Effects of kisspeptin-10 on lipid metabolism in cultured chicken hepatocytes

Our previous studies showed that kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) injected in vivo can markedly increase lipid anabolism in liver of quails. In order to investigate the direct effect of Kp-10 on lipid metabolism of hepatocytes in birds, cells were separated from embryos livers and cultured in vitro with 0, 100 and 1,000 nM Kp-10, respectively. The results showed that after 24 h treatment, cells viability was not affected by 100 nM Kp-10, but showed a mild decrease with 1,000 nM Kp-10 compared to the control cells. Based on the results of the cell viability, 100 nM dosage of Kp-10 was selected for the further study and analysis. Compared with control cells, total cholesterol (Tch) contents in 100 nM treated cells were increased by 51.23%, but did not reach statistical significance, while the level of triglyceride (TG), high density of lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density of lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased. Real-time PCR results showed that ApoVLDL-II mRNA expression had a tendency to increase, genes including sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase α (ACCα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductases (HMGCR) and stearyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase-1 (SCD1) mRNA in hepatocytes were significantly down-regulated by 100 nM Kp-10. However, contrary to its gene expression, SREBP-1 protein expression was significantly up-regulated by 100 nM Kp-10. Some of the significant correlations in mRNA expression were found between genes encoding hepatic factors or enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in liver of birds. These results indicate that Kp-10 stimulates lipid synthesis directly in primary cultured hepatocytes of chickens.

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.

Blood pressure-lowering effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide: a meta-analysis of clinical trials

AIMS

Aside from lowering blood glucose, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) attract much attention because of their cardioprotective effects. The aim of this study was to assess the blood pressure-lowering effects of the GLP-1 RAs exenatide and liraglutide compared with other common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including data describing complete blood pressure (BP) changes from baseline.

METHODS

We searched the major databases for published or unpublished RCTs that had been performed in patients with T2DM and compared the effects of exenatide and liraglutide to those of other common drugs used to treat T2DM. The RCTs that included data describing BP changes between the baseline and the end of the study were selected for further analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 16 RCTs that enrolled 3443 patients in the GLP-1 RA treatment group and 2417 subjects in the control group were included in this meta-analysis. The GLP-1 RA exenatide reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) when compared with both placebo and insulin glargine, with mean differences of -5.24 and -3.46 mmHg, respectively, and with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of -6.88 to -3.59, p < 0.00001 and -3.63 to -3.29, p < 0.00001, respectively. Meanwhile, in the exenatide-treated group, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was reduced by -5.91 mmHg, with a 95% CI of -7.53 to -4.28, p < 0.00001 compared with the placebo group, and -0.99 mmHg with a 95% CI of -1.12 to -0.87, p < 0.00001 compared with the sitagliptin group. SBP changes in this meta-analysis were assessed in the groups treated with 1.2 or 1.8 mg liraglutide per day. In the 1.2 mg-treated group, liraglutide treatment reduced SBP compared with placebo and glimepiride treatment, with mean differences of -5.60 and -2.38 mmHg, and 95% CIs of -5.84 to -5.36, p < 0.00001 and -4.75 to -0.01, p = 0.05, respectively. In the 1.8-mg-treated group, liraglutide also reduced SBP compared with placebo and glimepiride treatment with mean differences of -4.49 and -2.62 mmHg, and a 95% CI of -4.73 to -4.26, p < 0.00001, and -2.91 to -2.33, p < 0.00001, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with the GLP-1 RAs exenatide and liraglutide reduced SBP and DBP by 1 to 5 mmHg compared with some other anti-diabetic drugs including insulin, glimepiride and placebo for patients with T2DM. GLP-1 RAs may offer an alternative therapy for these patients and will help provide extra cardiovascular benefits.

Serum microRNAs as potential biomarkers of mandibular prognathism

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to determine whether the expression levels of specific circulating serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with mandibular prognathism (MP).

METHODS

Sixty subjects in the early permanent dentition stage and 23 in the mixed dentition stage with MP were identified. Sixty-eight normal control subjects in the early permanent dentition stage and 24 in the mixed dentition stage were recruited for comparison. According to the microarray-based expression profiling, four serum miRNAs (let-7i-3p, miR-595, miR-16-2-3p, and miR-367-5p) were validated.

RESULTS

In the MP groups, let-7i-3p was significantly over-expressed in subjects in the early permanent (P < 0.0005) and mixed (P < 0.001) dentitions, and miR-595 was significantly under-expressed (P < 0.004) in subjects in the early permanent (P < 0.004) and mixed (P < 0.0005) dentitions, compared with normal control groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that let-7i-3p and miR-595 were able to significantly discriminate MP subjects from normal controls.

CONCLUSION

Let-7i-3p and miR-595 could be potential, non-invasive biomarkers for the accurate early detection and diagnosis of MP, which may result in improved clinical management.

Parity violation of electroweak force in phase transitions of single crystals of d- and L-alanine and valine

Three kinds of experiments have been designed in attempting to observe theparity violation of electroweak force at the phase transition of singlecrystals of D- and L-alanine and valine.(1) An obvious λ phasetransition at 270 ± 1 K was shown in the specific heat measurement ofalanine and valine enantiomers by differential scanning calorimetry. Thebiologically dominant L-enantiomer was found to have lower energy. (2)Magnetization of single crystals of D- and L-alanine and D-valine weremeasured as a function of temperature using the SQUID magnetometer. Thedifference of the mass susceptibility χ(ρ) ∼ T curve between theD-alanine and L-alanine is attributable to the variation of intramoleculargeometry of chirality density, which is related to the parity violationenergy shift of a chiral molecule and is a consequence of the short rangeof the weak interaction between the nuclei and electrons. (3) Laser Ramanspectra of D- and L-alanine at different low temperatures (100 K, 250 K,260 K, 270 K, 280 K and 290 K) showed that the second order Cα-Hdeformation modes at 2606 cm(-1), 2724 cm(-1) of D-alanine vanishedat 270 K but reappeared at 100 K. In the same method, L-alanine has nosuch phenomenon. An obvious decrease in the scattering intensity of themethyne group C(α)-H stretching mode at 2964 cm(-1) in D-alanineoccurs at the λ transition temperature. We present our experimentsinvolving the possible relevance of Z(0) force with Salam's putativephase transition in the origin of homochirality.

Hydrogen Bonding and OH-Stretch Spectroscopy in Water: Hexamer (Cage), Liquid Surface, Liquid, and Ice

We present a unified picture of how OH-stretch spectroscopy in water can be understood in terms of hydrogen bonding for the four systems listed in the title. To understand the strength, and hence OH-stretch frequency, of a hydrogen bond, it is crucial to consider the number of additional acceptor hydrogen bonds made by both the donor and acceptor molecules. This necessity for focusing on the hydrogen-bond environment of both donor and acceptor molecules follows from quantum chemical considerations and is related to the three-body interactions in water. Armed with this understanding we can make a detailed interpretation of the OH-stretch IR absorption spectrum of the cage conformer for HOD(D2O)5 and the imaginary part of the ssp OH-stretch sum-frequency spectrum of the surface of liquid D2O with dilute HOD.

Performance of a modified rabbit model of abdominal aortic aneurysm induced by topical application of porcine elastase: 5-month follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To modify the method for creating an abdominal aortic aneurysm in rabbits, and to study its performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 New Zealand white rabbits were induced topically with 10 μl of porcine elastase (0, 0.1, 5 and 10 units μl(-1)) to define the optimal concentration (groups A-D). Twelve aneurysms were induced with 10 units μl(-1) of 10 μl elastase to serve as a follow-up group (group E) to serve as a follow-up. A 1.5-cm aortic segment was isolated and induced with elastase solution for 30 min.

RESULTS

All animals in groups D and E developed AAA by day 5. Aneurysms in Group E were stable over 100 days. Partial destruction to disappearance of elastic lamellae and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was seen in elastase-treated animals by day 5. Regenerated elastin and proliferated SMCs were present in group E. Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and RAM11 showed strong expression in group D, but expression decreased in group E after day 15.

CONCLUSIONS

The rabbit AAA model induced via topical application of porcine elastase at 10 units μl(-1) for 30 min appears easy and simple, with shorter induction and more rapid aortic dilation. The model is stable over 100 days and is useful to study the formation and progress of AAAs.

Use of Cardioselective ß-Blockers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Blinded Trials

Objective:

To assess the effect of cardioselective b-blockers on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods:

The Embase and MEDLINE™ databases and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched comprehensively to identify all relevant clinical trials in humans published between January 1966 and May 2011. Randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trials that studied the effects of cardioselective ß-blockers on the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the responsiveness of the FEV1 to ß-agonist administration in patients with COPD were included in the analysis.

Results:

Five studies were identified: four of these assessed both cardioselective and nonselective ß-blockers; one assessed only cardioselective ß-blockers. The FEV1 was shown to decrease by 0.14 l with nonselective ß-blockers and by 0.03 l with cardioselective ß-blockers. The responsive -ness of the FEV1 to ß-agonist administration decreased significantly by 13.42% after nonselective ß-blockers, but did not change significantly after cardioselective -blocker administration.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis suggests that the use of β-blockers, especially cardioselective β-blockers, should not be contraindicated in patients with COPD.

Establishment and characterization of a new and stable collagen-binding assay for the assessment of von Willebrand factor activity

Introduction

Laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) requires determination of both von Willebrand factor (VWF) protein levels and activity. Current VWF activity tests include the ristocetin cofactor assay and the collagen-binding assay (VWF:CB). The goal of this investigation is to characterize a new collagen-binding assay and to determine its effectiveness in identifying VWD.

Methods

Analytical studies were carried out to characterize the performance of a new VWF:CB ELISA. Additionally, samples from a normal population were tested as were well-characterized type 1 and type 2 VWD samples.

Results

Repeatability and within-laboratory precision studies resulted in coefficients of variation (CVs) of ≤11%. A linear range of 1–354% (0.01–3.54 IU/mL) was determined, along with a limit of detection and a lower limit of quantitation of 1.6% and 4.0% (0.016 and 0.04 IU/mL), respectively. Samples tested from apparently healthy individuals resulted in a normal range of 54–217% (0.54–2.17 IU/mL). Known VWD type 1 and type 2 samples were also analyzed by the ELISA, with 99% of samples having VWF:CB below the normal reference range and an estimated 96% sensitivity and 87% specificity using a VWF collagen-binding/antigen cutoff ratio of 0.50.

Conclusion

This new VWF:CB ELISA provides an accurate measure of collagen-binding activity that aids in the diagnosis and differentiation of type 1 from type 2 VWD.

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.

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma: case report and review of the literature

We present a case of a middle-aged woman who was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain and was found to have multiple nodules on her CT scan. After CT-guided biopsy, we finally diagnosed PBML case. The patient had a very effective response to bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy. A brief review of the literature for PBML is also included.

Evaluations of cellulose accessibilities of lignocelluloses by solute exclusion and protein adsorption techniques

Cellulose accessibilities of a set of hornified lignocellulosic substrates derived by drying the never dried pretreated sample and a set of differently pretreated lodgepople pine substrates, were evaluated using solute exclusion and protein adsorption methods. Direct measurements of cellulase adsorption onto cellulose surface of the set of pretreated substrates were also carried out using an in situ UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique. The cellulose accessibilities measured by the solute exclusion and a cellulose-binding module (CBM)-containing green fluorescent protein (TGC) adsorption methods correlate well for both sets of samples. The substrate enzymatic digestibilities (SEDs) of the hornified substrates are proportional to the measured cellulose accessibilities. Approximately over 90% of the SED was contributed by the accessible pore surfaces of the hornified substrates, suggesting that the substrate external surface plays a minor role contributing to cellulose accessibility and SED. The cellulose accessibilities of the pretreated substrates correlated well with the amounts of cellulase adsorbed. The SEDs of these substrates directly correlated with the amounts of adsorbed cellulase.

A modified live PRRSV vaccine and the pathogenic parent strain induce regulatory T cells in pigs naturally infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

The lack of heterologous protection by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines is currently a major problem in the field. Heterologous protection by PRRS vaccines depends on the ability of the vaccine to induce an interferon gamma (IFN-γ) response. One mechanism by which the virus evades the immune system is by activating regulatory T cells (T(regs)), resulting in induction of interleukin 10 rather than IFN-γ. Our hypothesis that current PRRS vaccines do not differ from pathogenic strains in the ability to induce T(regs) was tested by inoculating three groups of pigs with two pathogenic viruses and an attenuated vaccine strain and evaluating the number of T(regs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Before inoculation, the pigs, although vaccinated became infected naturally with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae before shipment to our research facility. Our results show that the PRRSV vaccine strain and parent strain are equally able to induce T(regs) in pigs naturally infected with M. hyopneumoniae. Pigs in the vaccine and PRRSV groups had higher lung lesion scores than pigs in the control groups. The results suggest that the exacerbation M. hyopneumoniae respiratory disease may be due to the ability of PRRSV vaccination and viral infection to induce regulatory T cells.