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Sacco RE, Jensen ED, Sullivan YB, LaBresh J, Davis WC. An update on the development of a bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, immune reagent toolkit. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2024; 272:110769. [PMID: 38703558 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2024.110769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
There are extensive immunological reagents available for laboratory rodents and humans. However, for veterinary species there is a need for expansion of immunological toolkits, with this especially evident for marine mammals, such as cetaceans. In addition to their use in a research setting, immune assays could be employed to monitor the health status of cetaceans and serve as an adjunct to available diagnostic tests. Such development of specific and sensitive immune assays will enhance the proper care and stewardship of wild and managed cetacean populations. Our goal is to provide immune reagents and immune assays for the research community, clinicians, and others involved in care of bottlenose dolphins. This review will provide an update on our development of a bottlenose dolphin immunological toolkit. The future availability and continued development of these reagents is critical for improving wild and managed bottlenose dolphin population health through enhanced assessment of their responses to alterations in the marine environment, including pathogens, and improve our ability to monitor their status following vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E Sacco
- National Animal Disease Center, USDA/ARS, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Eric D Jensen
- US Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - William C Davis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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2
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Suzuki M, Funasaka N, Yoshimura K, Inamori D, Watanabe Y, Ozaki M, Hosono M, Shindo H, Kawamura K, Tatsukawa T, Yoshioka M. Comprehensive expression analysis of hormone-like substances in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12515. [PMID: 38822022 PMCID: PMC11143283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals possess a specific subcutaneous fat layer called blubber that not only insulates and stores energy but also secretes bioactive substances. However, our understanding of its role as a secretory organ in cetaceans is incomplete. To exhaustively explore the hormone-like substances produced in dolphin subcutaneous adipose tissue, we performed seasonal blubber biopsies from captive female common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; N = 8, n = 32) and analyzed gene expression via transcriptomics. Analysis of 186 hormone-like substances revealed the expression of 58 substances involved in regulating energy metabolism, tissue growth/differentiation, vascular regulation, immunity, and ion/mineral homeostasis. Adiponectin was the most abundantly expressed gene, followed by angiopoietin protein like 4 and insulin-like growth factor 2. To investigate the endocrine/secretory responses of subcutaneous adipose tissue to the surrounding temperature, we subsequently compared the mean expression levels of the genes during the colder and warmer seasons. In the colder season, molecules associated with appetite suppression, vasodilation, and tissue proliferation were relatively highly expressed. In contrast, warmer seasons enhanced the expression of substances involved in tissue remodeling, immunity, metabolism, and vasoconstriction. These findings suggest that dolphin blubber may function as an active secretory organ involved in the regulation of metabolism, appetite, and tissue reorganization in response to changes in the surrounding environment, providing a basis for elucidating the function of hormone-like substances in group-specific evolved subcutaneous adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Suzuki
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Noriko Funasaka
- Cetacean Research Center, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuma Yoshimura
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Daiki Inamori
- Taiji Whale Museum, Higashimuro, Wakayama, 649-5171, Japan
| | - Yurie Watanabe
- Taiji Whale Museum, Higashimuro, Wakayama, 649-5171, Japan
| | - Miki Ozaki
- Adventure World, Nishimuro, Wakayama, 649-2201, Japan
| | | | - Hideaki Shindo
- Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, 750-0036, Japan
| | - Keiko Kawamura
- Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, 750-0036, Japan
| | | | - Motoi Yoshioka
- Cetacean Research Center, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
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3
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Márquez Álvarez CDM, Hernández-Cruz EY, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Oxidative stress in animal models of obesity caused by hypercaloric diets: A systematic review. Life Sci 2023; 331:122019. [PMID: 37567497 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a global health difficulty characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat that increases body weight. Obesity has been studied in multiple animal models, of which those in which it is induced by diet stand out. Due to the increase in this condition, other mechanisms have been addressed that are triggered by states of overweight or obesity, such as the appearance of oxidative stress. These models aim to relate obesity caused by diet and how it influences the development of oxidative stress. In this study, a systematic review of the literature of 39 articles that studied obesity due to the consumption of hypercaloric diets and the appearance of oxidative stress in different animal models was carried out. This review identified the models with the most excellent use and the characteristics of the most appropriate diets to characterize states of oxidative stress due to obesity. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each model used are provided, as well as the techniques used for the assessment of obesity, and oxidative stress, providing the information in such a way that there is a general overview of the existing models of the parameters that allow to adequately establish both variables studied, providing information that allows the researcher to choose the appropriate model and factors according to the interest and objectives of the present research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corazón de María Márquez Álvarez
- Laboratory for Research in Metabolic and Infectious Diseases, Multidisciplinary Academic División of Comalco, Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Ranchería Sur, Cuarta Sección, 866500, Comalco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Estefani Yaquelin Hernández-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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4
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Palominos MF, Muhl V, Richards EJ, Miller CT, Martin CH. Jaw size variation is associated with a novel craniofacial function for galanin receptor 2 in an adaptive radiation of pupfishes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543513. [PMID: 37333213 PMCID: PMC10274624 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of novel adaptations in new species is a fundamental question in biology that also provides an opportunity to uncover new genes and regulatory networks with potential clinical relevance. Here we demonstrate a new role for galr2 in vertebrate craniofacial development using an adaptive radiation of trophic specialist pupfishes endemic to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. We confirmed the loss of a putative Sry transcription factor binding site in the upstream region of galr2 in scale-eating pupfish and found significant spatial differences in galr2 expression among pupfish species in Meckel's cartilage and premaxilla using in situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR). We then experimentally demonstrated a novel function for Galr2 in craniofacial development and jaw elongation by exposing embryos to drugs that inhibit Galr2 activity. Galr2-inhibition reduced Meckel's cartilage length and increased chondrocyte density in both trophic specialists but not in the generalist genetic background. We propose a mechanism for jaw elongation in scale-eaters based on the reduced expression of galr2 due to the loss of a putative Sry binding site. Fewer Galr2 receptors in the scale-eater Meckel's cartilage may result in their enlarged jaw lengths as adults by limiting opportunities for a postulated Galr2 agonist to bind to these receptors during development. Our findings illustrate the growing utility of linking candidate adaptive SNPs in non-model systems with highly divergent phenotypes to novel vertebrate gene functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fernanda Palominos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Vanessa Muhl
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Emilie J Richards
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota
| | - Craig T Miller
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Christopher H Martin
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley
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5
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Rangan AV, McGrouther CC, Bhadra N, Venn-Watson S, Jensen ED, Schork NJ. A time-series analysis of blood-based biomarkers within a 25-year longitudinal dolphin cohort. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010890. [PMID: 36802395 PMCID: PMC9983899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Causal interactions and correlations between clinically-relevant biomarkers are important to understand, both for informing potential medical interventions as well as predicting the likely health trajectory of any individual as they age. These interactions and correlations can be hard to establish in humans, due to the difficulties of routine sampling and controlling for individual differences (e.g., diet, socio-economic status, medication). Because bottlenose dolphins are long-lived mammals that exhibit several age-related phenomena similar to humans, we analyzed data from a well controlled 25-year longitudinal cohort of 144 dolphins. The data from this study has been reported on earlier, and consists of 44 clinically relevant biomarkers. This time-series data exhibits three starkly different influences: (A) directed interactions between biomarkers, (B) sources of biological variation that can either correlate or decorrelate different biomarkers, and (C) random observation-noise which combines measurement error and very rapid fluctuations in the dolphin's biomarkers. Importantly, the sources of biological variation (type-B) are large in magnitude, often comparable to the observation errors (type-C) and larger than the effect of the directed interactions (type-A). Attempting to recover the type-A interactions without accounting for the type-B and type-C variation can result in an abundance of false-positives and false-negatives. Using a generalized regression which fits the longitudinal data with a linear model accounting for all three influences, we demonstrate that the dolphins exhibit many significant directed interactions (type-A), as well as strong correlated variation (type-B), between several pairs of biomarkers. Moreover, many of these interactions are associated with advanced age, suggesting that these interactions can be monitored and/or targeted to predict and potentially affect aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaditya V. Rangan
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline C. McGrouther
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nivedita Bhadra
- Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - Eric D. Jensen
- US Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Schork
- Quantitative Medicine and Systems Biology, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- Seraphina Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
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6
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Monteiro JP, Ferreira HB, Melo T, Flanagan C, Urbani N, Neves J, Domingues P, Domingues MR. The plasma phospholipidome of the bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) is modulated by both sex and developmental stage. Mol Omics 2023; 19:35-47. [PMID: 36314173 DOI: 10.1039/d2mo00202g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipidomics represent a valid complementary tool to the biochemical analysis of plasma in humans. However, in cetaceans, these tools have been unexplored. Here, we evaluated how the plasma lipid composition of Tursiops truncatus is modulated by developmental stage and sex, aiming at a potential use of lipidomics in integrated strategies to monitor cetacean health. We characterized the fatty acid profile and detected a total of 26 fatty acids in T. truncatus plasma. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9). Interestingly, there are consistent differences between the fatty acid profile of mature female and mature male specimens. Phospholipidome analysis identified 320 different lipid species belonging to phosphatidylcholine (PC, 105 lipid species), lysophosphatidylcholine (42), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE, 67), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18), phosphatidylglycerol (14), lysophosphatidylglycerol (8), phosphatidylinositol (14), lysophosphatidylinositol (2), phosphatidylserine (3), sphingomyelin (45) and ceramides (2) classes. The statistical analysis of the phospholipidome showed that its composition allows discriminating mature animals between sexes and mature males from immature males. Notably, discrimination between sexes is mainly determined by the contents of PE plasmalogens and lysophospholipids (LPC and LPE), while the differences between mature and immature male animals were mainly determined by the levels of PC lipids. This is the first time that a correlation between developmental stage and sex and the lipid composition of the plasma has been established in cetaceans. Being able to discern between age and sex-related changes is an encouraging step towards using these tools to also detect differences related to disease/dysfunction processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Monteiro
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. .,CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Helena B Ferreira
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. .,CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Melo
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. .,CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. .,CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Rosário Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal. .,CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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7
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Wolfgang MJ, Choi J, Scafidi S. Functional loss of ketogenesis in odontocete cetaceans. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:272651. [PMID: 34605907 PMCID: PMC8601715 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Odontocete cetaceans exhibit genomic mutations in key ketogenesis genes. In order to validate an inferred lack of ketogenesis made by observations from genome sequencing, we biochemically analyzed tissues from several odontocete cetacean species and demonstrate that they indeed do not exhibit appreciable hepatic β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) or its carnitine ester. Furthermore, liver tissue exhibited significantly lower long chain acylcarnitines and increased odd chain acylcarnitines indicative of a decreased reliance on hepatic long chain fatty acid oxidation in these carnivorous mammals. Finally, we performed single molecule, real-time next generation sequencing of liver and brain RNA of Tursiops truncatus and demonstrate that the succinyl-CoA transferase required for acetoacetate catabolism is expressed in the nervous system. These data show that odontocete cetaceans have lost the ability to perform ketogenesis and suggest a hepatocentric coenzyme A recycling function rather than a predominantly systemic-bioenergetic role for ketogenesis in other ketogenic competent mammals such as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Wolfgang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joseph Choi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Susanna Scafidi
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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8
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Richter C, Hinkel R. Research('s) Sweet Hearts: Experimental Biomedical Models of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:703355. [PMID: 34368257 PMCID: PMC8342758 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.703355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes and the often accompanying cardiovascular diseases including cardiomyopathy represent a complex disease, that is reluctant to reveal the molecular mechanisms and underlying cellular responses. Current research projects on diabetic cardiomyopathy are predominantly based on animal models, in which there are not only obvious advantages, such as genetics that can be traced over generations and the directly measurable influence of dietary types, but also not despisable disadvantages. Thus, many studies are built up on transgenic rodent models, which are partly comparable to symptoms in humans due to their genetic alterations, but on the other hand are also under discussion regarding their clinical relevance in the translation of biomedical therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, a focus on transgenic rodent models ignores spontaneously occurring diabetes in larger mammals (such as dogs or pigs), which represent with their anatomical similarity to humans regarding their cardiovascular situation appealing models for testing translational approaches. With this in mind, we aim to shed light on the currently most popular animal models for diabetic cardiomyopathy and, by weighing the advantages and disadvantages, provide decision support for future animal experimental work in the field, hence advancing the biomedical translation of promising approaches into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Richter
- Laboratory Animal Science Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany.,Partnersite Goettingen, German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.), Goettingen, Germany
| | - Rabea Hinkel
- Laboratory Animal Science Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany.,Partnersite Goettingen, German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.), Goettingen, Germany.,Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover, Germany
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9
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Houser DS, Derous D, Douglas A, Lusseau D. Metabolic response of dolphins to short-term fasting reveals physiological changes that differ from the traditional fasting model. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:jeb238915. [PMID: 33766933 PMCID: PMC8126448 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.238915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) typically feed on prey that are high in lipid and protein content and nearly devoid of carbohydrate, a dietary feature shared with other marine mammals. However, unlike fasted-adapted marine mammals that predictably incorporate fasting into their life history, dolphins feed intermittently throughout the day and are not believed to be fasting-adapted. To assess whether the physiological response to fasting in the dolphin shares features with or distinguishes them from those of fasting-adapted marine mammals, the plasma metabolomes of eight bottlenose dolphins were compared between post-absorptive and 24-h fasted states. Increases in most identified free fatty acids and lipid metabolites and reductions in most amino acids and their metabolites were consistent with the upregulation of lipolysis and lipid oxidation and the downregulation of protein catabolism and synthesis. Consistent with a previously hypothesized diabetic-like fasting state, fasting was associated with elevated glucose and patterns of certain metabolites (e.g. citrate, cis-aconitate, myristoleic acid) indicative of lipid synthesis and glucose cycling to protect endogenous glucose from oxidative disposal. Pathway analysis predicted an upregulation of cytokines, decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis including apoptosis of insulin-secreting β-cells. Metabolomic conditional mutual information networks were estimated for the post-absorptive and fasted states and 'topological modules' were estimated for each using the eigenvector approach to modularity network division. A dynamic network marker indicative of a physiological shift toward a negative energy state was subsequently identified that has the potential conservation application of assessing energy state balance in at-risk wild dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davina Derous
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Alex Douglas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - David Lusseau
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby 2800, Denmark
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10
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A 25-y longitudinal dolphin cohort supports that long-lived individuals in same environment exhibit variation in aging rates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20950-20958. [PMID: 32778591 PMCID: PMC7456138 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918755117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a degradative process that varies among individuals. Due to limitations in defining and differentiating aging rates in human populations, understanding why some people appear to age slower than others has proven difficult. We analyzed 44 blood-based indices of health as candidate aging rate biomarkers collected over a 25-y period on a relevant, long-lived population of dolphins. Evidence of subsets of dolphins exhibiting slow and accelerated aging rates were detected, despite sharing the same environment, diet, and health care. Furthermore, some dolphin subsets were more likely to develop clinically relevant conditions, including anemia and immunosenescence. Our results support the notion that aging rates in long-lived mammals may be defined and provide insight into novel interventions to delay aging. While it is believed that humans age at different rates, a lack of robust longitudinal human studies using consensus biomarkers meant to capture aging rates has hindered an understanding of the degree to which individuals vary in their rates of aging. Because bottlenose dolphins are long-lived mammals that develop comorbidities of aging similar to humans, we analyzed data from a well-controlled, 25-y longitudinal cohort of 144 US Navy dolphins housed in the same oceanic environment. Our analysis focused on 44 clinically relevant hematologic and clinical chemistry measures recorded during routine blood draws throughout the dolphins’ lifetimes. Using stepwise regression and general linear models that accommodate correlations between measures obtained on individual dolphins, we demonstrate that, in a manner similar to humans, dolphins exhibit independent and linear age-related declines in four of these measures: hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and lymphocytes. Using linear regressions and analyses of covariance with post hoc Tukey–Kramer tests to compare slopes (i.e., linear age-related rates) of our four aging rate biomarkers among 34 individual dolphins aging from 10 y to up to 40 y old, we could identify slow and accelerated agers and differentiate subgroups that were more or less likely to develop anemia and lymphopenia. This study successfully documents aging rate differences over the lifetime of long-lived individuals in a controlled environment. Our study suggests that nonenvironmental factors influencing aging rate biomarkers, including declining hemoglobin and anemia, may be targeted to delay the effects of aging in a compelling model of human biology.
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11
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Zhao L, Wang L, Aierken R, Wang W, Wang X, Li M. Characterization of Insulin and Glucagon Genes and Their Producing Endocrine Cells From Pygmy Sperm Whale ( Kogia breviceps). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:174. [PMID: 32296396 PMCID: PMC7137828 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by pancreatic β and α cells, respectively, which together regulate glucose homeostasis. Dysregulation of insulin or glucagon can result in loss of blood glucose control, characterized by hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. To better understand the endocrine physiology of cetaceans, we cloned and characterized the insulin and glucagon genes from pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). We obtained the complete coding sequences of the preproinsulin and preproglucagon genes, which encodes the preproinsulin protein of 110 amino acid (aa) residues and encodes the preproglucagon protein of 179 aa residues, respectively. Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that protein structures were similar to other mammalian orthologs. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining using insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin antibodies allowed analysis of pygmy sperm whale islet distribution, architecture, and composition. Our results showed the pygmy sperm whale islet was irregularly shaped and randomly distributed throughout the pancreas. The architecture of α, β, and δ cells of the pygmy sperm whale was similar to that of artiodactyls species. This is the first report about insulin and glucagon genes in cetaceans, which provides new information about the structural conservation of the insulin and glucagon genes. Furthermore, offers novel information on the properties of endocrine cells in cetacean for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhao
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Likun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Reyilamu Aierken
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianyan Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Xianyan Wang
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Mingyu Li
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12
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Martinez-Viaud KA, Lawley CT, Vergara MM, Ben-Zvi G, Biniashvili T, Baruch K, St. Leger J, Le J, Natarajan A, Rivera M, Guillergan M, Jaeger E, Steffy B, Zimin A. New de novo assembly of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) improves genome completeness and provides haplotype phasing. Gigascience 2019; 8:giy168. [PMID: 30698692 PMCID: PMC6443575 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giy168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-quality genomes are essential to resolve challenges in breeding, comparative biology, medicine, and conservation planning. New library preparation techniques along with better assembly algorithms result in continued improvements in assemblies for non-model organisms, moving them toward reference-quality genomes. We report on the latest genome assembly of the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, leveraging Illumina sequencing data coupled with a combination of several library preparation techniques. These include Linked-Reads (Chromium, 10x Genomics), mate pairs (MP), long insert paired ends, and standard paired end. Data were assembled with the commercial DeNovoMAGIC assembly software, resulting in two assemblies, a traditional "haploid" assembly (Tur_tru_Illumina_hap_v1) that is a mosaic of the two parental haplotypes and a phased assembly (Tur_tru_Illumina_phased_v1) where each scaffold has sequence from a single homologous chromosome. We show that Tur_tru_Illumina_hap_v1 is more complete and more accurate compared to the current best reference based on the amount and composition of sequence, the consistency of the MP alignments to the assembled scaffolds, and on the analysis of conserved single-copy mammalian orthologs. The phased de novo assembly Tur_tru_Illumina_phased_v1 is the first publicly available for this species and provides the community with novel and accurate ways to explore the heterozygous nature of the dolphin genome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy Taylor Lawley
- GinkgoFish LLC, 204 West Spear St, Carson City, NV 89703
- Ocean Discovery Institute, 4255 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92105 USA
| | | | - Gil Ben-Zvi
- NRGene, 5 Golda Meir St., Ness-Ziona 7403649, Israel
| | | | - Kobi Baruch
- NRGene, 5 Golda Meir St., Ness-Ziona 7403649, Israel
| | - Judy St. Leger
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Jennie Le
- Illumina, Inc., 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | | | - Marlem Rivera
- Illumina, Inc., 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
- Ocean Discovery Institute, 4255 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92105 USA
| | | | - Erich Jaeger
- Illumina, Inc., 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Brian Steffy
- Illumina, Inc., 5200 Illumina Way, San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Aleksey Zimin
- Johns Hopkins University, Welch Library of Medicine, Ste 105, 1900 E. Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Gatta C, De Felice E, D'Angelo L, Maruccio L, Leggieri A, Lucini C, Palladino A, Paolucci M, Scocco P, Varricchio E, de Girolamo P. The Case Study of Nesfatin-1 in the Pancreas of Tursiops truncatus. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1845. [PMID: 30618845 PMCID: PMC6305742 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nesfatin-1 (Nesf-1) is an anorexigenic peptide involved in the regulation of homeostatic feeding. Nesf-1 is expressed in the central nervous system and other organs, including pancreas, where it promotes the release of insulin from β-cells. This raises the possibility that Nesf-1 dysfunction could be involved in metabolic disorders, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Recently, it has been discovered that dolphins can be a natural animal model that fully replicates human T2D, due to its prolonged glucose tolerance curve and maintenance of a state of hyperglycemia similar to human T2D during fasting. This correspondence suggests that dolphins may be a suitable model for investigating physiological and pathological metabolic disorders. Here, we have characterized Nesf-1 distribution in the pancreas of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and measured plasmatic levels of Nesf-1 and glucose during fasting and post-prandial states. The Mediterranean Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (MMMTB) of the University of Padova provided us with pancreas samples, derived from four animals, and plasma samples, collected before and after the main meal. Interestingly, our results showed that Nesf-1-immunoreactive cells were distributed in Langerhans islets, co-localized with glucagon in α-cells. Similar to humans, dolphin plasma Nesf-1 concentration doesn’t show a statistically significant difference when comparing fasting and post-prandial states. On the other hand, blood glucose levels were significantly higher before than after the main meal. Our data provide a comparative analysis for further studies on the involvement of Nesf-1 in mammalian metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena De Felice
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Livia D'Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Adele Leggieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Palladino
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Health Care, IIT@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Paolucci
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Paola Scocco
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ettore Varricchio
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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14
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Mancia A. On the revolution of cetacean evolution. Mar Genomics 2018; 41:1-5. [PMID: 30154054 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The order of Cetacea with 88 species including Odontoceti (or toothed whales) and Mysticeti (or baleen whales) is the most specialized and diversified group of mammals. The blue whale with a maximum recorded length of 29.9 m for 173 t of weight is the largest animal known to have ever existed, and any dolphin's brain is most powerful and complex than any other brain in the animal kingdom, second only to primate's. Nevertheless, Cetacea are mammals that re-entered the oceans only a little over 50 million years ago, a relatively short time on the evolutionary scale. During this time cetaceans and humans have developed marked morphological and behavioral differences, yet their genomes show a high level of similarity. This present review is focused on the description and significance of newly accessible cetacean genome tools and information, and their relevance in the study of the evolution of successful phenotypic adaptations associated to mammal's marine existence, and their applicability to the unresolved disease mechanisms in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Mancia
- University of Ferrara, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara 44121, Italy.
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15
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Suzuki M, Yoshioka M, Ohno Y, Akune Y. Plasma metabolomic analysis in mature female common bottlenose dolphins: profiling the characteristics of metabolites after overnight fasting by comparison with data in beagle dogs. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12030. [PMID: 30104643 PMCID: PMC6089887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30563-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed at determining the characteristics of plasma metabolites in bottlenose dolphins to provide a greater understanding of their metabolism and to obtain information for the health management of cetaceans. Capillary electrophoresis-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS) and liquid chromatograph-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOFMS) were conducted on plasma samples after overnight fasting from three common bottlenose dolphins as well as three beagle dogs (representative terrestrial carnivores) for comparison. In total, 257 and 227 plasma metabolites were identified in the dolphins and the dogs, respectively. Although a small number of animals were used for each species, the heatmap patterns, a principal component analysis and a cluster analysis confirmed that the composition of metabolites could be segregated from each other. Of 257 compounds detected in dolphin plasma, 24 compounds including branched amino acids, creatinine, urea, and methylhistidine were more abundant than in dogs; 26 compounds including long-chained acyl-carnitines and fatty acids, astaxanthin, and pantothenic acid were detected only in dolphins. In contrast, 25 compounds containing lactic acid and glycerol 3-phosphate were lower in dolphins compared to dogs. These data imply active protein metabolism, differences in usage of lipids, a unique urea cycle, and a low activity of the glycolytic pathway in dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Suzuki
- Department of Marine Resources and Sciences, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan.
| | - Motoi Yoshioka
- Cetacean Research Center, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Kurimamachiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Yoshito Ohno
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato, Nagoya, Aichi, 455-0033, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Akune
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Minato, Nagoya, Aichi, 455-0033, Japan
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16
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Le-Bert CR, Smith CR, Poindexter J, Ardente A, Meegan J, Wells RS, Venn-Watson S, Jensen ED, Sakhaee K. Comparison of potential dietary and urinary risk factors for ammonium urate nephrolithiasis in two bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) populations. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F231-F237. [PMID: 29631356 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00606.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary and urinary risk factors have been implicated in conditions favoring ammonium urate nephrolithiasis in managed dolphins compared with free-ranging dolphins. In this study, urine samples were collected from 16 dolphins (8 cases, 8 controls) from the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program for the purposes of assessing changes in urinary biomarkers after a large meal. Urinary biomarkers and nephrolithiasis presence were assessed opportunistically in 15 long-term resident free-ranging dolphins living in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Additionally, the total purine contents of fish commonly consumed by each dolphin population were measured to evaluate potential dietary risk factors. Populations were compared for total dietary purine composition, recently fed status, nephrolithiasis presence, and differences in urinary biochemical, acid-base, and physicochemical parameters via Wilcoxon rank sum analysis and least square means. Managed dolphins had higher urinary pH and ammonium ([Formula: see text]) in both pre- and postprandial conditions and higher urinary uric acid and saturation indices of NH4U in the postprandial condition compared with free-ranging dolphins ( P < 0.05). The purine content was greater ( P < 0.0001) in the diet consumed by managed dolphins [7 mmol/Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)] than in the free-ranging dolphin diet (4 mmol/Mcal ME). Free-ranging dolphins did not show evidence of nephrolithiasis. Observed differences in urinary biomarkers and dietary purine content in these two dolphin populations suggest a pathophysiologic basis for the role of fish types on the risk of NH4U stone formation. Future research should investigate fish type and feeding frequency, inhibitors and promoters, and alkalinizing therapy for reducing NH4U nephrolithiasis in dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Poindexter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Mineral Metabolism and Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
| | - Amanda Ardente
- National Marine Mammal Foundation , San Diego, California.,University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine , Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jenny Meegan
- National Marine Mammal Foundation , San Diego, California
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory , Sarasota, Florida
| | | | - Eric D Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, SSC Pacific, San Diego, California
| | - Khashayar Sakhaee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Mineral Metabolism and Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
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17
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Abstract
Omics technologies have been developed in recent decades and applied to different subjects, although the greatest advancements have been achieved in human biology and disease. Genome sequencing and the exploration of its coding and noncoding regions are rapidly yielding meaningful answers to diverse questions, relating genome information to protein activity to environmental changes. In the past, marine mammal genetic and transcriptional studies have been restricted due to the lack of reference genomes. But the advance of high-throughput sequencing is revolutionizing the life sciences technologies. As long-lived organisms, at the top of the food chain, marine mammals play an important role in marine ecosystems and while their protected status is in favor of conservation of the species, it also complicates the researcher's approach to traditional measurements of health. Omics data generated by high-throughput technologies will represent an important key for improving the scientific basis for understanding both marine mammal and environment health.
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18
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Elnaggar MM, Abdellrazeq GS, Venn-Watson SK, Jensen ED, Hulubei V, Fry LM, Sacco RE, Davis WC. Identification of monoclonal antibodies cross-reactive with bottlenose dolphin orthologues of the major histocompatibility complex and leukocyte differentiation molecules. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2017; 192:54-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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19
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Gunn‐Moore D, Kaidanovich‐Beilin O, Iradi MCG, Gunn‐Moore F, Lovestone S. Alzheimer's disease in humans and other animals: A consequence of postreproductive life span and longevity rather than aging. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 14:195-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danièlle Gunn‐Moore
- University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute Easter Bush Campus Roslin UK
| | | | - María Carolina Gallego Iradi
- University of Florida, College of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases Gainesville FL USA
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20
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Pasamontes A, Aksenov AA, Schivo M, Rowles T, Smith CR, Schwacke LH, Wells RS, Yeates L, Venn-Watson S, Davis CE. Noninvasive Respiratory Metabolite Analysis Associated with Clinical Disease in Cetaceans: A Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:5737-5746. [PMID: 28406294 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b06482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Health assessments of wild cetaceans can be challenging due to the difficulty of gaining access to conventional diagnostic matrices of blood, serum and others. While the noninvasive detection of metabolites in exhaled breath could potentially help to address this problem, there exists a knowledge gap regarding associations between known disease states and breath metabolite profiles in cetaceans. This technology was applied to the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history (The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico). An accurate analysis was performed to test for associations between the exhaled breath metabolome and sonographic lung abnormalities as well as hematological, serum biochemical, and endocrine hormone parameters. Importantly, metabolites consistent with chronic inflammation, such as products of lung epithelial cellular breakdown and arachidonic acid cascade metabolites were associated with sonographic evidence of lung consolidation. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) metabolite profiles also correlated with serum hormone concentrations (cortisol and aldosterone), hepatobiliary enzyme levels, white blood cell counts, and iron homeostasis. The correlations among breath metabolites and conventional health measures suggest potential application of breath sampling for remotely assessing health of wild cetaceans. This methodology may hold promise for large cetaceans in the wild for which routine collection of blood and respiratory anomalies are not currently feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pasamontes
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California , One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Alexander A Aksenov
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California , One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Michael Schivo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California , 4150 V Street, Suite 3400, Sacramento, California 95817, United States
- Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California , Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Teri Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92106, United States
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34236, United States
| | - Laura Yeates
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92106, United States
| | - Stephanie Venn-Watson
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92106, United States
| | - Cristina E Davis
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California , One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, United States
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21
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LIVER ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN DOLPHINS: USE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY TO ESTABLISH A TECHNIQUE FOR HEPATOBILIARY IMAGING AND TO EVALUATE METABOLIC DISEASE-ASSOCIATED LIVER CHANGES IN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 47:1034-1043. [PMID: 28080913 DOI: 10.1638/2015-0173.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive technique for ultrasound examination of the dolphin hepatobiliary system and apply this technique to 30 dolphins to determine what, if any, sonographic changes are associated with blood-based indicators of metabolic syndrome (insulin greater than 14 μIU/ml or glucose greater than 112 mg/dl) and iron overload (transferrin saturation greater than 65%). A prospective study of individuals in a cross-sectional population with and without elevated postprandial insulin levels was performed. Twenty-nine bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) in a managed collection were included in the final data analysis. An in-water ultrasound technique was developed that included detailed analysis of the liver and pancreas. Dolphins with hyperinsulinemia concentrations had larger livers compared with dolphins with nonelevated concentrations. Using stepwise, multivariate regression including blood-based indicators of metabolic syndrome in dolphins, glucose was the best predictor of and had a positive linear association with liver size (P = 0.007, R2 = 0.24). Bottlenose dolphins are susceptible to metabolic syndrome and associated complications that affect the liver, including fatty liver disease and iron overload. This study facilitated the establishment of a technique for a rapid, diagnostic, and noninvasive ultrasonographic evaluation of the dolphin liver. In addition, the study identified ultrasound-detectable hepatic changes associated primarily with elevated glucose concentration in dolphins. Future investigations will strive to detail the pathophysiological mechanisms for these changes.
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22
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INTRAPERITONEAL DEXTROSE ADMINISTRATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE EMERGENCY TREATMENT FOR HYPOGLYCEMIC YEARLING CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2016; 47:76-82. [PMID: 27010266 DOI: 10.1638/2014-0187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) cares for malnourished California sea lion (CSL) (Zalophus californianus) pups and yearlings every year. Hypoglycemia is a common consequence of malnutrition in young CSLs. Administering dextrose during a hypoglycemic crisis is vital to recovery. Traditional veterinary approaches to treat hypoglycemia pose therapeutic challenges in otariids, as vascular access and catheter maintenance can be difficult. The current approach to a hypoglycemic episode at TMMC is to administer dextrose intravenously (i.v.) by medically trained personnel. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) dextrose administration is an attractive alternative to i.v. administration because volunteer staff with basic training can administer treatment instead of waiting for trained staff to treat. This study compares the effects of i.v., i.p., and no dextrose administration on serum glucose and insulin in clinically healthy, euglycemic CSL yearlings. Three groups of animals, consisting of five sea lions each, were treated with 500 mg/kg dextrose using one of the following routes: i.v., i.p., or no dextrose (control). A jugular catheter was placed, and blood samples were collected at times 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min after dextrose administration. I.v. dextrose administration resulted in an increase of serum glucose concentrations from a baseline level of approximately 150 mg/dl to a peak of approximately 350 mg/dl. The resulting hyperglycemia persisted for approximately 2 hr and was associated with an attenuated plasma insulin response compared with most terrestrial mammals. Intraperitoneal dextrose administration resulted in increases of serum glucose to approximately 200 mg/dl, which gradually declined to baseline by 2 hr after dextrose administration. These data suggest that the initial treatment of a hypoglycemic crisis in young malnourished CSLs can be accomplished with i.p. dextrose, thus enabling minimally trained volunteer staff to respond immediately to a crisis. Further studies are needed to determine the most appropriate long-term treatment.
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23
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Seim I, Ma S, Zhou X, Gerashchenko MV, Lee SG, Suydam R, George JC, Bickham JW, Gladyshev VN. The transcriptome of the bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus reveals adaptations of the longest-lived mammal. Aging (Albany NY) 2015; 6:879-99. [PMID: 25411232 PMCID: PMC4247388 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mammals vary dramatically in lifespan, by at least two-orders of magnitude, but the molecular basis for this difference remains largely unknown. The bowhead whale Balaena mysticetus is the longest-lived mammal known, with an estimated maximal lifespan in excess of two hundred years. It is also one of the two largest animals and the most cold-adapted baleen whale species. Here, we report the first genome-wide gene expression analyses of the bowhead whale, based on the de novo assembly of its transcriptome. Bowhead whale or cetacean-specific changes in gene expression were identified in the liver, kidney and heart, and complemented with analyses of positively selected genes. Changes associated with altered insulin signaling and other gene expression patterns could help explain the remarkable longevity of bowhead whales as well as their adaptation to a lipid-rich diet. The data also reveal parallels in candidate longevity adaptations of the bowhead whale, naked mole rat and Brandt's bat. The bowhead whale transcriptome is a valuable resource for the study of this remarkable animal, including the evolution of longevity and its important correlates such as resistance to cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Seim
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siming Ma
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xuming Zhou
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maxim V Gerashchenko
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Suydam
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Barrow, AK 99723, USA
| | - John C George
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Barrow, AK 99723, USA
| | | | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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24
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Venn-Watson SK, Parry C, Baird M, Stevenson S, Carlin K, Daniels R, Smith CR, Jones R, Wells RS, Ridgway S, Jensen ED. Increased Dietary Intake of Saturated Fatty Acid Heptadecanoic Acid (C17:0) Associated with Decreasing Ferritin and Alleviated Metabolic Syndrome in Dolphins. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26200116 PMCID: PMC4511797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to humans, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can develop metabolic syndrome and associated high ferritin. While fish and fish-based fatty acids may protect against metabolic syndrome in humans, findings have been inconsistent. To assess potential protective factors against metabolic syndrome related to fish diets, fatty acids were compared between two dolphin populations with higher (n = 30, Group A) and lower (n = 19, Group B) mean insulin (11 ± 12 and 2 ± 5 μIU/ml, respectively; P < 0.0001) and their dietary fish. In addition to higher insulin, triglycerides, and ferritin, Group A had lower percent serum heptadecanoic acid (C17:0) compared to Group B (0.3 ± 0.1 and 1.3 ± 0.4%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Using multivariate stepwise regression, higher percent serum C17:0, a saturated fat found in dairy fat, rye, and some fish, was an independent predictor of lower insulin in dolphins. Capelin, a common dietary fish for Group A, had no detectable C17:0, while pinfish and mullet, common in Group B's diet, had C17:0 (41 and 67 mg/100g, respectively). When a modified diet adding 25% pinfish and/or mullet was fed to six Group A dolphins over 24 weeks (increasing the average daily dietary C17:0 intake from 400 to 1700 mg), C17:0 serum levels increased, high ferritin decreased, and blood-based metabolic syndrome indices normalized toward reference levels. These effects were not found in four reference dolphins. Further, higher total serum C17:0 was an independent and linear predictor of lower ferritin in dolphins in Group B dolphins. Among off the shelf dairy products tested, butter had the highest C17:0 (423mg/100g); nonfat dairy products had no detectable C17:0. We hypothesize that humans' movement away from diets with potentially beneficial saturated fatty acid C17:0, including whole fat dairy products, could be a contributor to widespread low C17:0 levels, higher ferritin, and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K. Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Celeste Parry
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Mark Baird
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Sacha Stevenson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin Carlin
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Risa Daniels
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Richard Jones
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sam Ridgway
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Eric D. Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, San Diego, California, United States of America
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Colegrove KM, Venn-Watson S. Histomorphology of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) pancreas and association of increasing islet β-cell size with chronic hypercholesterolemia. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 214:17-23. [PMID: 25745813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can develop metabolic states mimicking prediabetes, including hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, elevated glucose, and fatty liver disease. Little is known, however, about dolphin pancreatic histomorphology. Distribution and area of islets, α, β, and δ cells were evaluated in pancreatic tissue from 22 dolphins (mean age 25.7years, range 0-51). Associations of these measurements were evaluated by sex, age, percent high glucose and lipids during the last year of life, and presence or absence of fatty liver disease and islet cell vacuolation. The most common pancreatic lesions identified were exocrine pancreas fibrosis (63.6%) and mild islet cell vacuolation (47.4%); there was no evidence of insulitis or amyloid deposition, changes commonly associated with type 2 diabetes. Dolphin islet architecture appears to be most similar to the pig, where α and β cells are localized to the central or periphery of the islet, respectively, or are well dispersed throughout the islet. Unlike pigs, large islets (greater than 10,000μm(2)) were common in dolphins, similar to that found in humans. A positive linear association was identified between dolphin age and islet area average, supporting a compensatory response similar to other species. The strongest finding in this study was a positive linear association between islet size, specifically β-cells, and percent blood samples with high cholesterol (greater than 280mg/dl, R(2)=0.57). This study is the most comprehensive assessment of the dolphin pancreas to date and may help direct future studies, including associations between chronic hypercholesterolemia and β-cell size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Colegrove
- Zoological Pathology Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, LUMC, Building 101, Room 0745, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| | - Stephanie Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.
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Aksenov AA, Yeates L, Pasamontes A, Siebe C, Zrodnikov Y, Simmons J, McCartney MM, Deplanque JP, Wells RS, Davis CE. Metabolite content profiling of bottlenose dolphin exhaled breath. Anal Chem 2014; 86:10616-24. [PMID: 25254551 PMCID: PMC4221874 DOI: 10.1021/ac5024217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Changing ocean health and the potential
impact on marine mammal
health are gaining global attention. Direct health assessments of
wild marine mammals, however, is inherently difficult. Breath analysis
metabolomics is a very attractive assessment tool due to its noninvasive
nature, but it is analytically challenging. It has never been attempted
in cetaceans for comprehensive metabolite profiling. We have developed
a method to reproducibly sample breath from small cetaceans, specifically
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
We describe the analysis workflow to profile exhaled breath metabolites
and provide here a first library of volatile and nonvolatile compounds
in cetacean exhaled breath. The described analytical methodology enabled
us to document baseline compounds in exhaled breath of healthy animals
and to study changes in metabolic content of dolphin breath with regard
to a variety of factors. The method of breath analysis may provide
a very valuable tool in future wildlife conservation efforts as well
as deepen our understanding of marine mammals biology and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Aksenov
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California , Davis, California 95616, United States
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Griffeth RJ, García-Párraga D, Mellado-López M, Crespo-Picazo JL, Soriano-Navarro M, Martinez-Romero A, Moreno-Manzano V. Platelet-rich plasma and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine-associated treatments in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). PLoS One 2014; 9:e108439. [PMID: 25251412 PMCID: PMC4177220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dolphins exhibit an extraordinary capacity to heal deep soft tissue injuries. Nevertheless, accelerated wound healing in wild or captive dolphins would minimize infection and other side effects associated with open wounds in marine animals. Here, we propose the use of a biological-based therapy for wound healing in dolphins by the application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Blood samples were collected from 9 different dolphins and a specific and simple protocol which concentrates platelets greater than two times that of whole blood was developed. As opposed to a commonly employed human protocol for PRP preparation, a single centrifugation for 3 minutes at 900 rpm resulted in the best condition for the concentration of dolphin platelets. By FACS analysis, dolphin platelets showed reactivity to platelet cell-surface marker CD41. Analysis by electron microscopy revealed that dolphin platelets were larger in size than human platelets. These findings may explain the need to reduce the duration and speed of centrifugation of whole blood from dolphins to obtain a 2-fold increase and maintain proper morphology of the platelets. For the first time, levels of several growth factors from activated dolphin platelets were quantified. Compared to humans, concentrations of PDGF-BB were not different, while TGFβ and VEGF-A were significantly lower in dolphins. Additionally, adipose tissue was obtained from cadaveric dolphins found along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) were successfully isolated, amplified, and characterized. When dolphin ASCs were treated with 2.5 or 5% dolphin PRP they exhibited significant increased proliferation and improved phagocytotic activity, indicating that in culture, PRP may improve the regenerative capacity of ASCs. Taken together, we show an effective and well-defined protocol for efficient PRP isolation. This protocol alone or in combination with ASCs, may constitute the basis of a biological treatment for wound-healing and tissue regeneration in dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Griffeth
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Tissue and Neuronal Regeneration Lab, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Maravillas Mellado-López
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Tissue and Neuronal Regeneration Lab, Valencia, Spain
- FactorStem, Ltd. Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Tissue and Neuronal Regeneration Lab, Valencia, Spain
- FactorStem, Ltd. Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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28
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Gatta C, Russo F, Russolillo MG, Varricchio E, Paolucci M, Castaldo L, Lucini C, de Girolamo P, Cozzi B, Maruccio L. The orexin system in the enteric nervous system of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). PLoS One 2014; 9:e105009. [PMID: 25144456 PMCID: PMC4140726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides a general approach to the presence and possible role of orexins and their receptors in the gut (three gastric chambers and intestine) of confined environment bottlenose dolphin. The expression of prepro-orexin, orexin A and B and orexin 1 and 2 receptors were investigated by single immunostaining and western blot analysis. The co-localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and orexin 1 receptor in the enteric nervous system was examined by double immunostaining. Also, orexin A concentration were measured in plasma samples to assess the possible diurnal variation of the plasma level of peptide in this species. Our results showed that the orexin system is widely distributed in bottlenose dolphin enteric nervous system of the all gastrointestinal tract examined. They are very peculiar and partially differs from that of terrestrial mammals. Orexin peptides and prepro-orexin were expressed in the main stomach, pyloric stomach and proximal intestine; while orexin receptors were expressed in the all examined tracts, with the exception of main stomach where found no evidence of orexin 2 receptor. Co-localization of vasoactive intestinal peptide and orexin 1 receptor were more evident in the pyloric stomach and proximal intestine. These data could suggest a possible role of orexin system on the contractility of bottlenose dolphin gastrointestinal districts. Finally, in agreement with several reports, bottlenose dolphin orexin A plasma level was higher in the morning during fasting. Our results emphasize some common features between bottlenose dolphin and terrestrial mammals. Certainly, further functional investigations may help to better explain the role of the orexin system in the energy balance of bottlenose dolphin and the complex interaction between feeding and digestive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Finizia Russo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento (BN), Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ettore Varricchio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento (BN), Italy
| | - Marina Paolucci
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, Benevento (BN), Italy
| | - Luciana Castaldo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Carla Lucini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Paolo de Girolamo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli (NA), Italy
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli (NA), Italy
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La Grange LJ, Mukaratirwa S. Assessment of selected biochemical parameters and humoral immune response of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) experimentally infected with Trichinella zimbabwensis. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2014; 85:e1-e10. [PMID: 25686027 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v85i1.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifteen crocodiles were randomly divided into three groups of five animals. They represented high-infection, medium-infection and low-infection groups of 642 larvae/kg, 414 larvae/kg and 134 larvae/kg bodyweight, respectively. The parameters assessed were blood glucose, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). The humoral immune response to Trichinella zimbabwensis infection was evaluated in all three groups by an indirect ELISA method. The results showed deviations from normal parameters of blood glucose, CPK, LDH, AST and ALT when compared with reported levels in uninfected reptiles. Contrary to studies involving mammals, hypoglycaemia was not observed in the infected groups in this study. Peak values of blood glucose were reached on post-infection (PI) Day 49, Day 42 and Day 35 in the high-infection, medium-infection and low-infection groups, respectively. Peak values of LDH and AST were observed on PI Day 56, Day 49 and Day 42 in the high-infection, medium-infection and low-infection groups, respectively. Peak values of CPK were observed on Day 35 PI in all three groups. Peak ALT values were reached on Day 56 in the high-infection group and on Day 28 PI in both the medium-infection and low-infection groups. No correlations between the biochemical parameters and infection intensity were observed. Peak antibody titres were reached on Day 49 PI in the medium-infection group, and on Day 42 PI in both the high-infection and low-infection groups. Infection intensity could not be correlated with the magnitude of the humoral immune response or time to sero-conversion. Results from this study were in agreement with results reported in mammals infected with other Trichinella species and showed that antibody titres could not be detected indefinitely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J La Grange
- Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration, Mpumalanga, South Africa; School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, South Africa.
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Preliminary investigation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for hfe gene-related hemochromatosis. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:891-5. [PMID: 25075539 DOI: 10.7589/2013-08-212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) has been reported in diverse mammals including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The primary cause of excessive iron storage in humans is hereditary hemochromatosis. Most human hereditary hemochromatosis cases (up to 90%) are caused by a point mutation in the hfe gene, resulting in a C282Y substitution leading to iron accumulation. To evaluate the possibility of a hereditary hemochromatosis-like genetic predisposition in dolphins, we sequenced the bottlenose dolphin hfe gene, using reverse transcriptase-PCR and hfe primers designed from the dolphin genome, from liver of affected and healthy control dolphins. Sample size included two case animals and five control animals. Although isotype diversity was evident, no coding differences were identified in the hfe gene between any of the animals examined. Because our sample size was small, we cannot exclude the possibility that hemochromatosis in dolphins is due to a coding mutation in the hfe gene. Other potential causes of hemochromatosis, including mutations in different genes, diet, primary liver disease, and insulin resistance, should be evaluated.
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31
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Sierra E, Fernández A, de los Monteros AE, Arbelo M, de Quirós YB, Herráez P. Muscular senescence in cetaceans: adaptation towards a slow muscle fibre phenotype. Sci Rep 2014; 3:1795. [PMID: 23648412 PMCID: PMC3646281 DOI: 10.1038/srep01795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or senile muscle atrophy, is the slow and progressive loss of muscle mass with advancing age that constitutes the most prevalent form of muscle atrophy. The effects of ageing on skeletal muscle have been extensively studied in humans and laboratory animals (mice), while the few reports on wild animals are based on short-lived mammals. The present study describes the age-related changes in cetacean muscles regarding the three factors that determine muscle mass: fibre size, fibre number, and fibre type. We show that the skeletal muscle fibres in cetaceans change with advancing age, evolving towards a slower muscle phenotype. We suggest that this physiological evolution constitutes an adaptation that allows these marine mammals to perform prolonged, deep dives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
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32
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Solubility of ammonium acid urate nephroliths from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2014; 44:853-8. [PMID: 24450043 DOI: 10.1638/2012-0148r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nephrolithiasis has been identified in managed populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); most of these nephroliths are composed of 100% ammonium acid urate (AAU). Several therapies are being investigated to treat and prevent nephrolithiasis in dolphins including the alkalization of urine for dissolution of nephroliths. This study evaluates the solubility of AAU nephroliths in a phosphate buffer, pH range 6.0-8.0, and in a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, pH range 9.0-10.8. AAU nephroliths were obtained from six dolphins and solubility studies were conducted using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 290 nm. AAU nephroliths were much more soluble in a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer, pH range 9.0-10.8 compared to phosphate buffer pH range 6.0-8.0. In the pH range 6.0-8.0, the solubility was 45% lower in potassium phosphate buffer compared to sodium phosphate buffer. When citrate was used along with phosphate in the same pH range, the solubility was improved by 13%. At pH 7 and pH 8, 150 mM ionic strength buffer was optimum for dissolution. In summary, adjustment of urinary pH alone does not appear to be a useful way to treat AAU stones in bottlenose dolphins. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of AAU nephrolithiasis in dolphins is needed to optimize kidney stone prevention and treatment.
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Venn-Watson S. Dolphins and diabetes: applying one health for breakthrough discoveries. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:227. [PMID: 25566195 PMCID: PMC4273662 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
- *Correspondence:
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Schermerhorn T. Normal glucose metabolism in carnivores overlaps with diabetes pathology in non-carnivores. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:188. [PMID: 24348462 PMCID: PMC3847661 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnivores, such as the dolphin and the domestic cat, have numerous adaptations that befit consumption of diets with high protein and fat content, with little carbohydrate content. Consequently, nutrient metabolism in carnivorous species differs substantially from that of non-carnivores. Important metabolic pathways known to differ between carnivores and non-carnivores are implicated in the development of diabetes and insulin resistance in non-carnivores: (1) the hepatic glucokinase (GCK) pathway is absent in healthy carnivores yet GCK deficiency may result in diabetes in rodents and humans, (2) healthy dolphins and cats are prone to periods of fasting hyperglycemia and exhibit insulin resistance, both of which are risk factors for diabetes in non-carnivores. Similarly, carnivores develop naturally occurring diseases such as hemochromatosis, fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes that have strong parallels with the same disorders in humans. Understanding how evolution, environment, diet, and domestication may play a role with nutrient metabolism in the dolphin and cat may also be relevant to human diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schermerhorn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
- *Correspondence: Thomas Schermerhorn, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-5606, USA e-mail:
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Schivo M, Aksenov AA, Yeates LC, Pasamontes A, Davis CE. Diabetes and the metabolic syndrome: possibilities of a new breath test in a dolphin model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:163. [PMID: 24324455 PMCID: PMC3839089 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes type-2 and the metabolic syndrome are prevalent in epidemic proportions and result in significant co-morbid disease. Limitations in understanding of dietary effects and cholesterol metabolism exist. Current methods to assess diabetes are essential, though many are invasive; for example, blood glucose and lipid monitoring require regular finger sticks and blood draws. A novel method to study these diseases may be non-invasive breath testing of exhaled compounds. Currently, acetone and lipid peroxidation products have been seen in small scale studies, though other compounds may be significant. As Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have been proposed as a good model for human diabetes, applications of dietary manipulations and breath testing in this population may shed important light on how to design human clinical studies. In addition, ongoing studies indicate that breath testing in dolphins is feasible, humane, and yields relevant metabolites. By studying the metabolic and cholesterol responses of dolphins to dietary modifications, researchers may gain insight into human diabetes, improve the design of costly human clinical trials, and potentially discover biomarkers for non-invasive breath monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schivo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Center for Comparative Respiratory Biology and Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alexander A. Aksenov
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Alberto Pasamontes
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cristina E. Davis
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Cristina E. Davis, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UC Davis School of Engineering, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA e-mail:
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Wells RS, McHugh KA, Douglas DC, Shippee S, McCabe EB, Barros NB, Phillips GT. Evaluation of potential protective factors against metabolic syndrome in bottlenose dolphins: feeding and activity patterns of dolphins in sarasota bay, Florida. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:139. [PMID: 24133483 PMCID: PMC3794307 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) living in Sarasota Bay, Florida appear to have a lower risk of developing insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome compared to a group of dolphins managed under human care. Similar to humans, differences in diet and activity cycles between these groups may explain why Sarasota dolphins have lower insulin, glucose, and lipids. To identify potential protective factors against metabolic syndrome, existing and new data were incorporated to describe feeding and activity patterns of the Sarasota Bay wild dolphin community. Sarasota dolphins eat a wide variety of live fish and spend 10-20% of daylight hours foraging and feeding. Feeding occurs throughout the day, with the dolphins eating small proportions of their total daily intake in brief bouts. The natural pattern of wild dolphins is to feed as necessary and possible at any time of the day or night. Wild dolphins rarely eat dead fish or consume large amounts of prey in concentrated time periods. Wild dolphins are active throughout the day and night; they may engage in bouts of each key activity category at any time during daytime. Dive patterns of radio-tagged dolphins varied only slightly with time of day. Travel rates may be slightly lower at night, suggesting a diurnal rhythm, albeit not one involving complete, extended rest. In comparison, the managed dolphins are older; often fed a smaller variety of frozen-thawed fish types; fed fish species not in their natural diet; feedings and engaged activities are often during the day; and they are fed larger but fewer meals. In summary, potential protective factors against metabolic syndrome in dolphins may include young age, activity, and small meals fed throughout the day and night, and specific fish nutrients. These protective factors against insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are similar to those reported in humans. Further studies may benefit humans and dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall S. Wells
- Sarasota Dolphins Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Randall S. Wells, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA e-mail:
| | - Katherine A. McHugh
- Sarasota Dolphins Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | - Steve Shippee
- Physiological Ecology and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berens McCabe
- Sarasota Dolphins Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Nélio B. Barros
- Sarasota Dolphins Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
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Associations of ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin with inflammation and glucose in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-013-1738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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38
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Venn-Watson S, Smith CR, Stevenson S, Parry C, Daniels R, Jensen E, Cendejas V, Balmer B, Janech M, Neely BA, Wells R. Blood-Based Indicators of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:136. [PMID: 24130551 PMCID: PMC3793200 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Similar to people with metabolic syndrome, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can have a sustained postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and fatty liver disease. A panel of potential postprandial blood-based indicators of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome were compared among 34 managed collection dolphins in San Diego Bay, CA, USA (Group A) and 16 wild, free-ranging dolphins in Sarasota Bay, FL, USA (Group B). Compared to Group B, Group A had higher insulin (2.1 ± 2.5 and 13 ± 13 μIU/ml), glucose (87 ± 19 and 108 ± 12 mg/dl), and triglycerides (75 ± 28 and 128 ± 45 mg/dl) as well as higher cholesterol (total, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol), iron, transferrin saturation, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine transaminase, and uric acid. Group A had higher percent unmodified adiponectin. While Group A dolphins were older, the same blood-based differences remained when controlling for age. There were no differences in body mass index (BMI) between the groups, and comparisons between Group B and Group A dolphins have consistently demonstrated lower stress hormones levels in Group A. Group A dolphins with high insulin (greater than 14 μIU/ml) had higher glucose, iron, GGT, and BMI compared to Group A dolphins with lower insulin. These findings support that some dolphin groups may be more susceptible to insulin resistance compared to others, and primary risk factors are not likely age, BMI, or stress. Lower high-molecular weight adiponectin has been identified as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes in humans and may be a target for preventing insulin resistance in dolphins. Future investigations with these two dolphin populations, including dietary and feeding differences, may provide valuable insight for preventing and treating insulin resistance in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Stephanie Venn-Watson, National Marine Mammal Foundation, Translational Medicine and Research Program, 2240 Shelter Island Drive Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA e-mail:
| | - Cynthia Rowe Smith
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sacha Stevenson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Celeste Parry
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Risa Daniels
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eric Jensen
- Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Cendejas
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Brian Balmer
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarastota, FL, USA
| | - Michael Janech
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Neely
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Randall Wells
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarastota, FL, USA
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Eberle KC, Waters TE, Jensen ED, Venn-Watson SK, Sacco RE. Development and application of specific cytokine assays in tissue samples from a bottlenose dolphin with hyperinsulinemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:134. [PMID: 24101915 PMCID: PMC3787309 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans. Postmortem hepatic and splenic tissue from a 46-year-old geriatric male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with insulin resistance (chronic hyperinsulinemia with hyperglycemia), chronic inflammation (white blood cell count greater than 12,000 cells/μL), and mild fatty liver disease was evaluated for elevated pro-inflammatory mediators. Cytokine mRNA expression in postmortem hepatic and splenic tissue, as determined by real-time PCR, included an array of cytokines: TGF-β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-13, and IL-18. Values from this dolphin were compared to a younger reference dolphin with no known chronic metabolic perturbations or inflammation. Levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, and IL-4 were higher in the case dolphin's liver compared to that of the reference dolphin. In the case dolphin's spleen, IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNA was upregulated while IL-4 was less than the reference dolphin. IL-18 and IL-13 were upregulated in both tissues. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) utilized the following antibodies: anti-porcine IL-6, anti-bovine IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10, anti-human TGF-β, anti-ovine IL-1β, and anti-dolphin IL-8. Fluorescent IHC in spleen from the case dolphin revealed staining of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β throughout the tissue. IL-10 and IFN-γ were seen to predominate in areas surrounding the follicles of splenic tissue. This is the first characterization of cytokine levels in dolphin hepatic and splenic tissue. While there are limitations to a case study, this report of inflammatory biomarkers in tissues of a dolphin with insulin resistance and fatty liver disease are similar to those observed in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C. Eberle
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Theresa E. Waters
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Stephanie K. Venn-Watson
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Randy E. Sacco
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
- Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
- *Correspondence: Randy E. Sacco, National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Road, Ames, IA 50010, USA e-mail:
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Neely BA, Carlin KP, Arthur JM, McFee WE, Janech MG. Ratiometric Measurements of Adiponectin by Mass Spectrometry in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with Iron Overload Reveal an Association with Insulin Resistance and Glucagon. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:132. [PMID: 24065958 PMCID: PMC3778387 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels are reduced in humans with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Similar to humans with insulin resistance, managed bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) diagnosed with hemochromatosis (iron overload) have higher levels of 2 h post-prandial plasma insulin than healthy controls. A parallel reaction monitoring assay for dolphin serum adiponectin was developed based on tryptic peptides identified by mass spectrometry. Using identified post-translational modifications, a differential measurement was constructed. Total and unmodified adiponectin levels were measured in sera from dolphins with (n = 4) and without (n = 5) iron overload. This measurement yielded total adiponectin levels as well as site specific percent unmodified adiponectin that may inversely correlate with HMW adiponectin. Differences in insulin levels between iron overload cases and controls were observed 2 h post-prandial, but not during the fasting state. Thus, post-prandial as well as fasting serum adiponectin levels were measured to determine whether adiponectin and insulin would follow similar patterns. There was no difference in total adiponectin or percent unmodified adiponectin from case or control fasting animals. There was no difference in post-prandial total adiponectin levels between case and control dolphins (mean ± SD) at 763 ± 298 and 727 ± 291 pmol/ml, respectively (p = 0.91); however, percent unmodified adiponectin was significantly higher in post-prandial cases compared to controls (30.0 ± 6.3 versus 17.0 ± 6.6%, respectively; p = 0.016). Interestingly, both total and percent unmodified adiponectin were correlated with glucagon levels in controls (r = 0.999, p < 0.001), but not in cases, which is possibly a reflection of insulin resistance. Although total adiponectin levels were not significantly different, the elevated percent unmodified adiponectin follows a trend similar to HMW adiponectin reported for humans with metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Neely
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kevin P. Carlin
- Translational Medicine and Research Program, National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John M. Arthur
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Wayne E. McFee
- NOAA’s Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael G. Janech
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- *Correspondence: Michael G. Janech, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, 829 Clinical Sciences Building, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA e-mail:
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Hemochromatosis and fatty liver disease: building evidence for insulin resistance in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2012; 43:S35-47. [PMID: 23156704 DOI: 10.1638/2011-0146.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hemochromatosis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is associated with high postprandial plasma insulin levels, suggestive of insulin resistance. In humans, insulin resistance is associated with liver pathologies, including excessive iron deposition and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Dolphin liver tissues, in addition to excessive iron storage, were evaluated for other pathologies supportive of underlying insulin resistance. Archived liver tissues collected postmortem during 1985-2010 from 18 dolphins (median age 27.9 yr, range 0.7-51.4) that were part of the Navy Marine Mammal Program's managed collection were assessed for the presence and severity of hemosiderin deposition, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis. Demographics, clinical pathology values, and percentage weight loss were compared among dolphins with and without these changes. Twelve (66.7%) dolphins had mild to moderate hemosiderin deposition, 7 (38.9%) had mild to severe fatty liver disease, and 11 (61.1%) had mild to moderate hepatitis. Of the 12 dolphins with hemosiderosis, deposition occurred in the Kupffer cells among 11 (91.7%). Dolphins with fatty liver disease were more likely to have higher postprandial serum hyperglycemia (>140 mg/dl), leukocytosis (>11,000 cells/microl), and hyperglobulinemia (>3.5 g/dl). Unlike in many nonhuman terrestrial animals, fatty liver disease was not associated with rapid weight loss or hypoglycemia. Interestingly, there were no significant associations among dolphins with hemosiderosis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis. This study supports that both hemochromatosis and fatty liver disease were present in the dolphin study population, and histopathology and clinical pathology among these animals suggest a nonhereditary, metabolic etiology. KEYWORDS Bottlenose dolphin, fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, hepatic lipidosis, hepatitis, Tursiops truncatus.
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Yousefi R, Alavian-Mehr MM, Mokhtari F, Panahi F, Mehraban MH, Khalafi-Nezhad A. Pyrimidine-fused heterocycle derivatives as a novel class of inhibitors for α-glucosidase. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2012; 28:1228-35. [DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2012.727812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Yousefi
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Mokhtari
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Chemistry, Shiraz University of Technology,
Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farhad Panahi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad H. Mehraban
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Khalafi-Nezhad
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shiraz University,
Shiraz, Iran
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Venn-Watson S, Daniels R, Smith C. Thirty year retrospective evaluation of pneumonia in a bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus population. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2012; 99:237-42. [PMID: 22832722 DOI: 10.3354/dao02471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of morbidity in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus. To better understand associations of pneumonia with demographics, microbiology, pathology, and histopathology, a retrospective study on 42 dolphins from the US Navy Marine Mammal Program dolphin population was conducted (1980 to 2010). A total of 21 (50%) of the dolphins evaluated had pneumonia confirmed by histopathology. Bacterial and fungal pneumonia was present in 42.9 and 28.6% of cases (9 and 6 cases), respectively, with Staphylococcus aureus as the most common confirmed pathogen (4 cases, 19%). Other pathogens identified as the cause of pneumonia were Cryptococcus neoformans, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Histoplasma capsulatum, parainfluenza virus, Proteus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Neither sex nor age was a predictor of pneumonia. While many of the infections involved disseminated disease, lungs were consistently the most severely affected organs. The present study demonstrates the high susceptibility of dolphins to respiratory infections. Areas that warrant further investigation include eosinophilic pneumonia, chronic infections, co-infections, and metabolic or iron-storage diseases. There is a continuing need to improve the early diagnosis and effective treatment of pneumonia in dolphins.
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Carey HV, Martin SL, Horwitz BA, Yan L, Bailey SM, Podrabsky J, Storz JF, Ortiz RM, Wong RP, Lathrop DA. Elucidating nature's solutions to heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders. Circ Res 2012; 110:915-21. [PMID: 22461362 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.255398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Evolution has provided a number of animal species with extraordinary phenotypes. Several of these phenotypes allow species to survive and thrive in environmental conditions that mimic disease states in humans. The study of evolved mechanisms responsible for these phenotypes may provide insights into the basis of human disease and guide the design of new therapeutic approaches. Examples include species that tolerate acute or chronic hypoxemia like deep-diving mammals and high-altitude inhabitants, as well as those that hibernate and interrupt their development when exposed to adverse environments. The evolved traits exhibited by these animal species involve modifications of common biological pathways that affect metabolic regulation, organ function, antioxidant defenses, and oxygen transport. In 2006, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute released a funding opportunity announcement to support studies that were designed to elucidate the natural molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation in species that tolerate extreme environmental conditions. The rationale for this funding opportunity is detailed in this article, and the specific evolved mechanisms examined in the supported research are described. Also highlighted are past medical advances achieved through the study of animal species that have evolved extraordinary phenotypes as well as the expectations for new understanding of nature's solutions to heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders through future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah V Carey
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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McGowen MR, Grossman LI, Wildman DE. Dolphin genome provides evidence for adaptive evolution of nervous system genes and a molecular rate slowdown. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:3643-51. [PMID: 22740643 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans (dolphins and whales) have undergone a radical transformation from the original mammalian bodyplan. In addition, some cetaceans have evolved large brains and complex cognitive capacities. We compared approximately 10,000 protein-coding genes culled from the bottlenose dolphin genome with nine other genomes to reveal molecular correlates of the remarkable phenotypic features of these aquatic mammals. Evolutionary analyses demonstrated that the overall synonymous substitution rate in dolphins has slowed compared with other studied mammals, and is within the range of primates and elephants. We also discovered 228 genes potentially under positive selection (dN/dS > 1) in the dolphin lineage. Twenty-seven of these genes are associated with the nervous system, including those related to human intellectual disabilities, synaptic plasticity and sleep. In addition, genes expressed in the mitochondrion have a significantly higher mean dN/dS ratio in the dolphin lineage than others examined, indicating evolution in energy metabolism. We encountered selection in other genes potentially related to cetacean adaptations such as glucose and lipid metabolism, dermal and lung development, and the cardiovascular system. This study underlines the parallel molecular trajectory of cetaceans with other mammalian groups possessing large brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R McGowen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48210, USA
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Johnson SP, Catania JM, Harman RJ, Jensen ED. Adipose-derived stem cell collection and characterization in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Stem Cells Dev 2012; 21:2949-57. [PMID: 22530932 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2012.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the regenerative properties and potential therapeutic value of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in the bottlenose dolphin, there is a need to determine whether an adequate adipose depot exists, in addition to the development of a standardized technique for minimally invasive adipose collection. In this study, an ultrasound-guided liposuction technique for adipose collection was assessed for its safety and efficacy. The ultrasound was utilized to identify and measure the postnuchal adipose depot and aid in the guidance of the liposuction cannula during aspiration. Liposuction procedures from 6 dolphins yielded 0.9-12.7 g of adipose. All samples yielded sufficient nucleated cells to initiate primary cell cultures, and at passage 2, were successfully differentiated into adipogenic, chondrogenic, neurogenic, and osteogenic cell lineages. The cultured dolphin cells expressed known stem-cell-associated CD markers, CD44 and CD90. Ultrasound-guided liposuction proved to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure that resulted in the successful isolation of ASCs in bottlenose dolphins. This is the first article that conclusively establishes the presence of stem cells in the dolphin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn P Johnson
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA.
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Venn-Watson S, Smith CR, Gomez F, Jensen ED. Physiology of aging among healthy, older bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): comparisons with aging humans. J Comp Physiol B 2011; 181:667-80. [PMID: 21253749 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-011-0549-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 12/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Changes in hematological and serum chemistry values have been identified among older compared to younger humans. We hypothesized that healthy bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) 30 years and older may demonstrate similar clinicopathological changes with increasing age. Retrospective hematological and serum chemistry data generated from routine, fasted blood samples collected over 10 to 20 years among six healthy dolphins that lived at least 40 years were analyzed to (1) assess linear trends in blood variable values with increasing age, (2) compare mean blood values by older age categories (30-35 years, 36-40 years, and >40 years), and (3) compare the prevalence of clinically high or low blood values by older age categories. Absolute lymphocytes, serum globulins, and mean platelet volume increased linearly with increasing old age. Mean white blood cells, neutrophils, serum globulins, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, serum cholesterol, and serum triglycerides; and the prevalence of neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, and hypercholesterolemia, were more likely to be higher as geriatric dolphins got older. A linear decrease in serum albumin with increasing age was present for five of six animals. Serum creatinine decreased among dolphins older than 40 years compared to when they were 30-40 years old. Our study demonstrates that older dolphins have changes in hematological and serum chemistry values similar to those found in older humans. As such, bottlenose dolphins may serve as a useful comparative model for aging in humans. Further studies are needed to assess whether these changes are associated with negative health outcomes and whether targeted therapeutics can help improve quality of life among aging dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Venn-Watson
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.
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