Genistein Directly Represses the Phosphorylation of STAT5 in Lactating Mammary Epithelial Cells

Effect of sodium butyrate treatment at the basolateral membranes on the tight junction barrier function via a monocarboxylate transporter in goat mammary epithelial cells

In lactating mammary glands, tight junctions (TJs) prevent blood from mixing with milk and maintain epithelial cell polarity, which is important for milk production. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sodium acetate and sodium butyrate (SB) stimulation direction on the TJ barrier function, which is measured with regard to transepithelial electrical resistance and fluorescein flux, in goat mammary epithelial cells. The expression and localization of the TJ proteins claudin-3 and claudin-4 were examined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. SB treatment in the lower chamber of cell culture inserts adversely affected the TJ barrier function, whereas sodium acetate barely had any effect, regardless of stimulation direction. In addition, SB treatment in the lower chamber significantly upregulated claudin-3 and claudin-4, whereas TJ proteins showed intermittent localization. Moreover, SB induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ARC155858, a monocarboxylate transporter-1 inhibitor, alleviated the adverse impact of SB on TJs and the associated ER stress. Interestingly, sodium β-hydroxybutyrate, a butyrate metabolite, did not affect the TJ barrier function. Our findings indicate that sodium acetate and SB influence the TJ barrier function differently, and excessive cellular uptake of SB can disrupt TJs and induce ER stress.

Effects of topical application of resveratrol on tight junction barrier and antimicrobial compound production in lactating goat mammary glands

In mammary glands, the formation of less-permeable tight junctions (TJs) and the production of antimicrobial compounds like lactoferrin and defensins are important for preventing mastitis. Resveratrol, a polyphenol contained in red grapes, is known to protect mammary epithelial cells (MECs) from oxidative stress; however, oral administration of resveratrol causes a decrease in certain biological processes through conjugation and metabolic conversion. In this study, we determined the beneficial effects of resveratrol on TJs and antimicrobial compounds in cultured goat MECs by adding it to the medium, and in lactating goat mammary glands by topical application for percutaneous absorption. TJ barrier function was evaluated by transepithelial resistance and expression or localization pattern of claudins for culture model in vitro and by somatic cell count, Na+, albumin, and IgG in milk for topical application in vivo. Concentrations of antimicrobial compounds and cytokines were measured using ELISA. Activation of STAT3 was evaluated by Western blotting. Resveratrol strengthened TJ barrier function by upregulating claudin-3 in cultured MECs and topical application to udders reduced somatic cell count, Na+, albumin, and IgG in milk. Resveratrol increased β-defensin and S100A7 levels in cultured MECs and milk. In addition, resveratrol down-regulated cytokine production and STAT3 pathway. These findings suggest that the topical application of resveratrol to udders may be effective in preventing mastitis.

Tamoxifen for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms: A Phase II clinical trial and exploratory analysis

Current therapies for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) improve symptoms but have limited effect on tumor size. In preclinical studies, tamoxifen restored normal apoptosis in mutated hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). TAMARIN Phase-II, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial assessed tamoxifen's safety and activity in patients with stable MPNs, no prior thrombotic events and mutated JAK2V617F, CALRins5 or CALRdel52 peripheral blood allele burden ≥20% (EudraCT 2015-005497-38). 38 patients were recruited over 112w and 32 completed 24w-treatment. The study's A'herns success criteria were met as the primary outcome ( ≥ 50% reduction in mutant allele burden at 24w) was observed in 3/38 patients. Secondary outcomes included ≥25% reduction at 24w (5/38), ≥50% reduction at 12w (0/38), thrombotic events (2/38), toxicities, hematological response, proportion of patients in each IWG-MRT response category and ELN response criteria. As exploratory outcomes, baseline analysis of HSPC transcriptome segregates responders and non-responders, suggesting a predictive signature. In responder HSPCs, longitudinal analysis shows high baseline expression of JAK-STAT signaling and oxidative phosphorylation genes, which are downregulated by tamoxifen. We further demonstrate in preclinical studies that in JAK2V617F+ cells, 4-hydroxytamoxifen inhibits mitochondrial complex-I, activates integrated stress response and decreases pathogenic JAK2-signaling. These results warrant further investigation of tamoxifen in MPN, with careful consideration of thrombotic risk.

Supplementation of dietary semen vaccariae extracts to lactating sow diets: effects on the production performance, milk components, and gene expression related to mammogenesis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary semen vaccariae extracts (SVE) on the production performance, colostrum components, and relative gene expression related to mammogenesis of lactating sows. 48 pregnant sows were selected and randomly allocated into four groups, with six replicates and two sows per replicate. The first group was the control (CON), while the other groups received the same diet further supplemented with 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g SVE per kg (SV1, SV2 and SV3, respectively). Compared with the control group, (1) the average daily gain was increased (p < 0.05) in SV1, SV2, and SV3 during the 11-21 days and 1-21 days of lactation; (2) the serum insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin, prolactin, and estrogen contents in SV1, SV2, and SV3 were increased (p < 0.05) on the 1st and 21st day of lactation; (3) The plasma Lysine, Threonine, and Tryptophan concentrations were also higher (p < 0.05) in SV1, SV2, and SV3 on the 1st and 21st day of lactation; (4) The milk Lysine, Methionine, Threonine, and Tryptophan concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in SV1, SV2, and SV3 on the 1st and 21st day of lactation; (5) The milk lactose ratio and milk protein content were increased (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with semen vaccariae on the 1st day of lactation, while the milkfat ratio and milk protein content were increased (p < 0.05) in SV2 and SV3 on the 21st day of lactation; (6) the immunoglobulin M, A, and G contents were increased (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with the semen vaccariae on the first day of lactation; and (7) the relative PRLR, STAT5a, FcRn, CSN2, and LALBA expressions were higher (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with the semen vaccariae on the 1st and 21st day of lactation. In this study, the optimum dosage was 3.0 g/kg semen vaccariae, which increased the average daily gain of piglets, total lactation yield, and serum hormone levels, improved the amino acid levels in plasma, and facilitated the milk quality, up-regulated the relative gene expressions in the mammogenesis.

Potential effects of gingerol topical application on components of the innate immunity in lactating goat mammary glands

In the mammary glands, production of antimicrobial components and formation of less-permeable tight junctions (TJs) are important for safe milk production. Previously, we reported that local heat treatment of udders using disposable heating pad enhances the components of innate immunity in lactating goat mammary glands. Gingerol is a polyphenol present in ginger that can induce heat-like effects. However, oral administration of polyphenols causes a decrease in biological activity through conjugation and metabolic conversion. Here, we investigated the effects of gingerol on antimicrobial components and TJs by topically applying it to lactating goat udders. Gingerol application increased the somatic cell count, cathelicidin-2 concentration, and proportion of polymorphonuclear cells in the milk and interleukin-8 production. Moreover, gingerol treatment enhanced β-defensin-1 production in milk, cultured mammary epithelial cells, and cultured somatic cells. Contrastingly, gingerol treatment did not affect the concentrations of blood-derived components (Na+, albumin, and IgG) in the milk or the TJ barrier function of cultured mammary epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the topical application of gingerol, similar to local heat treatment, to udders enhances the components of innate immunity in mammary glands. These findings may be useful for the prevention of mastitis in milk-producing animals and, hence, safe and stable dairy production.

Valine Treatment Enhances Antimicrobial Component Production in Mammary Epithelial Cells and the Milk of Lactating Goats Without Influencing the Tight Junction Barrier

The production of antimicrobial components and the formation of less-permeable tight junctions (TJs) are important in the defense system of lactating mammary glands and for safe dairy production. Valine is a branched-chain amino acid that is actively consumed in the mammary glands and promotes the production of major milk components like β-casein; additionally, branched-chain amino acids stimulate antimicrobial component production in the intestines. Therefore, we hypothesized that valine strengthens the mammary gland defense system without influencing milk production. We investigated the effects of valine in vitro using cultured mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and in vivo using the mammary glands of lactating Tokara goats. Valine treatment at 4 mM increased the secretion of S100A7 and lactoferrin as well as the intracellular concentration of β-defensin 1 and cathelicidin 7 in cultured MECs. In addition, an intravenous injection of valine increased S100A7 levels in the milk of Tokara goats without influencing milk yield and milk components (i.e., fat, protein, lactose, and solids). In contrast, valine treatment did not affect TJ barrier function either in vitro or in vivo. These findings indicate that valine enhances antimicrobial component production without influencing milk production and TJ barrier function in lactating mammary glands; thus, valine contributes to safe dairy production.