Bioactive molecules derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) retain their intrinsic stem cell potential while at the same time displaying high proliferation rates, powerful differentiation capacity, and low immunogenicity. They can also secrete multiple bioactive molecules that exert specific physiological functions. Thus, UCMSCs represent excellent candidates for cell therapy in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Abundant preclinical research on different disease models has shown that UCMSCs can accelerate wound or nerve damage recovery and suppress tumor progression. In fact, UCMSCs are thought to possess a higher therapeutic potential than MSCs derived from other tissues. Increasing evidence suggests that the mechanism underlying UCSMCs efficacy depends mostly on cell secretions, in contrast to the early paradigm of cell replacement and differentiation. In this review, we discuss UCMSCs biological characteristics, their secretome-based therapeutic mechanism, and potential applications.

Aflatoxin B1 affects apoptosis and expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 in thymus and bursa of fabricius in broiler chickens

Aflatoxin B1 is known as a mycotoxin that develops various health problems of animals, the effects of AFB1 on thymus and bursa of Fabricius in chickens are not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the apoptosis of thymus and bursa of Fabricius in broilers fed with AFB1 . Two hundred Avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups of 50 each, namely control group and three AFB1 groups fed with 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.6 mg AFB1 /kg diet, respectively. In this study, flow cytometer and immunohistochemical approaches were used to determine the percentage of apoptotic cells and the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. The results showed that consumption of AFB1 diets results in increased percentage of apoptotic cells and increased expression of Caspase-3 in both thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The expression of Bax was increased and the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased in the thymus, but no significant changes in Bax and Bcl-2 expression were observed in the bursa of Fabricius when broilers fed with AFB1 . These findings suggest that adverse effects of AFB1 on thymus and bursa of Fabricius in broilers were confirmed by increased apoptotic cells and abnormal expression of Caspase-3. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1113-1120, 2016.

Nickel chloride (NiCl2)-caused inflammatory responses via activation of NF-κB pathway and reduction of anti-inflammatory mediator expression in the kidney

Nickel (Ni) or Ni compounds target a number of organs and produce multiple toxic effects. Kidney is the major organ for Ni accumulation and excretion. There are no investigations on the Ni- or Ni compounds-induced renal inflammatory responses in human beings and animals at present. Therefore, we determined NiCl₂-caused alteration of inflammatory mediators, and functional damage in the broiler's kidney by the methods of biochemistry, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Dietary NiCl₂ in excess of 300 mg/kg caused the renal inflammatory responses that characterized by increasing mRNA expression levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) via the activation of nucleic factor κB (NF-κB), and decreasing mRNA expression levels of the anti-inflammatory mediators including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Concurrently, NiCl₂ caused degeneration, necrosis and apoptosis of the tubular cells, which was consistent with the alteration of renal function parameters including elevated alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and reduced activities of sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase), calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca²⁺-ATPase), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the kidney. The above-mentioned results present that the activation of NF-κB pathway and reduction of anti-inflammatory mediator expression are main mechanisms of NiCl2-caused renal inflammatory responses and that the renal function is decreased or impaired after NiCl2-treated.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses involved in dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2)-induced pulmonary toxicity in broiler chickens

The respiratory system is the primary target of nickel or nickel compound toxicity after inhalation exposure. There are no reports on the effects of nickel or nickel compounds on the lung via dietary administration at present. This study aimed to investigate pulmonary toxicity induced by dietary NiCl₂ in broiler chickens by using histopathology, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. In comparison with the control group, NiCl₂ intake induced oxidative damage to DNA (upregulation of 8-OHdG) and lipid peroxidation (upregulation of MDA), which was associated with the upregulation of NO and the downregulation of the expression levels and activities of pulmonary CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR and GST mRNA. Also, the T-AOC activity, GSH content, ability to inhibit the generation of hydroxyl radicals, and ratio of GSH/GSSG were decreased in the groups treated with NiCl₂. Concurrently, the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18 and IFN-γ were increased via the activation of NF-κB, and the mRNA expression levels of anti-inflammatory mediators including IL-2, IL-4 and IL-13 were decreased in the groups treated with NiCl₂. The above-mentioned results were the first to demonstrate that NiCl₂ intake induced pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via the dietary pathway, which subsequently contributed to histopathological lesions and dysfunction.

Dexmedetomidine post-treatment induces neuroprotection via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in rats with subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine, a sedative agent, provides neuroprotection when administered during or before brain ischaemia. This study was designed to determine whether dexmedetomidine post-treatment induces neuroprotection against subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and the mechanisms for this effect.

METHODS

Subarachnoid haemorrhage was induced by endovascular perforation to the junction of the right middle and anterior cerebral arteries in adult rats. Dexmedetomidine was applied immediately or 2 h after onset of SAH. Neurological outcome was evaluated 2 days after SAH. Right frontal cortex area 1 was harvested 24 h after SAH for western blotting.

RESULTS

Subarachnoid haemorrhage reduced neurological scores and increased brain oedema and blood-brain barrier permeability. These effects were attenuated by dexmedetomidine post-treatment. Neuroprotection by dexmedetomidine was abolished by PD98095, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. Phospho-ERK, the activated form of ERK, was increased by dexmedetomidine; this activation was inhibited by PD98095.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine post-treatment provides neuroprotection against SAH. This effect appears to be mediated by ERK.

Nickel Chloride (NiCl2) Induces Histopathological Lesions via Oxidative Damage in the Broiler's Bursa of Fabricius

The purpose of this study was to investigate the histopathological lesions, oxidative damage, changes of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) contents in the bursa of Fabricius and serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) induced by dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2). Two hundred and eighty-one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl2 for 42 days. Lesions were observed in the NiCl2-treated groups. Histopathologically, lymphocytes were decreased in lymphoid follicles with thinner cortices and wider medullae. Concurrently, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radical and glutathione (GSH) contents were significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were increased in the NiCl2-treated groups. The serum IgG, IgM, and bursa IgG and IgM contents were significantly (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) lower in the NiCl2-treated groups than those in the control group. The above-mentioned results show that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg can cause histopathological lesions via oxidative damage, which finally impairs the function of the bursa of Fabricius and reduces IgG and IgM contents of the serum and the bursa of Fabricius. The study is aimed to provide helpful materials for studies on Ni- or Ni compounds-induced B cell toxicity in both human and other animals in the future.

Research Advances on Pathways of Nickel-Induced Apoptosis

High concentrations of nickel (Ni) are harmful to humans and animals. Ni targets a number of organs and produces multiple toxic effects. Apoptosis is important in Ni-induced toxicity of the kidneys, liver, nerves, and immune system. Apoptotic pathways mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Fas, and c-Myc participate in Ni-induced cell apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism of apoptosis caused by Ni is still unclear. Understanding the mechanism of Ni-induced apoptosis may help in designing measures to prevent Ni toxicity.

Pathway underlying small intestine apoptosis by dietary nickel chloride in broiler chickens

The aims of this study were to investigate the pathways which dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) affects small intestine apoptosis in broiler chickens by observing the ultrastructure, and bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3 protein expression and mRNA expression, and cytochrome C, bak and caspase-9 mRNA expression of the small intestine. A total of 240 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed a corn-soybean basal diet as the control diet or three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl2 for 42 days. Ultrastructurally, the microvilli were apparently exfoliated, and the mitochondria were swollen and the number of lysosomes increased in the intestinal cells of three experimental groups. As measured by TUNEL and flow cytometry (FCM), the percentage of apoptotic cells in the small intestine and the lymphocytes in the ileum were significantly increased in three experimental groups when compared with those of the control group. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) tests showed that the protein expression, mRNA expression levels were decreased in the bcl-2, whereas those of bax and caspase-3, and the cytochrome C, bak and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were increased in three experimental groups. The abovementioned results show that pathway of dietary NiCl2-induced small intestine apoptosis is related to the mitochondrial damage and promotion of the cytochrome C release from mitochondria, which activates the mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis pathway.

Dietary NiCl₂ causes G₂/M cell cycle arrest in the broiler's kidney

Here we showed that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused the G2/M cell cycle arrest and the reduction of cell proportion at S phase. The G2/M cell cycle arrest was accompanied by up-regulation of phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (p-ATM), p53, p-Chk1, p-Chk2, p21 protein expression and ATM, p53, p21, Chk1, Chk2 mRNA expression, and down-regulation of p-cdc25C, cdc2, cyclinB and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression and the cdc25, cdc2, cyclinB, PCNA mRNA expression.

E. adenophorum induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Splenocytes through the Mitochondrial Pathway and Caspase Activation in Saanen Goats

The precise cytotoxicity of E. Adenophorum in relation to the cell cycle and apoptosis of splenocytes in Saanen goats remains unclear. In the present study, 16 Saanen goats were randomly divided into four groups, which were fed on 0%, 40%, 60% and 80% E. adenophorum diets. The results of TUNEL, DAPI and AO/EB staining, flow cytometry analysis and DNA fragmentation assays showed that E. adenophorum induced typical apoptotic features in splenocytes, suppressed splenocyte viability, and caused cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner. However, westernblot, ELISA, qRT-PCR and caspase activity analyses showed that E. adenophoruminhibited Bcl-2 expression, promoted Bax translocation to the mitochondria, triggered the release of Cytc from the mitochondria into the cytosol, and activated caspase-9 and -3 and the subsequent cleavage of PARP. Moreover, in E. adenophorum-induced apoptosis, the protein levels of Fas, Bid, FasL and caspase-8 showed no significant changes. E. adenophorum treatment induced the collapse of ΔΨm. Moreover, these data suggested that E. adenophorum induces splenocyte apoptosis via the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in splenocytes. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of E. adenophorum cytotoxicity on splenocytes.

Toxicological effects of nickel chloride on the cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in intestinal mucosal immunity of broilers

The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicological effects of nickel chloride (NiCl2 ; 300, 600, and 900 mg kg(-1) diet) on the cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in the intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil, and on the ileac and cecal tonsil T cells in broilers by the methods of qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA for 42 days. Results showed that the IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α (LITAF) cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels were lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and the percentages of T-cell subsets were also lower in the 300, 600, and 900 mg kg(-1) groups than in the control group. It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg kg(-1) could reduce cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels in the intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil, and the percentages of ileac and cecal tonsil T-cell subsets. Decreasing in cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels of intestinal mucosa and cecal tonsil induced by NiCl2 was closely related to the reduction of T-cell population. Thus, the abnormal expression of these cytokines impacts the intestinal mucosal immune function by the pathways of reducing of lymphocyte population and activation. Also, this study first proved that NiCl2 at higher levels has the toxicological effects on intestinal mucosal immunity.

Individual and combined effects of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on mouse kidney

This study was performed to investigate the individual and combined toxic effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) on mouse kidney. A total of 360 female mice were divided into nine groups. Each group received intraperitoneal injection of solvent (control), DON, ZEA, or DON+ZEA four times for 12d. Results showed that ZEA and/or DON increased the apoptosis rate in the kidney, as well as the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. DON and/or ZEA also induced renal oxidative stress as indicated by increased malondialdehyde concentration and nitric oxide level and reduced superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and hydroxyl radical inhibiting capacity. The observed changes were dose and time dependent. This study reports that DON and/or ZEA induced apoptosis, dysfunction, and oxidative stress in mouse kidney. Furthermore, the combination of DON+ZEA exhibited a sub-additive nephrotoxic effect.

E. adenophorum Induces Cell Cycle and Apoptosis of Renal Cells through Mitochondrial Pathway and Caspase Activation in Saanen Goat

The cytotoxicity effects of E. adenophorum on cell cycle and apoptosis of renal cells in Saanen goat was evaluated by TUNEL, DAPI, AO/EB staining, DNA fragmentation assay, Caspase activity, Western-blot, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry analysis. 16 saanen goats randomly divided into four groups were fed on 0%, 40%, 60% and 80% E. adenophorum diets. The Results showed that E. adenophorum induced typical apoptotic features of renal cells. E. adenophorum significantly suppressed renal cells viability, caused cell cycle activity arrest and induced typical apoptotic features in a dose-dependent manner. However, the protein levels of Fas/FasL, Bid and caspase-8 did not appear significant changes in the process of E. adenophorum-induced apoptosis. Moreover, E. adenophorum administration slightly decreased Bcl-2 expression, promoted Bax translocation to mitochondria, triggered the release of Cyt c from mitochondria into cytosol and activated caspase-9, -3, and cleaved PARP. The mitochondrial p53 translocation was significantly activated, accompanied by a significant increase in the loss of ΔΨm, Cyt c release and caspase-9 activation. Above all, these data suggest that E. adenophorum induces renal cells apoptosis via the activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway in renal cells. These findings may provide new insights to understand the mechanisms involved in E. adenophorum-caused cytotoxicity of renal cells.

Genomic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma determined by cancer gene-targeted sequencing

BACKGROUND

To determine genomic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors obtained through routine clinical practice, selected cancer-related genes were evaluated and compared with alterations seen in frozen tumors obtained through research studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

DNA samples obtained from 252 FFPE HNSCC were analyzed using next-generation sequencing-based (NGS) clinical assay to determine sequence and copy number variations in 236 cancer-related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes frequently rearranged in cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was determined by presence of the HPV DNA sequence in all samples and corroborated with high-risk HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in a subset of tumors. Sequencing data from 399 frozen tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas and University of Chicago public datasets were analyzed for comparison.

RESULTS

Among 252 FFPE HNSCC, 84 (33%) were HPV positive and 168 (67%) were HPV negative by sequencing. A subset of 40 tumors with HPV ISH and p16 IHC results showed complete concordance with NGS-derived HPV status. The most common genes with genomic alterations were PIK3CA and PTEN in HPV-positive tumors and TP53 and CDKN2A/B in HPV-negative tumors. In the pathway analysis, the PI3K pathway in HPV-positive tumors and DNA repair-p53 and cell cycle pathways in HPV-negative tumors were frequently altered. The HPV-positive oropharynx and HPV-positive nasal cavity/paranasal sinus carcinoma shared similar mutational profiles.

CONCLUSION

The genomic profile of FFPE HNSCC tumors obtained through routine clinical practice is comparable with frozen tumors studied in research setting, demonstrating the feasibility of comprehensive genomic profiling in a clinical setting. However, the clinical significance of these genomic alterations requires further investigation through application of these genomic profiles as integral biomarkers in clinical trials.

Inhibitive effects of nickel chloride (NiCl₂) on thymocytes

The purpose of this study was to define the inhibitive effects of dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) on thymocytes in broilers fed on diets supplemented with 0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl2 for 42 days. We examined the changes of cell cycle phase, percentages of apoptotic cells, T cell subsets, cytokines, and mRNA expression of apoptotic proteins (bcl-2, bax, and caspase-3) in thymocytes by flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In the NiCl2-treated broilers, the percentages of thymocytes in G0/G1 phase were increased, whereas thymocytes in the S phase and the proliferation index were decreased. The percentages of apoptotic thymocytes were increased. Also, the mRNA expression levels of bax and caspase-3 were increased, and mRNA expression levels of bcl-2 were decreased. The percentages of CD3(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), and CD3(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes in the thymus and peripheral blood were diminished. Concurrently, thymic cytokine (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-12 p35 subunit (IL-12p35), interleukin-12 p40 subunit (IL-12p40), interleukin-21 (IL-21), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), thymosin β4, thymosin β10, and thymosin β15) mRNA expression levels were decreased. The abovementioned results showed that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg inhibited thymocyte growth by arresting cell cycle, increasing apoptosis percentage, altering apoptotic protein mRNA expression levels, and downregulating cytokine expression levels.

Induction and mechanism of HeLa cell apoptosis by 9-oxo‑10, 11-dehydroageraphorone from Eupatorium adenophorum

9-Oxo-10, 11-dehydroageraphorone (euptox A), a cadenine sesquiterpene, is the main toxin from Eupatorium adenophorum. The aim of the present study was to examine the induction and mechanism of HeLa cell apoptosis by euptox A. The apoptosis‑inducing effect of the euptox A on HeLa cells was examined by MTT assay. The underlying mechanism was analyzed by flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Flow cytometry results suggested that euptox A effectively inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells, arrested the cell cycle transition from S to G2/M phase, did not continue to complete the cell cycle activity (mainly from 4 times and mitosis), and induced cell proliferation. The RT-qPCR detection results showed that euptox A induced apoptosis by improving the gene expression level of apoptotic proteases such as caspase-10 in HeLa cells. Its mechanism of action was associated with the upregulation of apoptotic gene expression and arresting of the cell cycle.

Deoxynivalenol induces apoptosis in chicken splenic lymphocytes via the reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial pathway

We investigated the immunotoxicity and cytotoxicity of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin, and the mechanism by which it induces apoptosis. Chicken splenic lymphocytes treated with 0-50μg/mL DON for 48h inhibited growth of splenic lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) bioassay. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate staining indicated that the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells were significantly higher compared with the control (P<0.01). DON treatment induced ROS accumulation, resulting in reduced mitochondrial transmembrane potential, as detected by flow cytometry and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein acetate and rhodamine 123 labeling, respectively. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays revealed that the concentrations of p53, Bax, Bak-1, and Caspase-3 increased with increasing DON concentration (P<0.05 or P<0.01), whereas the concentrations of Bcl-2 decreased (P<0.01) compared with the control. These data suggest that DON induces apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes via a ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway.

Clinical efficacy of 9-oxo-10, 11-dehydroageraphorone extracted from Eupatorium adenophorum against Psoroptes cuniculi in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Animal acariasis is one of the important veterinary skin diseases. Chemical drugs have been widely used to treat and control this kind of disease. But many chemicals control could increase resistance in target species, toxicity and environmental hazards. We found that the 9-oxo-10, 11-dehydroageraphorone (euptox A) extracted from E. adenophorum has strong toxicity against P. cuniculi in vitro, but the in vivo acaricidal actions of euptox A have yet to be investigated.

RESULTS

A 14-day experiment was performed using rabbits that were naturally infested with P. cuniculi on a farm. Rabbits were randomly divided into five groups; animals in groups A, B and C were treated in each ear topically with 4.0 ml of 2.0 and 1.0 g/L (w/v) euptox A, respectively. Animals in groups D and E were treated with ivermectin (by injection; positive controls) and glycerol with water only (by embrocation; negative controls), respectively. Each rabbit was treated twice with separate treatments on days 0 and 7. Rabbits were observed daily and detailed examinations were performed on days 0, 7 and 14, to inspect the presence or absence of mites and scabs/crusts. Seven days after the initial treatment, the mean clinical scores (presence of scabs/crusts) decreased from 3.48, 3.37, 3.43 and 3.45 to 0.37, 0.42, 0.78 and 0.38 in the ears of animals in groups A, B , C and D, respectively, which were similar to the observations recorded in the positive control rabbits. However, the clinical score for negative control rabbits did not increase significantly (P > 0.05) during the experiment, and this changed from 3.32 to 3.37 in the ears, and there were no significant differences in clinical efficacy between left and right ears. After two treatments (0 and 7 d), the rabbits in groups A, B, C and D had recovered completely 14 days after the last treatment and no recurrences of infection were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that euptox A was potent compounds for the effective control of animal P. cuniculi in vivo.

NiCl2-down-regulated antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression causes oxidative damage in the broiler(')s kidney

The kidney serves as a major organ of nickel (Ni) excretion and is a target organ for acute Ni toxicity due to Ni accumulation. There are no studies on the Ni or Ni compound-regulated antioxidant enzyme mRNA expression in animals and human beings at present. This study was conducted to investigate the pathway of nickel chloride (NiCl2)-caused renal oxidative damage by the methods of biochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hundred and eighty one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl2 for 42 days. Dietary NiCl2 elevated the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents, and reduced the ability to inhibit hydroxy radical in the NiCl2-treated groups. Also, the renal inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and mRNA expression levels were increased. The total antioxidant (T-AOC) and activities of antioxidant enzymes including copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were decreased, and the glutathione (GSH) contents as well were decreased in the kidney. Concurrently, the renal CuZn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GST, and GR mRNA expression levels were decreased. The above-mentioned results showed that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused renal oxidative damage by reducing mRNA expression levels and activities of antioxidant enzymes, and then enhancing free radicals generation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA oxidation.

Occurrence of novel and rare subtype families of Cryptosporidium in bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis) in China

This report is the first to describe Cryptosporidium infection in bamboo rats (Rhizomys sinensis). Ninety-two fresh fecal specimens were collected from a pet market in Ya'an City, China. One Cryptosporidium isolate from an asymptomatic host and two isolates from separate hosts with diarrhea were obtained by using Sheather's sucrose flotation technique and modified acid-fast staining. The Cryptosporidium spp. were genotyped by nested PCR and nucleotide sequencing of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA), 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70), oocyst wall protein (COWP), and actin genes: isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum with minor nucleotide differences at all four loci. Further subtyping was performed by PCR amplification and DNA sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene: two subtype families were detected, including a novel C. parvum subtype IIpA9 and a rare subtype IIoA13G1 (only reported in diarrheal patients of Sweden). Our results suggest that the bamboo rat is a reservoir host of C. parvum. Significantly, we discovered that the rare C. parvum subtype family IIo is also a zoonotic subtype and confirmed C. parvum subtype IIpA9 as a novel subtype family.

Effects of nickel chloride on the erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the immune adherence function of erythrocytes and erythrocyte induced by dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) in broilers fed on a control diet and three experimental diets supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Blood samples were collected from five broilers in each group at 14, 28, and 42 days of age. Changes of erythrocyte parameters showed that total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) contents, and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) was higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 600 and 900 mg/kg groups at 28 and 42 days of age than those in the control group, and the sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) and calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) activities were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the NiCl2-treated groups. The results of erythrocyte immune adherence function indicated that erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette rate (E-C3bRR) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 600 and 900 mg/kg groups and in the 300 mg/kg group at 42 days of age, whereas the erythrocyte immune complex rosette rate (E-ICRR) was markedly increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups at 28 and 42 days of age. It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused anemia and impaired the erythrocytic integrity, erythrocytic ability to transport oxygen, and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broilers. Impairment of the erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function was one of main effect mechanisms of NiCl2 on the blood function.

Toxicological effects of dietary nickel chloride on intestinal microbiota

This study was designed to evaluate the toxicological effect of dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) on the counts of intestinal bacteria and diversity of microorganisms in broilers. Plate counting and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) assays were used. A total of 240 one-day-old avian broilers chicks were divided into four equal groups and kept on corn-soybean basal diet along with supplementation of 0, 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Samples were taken at 21 and 42 days of age during the experiment. The bacterial count results showed that dietary NiCl2 in the range of 300 to 900 mg/kg decreased the counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus, increased Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus spp. in the ileum and cecum. PCR-DGGE analysis showed that bacterial band numbers, profile similarity, and the Shannon index of the ileum and cecum were all decreased in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups at 21 and 42 days of age. In conclusion, dietary NiCl2 affected the amount and diversity of intestinal microbiota in the ileum and cecum of broilers. This finding implies that NiCl2 has toxicological effect on the intestinal ecosystem and, possibly functions.

Effect of selenium supplementation on aflatoxin B₁-induced histopathological lesions and apoptosis in bursa of Fabricius in broilers

To investigate the effects of sodium selenite against aflatoxin B1 (AFB 1), 200 male Avian broilers, divided into five groups, were fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.2 mg/kg Se (+Se group I), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group II) and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.6 mg/kg Se (+Se group III), respectively. Compared with the control group, decreased relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and contents of serum immunoglobulin, more vacuoles and debris in the bursal lymphoid follicle, and increased percentage of apoptotic bursal cells were observed in the AFB1 group. Sodium selenite, however, could increase the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and contents of serum immunoglobulin, and ameliorate histopathological lesions. The percentages of apoptotic bursal cells, through flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method, in the three +Se groups were lower than those in the AFB 1 group. Compared with the AFB 1 group, moreover, the mRNA expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 by qRT-PCR in the three +Se groups were decreased, while the expression of Bcl-2 was increased. The results indicate that sodium selenite in diet can protect chicken from AFB 1-induced impairment of humoral immune function by reducing bursal histopathological lesions and percentages of apoptotic bursal cells.

Isoflurane unveils a critical role of glutamate transporter type 3 in regulating hippocampal GluR1 trafficking and context-related learning and memory in mice

Glutamate transporter type 3 (EAAT3) may play a role in cognition. Isoflurane enhances EAAT3 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Thus, we used isoflurane to determine how EAAT3 might regulate learning and memory and the trafficking of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors, such as GluR1, to the plasma membrane, a fundamental biochemical process for learning and memory. Here, isoflurane increased EAAT3 but did not change GluR1 levels in the plasma membrane of wild-type mouse hippocampus. Isoflurane increased protein phosphatase activity in the wild-type and EAAT3(-/-) mouse hippocampus. Also, isoflurane reduced GluR1 in the plasma membrane and decreased phospho-GluR1 in EAAT3(-/-) mice. The phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid attenuated these effects. Finally, isoflurane inhibited context-related fear conditioning in EAAT3(-/-) mice but not in wild-type mice. Thus, isoflurane may increase GluR1 trafficking to the plasma membrane via EAAT3 and inhibit GluR1 trafficking via protein phosphatase. Lack of EAAT3 effects leads to decreased GluR1 trafficking and impaired cognition after isoflurane exposure in EAAT3(-/-) mice.

Effects of sodium selenite on aflatoxin B1-induced decrease of ileal IgA+ cell numbers and immunoglobulin contents in broilers

This study was aimed to assess the protective effect of sodium selenite on the ileum mucosal immunologic injury induced by AFB1. One hundred eighty-one-day-old healthy male Avian broilers were divided into four groups of three replicates and 15 birds per replicate and fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group), and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg Se (AFB1 + Se group) respectively. The numbers of IgA(+) cells of ileum were determined by immunohistochemistry as well as the contents of sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM in the mucosa of ileum by ELISA. Compared with those in the control group, the numbers of IgA(+) cells as well as the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were decreased in the AFB1 group. However, compared with those in the AFB1 group, the numbers of IgA(+) cells as well as the sIgA, IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were increased in the AFB1 + Se group, and these data had no difference between AFB1 + Se group and control group. It was concluded that 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 could reduce the humoral immune function of the ileum mucosa, but 0.4 mg/kg supplemented dietary selenium could protect the mucosal humoral immune function from AFB1-induced impairment.

Effects of aflatoxin B1 exposure and sodium selenite supplementation on the histology, cell proliferation, and cell cycle of jejunum in broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure and sodium selenite supplementation on the histology, cell proliferation and cell cycle of jejunum in broilers. A total of 240 1-day-old male AA broilers were divided into four groups of 60 each, fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg supplement Se (Se group), and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.4 mg/kg supplement Se (AFB1 + Se group) for 21 days, respectively. Compared with the control group, decreased jejunal villus height, villus height/crypt ratio, and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, and G2/M phase arrest and shedded epithelial cells on the tip of jejunal villus were observed in AFB1 groups at 7 and 14 days of age. However, the villus/crypt ratio, PCNA-positive cells and cell percentage of G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases had no significant differences between AFB1 group and control group at 21 days. Simultaneous supplementation with sodium selenite restored these parameters to be close to those in control group. In conclusion, 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 in the diet inhibits the development of broiler's jejunum by reducing cellular proliferation and inducing G2/M arrest during only the first 2 weeks after hatching. Supplementation of dietary sodium selenite at the concentration of 0.4 mg/kg Se had protective action against these toxic effects of AFB1.

Effect of dietary nickel chloride on splenic immune function in broilers

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary nickel chloride (NiCl2) on the splenic immunity in broilers by observing changes of cytokine mRNA expression and protein levels, immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) contents, and IgA+ B cell and T-cell numbers using the methods of qRT-PCR, flow cytometry (FCM), and ELISA. A total of 240 1-day-old avian broilers were equally allocated into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as the control diet or the same diet supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. The mRNA expression and protein levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α/LITAF, IFN-γ, and IgA, IgG, and IgM contents were significantly decreased (p<0.05 or p<0.01) in the 300-, 600-, and 900-mg/kg NiCl2 groups when compared with those of the control group, which was consistent with the reduction of T-cell subset percentages and IgA+ B cell numbers in the 300-, 600-, and 900-mg/kg NiCl2 groups. The abovementioned results showed that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused damage on splenocytes and splenic immune function. The results of the present study provided new experimental evidences for further study on the effect mechanism of NiCl2 on splenic immunity.

Effects of sodium selenite on aflatoxin B1-induced decrease of ileac T cell and the mRNA contents of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in broilers

The aim of this work was to assess the protective effect of sodium selenite on the ileum mucosal immunologic toxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). One hundred and eighty one-day-old healthy male avian broilers were divided into four groups of three replicates and 15 birds per replicate and fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group), and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1+0.4 mg/kg Se (AFB1+Se group), respectively. The ileac T-cell subsets were determined by the methods of flow cytometry (FCM), and the mRNA contents of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) by quantitative real-time PCR. Compared with those in control group, the percentages of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and LPLs, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio of IELs, and the mRNA contents of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α were decreased in AFB1 group. However, compared with those in AFB1 group, these parameters of AFB1+Se group were increased to be close to those in control group. It was concluded that 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 could reduce the cellular immune function of the ileum mucosa, but 0.4 mg/kg supplemented dietary selenium showed protective effects on AFB1-induced immunologic injury.

Downregulation of TLR4 and 7 mRNA expression levels in broiler's spleen caused by diets supplemented with nickel chloride

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important immune receptors in discriminating self from nonself and in initiating the innate and adaptive immune response. TLR4 and TLR7 have been proven to be highly expressed in chicken's spleen. Thus, this study was to evaluate the TLR4 and TLR7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in the spleen of broilers fed diets supplemented with nickel chloride (NiCl2) using the methods of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Two hundred forty-one-day-old avian broilers were equally divided into 4 groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl2 for 42 days. Results showed that TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen were lower (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. It was concluded that dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg could lower TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen of broilers, implying that NiCl2 could impair the innate and adaptive immunity in spleen by injuring immunocytes and/or decreasing the content of cytokines through TLRs.

Multilocus genotype and subtype analysis of Cryptosporidium andersoni derived from a Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) in China

Fecal specimens from two Bactrian camels were collected in the Ya'an city zoo of China and were examined for Cryptosporidium by centrifugal flotation. One specimen was found to be parasitized by Cryptosporidium via microscopy, and the oocysts were measured to have an average size of 7.03 × 5.50 μm (n > 50). The isolate was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and DNA sequence analysis of the partial 18S rRNA, COWP, and A135 genes, and was confirmed to be Cryptosporidium andersoni with minor nucleotide differences. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis indicated that the subtype of the camel-derived C. andersoni isolate was A4, A4, A4, and A1 at the four minisatellite loci (MS1, MS2, MS3, and MS16, respectively). Therefore, this isolate belongs to the most common MLST subtype reported in cattle in China and is distinct from two other known camel C. andersoni MLST subtypes (A6, A4, A2, A1 and A6, A5, A2, A1). Animal transmission experiments demonstrated that the C. andersoni isolate was not infectious to immunosuppressed or immunocompetent Kun-ming mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and hamsters but was biologically similar to most bovine C. andersoni isolates characterized so far. Therefore, transmission of this camel-derived C. andersoni isolate is very likely to occur between camels and bovine.

Cerebral vasodilator properties of Danshen and Gegen: a study of their combined efficacy and mechanisms of actions

Danshen and Gegen are two commonly used Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the combination effects of these two herbs on cerebral vascular tone and their underlying mechanisms of actions. Basilar artery rings were obtained from rats and precontracted with U46619. Cumulative administrations of aqueous extracts of Danshen, Gegen, or the two herbs combined (DG; ratio 7:3) produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the artery rings. Statistical analysis on these findings produced a combination index (CI) of 1.041 at ED50, which indicates the two herbs produced additive vasodilator effects when used as a combined decoction. Removal of the endothelium had no effect on the vasodilator properties of Danshen, Gegen, and DG. However, their maximum effects (Imax) were significantly blunted by a KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide, a non-selective K(+) channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA), and by a combination of K(+) channel inhibitors (glibenclamide+TEA+iberiotoxin+4-aminopyridine+barium chloride). In addition, Danshen, Gegen, and DG produced augmentation of KATP currents and inhibited Ca(2+) influx in vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from rat basilar arteries. Furthermore, these agents inhibited CaCl2-induced contraction in the artery rings. In conclusion, the present study showed that Danshen and Gegen produced additive vasodilator effects on rat cerebral basilar arteries. These effects were independent of endothelium-derived relaxant factors (EDRF), but required the opening of KATP channels and inhibition of Ca(2+) influx in the vascular smooth muscle cells. It is suspected that the cerebral vasodilator effects of Danshen and Gegen produced either on their own or in combination, can help patients with obstructive cerebrovascular diseases.

Improved establishment of embryonic stem (ES) cell lines from the Chinese Kunming mice by hybridization with 129 mice

Chinese Kunming mice (Mus musculus Km), widely used as laboratory animals throughout China, remain very refractory for embryonic stem (ES) cell isolation. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of hybridization with 129/Sv mice, and culture media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) or Knockout serum replacement (KSR) on ES cell isolation from Kunming mice. The results demonstrated that ES cells had been effectively isolated from the hybrid embryos of Kunming and 129/Sv mice using all three media containing 15% FBS, 15% KSR and their mixture of 14% KSR and 1% FBS, individually. These isolated ES cells had maintained in vitro undifferentiated for a long time, exhibiting all features specific for mouse ES cells. In addition, the rates of ES cell isolation in the medium containing 14% KSR and 1% FBS, was 46.67% and significantly higher than those in another two media containing only FBS or KSR (p < 0.05). Contrarily, no ES cell line had been established from Kunming mouse inbred embryos using the same protocols. These results suggested that ES cells with long-term self-renewal ability could be efficiently generated from hybrid embryos of Kunming and 129/Sv mice, and a small volume of FBS was necessary to isolate ES cells in the KSR medium when embryos and early ES cells cultured.

Effects of dietary selenium on histopathological changes and T cells of spleen in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which causes hepatocellular carcinoma and immune-suppression, is commonly found in feedstuffs. To evaluate the ability of selenium (Se) to counteract the deleterious effects of AFB1, two hundred 1-day-old male avian broilers, divided into five groups, were fed with basal diet (control group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1 (AFB1 group), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1+0.2 mg/kg Se (+Se group I), 0.3 mg/kg AFB1+0.4 mg/kg Se (+Se group II) and 0.3 mg/kg AFB1+0.6 mg/kg Se (+Se group III), respectively. Compared with control group, the relative weight of spleen in the AFB1 group was decreased at 21 days of age. The relative weight of spleen in the three +Se groups was higher than that in the AFB1 group. By pathological observation, the major spleen lesions included congestion in red pulp and vacuoles appeared in the lymphatic nodules and periarterial lymphatic sheath in the AFB1 group. In +Se groups II and III, the incidence of major splenic lesions was decreased. The percentages of CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells in the AFB1 group were lower than those in control group from 7 to 21 days of age, while there was a marked increase in the three +Se groups compared to the AFB1 group. The results indicated that sodium selenite could improve the cellular immune function impaired by AFB1 through increasing the relative weight of spleen and percentages of splenic T cell subsets, and alleviating histopathological spleen damage.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate attenuates surgery-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction possibly via inhibition of nuclear factor κB

Surgery induces learning and memory impairment. Neuroinflammation may contribute to this impairment. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is an important transcription factor to regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesize that inhibition of NF-κB by pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) reduces neuroinflammation and the impairment of learning and memory. To test this hypothesis, four-month-old male Fischer 344 rats were subjected to right carotid exploration under propofol and buprenorphine anesthesia. Some rats received two doses of 50mg/kg PDTC given intraperitoneally 30min before and 6h after the surgery. Rats were tested in the Barnes maze and fear conditioning paradigm begun 6days after the surgery. Expression of various proteins related to inflammation was examined in the hippocampus at 24h or 21days after the surgery. Here, surgery, but not anesthesia alone, had a significant effect on prolonging the time needed to identify the target hole during the training sessions of the Barnes maze. Surgery also increased the time for identifying the target hole in the long-term memory test and decreased context-related learning and memory in fear conditioning test. Also, surgery increased nuclear expression of p65, a NF-κB component, decreased cytoplasmic amount of inhibitor of NF-κB, and increased the expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 and active matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). Finally, surgery enhanced IgG extravasation in the hippocampus. These surgical effects were attenuated by PDTC. These results suggest that surgery, but not propofol-based anesthesia, induces neuroinflammation and impairment of learning and memory. PDTC attenuates these effects possibly by inhibiting NF-κB activation and the downstream MMP-9 activity.

Suppressive effects of dietary high fluorine on the intestinal development in broilers

Fluoride (F) is a well-recognized hazardous substance. Ingested F initially acts locally on the intestines. The small intestine plays a critical role in the digestion, absorption, and defense. In this study, therefore, we investigated the effects of fluorine on the intestinal development by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and histochemistry. A total of 280 one-day-old avian broilers were randomly divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet (fluorine, 22.6 mg/kg) or the same basal diet supplemented with 400, 800, and 1,200 mg/kg fluorine (high fluorine groups I, II, and III) in the form of sodium fluoride for 42 days. The results showed that the intestinal gross, histological, and ultrastructural changes were observed in the high fluorine groups II and III. Meanwhile, the intestinal length, weight, viscera index, villus height, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio, diameter, muscle layer thickness, and goblet cell numbers were significantly lower (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), and the intestinal diameter to villus height ratio was markedly higher (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) in the high fluorine groups II and III than those in control group. In conclusion, dietary fluorine in the range of 800-1,200 mg/kg obviously altered the aforementioned parameters of the intestines, implying that the intestinal development was suppressed and the intestinal functions, such as digestion, absorption, defense, or osmoregulation were impaired in broilers.

Transcriptional profiling of hilar nodes from pigs after experimental infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The gram-negative bacterium Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) is an inhabitant of the porcine upper respiratory tract and the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumonia (PP). In recent years, knowledge about the proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine gene expression that occurs in lung and lymph node of the APP-infected swine has been advanced. However, systematic gene expression profiles on hilar nodes from pigs after infection with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae have not yet been reported. The transcriptional responses were studied in hilar nodes (HN) from swine experimentally infected with APP and the control groupusing Agilent Porcine Genechip, including 43,603 probe sets. 9,517 transcripts were identified as differentially expressed (DE) at the p ≤ 0.01 level by comparing the log2 (normalized signal) of the two groups named treatment group (TG) and controls (CG). Eight hundred and fifteen of these DE transcripts were annotated as pig genes in the GenBank database (DB). Two hundred and seventy-two biological process categories (BP), 75 cellular components and 171 molecular functions were substantially altered in the TG compared to CG. Many BP were involved in host immune responses (i.e., signaling, signal transmission, signal transduction, response to stimulus, oxidation reduction, response to stress, immune system process, signaling pathway, immune response, cell surface receptor linked signaling pathway). Seven DE gene pathways (VEGF signaling pathway, Long-term potentiation, Ribosome, Asthma, Allograft rejection, Type I diabetes mellitus and Cardiac muscle contraction) and statistically significant associations with host responses were affected. Many cytokines (including NRAS, PI3K, MAPK14, CaM, HSP27, protein phosphatase 3, catalytic subunit and alpha isoform), mediating the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and promoting survival and vascular permeability, were activated in TG, whilst many immunomodulatory cytokines were suppressed. The significant changes in the expression patterns of the genes, GO terms, and pathways, led to a decrease of antigenic peptides with antigen presenting cells presented to T lymphocytes via the major histocompatibility complex, and alleviated immune response induced APP of HN. The immune response ability of HN in the APP-infected pigs was weakened; however, cell proliferation and migration ability was enhanced.

Dietary nickel chloride restrains the development of small intestine in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary NiCl2 on the development of the small intestine in broilers by the methods of light microscopy, histochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 240 one-day-old avian broilers were divided into four groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg of nickel chloride (NiCl2) for 42 days. Results showed that the small intestinal villus height, crypt depth and villus/crypt ratio were significantly decreased, and also the small intestinal goblet cells numbers and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) contents were significantly decreased in the 300-, 600- and 900-mg/kg groups when compared with those of the control group. In conclusion, dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg reduced the villus height, crypt depth, the goblet cells population and the IGF-1 and EGF contents in the small intestine, indicating that the normal development and function of the small intestine were finally impaired in broilers. This study firstly provided the new experimental information for future studies on the effects of NiCl2 on the intestinal function in humans and other animals.

Effects of high dietary fluorine on erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broiler chickens

Fluoride can exert toxic effects on soft tissues, giving rise to a broad array of symptoms and pathological changes. The aim of this study was to investigate on erythrocytes and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broiler chickens fed with high fluorine (F) diets by measuring the total erythrocyte count (TEC), the contents of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volumn (PCV), erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette rate (E-C3bRR), and erythrocyte immune complex rosette rate (E-ICRR). A total of 280 1-day-old healthy avian broiler chickens were randomly allotted into four equal groups of 70 birds each and fed with a corn-soybean basal diet containing 22.6 mg F/kg (control group) or same basal diets supplemented with 400, 800, and 1,200 mg F/kg (high F groups I, II, and III) in the form of sodium fluoride for 42 days. Blood samples were collected for the abovementioned parameters analysis at 14, 28, and 42 days of age during the experiment. The experimental results indicated that TEC, Hb, and PCV were significantly lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and EOF was higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the high F groups II and III than that in the control group from 14 to 42 days of age. The E-C3bRR was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in the three high F groups, whereas the E-ICRR was markedly increased (p < 0.01) in the high F groups II and III from 14 to 42 days of age. It was concluded that dietary F in the range of 800 to 1, 200 mg/kg could significantly cause anemia and impair the integrity of erythrocyte membrane, the transport capacity of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and erythrocyte immune adherence function in broiler chickens.