Critical role of calpain in axonal damage-induced retinal ganglion cell death

Calpain, an intracellular cysteine protease, has been widely reported to be involved in neuronal cell death. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of calpain activation in axonal damage-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Twelve-week-old male calpstatin (an endogenous calpain inhibitor) knockout mice (CAST KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used in this study. Axonal damage was induced by optic nerve crush (NC) or tubulin destruction induced by leaving a gelatin sponge soaked with vinblastine (VB), a microtubule disassembly chemical, around the optic nerve. Calpain activation was assessed by immunoblot analysis, which indirectly quantified the cleaved α-fodrin, a substrate of calpain. RGCs were retrogradely labeled by injecting a fluorescent tracer, Fluoro-Gold (FG), and the retinas were harvested and flat-mounted retinas prepared. The densities of FG-labeled RGCs harvested from the WT and CAST KO groups were assessed and compared. Additionally, a calpain inhibitor (SNJ-1945, 100 mg/kg/day) was administered orally, and the density of surviving RGCs was compared with that of the vehicle control group. The mean density of surviving RGCs in the CAST KO group was significantly lower than that observed in the WT group, both in NC and in VB. The mean density of surviving RGCs in the SNJ-1945-treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 has a neuroprotective effect against axonal damage-induced RGC death. This pathway may be an important therapeutic target for preventing this axonal damage-induced RGC death, including glaucoma and diabetic optic neuropathy and other CNS diseases that share a common etiology.

Rapid growth of magnetite nanoplates by ultrasonic irradiation at low temperature

Two-dimensional plate-like Fe(3)O(4) nanocrystals were synthesized by a facile method using ultrasonic irradiation in aqueous solution at low temperature without protection from oxygen. The crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The products subjected to ultrasound showed a two-dimensional morphology. The results obtained indicate that the morphologies of the magnetite crystals depend more on the ultrasonic irradiation than on the growth temperature. The thickness and width of the crystals increased with increasing temperature of the reaction medium. In addition, the magnetic hysteresis loop of the magnetite nanoplates was obtained at room temperature.

Effects of recipient oocyte age and interval from fusion to activation on development of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) nuclear transfer embryos derived from fetal fibroblasts

The objective was to investigate the effect of recipient oocyte age and the interval from activation to fusion on developmental competence of buffalo nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. Buffalo oocytes matured in vitro for 22 h were enucleated by micromanipulation under the spindle view system, and a fetal fibroblast (pretreated with 0.1 μg/mL aphidicolin for 24 h, followed by culture for 48 h in 0.5% fetal bovine serum) was introduced into the enucleated oocyte, followed by electrofusion. Both oocytes and NT embryos were activated by exposure to 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, followed by culture in 2 mM 6-dimethyl-aminopurine for 3 h. When oocytes matured in vitro for 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32 h were activated, more oocytes matured in vitro for 30 h developed into blastocysts in comparison with oocytes matured in vitro for 32 h (31.3 vs 19.9%, P < 0.05). When electrofusion was induced 27 h after the onset of oocyte maturation, the cleavage rate (78.0%) was higher than that of electrofusion induced at 28 h (67.2%, P < 0.05), and the blastocyst yield (18.1%) was higher (P < 0.05) than that of electrofusion induced at 25 or 26 h (7.4 and 8.5%, respectively). A higher proportion of NT embryos activated at 3 h after electrofusion developed to the blastocyst stage (18.6%) in comparison with NT embryos activated at 1 h (6.0%), 2 h (8.3%), or 4 h (10.6%) after fusion (P < 0.05). No recipient was pregnant 60 d after transfer of blastocysts developed from NT embryos activated at 1 h (0/8), 2 h (0/10), or 4 h (0/9) after fusion. However, 3 of 16 recipients were pregnant following transfer of blastocysts developed from the NT embryos activated at 3 h after fusion, and two of these recipients maintained pregnancy to term. We concluded that the developmental potential of buffalo NT embryos was related to recipient oocyte age and the interval from fusion to activation.

Analysis of plasma calprotectin and polymorphisms of S100A8 in patients with aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Calprotectin is an important proinflammatory mediator in various inflammatory diseases and is composed of two subunits (S100A8 and S100A9). However, the level of calprotectin in plasma of patients with aggressive periodontitis and its relationship with gene polymorphisms of S100A8 are unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The plasma concentrations of calprotectin were measured, using an enzyme immunoassay, in 139 patients with aggressive periodontitis and in 88 periodontally healthy control subjects. These patients were genotyped for the rs3795391 and rs3806232 polymorphisms of S100A8.

RESULTS

The plasma concentration of calprotectin in patients with aggressive periodontitis was significantly higher than in controls (2.17 mg/L vs. 1.72 mg/L, respectively, p = 0.001). The percentage of the AA genotype of S100A8 rs3795391 was significantly higher in patients than in controls (82% vs. 69.3%, respectively, p = 0.027), while the frequency of the allele G was decreased among patients compared with controls (9.6% vs. 16.1%, respectively, p = 0.036), which was especially apparent in men (rs3795391 genotype, p = 0.005; rs3795391 allele, p = 0.015). The mean probing depth in patients carrying the AA genotype was significantly higher than that of patients carrying the GA + GG genotype of two polymorphisms of S100A8 (rs3795391, p = 0.035; rs3806232, p = 0.040), whereas the levels of calprotectin between different genotypes were not significantly different (rs3795391, p = 0.11; rs3806232, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that aggressive periodontitis is associated with elevated levels of plasma calprotectin and that gene polymorphisms of S100A8 may influence the susceptibility and severity of aggressive periodontitis.

134 EFFECTS OF VITAMIN E AND VITAMIN C ON THE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE OF BUFFALO (BUBALUS BUBALIS) EMBRYOS DERIVED FROM PARTHENOGENETIC ACTIVATION, IN VITRO FERTILIZATION, AND NUCLEAR TRANSFER

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of vitamin E (VE) and vitamin C (VC) on the in vitro development of embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Buffalo oocytes obtained from ovaries at slaughter were matured in vitro for 22 to 24 h. After maturation, oocytes were separated to 3 groups: one group of oocytes was fertilized in vitro with buffalo sperm; one group of oocytes was parthenogenetically activated by exposing them to 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min and then cultured in 2 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h; the other group of oocytes was enucleated, and fibroblasts in DMEM + 10% FBS for 4 to 5 days were transferred into enucleated oocytes by electronic fusion (100 v mm–1, 15 μs, and 3 pulses). After fusion, the activation of reconstructed embryos was induced by exposure to 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min and then cultured in 2 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h. The embryos of PA, IVF, and NT were respectively cultured in the culture medium (CM) containing different concentrations of VE, VC, or VE + VC for 7 to 9 days to evaluate embryonic development. As a result, when the embryos were cultured in the CM with different concentrations of VE (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM), the blastocyst development rate of the embryos derived from PA, IVF, and NT gradually rose with increasing concentrations of VE and reached the highest amount [PA: 32.9% (81/246); IVF: 21.4% (45/210); and NT: 21.1% (47/223)] in the group containing 150 μM of VE; it was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). When the different concentrations of VC (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) were added to the CM, the blastocyst development rate of the embryos derived from PA, IVF, and NT also enhanced according to the increasing concentration of VC, and more embryos developed to blastocysts in the group containing 150 μM of VC [PA: 31.2% (72/231); IVF: 20.2% (43/213); NT: 19.8% (48/243)] than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group (0 μM), the blastocyst rate of PA and IVF, as well as NT embryos, cultured in the CM with 150 μM VE + 150 μM VC groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the percentage of blastocysts among groups of the 150 μM VE, 150 μM VC, and 150 μM VE + 150 μM VC (P > 0.05). These results indicated that adding VE (150 μM), VC (150 μM), or VE (150 μM) + VC (150 μM) in the CM could efficiently enhance the developmental competence of buffalo embryos during in vitro culture. This work was funded by China High Technology Development Program (2007AA100505), Guangxi Science Foundation (0718005-3A), Fok Ying Tung Education Foundation (111034).

[Analysis of alveolar bone loss and related factors in patients with aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the alveolar bone loss status and the related factors in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients.

METHODS

A total of 108 untreated AgP patients were included. The patients averaged 27.7 years of age with 45 males and 63 females. Twenty males were current smokers and the smoking status was evaluated by cigarette/day and packyears. The educational condition of the patients was recorded. The proximal probing depth (PD) of each tooth in all patients was measured and assessed (shallow: PD = 3, 4 mm, moderate: PD = 5, 6 mm, deep: PD ≥ 7 mm). The alveolar bone loss was assessed on a full set of periapical radiographs. The number of teeth with bone loss was scored in three categories (light bone loss, moderate bone loss and severe bone loss) for each patient. Based on the number of teeth (≥ 8 teeth) with severe alveolar bone loss and of the teeth lost, the patients (n = 108) were divided into severe AgP group (n = 61), and light-moderate group (n = 47).

RESULTS

There were significantly positive correlations between shallow pocket and light bone loss (r = 0.518, P = 0.000) or deep pocket and severe bone loss (r = 0.366, P = 0.000) in proximal sites. The number of teeth with light bone loss, moderate bone loss and severe bone loss was not significantly different between male (7.1 ± 6.2, 12.5 ± 4.7 and 5.1 ± 0.6) and female group (8.7 ± 6.3, 12.9 ± 4.8, 4.2 ± 0.5, P values were 0.707, 0.671 and 0.413 respectively). There were more teeth with moderate bone loss and severe bone loss in the elderly than in the young (13.6 ± 4.2 vs 11.0 ± 5.5, 5.2 ± 3.7 vs 3.6 ± 3.5, P < 0.01). The difference of teeth number with light bone loss, moderate bone loss and severe bone was not found between higher education and non-higher education groups (P values were 0.314, 0.862 and 0.407). Smoking status had a significant positive correlation with the number of the teeth with severe bone loss(r = 0.575, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

The bone loss status is related to the pocket depth. Smoking and age are risk factors for alvelar bone loss in AgP patients.

Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in HLA class II/III region with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

A genome-wide association study and a replication using Japanese, Spanish and Greek Caucasian populations have recently indicated two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7775228 and rs10947262) associated with knee Osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility. We have further evaluated the association in knee OA subjects from Han Chinese and Australian Caucasian origin.

METHODS

Two independent case-control association studies were performed using Han Chinese and Australian Caucasian populations. The two SNPs were genotyped in patients who had primary symptomatic knee OA with radiographic confirmation and/or received total knee replacement surgery as well as in matched controls. They were subjected to statistic analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 991 OA patients and 1536 controls were genotyped. No significant difference was detected in genotype or allele frequencies of the two SNPs between knee OA and control groups in the two populations (all P>0.05). The association was also negative even after stratification by sex, body mass index (BMI) and Kellgren/Lawrence scores. The significant heterogeneity was detected between Chinese and Japanese (both P<0.05). In the Caucasian samples, no significant heterogeneity was detected (both P>0.05). The result of meta-analysis showed significant association between knee OA and rs10947262 in total subjects [summary OR=1.26, 95%confidence intervals (CI)=1.07-1.27, P=3 × 10(-8)] and in Caucasian samples (summary OR=1.28, 95%CI=1.04-1.57, P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated no association between the two SNPs in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II/III region and knee OA in Han Chinese population. A significant association was detected between SNP rs10947262 and knee OA in Caucasian subjects. Further replication studies are required to identify the impact of controversial association.

Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in China

Mastitis is one of the largest production concerns in the dairy industry worldwide. Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus is a major concern to the dairy industry because of its resistance to antibiotic treatment. In this report, the results of antibiotic susceptibility test, carried out on 236 Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk samples which were collected from cases of mastitis in cow herds of China, are presented. The regions and number of isolates include Inner Mongolia (112), Hebei (58) and Heilongjiang (66). Susceptibility to ampicillin, penicillin G, amoxicillin, piperacillin, cephalexin, cephazolin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefoxitin, SMZ-TMP, gentamycin, kanamycin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, furaxone, torlamician, roxithromycin, clindamycin and vancomycin was determined by the disc diffusion method. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed 87.30% (206 of 236) isolates were resistant to penicillin G. This result compares with the reports from other countries; the overall level of resistance was generally high for all antimicrobial agents tested.

[Clinical significance of the change in serum IgG titers respond to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in chronic periodontitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To characterize serum antibody response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) serotype c in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients, and to observe the correlation of IgG titer with clinical parameters.

METHODS

Venous blood samples were collected from 30 CP patients and 45 periodontal healthy controls, and unstimulated whole saliva and pooled subgingival plaque samples of CP patients were also collected for detection of Aa (PCR method). Serum IgG titers to Aa were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The detection rates of serum IgG to Aa serotype c in CP patients and healthy controls were both 100%. CP patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titers to Aa serotype c than healthy controls [(10.9+/-1.9) vs (9.1+/-1.8), P=0.000], and the prevalence of high-responding patients in CP group was also significantly higher than that of healthy controls (23.3% vs 0%, P=0.003). Serum IgG titers to Aa serotype c in Aa-positive CP patients (Aa-positive in subgingival plaque or saliva, n=7) were significantly higher than those of Aa-negative patients [(12.6+/-1.6) vs (10.4+/-1.7), P=0.005)]. Serum IgG titers to Aa in CP patients tended to be positively related to mean probing depth of whole mouth (r=0.344, P=0.068).

CONCLUSION

Serotype c was the main serotype of Aa in CP patients. Serum IgG antibody to Aa serotype c did not seem to have a protective effect against periodontal infection.

Precision genetics for complex objectives in animal agriculture

Indirect modification of animal genomes by interspecific hybridization, cross-breeding, and selection has produced an enormous spectrum of phenotypic diversity over more than 10,000 yr of animal domestication. Using these established technologies, the farming community has successfully increased the yield and efficiency of production in most agricultural species while utilizing land resources that are often unsuitable for other agricultural purposes. Moving forward, animal well-being and agricultural sustainability are moral and economic priorities of consumers and producers alike. Therefore, these considerations will be included in any strategy designed to meet the challenges produced by global climate change and an expanding world population. Improvements in the efficiency and precision of genetic technologies will enable a timely response to meet the multifaceted food requirements of a rapidly increasing world population.

[Correlation study on polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene in patients with periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and periodontitis.

METHODS

Ninety patients with aggressive periodontitis(AgP), 34 patients with chronic periodontitis and 91 healthy controls were recruited in this study. VDR gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with Taq I restriction endonuclease.

RESULTS

The detection frequency of Tt genotype was higher in the aggressive periodontitis patients than in the healthy controls (16.7% vs 7.7%, P>0.05). The difference between the female aggressive periodontitis patients and healthy controls (20.8% vs 4.2%, P<0.05) was statistically significant, but no difference was found between the male patients and controls (10.8% vs 11.6%, P>0.05). There was a strong association between aggressive periodontitis and Tt genotype in females (AgP patients vs healthy controls, OR=6.02). The detection frequency of Taq I ER-alpha genotypes was not statistically different between the chronic periodontitis patients and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

In female Han Chinese population, the Tt VDR genotype may be associated with aggressive periodontitis.

Combined association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms with generalised aggressive periodontitis in Chinese

OBJECTIVE

to examine the possible association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms with generalised aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) in the Chinese population.

METHODS

one hundred and twenty-four GAgP patients and 94 healthy subjects were included in the study. A peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject and genomic DNA was isolated. Gene polymorphisms of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G were analysed by standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

RESULTS

a possible combined effect of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G was observed in the female GAgP patients, as the odds ratio for VV genotype (CCR2) and G+ genotype ( MCP-1) was 0.2 (P = 0.023). Individuals carrying VV genotype and G+ genotype were at reduced risk for GAgP. A possible combined effect of genotype and smoking was observed in the male GAgP patients, as the odds ratio for VV genotype (CCR2) and smoking, or G+ genotype (MCP-1) and smoking were 7.4 (P = 0.022) and 4.9 (P = 0.030), respectively.

CONCLUSION

the combined association of CCR2-V64I and MCP-1-2518A/G polymorphisms may play an important role in determining GAgP susceptibility in Chinese females. A possible combined effect of genotype and smoking on GAgP susceptibility was suggested in males.

[Association of SNPs in N-formylpeptide receptor gene with susceptibility of aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in N-formylpeptide receptor (FPR) gene with the susceptibility of aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODS

A total of 94 AgP patients and 73 healthy controls were entered into the study. Peripheral blood sample was obtained from each subject by venepuncture. Genomic DNA was isolated from each sample. The target fragment of FPR gene was amplified by PCR. The SNPs in FPR gene were detected by denature high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) combined with DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

There were two non-synonymous SNPs in the 370 bp FPR gene fragment: 289C/A and 301G/C. The 289C/A was a novel SNP. No variation in nucleotides 329 and 378 was detected. There were no statistically significant differences in distributions of the genotypes and alleles for FPR289 and FPR301 between AgP patients and healthy controls. Using multivariate logistic regression (adjusted for age and gender), it was showed that the adjusted ORs of AgP for the C(+) genotype and allele C of FPR301 combined with smoking were 5.74 and 5.20 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of the C(+) genotype/allele C of FPR301 together with smoking conferred a higher risk for AgP. The result suggests that the SNPs in FPR gene may not be associated with the susceptibility of AgP in Chinese.

[Cooperative development and application of electronic periodontal examination chart]

OBJECTIVE

To develop an electronic system (software) for collecting and analyzing periodontal examination data, and preliminarily evaluate its clinical application.

METHODS

The contents and frame of electronic periodontal examination system were designed based on the aim and requirement of periodontal examination, and the software system was developed under the assistance from computer engineers. The electronic system was implemented for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data and data conversion. A questionnaire survey was performed in 23 periodontists and 20 nurses to evaluate the clinical application of this software.

RESULTS

An electronic periodontal examination system was developed, which was used for entry, storage, retrieval and output of clinical data, and converting data into chart. Most nurses could handle this software after 15 minutes of training. Thirteen nurses and 17 periodontists recognized that clinical work efficiency could be improved by application of this software. Nineteen nurses and all periodontists agreed that this software could meet clinical requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

The electronic periodontal examination system can fulfill clinical requirements and is helpful for clinical treatment and research work.