6, MX1, IFIT2, CYP7A1, FMO5 and KRT18 genes could be potential candidate markers for androstenone levels in boars. Further studies are required for proving the role of candidate genes to be used in genomic selection against boar taint in pig breeding programs.

Derivatization procedure and HPLC determination of 2-ethoxyethanol in cosmetic samples

Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether or 2-ethoxyethanol finds a wide industrial application as a solvent for lacquers, inks, dyes, household products and as a surfactant. It is also found in cosmetics such as nail products, face cleansers, liquid soaps, oral care products, hair colours and fixatives. The potential hazard to human health of 2-ethoxyethanol following inhalation and dermal exposure has been recently reviewed and the European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA) has issued recommendations suggesting its non-use as a cosmetic ingredient. Therefore a simple and fast monitoring method is necessary for routine control to identify and quantify 2-ethoxyethanol in raw materials and finished cosmetics. We have developed a sensitive and selective method to determine 2-ethoxyethanol in complex matrices by precolumn derivatization with 1-naphthyl isocyanate and RP-HPLC analysis. Four laboratory-made cosmetic formulations (a nail lacquer remover, a baby oil, a skin lotion and an emollient O/W emulsion) containing three known amounts of 2-ethoxyethanol (0.1%, 2.0%, 5.0%) have been studied. The obtained results show that this chromatographic procedure provides a good estimate of the true concentration of 2-ethoxyethanol in complex matrices and it is reliable for routine analyses in quality control.

[GATA1-mutation associated leukemia in children with trisomy 21 mosaic]

Mutations of the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA1 (GATA1s) are pathognomonic in newborn with transient leukemia and children with Down syndrome and myeloid leukemia (ML-DS). Both TL and ML-DS can also occur in children with trisomy 21 mosaic.Between 2002 and 2011, 15 newborns and infants were diagnosed with DS mosaic. 9 of them presented with TL and 8 children suffered from ML-DS; 2 of them with a history of TL. In children without stigmata the special morphology and immunophenotype of blasts triggered the screening for GATA1 mutation and trisomy 21 mosaic.All newborns with TL achieved complete remission (CR). Due to clinical symptoms caused by the leukemic blasts, in 3 children low-dose cytarabine was applied. 1 patient died due to cardiac defect. In all patients GATA 1 s was confirmed. 6 children with ML-DS were initially treated according the AML-BFM protocol. After ML-DS was confirmed, therapy was continued with the intensity reduced schedule according to the ML-DS 2006 protocol. All children are still in CR (follow-up 1.8-7 years, median 2.7 yrs). 2 children with unknown trisomy 21 mosaic were diagnosed as acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) and treated according the high risk arm of the AML-BFM 2004 including allogeneic stem cell transplantation in one child). GATA1 mutation was identified retrospectively. Both children are alive in CR.GATA1s associated leukemia has to be excluded in all young children with AMKL (<5 years old) to prevent overtreatment. Treatment with reduced intensity seems sufficient in children trisomy 21 mosaic and ML-DS.

Function of the mitochondrial outer membrane as a diffusion barrier in health and diseases

The mitochondrial outer membrane separates the intermembrane space from the cytosol. The whole exchange of metabolites, cations and information between mitochondria and the cell occurs through the outer membrane. Experimental evidence is reviewed supporting the hypothesis of dynamic ADP compartmentation within the intermembrane space. The outer membrane creates a diffusion barrier for small molecules (adenine nucleotides, creatine phosphate, creatine etc.) causing rate-dependent concentration gradients as a prerequisite for the action of ADP shuttles via creatine kinases or adenylate kinases. If the outer membrane becomes leaky, cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor can be released, leading to apoptosis, and as a bioenergetic consequence the cytosolic phosphorylation potential decreases. Leaky outer membranes can be detected in saponin-skinned fibres with spectrophotometric and oxygraphic methods. This is of special interest in respect to acute impairment of mitochondria during ischaemia/reperfusion.

Application of high-performance liquid chromatography in the analysis of direct dyes in semipermanent hair colouring cosmetics

A method for the identification and the quantification of direct dyes in semipermanent hair colouring cosmetics by using a reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with gradient elution and diode array detector (DAD) detection is presented. A standard mixture of 18 commonly marketed dyestuffs (11 nitroderivatives, two anthraquinones and five Arianor dyes) was studied. The major problems in the analysis of the mixture of direct dyes is the different chemical structure and especially the wide range of polarities. However we succeeded in the complete separation of the standard dyes. A qualitative analysis of eight colouring commercial products selected from different shades and a quantitative analysis of three of them was carried out. Materials, methods and results are reported.

Synthesis of ethylammonium iodides of omega-dialkylaminoethyl ethers of 5-(arylmethylene)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2.] octan-6-hydroxyimines as potential cosmetic ingredients

The synthesis of nine quaternary ammonium iodides derived from omega-dialkylaminoethyl ethers of 5-(arylmethylene)-1,3, 3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-hydroxyimines, as potential cosmetic ingredients, is described. They are routinely prepared starting from cineole aminoethers by reaction with iodoethane and their physics-chemical data are reported. These substances were studied for their UV absorption and three of these compounds were also submitted to microbiological assays on five test organisms. The substances have their UV absorption maxima at 284-321 nm, and one compound is active on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. These preliminary findings seem to indicate that some of these compounds could be considered as potential UV sunscreens; one compound, having a moderate antimicrobial activity, could be considered a potential active compound in cosmetics as deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products.

Appearance of gastrin and somatostatin in the human fetal stomach, duodenum and pancreas

The gestational time of appearance of gastrin and somatostatin in the human fetal stomach, duodenum and pancreas was examined. Immunoreactive gastrin (IRG) is detected in antral, duodenal and pancreatic extracts of a 7.0-cm (crown-heel length) fetus. More IRG is extracted from the duodenum than the antrum. Duodenal IRG concentration from fetuses of 16.0--26.0 cm are higher than younger fetal and adult concentrations. Antral IRG concentrations are one tenth of the adult contents. Very small IRG concentrations are present in the human fetal pancreas. Gastrin immunohistochemical staining is positive first in duodenal (6.5-cm fetus) and later in antral (12.5-cm fetus) mucosa; pancreatic tissue is negative for gastrin immunohistochemistry. Type IV cells are encountered in antral and duodenal mucosa of 4.0-cm fetuses; other endocrine cells appear with fetal growth. Not until much later in gestation (21.0 cm) do typical G cells appear. These results suggest that early in fetal life gastrin is produced by the type IV cell. Somatostatin immunohistochemical staining is positive in stomach, duodenum and pancreas in 6.5-cm fetuses. Immature D cells are found in antral and duodenal mucosa of 5.0-cm fetuses and mature D cells in 11.0-cm fetuses.