Alteration of serum endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

Endocan is a novel marker for inflammation but its significance in preeclampsia remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to delineate the changes of maternal endocan in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and to explore its possible role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 42 non-pregnant women, from 43 normal pregnant women at third trimester, and from 41 preeclamptic women. Serum endocan levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared among the groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in serum endocan among non-pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and women with preeclampsia (X²= 2.207, p = 0.137) and there was no significant difference in serum endocan between women with mild and severe preeclampsia (Z= 0.368, p = 0. 713). The authors concluded that serum endocan did not change in pregnancy and preeclampsia, indicating endocan may not be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Droplet Merging on a Lab-on-a-Chip Platform by Uniform Magnetic Fields

Droplet microfluidics offers a range of Lab-on-a-chip (LoC) applications. However, wireless and programmable manipulation of such droplets is a challenge. We address this challenge by experimental and modelling studies of uniform magnetic field induced merging of ferrofluid based droplets. Control of droplet velocity and merging was achieved through uniform magnetic field and flow rate ratio. Conditions for droplet merging with respect to droplet velocity were studied. Merging and mixing of colour dye + magnetite composite droplets was demonstrated. Our experimental and numerical results are in good agreement. These studies are useful for wireless and programmable droplet merging as well as mixing relevant to biosensing, bioassay, microfluidic-based synthesis, reaction kinetics, and magnetochemistry.

Effect of pregnane X receptor polymorphisms on tacrolimus blood concentrations and the resulting adverse reactions in kidney transplantation recipients

We investigated the effect of pregnane X receptor (PXR) polymorphisms on tacrolimus (FK506) blood trough concentrations and the associated adverse reactions in kidney transplantation recipients (KTRs). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect the genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphism loci in 336 KTRs. The PXR six-base deletion mutation was classified using specific allele PCR, and the FK506 blood trough concentration in the KTRs was measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. There were significant differences in adverse reactions resulting from FK506 in age, weight, body mass index (BMI) and treatment course (P < 0.05). Logistical regression revealed that the FK506 treatment course and BMI were risk factors for hyperlipidemia, and the risk of hyperlipidemia increased 27.534 times when the BMI was less than 18.5. Moreover, age was also a risk factor leading to hyperglycemia. FK506 blood trough concentration and C₀/D value had an impact on adverse reactions induced by hyperglycemia. The KTRs' PXR rs3842689, rs6785049, and rs1523127 mutation frequencies were 26.07, 11.79, and 16.07%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the mutation frequency of each locus between the control group and the adverse reaction groups. Therefore, rs3842689, 7635G>A (rs6785049), and 24381C>A (rs1523127) PXR polymorphisms have no obvious impact on FK506; furthermore, the PXR rs3842689 wild-type homozygous WW genotype is a risk factor of FK506 and results in gastrointestinal reactions.

Association of methionine synthase gene polymorphisms with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino population

Methionine synthase (MTR) plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis of intracellular methionine, folate, and homocysteine, and its activity correlates with DNA methylation in many mammalian tissues. Our previous genomewide association study identified that 1 SNP located in the gene was associated with several wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. To confirm the potential involvement of the gene in sheep wool production and quality traits, we performed sheep tissue expression profiling, SNP detection, and association analysis with sheep wool production and quality traits. The semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that the gene was differentially expressed in skin from Merino and Kazak sheep. The sequencing analysis identified a total of 13 SNP in the gene from Chinese Merino sheep. Comparison of the allele frequencies revealed that these 13 identified SNP were significantly different among the 6 tested Chinese Merino strains ( < 0.001). Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that SNP 3 to 11 were strongly linked in a single haplotype block in the tested population. Association analysis showed that SNP 2 to 11 were significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter and the fineness SD and that SNP 4 to 11 were significantly associated with the CV of fiber diameter trait ( < 0.05). Single nucleotide polymorphism 2 and SNP 5 to 12 were weakly associated with wool crimp. Similarly, the haplotypes derived from these 13 identified SNP were also significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter, fineness SD, and the CV of fiber diameter ( < 0.05). Our results suggest that is a candidate gene for sheep wool production and quality traits, and the identified SNP might be used in sheep breeding.

Effects of ganglioside GM1 and neural growth factor on neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation

Neurogenesis, recovery from nerve injury, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson's disease affect people's health, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of ganglioside GM1 and neural growth factor (NGF) on neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation in vitro to provide a scientific basis for comprehensive treatment of nervous system diseases via NSC application. As widely applied methods of relatively high accuracy, cell counts and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were used to assess NSC proliferation. In addition, western blotting was employed to determine NSC differentiation. Cell counts and MTT assays demonstrated that in epidermal growth factor (EGF)- and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-containing medium, a high concentration of GM1, but not NGF, significantly elevated NSC proliferation. In NSC cultures lacking EGF and bFGF, cell counts and MTT values were significantly increased compared to those in the negative control group on days 4, 7, and 10 after GM1 (25, 100, and 200 ng/mL) but not NGF (25, 50, 100, and 200 ng/mL) treatment. Western blotting revealed significantly increased expression of nestin (an NSC marker) in NSCs treated with GM1, and upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (a glial cell marker) and neuron-specific enolase (a neuron marker) in those administered NGF. Our results suggest that GM1 and NGF induce NSC proliferation and differentiation, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner.

Comparison of serum biochemical parameters between two broiler chicken lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content

In humans, obesity is associated with increased or decreased levels of serum biochemical indicators. However, the relationship is not as well understood in chickens. Due to long-term intense selection for fast growth rate, modern broilers have the problem of excessive fat deposition, exhibiting biochemical or metabolic changes. In the current study, the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) were used to identify differences in serum biochemical parameters between the 2 lines. A total of 18 serum biochemical indicators were investigated in the 16th, 17th, and 18th generation populations of NEAUHLF, and the genetic parameters of these serum biochemical indicators were estimated. After analyzing the data from these 3 generations together, the results showed that the levels of 16 of the tested serum biochemical parameters were significantly different between the lean and fat birds. In the fat birds, serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL-C:low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total bile acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase (AST):alanine transaminase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), uric acid, and creatinine were very significantly higher (P < 0.01), whereas LDL-C, albumin:globulin, glucose, AST, ALT, and free fatty acids concentrations in serum were very significantly lower than those in the lean birds (P < 0.01). Of these 16 serum biochemical parameters, 5 (LDL-C, HDL-C:LDL-C, total bile acid, albumin, and albumin:globulin) had high heritabilities (0.58 ≤ h2 ≤ 0.89), 6 (HDL-C, total protein, globulin, AST:ALT, GGT, and creatinine) had moderate heritabilities (0.29 ≤ h2 ≤ 0.48), and the remaining 5 had low heritabilities (h2 < 0.20). Serum HDL-C, HDL-C:LDL-C, and glucose had higher positive genetic correlation coefficients (rg) with abdominal fat traits (0.30 ≤ rg ≤ 0.80), whereas serum globulin, AST, and uric acid showed higher negative genetic correlations with abdominal fat traits (–0.62 ≤ rg ≤ –0.30). The remaining 10 serum biochemical parameters had lower genetic correlations with abdominal fat traits (–0.30 < rg < 0.30). In conclusion, we identified serum HDL-C and HDL-C:LDL-C levels as potential biomarkers for selection of lean birds. These findings will also be useful in future studies for investigating obesity and lipid metabolism in humans as well as in other animal species.

Sex Influences on the Penetrance of IL-1β and IL-1RN Genotypes for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Chinese Population

Polymorphism (variable number of tandem repeats) in the second intron of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1Ra) gene and two single nucleotide polymorphisms at positions −511 and +3954 of the IL-1β gene may be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study used sex stratification to investigate a correlation of the three genetic polymorphisms with the risk of RA, on patients with RA and healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) were performed. The frequencies of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele and genotype in female patients were significantly different compared with the controls; but in males, only the frequency of the IL-1β+ 3954 allele was different. The frequency of the IL-1RN genotype in patients was not statistically different compared with the controls; however, the frequency of IL-1RN allele in female patients was different. The association of the three polymorphisms with the susceptibility to RA appears to be significantly affected by gender.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in GABAA receptor isoforms is potentially responsible for isoflurane sensitivity in mice

GABAA receptors are chloride channels in the brain that are activated by binding with g-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The cDNA sequences of GABAA receptor subunits from two strains of mice with different sensitivities to isoflurane were compared to identify nucleotide mutations. Included 80 mice from two strains with different sensitivities to isoflurane on C57BL/6 background. Forty mice were from an isoflurane-sensitive strain (S group) and 40 mice were from a resistant strain (R group). RNA was extracted from brains of the mice, and cDNA were reverse transcribed using AMV reverse transcriptase. The amplified products were processed, sequenced, and analyzed for differences between the two strains. Chi-square analysis was performed to compare differences in nucleotide mutation frequencies between the two strains. No differences were identified in the α1-6, β2, β3, or γ1-3 nucleotide sequences and no single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in the comparison with the GenBank sequence for the GABAA receptor subunit. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at the nucleotide position 462 (C/G) in the β1 sequence was found. This SNP was observed in 5 mice from the sensitive strain and in 36 mice from the resistant strain. The Fischer exact test (P < 0.01) was used to compare two strains of mice for SNP in the cDNA sequence of the β1 subunit. Additional studies are required to understand whether the GABAA receptor is a specific target of inhaled anesthetic action or whether the identified SNP affects the action of the volatile anesthetic.

Magnetic Trapping of Bacteria at Low Magnetic Fields

A suspension of non-magnetic entities in a ferrofluid is referred to as an inverse ferrofluid. Current research to trap non-magnetic entities in an inverse ferrofluid focuses on using large permanent magnets to generate high magnetic field gradients, which seriously limits Lab-on-a-Chip applications. On the other hand, in this work, trapping of non-magnetic entities, e.g., bacteria in a uniform external magnetic field was studied with a novel chip design. An inverse ferrofluid flows in a channel and a non-magnetic island is placed in the middle of this channel. The magnetic field was distorted by this island due to the magnetic susceptibility difference between this island and the surrounding ferrofluid, resulting in magnetic forces applied on the non-magnetic entities. Both the ferromagnetic particles and the non-magnetic entities, e.g., bacteria were attracted towards the island, and subsequently accumulate in different regions. The alignment of the ferrimagnetic particles and optical transparency of the ferrofluid was greatly enhanced by the bacteria at low applied magnetic fields. This work is applicable to lab-on-a-chip based detection and trapping of non-magnetic entities bacteria and cells.

Estimating the genetic parameters for liver fat traits in broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat

Intensive selection of broilers for improved growth rate is known to exert a negative effect on broiler health, such as an increase in body fat (and its related diseases). Excessive fat deposition in the liver can cause fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS); in addition, traits associated with liver fat have also been associated with FLHS. This study explored the genetic relationships among liver fat-related traits. Data was collected from 462 birds derived from 16th generation Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content. The body weight at 7 weeks of age (BW7), abdominal fat weight (AFW), abdominal fat percentage, liver fat percentage (LFP), liver weight, and liver percentage were measured. The heritability of these traits and the phenotypic and genetic correlations were estimated, using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and Gibbs sampling (GS) methods. The REML and GS methods yielded similar heritability estimates for LFP (0.36 and 0.37, respectively). BW7 showed a high positive genetic correlation with AFW (rA(REML) = 0.74 and rA(GS) = 0.80), and a moderate positive genetic correlation with LFP (rA(REML) = 0.27 and rA(GS) = 0.39). Positive genetic correlations were also observed between AFW and LFP (rA(REML) = 0.35 and rA(GS) = 0.36). These results suggested that selection for growth may increase the AFW and LFP in broilers. LFP is directly related to FLHS; therefore, selection for broiler growth rate may increase the incidence of FLHS.

Is low anticoagulation intensity more beneficial for patients with bileaflet mechanical mitral valves? a meta-analysis

AIM

For the mitral valve replacement(MVR) patients using the lowest thrombogenic risk bileaflet valves (St. Jude Medical, Carbomedics and On-X Prosthetic Heart Valve), excellent results can be achieved by adopting the anticoagulation intensity(median INR<2.5)which is lower than the recommended intensity(INR:2.5~3.5). Our aim was to provide a pooled estimate of potential benefit from clinical studies using low anticoagulation intensity and high intensity in these patients.

METHODS

Relevant studies published before Feb. 2014 were searched through a number of digital databases(MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, etc.). They were pooled by SPSS19.0 using the random effect method in three fields: occurrence rate of major thromboembolism, major hemorrhage and major total events.

RESULTS

14 studies with 3595 patients were included. The follow-up period was 12846.6 patient*year. Pooled estimates indicated reduction in major hemorrhage (RR: 0.420, 95%CI: 0.296~0.595, P<0.001) and major total events(RR: 0.738, 95%CI: 0.604~0.902, P=0.003) in the low intensity group. No difference was noted in major thromboembolism(RR: 1.045, 95%CI: 0.814~1.341, P=0.75).

CONCLUSION

Compared with the recommended high intensity, low anticoagulation intensity (median INR<2.5) may be more beneficial for the MVR patients using the lowest thrombogenic risk bileaflet valves. We recommended an INR between 2.0 and 2.5, with a median INR of 2.3 for these MVR patients.

Optically controlled background-free terahertz switching in chiral metamaterial

We demonstrate a multiband background-free terahertz (THz) switch in photoactive chiral metamaterial using polarization conversion. Orthogonal arrangement of two asymmetrical split-ring apertures allows a high polarization conversion efficiency and low copolarization transmission. The chiral metamaterial embedded with photoactive silicon promises a dynamic control on cross-polarization transmission and thus enables an efficient background-free THz switch. The on/off state of THz metamaterial switching can be efficiently controlled by an optical pump. The realization of a cross-polarization THz switch provides a new mechanism of mode switching to control THz wave propagation and will be a promising candidate for polarization devices.

Aeroelasticity-based fluid agitation for lab-on-chips

In this study, we report a robust agitation method for small-volume liquids. It utilizes an elastic diaphragm as the bottom of a liquid chamber, upon which an initial tension is also applied to enhance the aeroelasticity effects at small/micro scales. As a result, spontaneous vibration of the diaphragm can be induced by an external air flow, which further provides fluid agitations. The device structure is simple and can be easily fabricated at low cost. More importantly, the vibration amplitude is controllable and varies widely from several tens to several hundred micrometers depending on the applied air pressure. The resulting agitation is effective and applicable at high viscosities of up to 900 cSt. The influences of air pressure and liquid viscosity on the vibration frequency are discussed. Potential applications of this technique for solid particle agitation, focusing and fluid mixing are also demonstrated.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in vagina microenvironment of patients with several common vaginitis

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress has been suggested to play an important role in many diseases, including vaginitis. To evaluate oxidative biomarkers in the secretion of cervix samples of vaginitis, this study will illustrate the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in vaginal microenvironment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 257 patients with vaginitis, including candida vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonas vaginitis were involved in this study. Cervico-vaginal fluid was collected from these patients before and after treatment, and the malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and vitamin C levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The results revealed that the MDA and H2O2 levels were increased in the vaginitis patients, while there was no significant difference in MDA level among different kinds of vaginitis before treatment. The CAT and vitamin C levels in vaginitis were decreased before treatment. Moreover, the data also showed that the MDA and H2O2 levels were decreased, while the CAT, SOD, and vitamin C levels were increased after received treatment, respectively, and there was no significant difference between controls and vaginitis.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that oxidative stress played an important role in vaginitis.

Quantitative trait loci associated with body weight and abdominal fat traits on chicken chromosomes 3, 5 and 7

Body weight and abdominal fat traits in meat-type chickens are complex and economically important factors. Our objective was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for body weight and abdominal fat traits in broiler chickens. The Northeast Agricultural University Resource Population (NEAURP) is a cross between broiler sires and Baier layer dams. We measured body weight and abdominal fat traits in the F(2) population. A total of 362 F(2) individuals derived from four F(1) families and their parents and F(0) birds were genotyped using 29 fluorescent microsatellite markers located on chromosomes 3, 5 and 7. Linkage maps for the three chromosomes were constructed and interval mapping was performed to identify putative QTLs. Nine QTL for body weight were identified at the 5% genome-wide level, while 15 QTL were identified at the 5% chromosome-wide level. Phenotypic variance explained by these QTL varied from 2.95 to 6.03%. In particular, a QTL region spanning 31 cM, associated with body weight at 1 to 12 weeks of age and carcass weight at 12 weeks of age, was first identified on chromosome 5. Three QTLs for the abdominal fat traits were identified at the 5% chromosome-wide level. These QTLs explained 3.42 to 3.59% of the phenotypic variance. This information will help direct prospective fine mapping studies and can facilitate the identification of underlying genes and causal mutations for body weight and abdominal fat traits.

Thermal and laser properties of Nd:Lu₃Sc₁.₅Ga₃.₅O₁₂ for high power dual-wavelength laser

We measured the thermal properties of Nd:Lu₃Sc₁.₅Ga₃.₅O₁₂ (Nd:LuSGG) crystal, including the thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, and thermal diffusion coefficient. The calculated thermal conductivity is 4.4 W/mK at room temperature. A high-power continuous-wave and passively Q-switched Nd:LuSGG laser was also demonstrated. Continuous-wave output power of 6.96 W is obtained which is the highest power with this material. For the first time to our knowledge, the passively Q-switched Nd:LuSGG laser is reported with the shortest pulse width, largest pulse energy, and highest peak power are achieved to be 5.1 ns, 62.5 μJ, and 12 kW, respectively. By spectral analysis, it has been found that the Nd:LuSGG laser was located at 1059 nm under low pump power, and became dual-wavelength at 1061.5 and 1059 nm when the incident pump power is over 2.27 W. The generating mechanism of dual-wavelength laser is also discussed.

Growth and characterization of self-Q-switched Nd:Cr:YVO4 crystal

A Nd:Cr:YVO4 crystal was grown by the Czochralski method for the first time to our knowledge. Its structure and cell parameter have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis. Polarized absorption spectra were measured at room temperature, which showed that the absorption bands display polarization character and an absorption band of Cr5+ ions at 1110 nm enables the crystal to be a self-Q-switched laser material. We also found that the absorption of Cr5+ ions became much larger and its self-Q-switched laser performance became much better when the Nd:Cr:YVO4 crystal was annealed because the annealing induces more Cr ions to become those with + 5 valence. In the self-Q-switched laser, the maximum output power, shortest pulse width, and largest pulse energy were obtained to be 120 mW, 85.8 ns, and 0.79 μJ, respectively.

Converting steady laminar flow to oscillatory flow through a hydroelasticity approach at microscales

We report a hydroelasticity-based microfluidic oscillator that converts otherwise steady laminar flow to oscillatory flow. It incorporates an elastic diaphragm to enhance nonlinearity of the flow. Negative differential flow resistance is observed. High-frequency oscillatory flow is produced passively through interactions among hydrodynamic, elastic and inertial forces, without resorting to external actuators and control equipment. Driven by fluid flow and pressure, this device can operate in either steady laminar flow or oscillatory flow states, or work as a valve. Its applications for flow control and operation, and mixing enhancement are demonstrated.

High pressure luminescence and Raman studies on the phase transition of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods

The cubic Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The SEM image indicated the nanorods with diameter of 30-35 nm and length of 200-500 nm. The structural stability of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanorods was investigated by in situ high pressure luminescence and Raman spectra up to 18.9 GPa at room temperature. The results reveals a pressure-induced phase transition from cubic to hexagonal structure at about 11.3 GPa. After releasing pressure, the part of hexagonal structure is retained and the other transfers to monoclinic phase.

Investigation of ultrasound screening efficiency for neural tube defects during pregnancy in rural areas of China

OBJECTIVES

To understand the uptake and efficacy of ultrasound screening for neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy, and the outcomes when NTDs were detected in rural areas of China.

STUDY DESIGN

Prevalence study.

METHODS

Four hundred and twenty-four women who delivered or gestated babies/fetuses with NTDs were selected at random in 20 counties of two provinces of China from March 2008 to January 2009. The uptake of ultrasound screening, NTD detection rate and termination of pregnancy (TOP) rate were calculated and analyzed. Generalized estimating equations were employed to control for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

The uptake of ultrasound screening was 98.8%. Among the study subjects, 361 (85.1%) NTDs were detected and 63 (14.9%) were not detected by prenatal ultrasound screening. The total detection rate was 43.3% (15.6%, 49.6% and 52.2% in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively; P < 0.05). Taking the possibility of NTD detection in the first trimester as 1.0, the possibilities in the second and third trimesters were 10.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5-18.3] and 25.2 (95% CI 13.3-47.6), respectively. The detection rate at the township health centres (THCs), family planning centres (FPCs), maternal and child care service centres (MCSCs) and hospitals was 24.5%, 29.1%, 53.6% and 78.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Taking the possibility of NTD detection at THCs as 1.0, the possibilities at FPCs, MCSCs and hospitals were 0.9 (95% CI 0.5-1.6), 3.4 (95% CI 1.9-6.1) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.4), respectively. Three hundred and fifty-five (98.3%) of the 361 NTDs detected at prenatal ultrasound screening ended in TOP.

CONCLUSIONS

The uptake of ultrasound screening was satisfactory, but the NTD detection rate was low. Ultrasound screening did not play its full role in the secondary prevention of NTDs in the study areas. Medical institutions in rural areas in China need to improve their ultrasound screening skills in order to increase the efficacy of NTD control.

Expression and activity analysis reveal that heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 is associated with blue egg formation

Biliverdin is responsible for the coloration of blue eggs and is secreted onto the eggshell by the shell gland. Previous studies confirmed that a significant difference exists in biliverdin content between blue eggs and brown eggs, although the reasons are still unknown. Because the pigment is derived from oxidative degradation of heme catalyzed by heme oxygenase (HO), this study compared heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HMOX1), the gene encoding HO expression and HO activity, in the shell glands of the Dongxiang blue-shelled chicken (n = 12) and the Dongxiang brown-shelled chicken (n = 12). Results showed that HMOX1 was highly expressed at the mRNA (1.58-fold; P < 0.05) and protein levels in blue-shelled chickens compared with brown-shelled chickens. At the functional level, blue-shelled chickens also showed 1.40-fold (P < 0.05) higher HO activity than brown-shelled chickens. To explore the reasons for the differential expression of HMOX1, an association study of 6 SNP capturing the majority of HMOX1 variants with the blue egg coloration was performed. Results showed no significant association between SNP and the blue egg coloration in HMOX1 (P > 0.05). Taken together, these results show that blue egg formation is associated with high expression of HMOX1 in the shell gland of Dongxiang blue-shelled chickens, and suggest that differential expression of HMOX1 in the 2 groups of chickens is most likely to arise from an alteration in the trans-acting factor.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for cytokines in the pig

Increased disease resistance through improved general immune capacity would be beneficial for the welfare and productivity of farm animals. Cytokines are essential diagnostic parameters in veterinary practice. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for cytokine levels in serum in the pig, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels and the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-10 were measured in a composite pig population, before and after challenge with modified live CSF (classical swine fever) vaccine. Through interval mapping using the variance component approach and the permutation test, 11 QTL (five for IFN-γ, two for IL-10 and four for the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-10) with significance levels of P < 0.10 were identified, of which five were significant at the P < 0.05 level. The most significant QTL (P < 0.01) was found on chromosome 16, with effect on the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-10. Within these QTL regions, a number of known genes were revealed and their potential relationships to the studied traits were discussed. Some of these genes may serve as candidate genes for these traits in swine.

Genetic epistasis analysis of 10 peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-correlated genes in broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content

Chicken peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which is highly expressed in adipose tissues, is a key factor in fat accumulation in the abdominal fat pad. In this study, association and pairwise epistasis analyses were performed for all the polymorphisms detected in PPARγ and for 9 genes from PPARγ-correlated lipid metabolic pathways for abdominal fat weight (AFW) in 10th-generation populations of Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content. Epistatic networks were then reconstructed with the identified epistatic effects. Single-marker association analyses showed that 5 of the 20 screened polymorphisms were significantly associated with AFW (P < 0.05), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) c.552G>A was 1 of the 5 significant loci. Pairwise interaction analyses showed that 15 pairs of polymorphisms reached a significance level of P < 2.64 × 10(-4) (adjusted by Bonferroni correction) in the lean line, 41 pairs reached significance in the fat line, and 7 pairs reached significance in both lines. Interestingly, many other loci interacted with C/EBPα c.552G>A in both lines. In epistatic network analyses, C/EBPα c.552G>A seemed to behave as a hub for the epistatic network in both lines. All these results revealed that the genetic architecture of C/EBPα c.552G>A for AFW seemed to be an apparent individual main-effect QTL but that it could be dissected into a genetic epistatic network. Our results suggest that C/EBPα c.552G>A might be the most important locus contributing to phenotypic variation in AFW among all the polymorphisms detected in this study.