The Role of Heat Shock Proteins in Cellular Homeostasis and Cell Survival

Association between physiological responses and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expressions in the vulnerable populations of Kuala Lumpur

Continued heat exposure can cause physiological and cellular responses. This study investigated the association between physiological responses and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expressions in Kuala Lumpur's urban vulnerable population. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 54 participants from four areas classified as experiencing moderate to strong heat stress. Physiological measurements included core body temperature, heart rate, and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. RT-qPCR and ELISA were also performed on blood samples to assess HSP70 gene and protein expressions. Despite indoor heat stress, participants maintained normal physiological parameters while there were significant indications of HSP70 expression at both the gene and protein levels. However, our study found no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between physiological responses and HSP70 expressions. This study shows no interaction between physiological responses and HSP70 expressions in the study population, revealing the complex mechanisms of indoor heat stress in vulnerable individuals.

Investigation of the effects of in ovo taurine injection on hatching characteristics and stress reduction potential

BACKGROUND

In ovo application is the process of administering some nutrients or components into the egg. The main purpose of this application is to ensure that some nutrients are provided to chicks with a short incubation period. Few studies were conducted with taurine in fertile eggs; especially, no observation of hatchability and chick quality has been found. In addition, taurine has an anti-stress impact that fights oxidative factors.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the hatchability and chick quality after in ovo taurine administration. To determine the stress that may occur as a result of in ovo application and whether taurine has a stress-reducing effect.

METHODS

A total of 1200 fertile eggs from a 34-week-old broiler breeder (Ross 308) flock were categorized into 4 groups with 75 eggs per replicate: control (uninjected), taurine group (0.30 mL dissolved taurine in distilled water), sham control (sterile distilled water) and perforation (eggs perforated and then waxed). On day 14 of incubation, an in ovo injection was administered to the albumen. Data on hatching parameters and hepatic HSP70 levels were obtained using relevant formulas and western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

Control chicks exhibited higher hatchability than other groups, with the taurine group showing the lowest hatchability. The HSP70 levels were the highest in the perforation group compared to the control group. An increase of 21.37% in the taurine group and 83.45% in the sham control group was observed compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that in ovo application may induce increased stress, whereas taurine may have positive effects in mitigating the stress caused by in ovo application.

Polysaccharides From Abrus cantoniensis Hance Modulate Intestinal Microflora and Improve Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Liver Oxidative Damage Induced by Heat Stress

The protective effects of polysaccharides from Abrus cantoniensis Hance (ACP) on antioxidant capacity, immune function, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis balance, the intestinal mucosal barrier, and intestinal microflora in heat stress (HS)-induced heat-injured chickens are rarely reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of ACP on HS-injured chickens by enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and regulating intestinal microflora. A total of 120 native roosters in Guangxi were randomly divided into 5 groups to evaluate the protective effect of ACP on chickens injured by HS (33 ± 2°C). The results showed that ACP increased the body weight and the immune organ index of heat-injured chickens, regulated the oxidative stress kinase secretion, and restored the antioxidant level of heat-injured birds. ACP significantly inhibited the secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (COR) and reversed the disorder of hormone levels caused by HS. ACP significantly regulated the secretion levels of immune cytokines and restored the immune function of the body. ACP significantly improved the intestinal morphology and increased the expression levels of tight junction proteins, which had a positive effect on protecting intestinal health. The results of high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that HS led to an increase in the abundance of harmful bacteria and an abnormal increase in the abundance of intestinal microflora and that ACP restored the HS-induced intestinal microflora imbalance. In conclusion, this study provides a scientific basis for ACP as an antioxidant activity enhancer to reduce liver injury, regulate intestinal microflora, and protect intestinal mucosal damage in chickens.