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Nieminen P, Finnilä MAJ, Hämäläinen W, Lehtiniemi S, Jämsä T, Tuukkanen J, Kunnasranta M, Henttonen H, Mustonen AM. Osteological profiling of femoral diaphysis and neck in aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial carnivores and rodents: effects of body size and locomotor habits. J Comp Physiol B 2024:10.1007/s00360-024-01551-7. [PMID: 38678156 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-024-01551-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The increased limb bone density documented previously for aquatic tetrapods has been proposed to be an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and diving. It can be achieved by increasing the amount of bone deposition or by reducing the amount of bone resorption, leading to cortical thickening, loss of medullary cavity, and compaction of trabecular bone. The present study examined the effects of locomotor habit, body size, and phylogeny on the densitometric, cross-sectional, and biomechanical traits of femoral diaphysis and neck in terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic carnivores, and in terrestrial and semiaquatic rodents (12 species) by using peripheral quantitative computed tomography, three-point bending, and femoral neck loading tests. Groupwise differences were analyzed with the univariate generalized linear model and the multivariate linear discriminant analysis supplemented with hierarchical clustering. While none of the individual features could separate the lifestyles or species adequately, the combinations of multiple features produced very good or excellent classifications and clusterings. In the phocid seals, the aquatic niche allowed for lower femoral bone mineral densities than expected based on the body mass alone. The semiaquatic mammals mostly had high bone mineral densities compared to the terrestrial species, which could be considered an adaptation to overcome buoyancy during swimming and shallow diving. Generally, it seems that different osteological properties at the levels of mineral density and biomechanics could be compatible with the adaptation to aquatic, semiaquatic, or terrestrial niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Nieminen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko A J Finnilä
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Saara Lehtiniemi
- Department of Computer Science, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Timo Jämsä
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Tuukkanen
- Research Unit of Translational Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Anne-Mari Mustonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.
- School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Bone adaptation and osteoporosis prevention in hibernating mammals. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 280:111411. [PMID: 36871815 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Hibernating bears and rodents have evolved mechanisms to prevent disuse osteoporosis during the prolonged physical inactivity that occurs during hibernation. Serum markers and histological indices of bone remodeling in bears indicate reduced bone turnover during hibernation, which is consistent with organismal energy conservation. Calcium homeostasis is maintained by balanced bone resorption and formation since hibernating bears do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. Reduced and balanced bone remodeling protect bear bone structure and strength during hibernation, unlike the disuse osteoporosis that occurs in humans and other animals during prolonged physical inactivity. Conversely, some hibernating rodents show varying degrees of bone loss such as osteocytic osteolysis, trabecular loss, and cortical thinning. However, no negative effects of hibernation on bone strength in rodents have been found. More than 5000 genes in bear bone tissue are differentially expressed during hibernation, highlighting the complexity of hibernation induced changes in bone. A complete picture of the mechanisms that regulate bone metabolism in hibernators still alludes us, but existing data suggest a role for endocrine and paracrine factors such as cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and endocannabinoid ligands like 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) in decreasing bone remodeling during hibernation. Hibernating bears and rodents evolved the capacity to preserve bone strength during long periods of physical inactivity, which contributes to their survival and propagation by allowing physically activity (foraging, escaping predators, and mating) without risk of bone fracture following hibernation. Understanding the biological mechanisms regulating bone metabolism in hibernators may inform novel treatment strategies for osteoporosis in humans.
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Niiranen L, Mäkelä KA, Dona A, Krumsiek J, Karhu T, Mäkinen MJ, Thalmann O, Saarela S, Herzig KH. Seasonal Regulation of Metabolism: The Effect of Wintertime Fasting and Autumnal Fattening on Key Central Regulators of Metabolism and the Metabolic Profile of the Raccoon Dog ( Nyctereutes Procyonoides). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094965. [PMID: 34067001 PMCID: PMC8125260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations into the mechanisms regulating obesity are frantic and novel translational approaches are needed. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a canid species representing a promising model to study metabolic regulation in a species undergoing cycles of seasonal obesity and fasting. To understand the molecular mechanisms of metabolic regulation in seasonal adaptation, we analyzed key central nervous system and peripheral signals regulating food intake and metabolism from raccoon dogs after autumnal fattening and winter fasting. Expressions of neuropeptide Y (NPY), orexin-2 receptor (OX2R), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and leptin receptor (ObRb) were analyzed as examples of orexigenic and anorexigenic signals using qRT-PCR from raccoon dog hypothalamus samples. Plasma metabolic profiles were measured with 1H NMR-spectroscopy and LC-MS. Circulating hormones and cytokines were determined with canine specific antibody assays. Surprisingly, NPY and POMC were not affected by the winter fasting nor autumn fattening and the metabolic profiles showed a remarkable equilibrium, indicating conserved homeostasis. However, OX2R and ObRb expression changes suggested seasonal regulation. Circulating cytokine levels were not increased, demonstrating that the autumn fattening did not induce subacute inflammation. Thus, the raccoon dog developed seasonal regulatory mechanisms to accommodate the autumnal fattening and prolonged fasting making the species unique in coping with the extreme environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Niiranen
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland; (L.N.); (K.A.M.); (T.K.); (O.T.)
| | - Kari A. Mäkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland; (L.N.); (K.A.M.); (T.K.); (O.T.)
| | - Anthony Dona
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia;
| | - Jan Krumsiek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Toni Karhu
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland; (L.N.); (K.A.M.); (T.K.); (O.T.)
| | - Markus J. Mäkinen
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland;
- Medical Research Center Oulu, P.O Box 8000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Olaf Thalmann
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland; (L.N.); (K.A.M.); (T.K.); (O.T.)
- Institute of Pediatrics, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznań, Poland
| | - Seppo Saarela
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland;
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FIN-90014 Oulu, Finland; (L.N.); (K.A.M.); (T.K.); (O.T.)
- Institute of Pediatrics, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznań, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-29-448-5280
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A review of the physiology of a survival expert of big freeze, deep snow, and an empty stomach: the boreal raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). J Comp Physiol B 2017; 188:15-25. [PMID: 28674771 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-017-1114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an invasive canid originating from eastern Asia. Here, we review its physiological adaptations to wintering, with an emphasis on northern Europe, where the raccoon dog spends the coldest part of the year in winter sleep. The timing of physiological changes related to wintering is connected to photoperiod by melatonin. In preparation to winter, raccoon dogs display autumnal hyperphagia and fattening probably regulated by the interaction of several peptide hormones. Sufficient fat deposition is essential for survival through the cold season and for reproduction in spring. The wintering strategy includes alternating periods of physical activity and passivity. Effective arousal and foraging during warmer bouts are enabled by normoglycaemia. During active periods, raccoon dogs are opportunistic participants in the food web, and they mainly utilize ungulate carcasses, plant material, and small mammals. Preferred wintertime habitats include watersides, forests, wetlands, and gardens. However, many food items become limited in mid-winter and snow restricts foraging leading to a negative energy balance. During passivity, energy is preserved by denning and by modest metabolic suppression, probably enabled by decreased thyroid hormone levels. Sleepiness and satiety could be maintained by high growth hormone and leptin concentrations. Several hormones participate in the extension of phase II of fasting with selective fatty acid mobilization and efficient protein conservation. The blood count, organ function tests, bone mass, and bone biomechanical properties exhibit high resistance against catabolism, and breeding can be successful after significant weight loss. The flexible physiological response to wintering is probably one reason enabling the successful colonization of this species into new areas.
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Mustonen AMJ, Finnilä MAJ, Puukka KS, Jämsä TJ, Saarakkala S, Tuukkanen JK, Nieminen TP. Raccoon dog model shows preservation of bone during prolonged catabolism and reduced physical activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:2196-2202. [PMID: 28373598 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.135475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a promising animal model capable of preventing disuse-induced osteoporosis. Previous data suggest that this species resembles bears in the preservation of bone mass and biomechanical properties during prolonged passivity and catabolism. This longitudinal study examined the osteological properties of tibiae in farm-bred raccoon dogs that were either fed or fasted (n=6 per group) for a 10 week period. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was utilized and plasma markers of bone turnover measured before fasting and at 9 weeks followed by mechanical testing (three-point bending), micro-computed tomography and Fourier transform infrared imaging at 10 weeks. Passive wintering with prolonged catabolism (body mass loss 32%) had no significant effects on bone mineralization, porosity or strength. The concentration of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, indicative of bone resorption, increased in the plasma of the fasted raccoon dogs, while the bone formation markers were unchanged. The levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were reduced in the fasted animals. Based on these data, the preservation of bone in wintering raccoon dogs shares characteristics with that of bears with no apparent decrease in the formation of bone but increased resorption. To conclude, raccoon dogs were able to minimize bone loss during a 10 week period of catabolism and passivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mari J Mustonen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, PO Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland .,University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, PO Box 111, Joensuu FI-80101, Finland
| | - Mikko A J Finnilä
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Applied Physics, PO Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Katri S Puukka
- NordLab Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, PO Box 500, Oulu FI-90029, OYS, Finland.,University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, PO Box 8000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Timo J Jämsä
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, PO Box 50, Oulu FI-90029, Finland
| | - Simo Saarakkala
- University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, PO Box 50, Oulu FI-90029, Finland
| | - Juha K Tuukkanen
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland.,University of Oulu, Faculty of Medicine, Research Group of Cancer Research and Translational Medicine, PO Box 5000, Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - T Petteri Nieminen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, PO Box 1627, Kuopio FI-70211, Finland.,University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, PO Box 111, Joensuu FI-80101, Finland
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Kinnunen S, Mänttäri S, Herzig KH, Nieminen P, Mustonen AM, Saarela S. Effects of wintertime fasting and seasonal adaptation on AMPK and ACC in hypothalamus, adipose tissue and liver of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2015; 192:44-51. [PMID: 26603554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a canid with autumnal fattening and passive wintering strategy. We examined the effects of wintertime fasting and seasonality on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a regulator of metabolism, and its target, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) on the species. Twelve farmed raccoon dogs (eleven females/one male) were divided into two groups: half were fasted for ten weeks in December-March (winter fasted) and the others were fed ad libitum (winter fed). A third group (autumn fed, eight females) was fed ad libitum and sampled in December. Total AMPK, ACC and their phosphorylated forms (pAMPK, pACC) were measured from hypothalamus, liver, intra-abdominal (iWAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissues (sWAT). The fasted animals lost 32% and the fed 20% of their body mass. Hypothalamic AMPK expression was lower and pACC levels higher in the winter groups compared to the autumn fed group. Liver pAMPK was lower in the winter fasted group, with consistently decreased ACC and pACC. AMPK and pAMPK were down-regulated in sWAT and iWAT of both winter groups, with a parallel decline in pACC in sWAT. The responses of AMPK and ACC to fasting were dissimilar to the effects observed previously in non-seasonal mammals and hibernators. Differences between the winter fed and autumn fed groups indicate that the functions of AMPK and ACC could be regulated in a season-dependent manner. Furthermore, the distinctive effects of prolonged fasting and seasonal adaptation on AMPK-ACC pathway could contribute to the wintering strategy of the raccoon dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanni Kinnunen
- Department of Biology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FI-90014, University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - Satu Mänttäri
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Aapistie 1, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- Institute of Biomedicine, Biocenter Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014, University of Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Kajaanintie 50, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
| | - Petteri Nieminen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Anne-Mari Mustonen
- Institute of Biomedicine/Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Forestry, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Seppo Saarela
- Department of Biology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FI-90014, University of Oulu, Finland
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Kinnunen S, Mänttäri S, Herzig KH, Nieminen P, Mustonen AM, Saarela S. Maintenance of skeletal muscle energy homeostasis during prolonged wintertime fasting in the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). J Comp Physiol B 2015; 185:435-45. [PMID: 25652584 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-015-0893-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a canid species with autumnal fattening and prolonged wintertime fasting. Nonpathological body weight cycling and the ability to tolerate food deficiency make this species a unique subject for studying physiological mechanisms in energy metabolism. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor regulating energy homeostasis. During acute fasting, AMPK promotes fatty acid oxidation and enhances glucose uptake. We evaluated the effects of prolonged fasting on muscle energy metabolism in farm-bred raccoon dogs. Total and phosphorylated AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4), insulin receptor and protein kinase B (Akt) protein expressions of hind limb muscles were determined by Western blot after 10 weeks of fasting. Plasma insulin, leptin, ghrelin, glucose and free fatty acid levels were measured, and muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition analyzed. Fasting had no effects on AMPK phosphorylation, but total AMPK expression decreased in m. rectus femoris, m. tibialis anterior and m. extensor digitorum longus resulting in a higher phosphorylation ratio. Decreased total expression was also observed for ACC. Fasting did not influence GLUT 4, insulin receptor or Akt expression, but Akt phosphorylation was lower in m. flexor digitorum superficialis and m. extensor digitorum longus. Three MHC isoforms (I, IIa and IIx) were detected without differences in composition between the fasted and control animals. The studied muscles were resistant to prolonged fasting indicating that raccoon dogs have an effective molecular regulatory system for preserving skeletal muscle function during wintertime immobility and fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanni Kinnunen
- Department of Biology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland,
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