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Qiao Y, Li N, Song Y, Liu X, Wang D. Short photoperiod inhibited gonadal growth and elevated hypothalamic Dio3 expression unrelated to promoter DNA methylation in young Brandt's voles. Integr Zool 2024. [PMID: 39180280 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Photoperiod, the length of daylight, has a significant impact on the physiological characteristics of seasonal breeding animals, including their somatic and gonadal development. In rodents, expression of deiodinase type II (Dio2) and III (Dio3) in the hypothalamus is crucial for responding to photoperiodic signals. However, research on the photoperiodism of hypothalamic gene expression and the corresponding regulatory mechanism in Brandt's voles living in the Mongolian steppes is limited. In this study, we gradually changed day length patterns to simulate spring (increasing long photoperiod, ILP) and autumn (decreasing short photoperiod, DSP). We compared the somatic and gonadal development of voles born under ILP and DSP and the expression patterns of five reproduction-related genes in the hypothalamus of young voles. The results showed that DSP significantly inhibited somatic and gonadal development in both female and male offspring. Compared with ILP, Dio3 expression was significantly upregulated in the hypothalamus under DSP conditions and remained elevated until postnatal week 8 in both males and females. However, there was no significant difference in the methylation levels of the proximal promoter region of Dio3 between ILP and DSP, suggesting that methylation in the proximal promoter region may not be involved in regulating the expression of Dio3. These findings suggest that hypothalamic expression of Dio3 plays a key role in the photoperiodic regulation of gonadal activity in Brandt's voles. However, it appears that CpGs methylation in the promoter region is not the main mechanism regulating Dio3 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanting Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Song
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changji, China
- Key Laboratory of Biohazard Monitoring and Green Prevention and Control in Artificial Grassland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Grassland Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
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2
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Gao WT, Liu JX, Wang DH, Sun HJ, Zhang XY. Melatonin reduced colon inflammation but had no effect on energy metabolism in ageing Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 273:109731. [PMID: 37611884 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
In photoperiod-sensitive wild animals, the secretion of melatonin (MT) is modulated by external photoperiod, and MT affects inflammation and the ageing process. The beneficial effects of MT in delaying the progress of ageing have been reported in laboratory mice and rats. However, little is known about MT in wild mammals. In the current study, we investigated energy metabolism, microbial community structure and colon homeostasis in ageing Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) through exogenous supplementation of MT to test the hypothesis that MT has beneficial effects on gut homeostasis in ageing gerbils. Exogenous MT supplementation had no effect on energy metabolism in Mongolian gerbils but reduced the levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), immune globulin G (IgG) and corticosterone (CORT). The increase in the level of inflammation in ageing animals was related to changes in the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Treponema, Corynebacterium, and Sphingomonas was increased in ageing animals and decreased significantly by the treatment of MT. Christensenella and Lactobacillus were attenuated in ageing animals, and tended to be enhanced by MT treatment. Functions related to glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglio series and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis (metabolisms of cofactors, vitamins and glycan) were increased in ageing animals and decreased significantly by the treatment of MT. Our data suggest that a supplement of MT could improve colon homeostasis through changing the composition of gut microbiota and reducing inflammation in ageing gerbils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin-Xiu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Sciences, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hai-Ji Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China.
| | - Xue-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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3
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Wang B, Zhang XY, Yuan S, Fu HP, Wang CZ, Wang DH. Genetic Diversity of a Heat Activated Channel-TRPV1 in Two Desert Gerbil Species with Different Heat Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119123. [PMID: 37298074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat sensation and tolerance are crucial for determining species' survival and distribution range of small mammals. As a member of the transmembrane proteins, transient receptor potential vanniloid 1 (TRPV1) is involved in the sensation and thermoregulation of heat stimuli; however, the associations between animal's heat sensitivity and TRPV1 in wild rodents are less studied. Here, we found that Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), a rodent species living in Mongolia grassland, showed an attenuated sensitivity to heat compared with sympatrically distributed mid-day gerbils (M. meridianus) based on a temperature preference test. To explain this phenotypical difference, we measured the TRPV1 mRNA expression of two gerbil species in the hypothalamus, brown adipose tissue, and liver, and no statistical difference was detected between two species. However, according to the bioinformatics analysis of TRPV1 gene, we identified two single amino acid mutations on two TRPV1 orthologs in these two species. Further Swiss-model analyses of two TRPV1 protein sequences indicated the disparate conformations at amino acid mutation sites. Additionally, we confirmed the haplotype diversity of TRPV1 in both species by expressing TRPV1 genes ectopicly in Escherichia coli system. Taken together, our findings supplemented genetic cues to the association between the discrepancy of heat sensitivity and the functional differentiation of TRPV1 using two wild congener gerbils, promoting the comprehension of the evolutionary mechanisms of the TRPV1 gene for heat sensitivity in small mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- State key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pests Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue-Ying Zhang
- State key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pests Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - He-Ping Fu
- College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pests Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pests Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
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Zhu H, Li G, Liu J, Xu X, Zhang Z. Gut microbiota is associated with the effect of photoperiod on seasonal breeding in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). MICROBIOME 2022; 10:194. [PMID: 36376894 PMCID: PMC9664686 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal breeding in mammals has been widely recognized to be regulated by photoperiod, but the association of gut microbiota with photoperiodic regulation of seasonal breeding has never been investigated. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the association of gut microbiota with photoperiod-induced reproduction in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) through a long-day and short-day photoperiod manipulation experiment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment. We found photoperiod significantly altered reproductive hormone and gene expression levels, and gut microbiota of voles. Specific gut microbes were significantly associated with the reproductive hormones and genes of voles during photoperiod acclimation. Transplantation of gut microbes into recipient voles induced similar changes in three hormones (melatonin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone) and three genes (hypothalamic Kiss-1, testicular Dio3, and Dio2/Dio3 ratio) to those in long-day and short-day photoperiod donor voles and altered circadian rhythm peaks of recipient voles. CONCLUSIONS Our study firstly revealed the association of gut microbiota with photoperiodic regulation of seasonal breeding through the HPG axis, melatonin, and Kisspeptin/GPR54 system. Our results may have significant implications for pest control, livestock animal breeding, and human health management. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Zhang XY, Wang DH. Gut Microbial Community and Host Thermoregulation in Small Mammals. Front Physiol 2022; 13:888324. [PMID: 35480035 PMCID: PMC9035535 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.888324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The endotherms, particularly the small mammals living in the polar region and temperate zone, are faced with extreme challenges for maintaining stable core body temperatures in harsh cold winter. The non-hibernating small mammals increase metabolic rate including obligatory thermogenesis (basal/resting metabolic rate, BMR/RMR) and regulatory thermogenesis (mainly nonshivering thermogenesis, NST, in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle) to maintain thermal homeostasis in cold conditions. A substantial amount of evidence indicates that the symbiotic gut microbiota are sensitive to air temperature, and play an important function in cold-induced thermoregulation, via bacterial metabolites and byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids. Cold signal is sensed by specific thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels (thermo-TRPs), and then norepinephrine (NE) is released from sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and thyroid hormones also increase to induce NST. Meanwhile, these neurotransmitters and hormones can regulate the diversity and compositions of the gut microbiota. Therefore, cold-induced NST is controlled by both Thermo-TRPs—SNS—gut microbiota axis and thyroid—gut microbiota axis. Besides physiological thermoregulation, small mammals also rely on behavioral regulation, such as huddling and coprophagy, to maintain energy and thermal homeostasis, and the gut microbial community is involved in these processes. The present review summarized the recent progress in the gut microbiota and host physiological and behavioral thermoregulation in small mammals for better understanding the evolution and adaption of holobionts (host and symbiotic microorganism). The coevolution of host-microorganism symbionts promotes individual survival, population maintenance, and species coexistence in the ecosystems with complicated, variable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: De-Hua Wang,
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Bo T, Wen J, Gao W, Tang L, Liu M, Wang D. Influence of HFD-induced precocious puberty on neurodevelopment in mice. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:86. [PMID: 34530850 PMCID: PMC8447761 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00604-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precocious puberty is frequently associated with obesity, which will lead to long-term effects, especially on growth and reproduction. However, the effect of precocious puberty on children's neurodevelopment is still unknown. OBJECTIVES Here we evaluated the effect of High fat diet (HFD)-induced precocious puberty on neurodevelopment and behaviors of animals. METHODS Ovaries sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) using standard techniques. Behavioral tests included elevated plus maze (EPM), open field exploration, Y-Maze, marble burying test, and novelty- suppressed feeding. The expression of genes related to puberty and neural development was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS Our results showed HFD-induced precocious puberty increased the risk-taking behavior and decreased memory of mice. The content of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Arginine vasopressin (AVP) in hypothalamus were higher in HFD group than control group. Although the recovery of normal diet will gradually restore the body fat and other physiological index of mice, the anxiety increases in adult mice, and the memory is also damaged. CONCLUSIONS These findings describe the sensitivity of mice brain to HFD-induced precocious puberty and the irrecoverability of neural damage caused by precocious puberty. Therefore, avoiding HFD in childhood is important to prevent precocious puberty and neurodevelopmental impairment in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingbei Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Wen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wenting Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liqiu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dehua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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7
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Bo TB, Zhang XY, Wen J, Deng K, Qin XW, Wang DH. The microbiota-gut-brain interaction in regulating host metabolic adaptation to cold in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). ISME JOURNAL 2019; 13:3037-3053. [PMID: 31455805 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-019-0492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota play a critical role in orchestrating metabolic homeostasis of the host. However, the crosstalk between host and microbial symbionts in small mammals are rarely illustrated. We used male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) to test the hypothesis that gut microbiota and host neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine (NE), interact to regulate energetics and thermogenesis during cold acclimation. We found that increases in food intake and thermogenesis were associated with increased monoamine neurotransmitters, ghrelin, short-chain fatty acids, and altered cecal microbiota during cold acclimation. Further, our pair-fed study showed that cold temperature can alter the cecal microbiota independently of overfeeding. Using cecal microbiota transplant along with β3-adrenoceptor antagonism and PKA inhibition, we confirmed that transplant of cold-acclimated microbiota increased thermogenesis through activation of cAMP-PKA-pCREB signaling. In addition, NE manipulation induced a long-term alteration in gut microbiota structure. These data demonstrate that gut microbiota-NE crosstalk via cAMP signaling regulates energetics and thermogenesis during cold acclimation in male Brandt's voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Bei Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.,Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
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Khakisahneh S, Zhang XY, Nouri Z, Hao SY, Chi QS, Wang DH. Thyroid hormones mediate metabolic rate and oxidative, anti-oxidative balance at different temperatures in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 216:101-109. [PMID: 30476595 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative damage is a potential physiological cost of thermoregulation during seasonal adjustments to air temperature (Ta) in small mammals. Here, we hypothesized that Ta affects serum thyroid hormone levels and these hormones can mediate the changes in metabolic rate and oxidative damage. Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were acclimated at different Tas (5 °C, 23 °C and 37 °C) for 3 weeks. Serum tri-iodothyronine (T3) levels increased at 5 °C but decreased at 37 °C compared to the control (23 °C). Protein carbonyls increased in liver at 37 °C compared with control, however, lipid damage (malonaldehyde, MDA) in both serum and liver was unrelated to Ta. After the effects of different Tas on thyroid hormone levels and oxidative damage markers were determined, we further investigate whether thyroid hormones mediated metabolic rate and oxidative damage. Another set of gerbils received 0.0036% L-thyroxin (hyperthyroid), 0.04% Methylimazol (hypothyroid) or water (control). Hypothyroid group showed a 34% reduction in resting metabolic rate (RMR) also 42% and 26% increases in MDA and liver protein carbonyl respectively, whereas hyperthyroid group had higher RMR, liver mass and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to control. Serum T3 or T3/T4 levels were correlated positively with RMR, liver mass, and SOD, but negatively with MDA and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). We concluded that high Ta induced hypothyroidism, decreased RMR and increased oxidative damage, whereas low Ta induced hyperthyroidism, increased RMR and unchanged oxidative damage. These data supported our hypothesis that thyroid hormones can be a cue to mediate metabolic rate and different aspects of oxidative and antioxidant activities at different Tas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Khakisahneh
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Zahra Nouri
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shao-Yan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wanlong Z, Di Z, Dongmin H, Guang Y. Roles of hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression in body mass regulation in Eothenomys miletus (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae). THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2017.1334840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Wanlong
- Key Laboratory of Adaptive Evolution and Ecological Conservation on Plants and Animals in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Z. Di
- School of Life Sciences, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - H. Dongmin
- Key Laboratory of Adaptive Evolution and Ecological Conservation on Plants and Animals in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Higher Education Institutes, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y. Guang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang L, Yang F, Wang ZK, Zhu WL. Role of thermal physiology and bioenergetics on adaptation in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri): the experiment test. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41352. [PMID: 28145515 PMCID: PMC5286505 DOI: 10.1038/srep41352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient conditions, as temperature and photoperiod, play a key role in animals’ physiology and behaviors. To test the hypothesis that the maximum thermal physiological and bioenergetics tolerances are induced by extreme environments in Tupaia belangeri. We integrated the acclimatized and acclimated data in several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical markers of thermogenic capacity and bioenergetics in T. belangeri. Results showed that T. belangeri increased body mass, thermogenesis capacity, protein contents and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity of liver and brown adipose tissue in winter-like environments, which indicated that temperature was the primary signal for T. belangeri to regulate several physiological capacities. The associated photoperiod signal also elevated the physiological capacities. The regulations of critical physiological traits play a primary role in meeting the survival challenges of winter-like condition in T. belangeri. Together, to cope with cold, leptin may play a potential role in thermogenesis and body mass regulation, as this hormonal signal is associated with other hormones. The strategies of thermal physiology and bioenergetics differs between typical Palearctic species and the local species. However, the maximum thermal physiology and bioenergetic tolerance maybe is an important strategy to cope with winter-like condition of T. belangeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zheng-Kun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wan-Long Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
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11
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Xu DL, Hu XK. Photoperiod and temperature differently affect immune function in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 204:211-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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12
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Chojnowska K, Czerwinska J, Kaminski T, Kaminska B, Kurzynska A, Bogacka I. Leptin plasma concentrations, leptin gene expression, and protein localization in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes of the European beaver ( Castor fiber ). Theriogenology 2017; 87:266-275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Leptin levels, seasonality and thermal acclimation in the Microbiotherid marsupial Dromiciops gliroides: Does photoperiod play a role? Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 203:233-240. [PMID: 27705753 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mammals of the Neotropics are characterized by a marked annual cycle of activity, which is accompanied by several physiological changes at the levels of the whole organism, organs and tissues. The physiological characterization of these cycles is important, as it gives insight on the mechanisms by which animals adjust adaptively to seasonality. Here we studied the seasonal changes in blood biochemical parameters in the relict South American marsupial Dromiciops gliroides ("monito del monte" or "little mountain monkey"), under semi-natural conditions. We manipulated thermal conditions in order to characterize the effects of temperature and season on a battery of biochemical parameters, body mass and adiposity. Our results indicate that monitos experience an annual cycle in body mass and adiposity (measured as leptin levels), reaching a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. Blood biochemistry confirms that the nutritional condition of animals is reduced in summer instead of winter (as generally reported). This was coincident with a reduction of several biochemical parameters in summer, such as betahydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, total protein concentration and globulins. Monitos seem to initiate winter preparation during autumn and reach maximum body reserves in winter. Hibernation lasts until spring, at which time they use fat reserves and become reproductively active. Sexual maturation during summer would be the strongest energetic bottleneck, which explains the reductions in body mass and other parameters in this season. Overall, this study suggests that monitos anticipate the cold season by a complex interaction of photoperiodic and thermal cues.
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Kappen KL, Garner LM, Kerr KR, Swanson KS. Effects of photoperiod on food intake, activity and metabolic rate in adult neutered male cats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2015; 98:958-67. [PMID: 25356486 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
With the continued rise in feline obesity, novel weight management strategies are needed. To date, strategies aimed at altering physical activity, an important factor in weight maintenance, have been lacking. Photoperiod is known to cause physiological changes in seasonal mammals, including changes in body weight (BW) and reproductive status. Thus, our objective was to determine the effect of increased photoperiod (longer days) on voluntary physical activity levels, resting metabolic rate (RMR), food intake required to maintain BW, and fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in adult cats. Eleven healthy, adult, neutered, male domestic shorthair cats were used in a randomized crossover design study. During two 12-week periods, cats were exposed to either a short-day (SD) photoperiod of 8 h light: 16 h dark or a long-day (LD) photoperiod of 16 h light: 8 h dark. Cats were fed a commercial diet to maintain baseline BW. In addition to daily food intake and twice-weekly BW, RMR (via indirect calorimetry), body composition [via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)] and physical activity (via Actical activity monitors) were measured at week 0 and 12 of each period. Fasting serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations were measured at week 0, 6 and 12 of each period. Average hourly physical activity was greater (p = 0.008) in LD vs. SD cats (3770 vs. 3129 activity counts/h), which was primarily due to increased (p < 0.001) dark period activity (1188 vs. 710 activity counts/h). This corresponded to higher (p < 0.0001) daily metabolizable energy intake (mean over 12-week period: 196 vs. 187 kcal/day), and increased (p = 0.048) RMR in LD cats (9.02 vs. 8.37 kcal/h). Body composition, serum leptin and serum ghrelin were not altered by photoperiod. More research is needed to determine potential mechanisms by which these physiological changes occurred and how they may apply to weight management strategies.
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Xing X, Yang M, Wang DH. The expression of leptin, hypothalamic neuropeptides and UCP1 before, during and after fattening in the Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2015; 184:105-12. [PMID: 25711781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus) accumulates large amounts of body fat during pre-hibernation fattening. Leptin, an adipose-derived hormone, plays important roles in energy balance and thermogenesis. We predicted that body fat accumulation would lead to the elevation of leptin concentration while its effect on satiety would be suppressed in hypothalamus during fattening. In addition, the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue (BAT) would increase and correlated positively with leptin concentration before hibernation. Here, we measured serum leptin concentration and leptin mRNA in white adipose tissue (WAT), hypothalamic neuropeptides involved in energy regulation and UCP1 in BAT before, during and after fattening in squirrels. The fat mass gradually increased during fattening but serum leptin increased mainly in the late phase of fattening, which was consistent with leptin mRNA expression in WAT. During fattening, the mRNA of hypothalamic leptin receptor was up-regulated and correlated positively with serum leptin. Orexigenic neuropeptide Y mRNA increased by 67%; however agouti-related peptide remained unchanged before hibernation. There was no significant change in anorexigenic neuropeptide mRNA. No change in suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B was detected. UCP1 mRNA expression and protein content in BAT increased significantly after fattening. These changes were independent of environmental conditions and serum leptin concentration. Our results suggest that the dissociation of leptin production and adiposity during fattening may facilitate fat accumulation. No evidence of suppressed leptin signal was found in fattening squirrels. The UCP1 recruitment in post-fattening squirrels could occur without winter-like acclimation and increased leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ming Yang
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Zhu WL, Yang G, Zhang L, Wang ZK. Effects of photoperiod and temperature on the body mass, thermogenesis, and serum leptin levels of Apodemus draco (Rodentia: Muridae) in the Hengduan Mountain region, China. Zool Stud 2013. [DOI: 10.1186/1810-522x-52-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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17
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Liu XY, Xu DL, Wang DH. High body weight associated with impaired nonshivering thermogenesis but improved glucose tolerance in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). J Therm Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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18
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Zhang L, Zhu W, Wang Z. Role of photoperiod on hormone concentrations and adaptive capacity in tree shrews, Tupaia belangeri. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 163:253-9. [PMID: 22955104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors, such as photoperiod and temperature, play an important role in the regulation of an animal's physiology and behavior. In the present study, we examined the effects of short photoperiod (SD, 8L:16D) on body mass as well as on several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical measures indicative of thermogenic capacity, to test our hypothesis that short photoperiod stimulates increases thermogenic capacity and energy intake in tree shrews. At the end, these tree shrews (SD) had a significant higher body mass, energy intake, cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) content, serum tri-iodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) compared to LD (16L:8D) tree shrews. However, there were no significant differences in serum leptin and melatonin between the two groups. Together, these data suggest tree shrews employ a strategy of maximizing body growth and increasing energy intake in response to cues associated with short photoperiod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, People's Republic of China.
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Phocid seal leptin: tertiary structure and hydrophobic receptor binding site preservation during distinct leptin gene evolution. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35395. [PMID: 22536379 PMCID: PMC3334926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytokine hormone leptin is a key signalling molecule in many pathways that control physiological functions. Although leptin demonstrates structural conservation in mammals, there is evidence of positive selection in primates, lagomorphs and chiropterans. We previously reported that the leptin genes of the grey and harbour seals (phocids) have significantly diverged from other mammals. Therefore we further investigated the diversification of leptin in phocids, other marine mammals and terrestrial taxa by sequencing the leptin genes of representative species. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that leptin diversification was pronounced within the phocid seals with a high dN/dS ratio of 2.8, indicating positive selection. We found significant evidence of positive selection along the branch leading to the phocids, within the phocid clade, but not over the dataset as a whole. Structural predictions indicate that the individual residues under selection are away from the leptin receptor (LEPR) binding site. Predictions of the surface electrostatic potential indicate that phocid seal leptin is notably different to other mammalian leptins, including the otariids. Cloning the grey seal leptin binding domain of LEPR confirmed that this was structurally conserved. These data, viewed in toto, support a hypothesis that phocid leptin divergence is unlikely to have arisen by random mutation. Based upon these phylogenetic and structural assessments, and considering the comparative physiology and varying life histories among species, we postulate that the unique phocid diving behaviour has produced this selection pressure. The Phocidae includes some of the deepest diving species, yet have the least modified lung structure to cope with pressure and volume changes experienced at depth. Therefore, greater surfactant production is required to facilitate rapid lung re-inflation upon surfacing, while maintaining patent airways. We suggest that this additional surfactant requirement is met by the leptin pulmonary surfactant production pathway which normally appears only to function in the mammalian foetus.
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Yang DB, Xu YC, Wang DH. Partial removal of brown adipose tissue enhances humoral immunity in warm-acclimated Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 175:144-52. [PMID: 22080042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Temperate rodent species experience marked seasonal fluctuations in environmental temperatures. High thermoregulatory demands during winter usually weaken immune function. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a crucial role in adaptive thermoregulatory process. Thus, we proposed the hypothesis that BAT might participate in the regulation of seasonal changes in immune function. The present study examined the trade-off between thermoregulation and immune function and the potential role of BAT in regulating seasonal changes in immune function in Mongolian gerbils. Specifically, surgical removal of interscapular BAT (34% of total BAT) was performed in male gerbils, and subsequently acclimated to either warm (23 ± 1 °C) or cold (4 ± 1 °C) conditions. Gerbils were then challenged with innocuous antigens and the immune responses were measured. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) were increased under cold conditions. However, the cost of thermoregulation during cold acclimation did not suppress T-cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity or decrease spleen mass, thymus mass and white blood cells. Partial removal of BAT significantly enhanced humoral immunity in warm-acclimated, but not in cold-acclimated gerbils. T-cell mediated immunity, white blood cells and immune organs were not affected by BAT removal under both warm and cold conditions. Collectively, our results imply that BAT has a suppressive effect on humoral immunity in warm-acclimated gerbils and differential effects of BAT on humoral immunity under different temperatures (e.g., summer and winter) might be benefit to their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Bao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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21
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Zhao ZJ. Serum leptin, energy budget, and thermogenesis in striped hamsters exposed to consecutive decreases in ambient temperatures. Physiol Biochem Zool 2011; 84:560-72. [PMID: 22030849 DOI: 10.1086/662553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Leptin has been found to be a direct participant in the regulation of both energy intake and energy expenditure in small mammals showing seasonal declines in body mass (M(b)) and fat mass, but its roles in an animal exhibiting seasonally increased thermogenesis and unchanged M(b) remain unclear. Serum leptin levels, energy budget, and thermogenesis were measured in striped hamsters exposed to consecutive decreases in ambient temperatures ranging from 23° to -23°C. Cold-exposed hamsters had significant increases in gross energy intake (GEI), the rate of basal metabolism, nonshivering thermogenesis, and activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in brown adipose tissue (BAT), compared with control hamsters, indicating a cold-induced elevation of thermogenesis. Body mass and fat content were decreased in cold-exposed animals, and serum leptin levels were increased in hamsters exposed to temperatures of -8°C and below in inverse proportion to body fat content. Serum leptin levels were positively correlated with GEI and BAT COX activity in cold-exposed hamsters, but no such relationships were observed in control animals. These findings suggest that cold-exposed hamsters increase food consumption to meet the energy requirements for increased BAT thermogenesis. The increases in serum leptin levels are likely involved in increased thermogenesis in hamsters under cold stress. Cold-exposed hamsters may become leptin resistant, which is associated with impaired regulation of food intake. This new natural model of leptin resistance may also provide insight into the dynamic long-term control of energy homeostasis for animals that do not exhibit seasonal decline in M(b).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Zhao
- School of Agricultural Science, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252059, China.
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Thermogenesis, energy intake and serum leptin in Apodemus chevrieri in Hengduan Mountains region during cold acclimation. J Therm Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Tan DX, Manchester LC, Fuentes-Broto L, Paredes SD, Reiter RJ. Significance and application of melatonin in the regulation of brown adipose tissue metabolism: relation to human obesity. Obes Rev 2011; 12:167-88. [PMID: 20557470 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2010.00756.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A worldwide increase in the incidence of obesity indicates the unsuccessful battle against this disorder. Obesity and the associated health problems urgently require effective strategies of treatment. The new discovery that a substantial amount of functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) is retained in adult humans provides a potential target for treatment of human obesity. BAT is active metabolically and disposes of extra energy via generation of heat through uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. The physiology of BAT is readily regulated by melatonin, which not only increases recruitment of brown adipocytes but also elevates their metabolic activity in mammals. It is speculated that the hypertrophic effect and functional activation of BAT induced by melatonin may likely apply to the human. Thus, melatonin, a naturally occurring substance with no reported toxicity, may serve as a novel approach for treatment of obesity. Conversely, because of the availability of artificial light sources, excessive light exposure after darkness onset in modern societies should be considered a potential contributory factor to human obesity as light at night dramatically reduces endogenous melatonin production. In the current article, the potential associations of melatonin, BAT, obesity and the medical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D-X Tan
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Xu DL, Liu XY, Wang DH. Food Restriction and Refeeding Have No Effect on Cellular and Humoral Immunity in Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Physiol Biochem Zool 2011; 84:87-98. [DOI: 10.1086/657687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Zhu WL, Cai JH, Lian X, Wang ZK. Adaptive character of metabolism in Eothenomys miletus in Hengduan Mountains region during cold acclimation. J Therm Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Glanville EJ, Seebacher F. Advantage to lower body temperatures for a small mammal (Rattus fuscipes) experiencing chronic cold. J Mammal 2010. [DOI: 10.1644/10-mamm-a-003.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Diet-induced obesity in the short-day-lean Brandt's vole. Physiol Behav 2010; 99:47-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Revised: 10/04/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Lu Q, Zhong WQ, Wang DH. Effects of photoperiod history on body mass and energy metabolism in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). J Exp Biol 2007; 210:3838-47. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Many small mammals respond to seasonal changes in photoperiod via alterations in morphology, physiology and behaviour. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the preweaning (from embryo to weaning) photoperiod experience can affect subsequent development in terms of body mass and thermogenesis. Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) were gestated and reared to weaning under either a short (SD, 8 h:16 h L:D) or a long photoperiod (LD, 16 h:8 h L:D) at a constant ambient temperature (23°C). At weaning, male juveniles were either maintained in their initial photoperiod or transferred to the alternative photoperiod for 8 weeks. Postweaning SD voles had a lower body mass but higher thermogenic capacity compared with LD voles. At the same time, preweaning photoperiod conditions had long-lasting effects on thermogenic capacity later in life. Serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with body mass and body fat mass, whereas it was negatively correlated with energy intake and uncoupling protein 1 content in brown adipose tissue. Our results suggest that postweaning development in terms of body mass and thermogenesis is predominantly influenced by the postweaning photoperiod, while the preweaning photoperiod experience could chronically modify thermogenesis but not body mass. Furthermore, serum leptin,acting as a potential adipostatic signal, may be involved in the regulation of both energy intake and energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049,China
| | - Wen-Qin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
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