A novel single-nucleotide polymorphism of the visfatin gene and its associations with performance traits in the chicken

Visfatin is a peptide that is predominantly expressed in visceral adipose tissue and is hypothesized to be related to obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, a novel silent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found in exon 7 of the chicken visfatin gene (also known as PBEF1) by single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing. In total, 836 chickens forming an F2 resource population of Gushi chicken crossed with Anka broiler were genotyped by XbaI forced RFLP, and the associations of this polymorphism with chicken growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were analyzed. Significant associations were found between the polymorphism and 4-week body weight (BW4), 6-week body weight (BW6), 4-week body slanting length (BSL4), fat bandwidth (FBW), breast muscle water loss rate (BWLR) and breast muscle fiber density (BFD) (P < 0.05), as well as 4-week breastbone length (BBL4) (P < 0.01). These observations suggested that the polymorphism in exon7 of the visfatin gene had significant effects on the early growth traits of chicken.

Pharmacokinetics of methyl protodioscin in rats

Methyl protodioscin (MPD), a natural furostanol saponin, showed distinct antitumor activity and is distributed in many traditional Chinese medicines. The pharmacokinetics, distribution and excretion of MPD were first investigated after i.v. injection to rats in this study. The dose-dependent pharmacokinetics of MPD were characterized after i.v. injection (20, 40 and 120 mg/kg of MPD) to rats. A good linearity (r = 0.9989, P < 0.05) was found in the regression analysis of the AUC0-t -dose. The plasma concentrations of MPD declined rapidly with an elimination half-life (t1/2) from 25.56 to 29.32 min. The MPD kinetics was in line with one-compartment model after i.v. injection. 23.43% and 32.86% of MPD was recovered in urine and bile, respectively. The concentrations of MPD in plasma and most examined tissues 5 h after injection were close to or below the Low Limit of Quantification (LLOQ). This indicated that MPD was distributed and eliminated rapidly in rats.

FIZZ1 potentiates the carbachol-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction

FIZZ1 is an adipokine highly expressed under inflammatory conditions, and yet, little is known of its function. In this study we examine the expression and function of FIZZ1 in an ovalbumin mouse model of asthma. Trachea from naïve or ovalbumin-sensitised and -challenged mice were compared for transcriptional, functional and proteomic differences using gene microarrays, ex vivo tracheal contraction, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. FIZZ1 was expressed in ovalbumin-treated, but not naïve, trachea. Naïve trachea incubated with recombinant FIZZ1 exhibited denuded epithelium and contractile hyperresponsiveness. The FIZZ1-incubated trachea also exhibited an associated increased expression of phospho-c-Raf, phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, phospho-p38, MLCK and MLC-20. These data demonstrate that FIZZ1 regulates tracheal smooth muscle contraction through impairment of the epithelium and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in muscle.

Automated recognition of the psoas major muscles on X-ray CT images

The purpose of this study is to recognize the psoas major muscle on X-ray CT images. For this purpose, we propose a novel recognition method. The recognition process in this method involves three steps: the generation of a shape model for the psoas major muscle, recognition of anatomical points such as the origin and insertion, and the recognition of the psoas major muscles by the use of the shape model. We generated the shape model using 20 CT cases and tested the model for recognition in 20 other CT cases. The average Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) and reproducibility rate were 0.704 and 0.783, respectively. Experimental results indicate that our method was effective for a 2-D cross-sectional area (CSA) analysis.

Expression of caveolin-1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs) are a new class of fluorescent probes to detect biomarker expression. The role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the expression profile of Cav-1 in carcinogenesis and development of TSCC by QDs immunofluorescence histochemistry (QDs-IHC) and discuss the relationship between the Cav-1 expression and the clinicopathological outcomes. QDs-IHC was used to detect Cav-1 expression in tissue microarrays including normal tongue mucosa (NTM; n=10), hyperplastic tongue mucosa (HTM; n=10), tongue pre-cancer lesions (TPL; n=15) and primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma (PTSCC; n=61). Correlations between the Cav-1 expression and clinicopathologic variables were evaluated statistically. Cells positive for Cav-1 were clearly detected and bright images were obtained in a fine, granular pattern at the cell membrane and cytoplasm using QDs-IHC. The rate of Cav-1 immunoreactivity increased progressively from NTM (0%), HTM (0%), TPL (36%) to PTSCC (74%). When compared with each other, there was statistical significance among PTSCC, TPL and NTM as well as among PTSCC, TPL and HTM. Moreover, Cav-1 expression level in PTSCC was correlated positively with clinical stage and histologic grade. QDs-IHC could accurately detect protein location in tongue mucosa. An increased expression of Cav-1 in the stepwise carcinogenesis from NTM, HTM, TPL to PTSCC suggested that Cav-1 might be an oncogene in the development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Age- and gender-dependent changes in three-dimensional microstructure of cortical and trabecular bone at the human femoral neck

We investigated age- and gender-related variation of both cortical and trabecular microstructure in human femoral neck. We found that age-related change of cortical porosity is more noticeable than that of trabecular parameter. Our data may help to gain more insight into the potential mechanism of osteoporotic femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Variations in the microstructure of cortical and trabecular bone contribute to decreased bone strength. Age- and gender-related changes in cortical and trabecular microstructure of femoral neck is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify three-dimensional (3D) microstructural changes of both cortical and trabecular bone simultaneously in human femoral neck with age and gender, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). We hypothesized that there would be differences in age-related changes of cortical and trabecular bone for both women and men.

METHODS

We used 56 femoral necks of 28 women and men (57-98 years of age) from a Japanese population. The subjects were chosen to give an even age and gender distribution. Both women and men were divided into three age groups: middle (57-68 years), old (72-82 years), and elderly (87-98 years) groups. We examined cortical bone specimen from the inferior sector of femoral neck and trabecular bone specimen from the middle of femoral neck using micro-CT and 3D bone analysis software.

RESULTS

Cortical thickness (Ct.Th) decreased by 10-15%, cortical porosity (Ca.V/TV) almost doubled, and canal diameter (Ca.Dm) increased by 65-77% between the middle-aged and elderly groups for both women and men. The trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) decreased by around 20%; trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and connectivity density (Conn.D) decreased; and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and structure model index (SMI) increased with age for both women and men. As compared with women, men had higher Ct.Th and BV/TV and lower Ca.V/TV and Ca.Dm among three age groups. There was a significant inverse correlation between Ca.V.TV and BV/TV for both women and men.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that Ct.Th and BV/TV decreased, and Ca.V/TV and Ca.Dm increased in femoral neck with age for both women and men. The most obvious age-related change is the increase of Ca.V/TV. The decrease of BV/TV with age is more noticeable than that of Ct.Th. This is the first study that has provided both cortical and trabecular microstructural data simultaneously in a Japanese sample. These data may help us to gain more insight into the potential mechanism of osteoporotic femoral neck fractures.

A new role for the A2b adenosine receptor in regulating platelet function

BACKGROUND

Activation of platelets is a critical component of atherothrombosis and plays a central role in the progression of unstable cardiovascular syndromes. Adenosine, acting through adenosine receptors, increases intracellular cAMP levels and inhibits platelet aggregation. The A2a adenosine receptor has already been recognized as a mediator of adenosine-dependent effects on platelet aggregation, and here we present a new role for the A2b adenosine receptor (A2bAR) in this process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

As compared with platelets from wild-type controls, platelets derived from A2bAR knockout mice have significantly greater ADP receptor activation-induced aggregation. Although mouse megakaryocytes and platelets express low levels of the A2bAR transcript, this gene is highly upregulated following injury and systemic inflammation in vivo. Under these conditions, A2bAR-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation significantly increases. Our studies also identify a novel mechanism by which the A2bAR could regulate platelet aggregation; namely, ablation of the A2bAR leads to upregulated expression of the P2Y1 ADP receptor, whereas A2bAR-mediated or direct elevation of cAMP has the opposite effect. Thus, the A2bAR regulates platelet function beyond mediating the immediate effect of adenosine on aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these investigations show for the first time that the platelet A2bAR is upregulated under stress in vivo, plays a significant role in regulating ADP receptor expression, and inhibits agonist-induced platelet aggregation.

Overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in fetal monkey lung results in prenatal pulmonary fibrosis

Altered transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression levels have been linked to a variety of human respiratory diseases, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary fibrosis. However, a causative role for aberrant TGF-β in neonatal lung diseases has not been defined in primates. Exogenous and transient TGF-β1 overexpression in fetal monkey lung was achieved by transabdominal ultrasound-guided fetal intrapulmonary injection of adenoviral vector expressing TGF-β1 at the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The lungs were then harvested near term, and fixed for histology and immunohistochemistry. Lung hypoplasia was observed where TGF-β1 was overexpressed during the second trimester. The most clearly marked phenotype consisted of severe pulmonary and pleural fibrosis, which was independent of the gestational time point when TGF-β1 was overexpressed. Increased cell proliferation, particularly in α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts, was detected within the fibrotic foci. But epithelium to mesenchyme transdifferentiation was not detected. Massive collagen fibres were deposited on the inner and outer sides of the pleural membrane, with an intact elastin layer in the middle. This induced fibrotic pathology persisted even after adenoviral-mediated TGF-β1 overexpression was no longer evident. Therefore, overexpression of TGF-β1 within developing fetal monkey lung results in severe and progressive fibrosis in lung parenchyma and pleural membrane, in addition to pulmonary hypoplasia.

Chemical dynamics of acidity and heavy metals in a mine water-polluted soil during decontamination using clean water

A column leaching experiment was conducted to investigate the chemical dynamics of the percolating water and washed soil during decontamination of an acidic mine water-polluted soil. The results show that leaching of the contaminated soil with clean water rapidly reduced soluble acidity and ion concentrations in the soils. However, only <20% of the total actual acidity in the soil column was eliminated after 30 leaching cycles. It is likely that the stored acidity continues to be released to the percolating water over a long period of time. During the column leaching, dissolved Cu and Pb were rapidly leached out, followed by mobilization of colloidal Cu and Pb from the exchangeable and the oxide-bound fractions as a result of reduced ionic strength in the soil solution. The soluble Fe contained in the soil was rare, probably because the soil pH was not sufficiently low; marked mobility of colloidal Fe took place after the ionic strength of the percolating water was weakened and the mobilized Fe was mainly derived from iron oxides. In contrast with Cu, Pb and Fe, the concentration of leachate Zn and Mn showed a continuously decreasing trend during the entire period of the experiment.

Novel SNPs of the bovine GAD1/gad67 gene and their association with growth traits in three native Chinese cattle breeds

In this study, polymorphism in the exon 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of bovine GAD1 gene was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods in 726 individuals from three Chinese cattle breeds. Two haplotypes (T and C) and three observed genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) were detected. The result of DNA sequence showed one mutations (T12345C) by comparisons with NC_007300: g.12345T>C. The mutation was at the exon 3, and was identified a missense mutation Phe (TTT)>Leu (CTT) at position 51 (p.F51L). Polymorphism of the GAD1 gene was shown to be associated with growth traits in the Nanyang breed. The SNP in the bovine GAD1 gene had significant effects on body length, body weight, heart girth, and average daily gain at 24 months (P < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that the GAD1 gene is a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in cattle.

Novel SNPs of the bovine NUCB2 gene and their association with growth traits in three native Chinese cattle breeds

In this study, polymorphism in the exon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of bovine NUCB2 gene was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods in 686 individuals from three Chinese cattle breeds. Two haplotypes (M and N), three observed genotypes (MM, MN and NN) and two SNPs (NC_007313: g. 27451G>A, NC_007313: g. 27472T>C) were detected. The frequencies of haplotypes M and N in inland Chinese three breeds were 0.531-0.721 and 0.279-0.469 respectively. The studied showed that Nanyang, Jiaxian Red and Qinchuan cattle populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at SNPs locus of NUCB2 gene (P > 0.05). Polymorphism of the NUCB2 gene was shown to be associated with growth traits in Qingchuan and Nanyang cattle breed. The linkage of two mutant sites in the bovine NUCB2 gene had significant effects on body length, body weight, heart girth, and average daily gain at 24 months (P < 0.05). Results of this study suggested that the NUCB2-gene-specific SNP may be a useful marker for growth traits in future marker-assisted selection programmes in inland Chinese cattle.

Two novel SNPs in the coding region of the bovine PRDM16 gene and its associations with growth traits

As a zinc-finger protein, PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16) controls brown fat determination by stimulating brown fat-selective genes expression while suppressing the expression of genes selective for white fat cells, whose mutations were associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and leukemogenesis in human and murine model of leukemia. To date, no polymorphisms of PRDM16 gene in bovine had been reported. Herein, PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods were employed to screen the genetic variation within PRDM16 gene in 1031 Chinese indigenous bovine. The results revealed two novel silent mutations: XM_001788152: m.1641T>C (547aa), 1881G>A (627aa). Hence, we described the PvuII and HaeIII forced PCR-RFLP methods for detecting these mutations, respectively. In the forced PCR-RFLP analysis with PvuII, the frequencies of bovine PRDM16-C allele varied from 0.044 to 0.506 in four Chinese native breeds. In the forced PCR-RFLP analysis with HaeIII, the frequencies of bovine PRDM16-G allele were 0.474, 0.494, 0.576 and 0.906 for Jiaxian (JX), Nanyang (NY), Qinchuan (QC) and Chinese Holstein (CH) population. Significant statistical differences between genotypic frequencies implied that both of the polymorphic loci were significantly associated with cattle breeds by the chi square test (chi2 = 190.058, P < 0.001 and chi2 = 118.239, P < 0.001 for PvuII; chi2 = 209.842, P < 0.001 and chi2 = 108.711, P < 0.001 for HaeIII). The associations of the PvuII and HaeIII forced PCR-RFLPs of bovine PRDM16 loci with growth traits were analyzed in Nanyang breed. The two SNPs were associated with body weight and average daily gain in Nanyang aged 12 months, individuals with genotype TT and AA showed significantly better body weight (P < 0.05) and average daily gain (P < 0.01) at 12 months, respectively.

Smoking duration, intensity, and risk of Parkinson disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative importance of smoking duration vs intensity in reducing the risk of Parkinson disease (PD).

METHODS

The study included 305,468 participants of the NIH-AARP Diet and Health cohort, of whom 1,662 had a PD diagnosis after 1995. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals from multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Compared with never smokers, the multivariate ORs were 0.78 for past smokers and 0.56 for current smokers. Among past smokers, a monotonic trend toward lower PD risk was observed for all indicators of more smoking. Stratified analyses indicated that smoking duration was associated with lower PD risk within fixed intensities of smoking. For example, compared with never smokers, the ORs among past smokers who smoked >20 cigarettes/day were 0.96 for 1-9 years of smoking, 0.78 for 10-19 years, 0.64 for 20-29 years, and 0.59 for 30 years or more (p for trend = 0.001). In contrast, at fixed duration, the typical number of cigarettes smoked per day in general was not related to PD risk. Close examination of smoking behaviors in early life showed that patients with PD were less likely to be smokers at each age period, but if they smoked, they smoked similar numbers of cigarettes per day as individuals without PD.

CONCLUSIONS

This large study suggests that long-term smoking is more important than smoking intensity in the smoking-Parkinson disease relationship.