Melatonin protects against visible light-induced oxidative stress and promotes the implantation potential of mouse blastocyst in vitro

Improvement of embryo culture media using antioxidant agents could help to improve embryo quality against environmental factors such as visible light and could overcome implantation failures. The usefulness of the melatonin against the effect of light on the expression of the primary implantation receptors, ErbB1 and ErbB4 on pre-implantation mouse embryo was investigated. Two-cell mouse embryos were exposed to the 1600 LUX light for 30 min then randomly divided into 3 groups including: Melatonin-Treated; Luzindole Treated and Simple media as a Control group. After 72-96  The expanded blastocysts were examined for morphological quality of the embryos by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining and for the expression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 by Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The expression of the Sirt3 gene was also assayed. Furthermore, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined by DCFH-DA fluorescence intensity and radical cation respectively. The number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) and outer cell mass (OCM) were elevated significantly in the Melatonin-treated group suggesting increased viability and proliferation. Furthermore, we found that melatonin significantly increased the expression levels of ErbB1, ErbB4, and Sirt3 genes, and the protein expression of ErbB1, ErbB4 correlated with intracellular ROS levels and TAC significantly increased after melatonin treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that melatonin could be helpful to improve preimplantation embryos through its effects in decreasing ROS levels and increasing expression of implantation-related genes.

A Paternal Methylation Error in the Congenital Hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) Rat Is Partially Rescued with Natural Folate Supplements

Folate deficiencies, folate imbalance and associated abnormal methylation are associated with birth defects, developmental delays, neurological conditions and diseases. In the hydrocephalic Texas (H-Tx) rat, 10-formyl tetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is reduced or absent from the CSF and the nuclei of cells in the brain and liver and this is correlated with decreased DNA methylation. In the present study, we tested whether impaired folate metabolism or methylation exists in sexually mature, unaffected H-Tx rats, which may explain the propagation of hydrocephalus in their offspring. We compared normal Sprague Dawley (SD, n = 6) rats with untreated H-Tx (uH-Tx, n = 6 and folate-treated H-Tx (TrH-Tx, n = 4). Structural abnormalities were observed in the testis of uH-Tx rats, with decreased methylation, increased demethylation, and cell death, particularly of sperm. FDH and FRα protein expression was increased in uH-Tx males but not in folate-treated males but tissue folate levels were unchanged. 5-Methylcytosine was significantly reduced in untreated and partially restored in treated individuals, while 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was not significantly changed. Similarly, a decrease in DNA-methyltransferase-1 expression in uH-Tx rats was partially reversed with treatment. The data expose a significant germline methylation error in unaffected adult male H-Tx rats from which hydrocephalic offspring are obtained. Reduced methylation in the testis and sperm was partially recovered by treatment with folate supplements leading us to conclude that this neurological disorder may not be completely eradicated by maternal supplementation alone.

Knowledge of Neural Tube Defects and Prevention Through Folic Acid Use Among Women in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Objective

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system and are associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and major life-long disability. Periconceptional folic acid reduces the risk of NTDs by up to 70%; however, in Pakistan, no public information program exists concerning the risks of NTDs or promoting folic acid use. As such, the aim of this study was to assess levels of knowledge about NTDs and folic acid use among women attending the gynaecology department of DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting

The gynaecology department of the District Head Quarter (DHQ) Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Participants

Three hundred and fifty-five married women.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measures included knowledge of NTDs and knowledge of folic acid use.

Results

About 85.4% of participants had no knowledge of neural tube defects and 76.7% reported no knowledge about folic acid use. The majority of participants (86.2%) were unaware that folic acid protects against NTDs. Lack of knowledge of NTDs was significantly associated with education (P = 0.001), husband’s education (P = 0.002), planned pregnancy (P = 0.002), sources of antenatal care (P = 0.003), knowledge of folic acid (P = 003), knowledge that folic acid protects against NTDs (P = 0.002), and health decision-making (P = 0.003). Knowledge of folic acid use was significantly associated with age (P = 0.000), education (P = 0.004), husband’s education (P = 0.002), monthly income (P = 0.003), planned pregnancy (P = 0.003), pregnancy trimester (P < 0.001), sources of antenatal care (P < 0.001), knowledge of NTDs (P = 0.002), knowledge that folic acid protects against NTDs (P < 0.001), use of folic acid (P < 0.001), sources of vitamin information (P < 0.001), and health decision-making (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

These findings highlight extremely low levels of knowledge about NTDs and folic acid use of women in Pakistan. There is an urgent need to increase knowledge and awareness of the risks of NTDs and preventative approaches, through health education programs delivered by trusted health professionals.

l-carnitine reduces the adverse effects of ROS and up-regulates the expression of implantation related genes in in vitro developed mouse embryos

In vitro developed embryos are inevitably exposed to various reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may decrease the embryo's competence in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Optimization of embryo culture media using antioxidant agents could help to improve embryo quality and could overcome failures in current ART. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of l-carnitine (LC), an enhancer of mitochondrial activity and free radical scavenger, in culture media on early embryo competence and expression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 implantation related genes. Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured in the following four conditions: 1. LC group in media containing LC; 2.H ₂O₂ group exposed to H₂O₂ for 30 min and then transferred into a simple media; 3.H₂O₂+LC group exposed to H₂O₂ for 30 min and then transferred into a simple media containing LC; 4.the control group kept throughout in simple media. All groups were allowed to develop until the blastocyst stage. ErbB1 and ErbB4 expression were evaluated by Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The expression of Sirt3 gene was also evaluated. Intracellular ROS levels were examined by DCFH-DA fluorescence intensity. In order to assess the morphological quality of the embryos, ICM and OCM number blastocyst cells were evaluated by using Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI) staining. ErbB1, ErbB4, ROS levels and cell number were compared across all in vitro groups. Our data reveal that LC significantly increases ErbB1 and ErbB4 gene and protein expression with intracellular ROS levels and Sirt3 gene expression significantly decreased after LC treatment. It is worth noting that an elevated cell number was observed in the LC-treated group compared with the other groups suggesting increased viability and/or proliferation. Our findings suggest that the use of LC could be helpful to improve preimplantation embryo culture media through its effects in decreasing ROS levels and the increase of implantation-related genes.

Neurogenesis: A process ontogenically linked to brain cavities and their content, CSF

Neurogenesis is the process underlying the development of the highly evolved central nervous system (CNS) in vertebrates. Neurogenesis takes place by differentiation of specific Neural Precursor Cells in the neurogenic niche. The main objective of this review is to highlight the specific relationship between the brain cavities, and neurogenesis from neural precursors. Brain cavities and their content, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), establish a key relation with the neurogenic "niche" because of the presence in this fluid of neurogenic signals able to control neural precursor cell behaviour, inducing precursor proliferation and neuronal differentiation. This influence seems to be ontogenically preserved, despite the temporal and spatial variations that occur throughout life. In order to better understand this concept, we consider three main life periods in the CSF-Neurogenesis interaction: The "Embryonic" period, which take place at the Neural Tube stage and extends from the isolation of the neural tube at the end of "neurulation" to the beginning of Choroid Plexus activity; the "Fetal" period, which includes the remaining developmental and the early postnatal stages; and the "Adult" period, which continues for the rest of adult life. Each period has specific characteristics in respect of CSF synthesis and composition, and the location, extension and neurogenic activity of the neurogenic niche. However, CSF interaction with the neurogenic niche is a common factor, which should be taken into account to better understand the ontogeny of neuron formation and replacement, as well as its potential role in the success or failure of therapies for the ageing, injured or diseased brain.

The Effects of Embryonic Cerebrospinal Fluid on The Viability and Neuronal Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Wistar Rats

Objective

The embryonic cerebrospinal fluid (e-CSF) contains various growth factors and morphogens. Recent studies showed that e-CSF plays significant roles in embryonic brain development. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have a mesodermal origin that can be differentiated into mesodermal and ectodermal lineages. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of e-CSF on the proliferation, viability, and neural differentiation of ADSCs in rats.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, adipose tissue was dissected out from the inguinal region of adult male rats. Then, ADSCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion from adipose tissues and mesenchymal cells were confirmed using the flow cytometry analysis that measured the cell surface markers including CD90, CD44, CD73, CD105, CD34, CD45, and CD11b. The multi-potential characteristics of ADSCs were assessed by osteogenic and adipogenic potentials of these cells. Under suitable in vitro conditions, ADSCs were cultured in DMEM supplemented with and without additional 10% e-CSF. These fluids were collected from Wistar rats at the E17, E18, and E19 gestational ages. Cellular proliferation and viability were determined using the MTT assay. Immunocytochemistry was used to study the expression of β-III tubulin in ADSCs. The neurite outgrowth of cultured cells was assessed using the ImageJ software.

Result

The results of the present study demonstrated that the viability of ADSCs in cell culture conditioned with E17 and E18 e-CSF were significantly increased in comparison with controls. Cultured cells treated with e-CSF from E18 and E19 established neuronal-like cells bearing long process, whereas no process was observed in the control groups or cultured cells treated with E17 e-CSF.

Conclusion

This study showed that e-CSF has the ability to induce neuronal differentiation and viability in ADSCs. Our data support a significant role of e-CSF as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Embryonic cerebrospinal fluid formation and regulation

The vertebrate brain is organized, from its embryonic origin and throughout adult life, around a dynamic and complex fluid, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). There is growing interest in the composition, dynamics and function of the CSF in brain development research. It has been demonstrated in higher vertebrates that CSF has key functions in delivering diffusible signals and nutrients to the developing brain, contributing to the proliferation, differentiation and survival of neural progenitor cells, and to the patterning of the brain. It has also been shown that the composition and the homeostasis of CSF are tightly regulated following the closure of the anterior neuropore, just before the initiation of primary neurogenesis in the neural tissue surrounding brain cavities, before the formation of functional choroid plexus. In this review we draw together existing literature about the composition and formation of embryonic cerebrospinal fluid in birds and mammals, from the closure of the anterior neuropore to the formation of functional fetal choroid plexus, including mechanisms regulating its composition and homeostasis. The significance of CSF regulation within embryonic brain is also discussed from an evolutionary perspective.

The use of flow cytometry to examine calcium signalling by TRPV1 in mixed cell populations

Flow cytometric analysis of calcium mobilisation has been in use for many years in the study of specific receptor engagement or isolated cell:cell communication. However, calcium mobilisation/signaling is key to many cell functions including apoptosis, mobility and immune responses. Here we combine multiplex surface staining of whole spleen with Indo-1 AM to visualise calcium mobilisation and examine calcium signaling in a mixed immune cell culture over time. We demonstrate responses to a TRPV1 agonist in distinct cell subtypes without the need for cell separation. Multi parameter staining alongside Indo-1 AM to demonstrate calcium mobilization allows the study of real time calcium signaling in a complex environment.

Organotypic Spinal Cord Culture: a Proper Platform for the Functional Screening

Recent improvements in organotypic slice culturing and its accompanying technological innovations have made this biological preparation increasingly useful ex vivo experimental model. Among organotypic slice cultures obtained from various central nervous regions, spinal cord slice culture is an absorbing model that represents several unique advantages over other current in vitro and in vivo models. The culture of developing spinal cord slices, as allows real-time observation of embryonic cells behaviors, is an instrumental platform for developmental investigation. Importantly, due to the ability of ex vivo models to recapitulate different aspects of corresponding in vivo conditions, these models have been subject of various manipulations to derive disease-relevant slice models. Moreover spinal cord slice cultures represent a potential platform for screening of different pharmacological agents and evaluation of cell transplantation and neuroregenerative materials. In this review, we will focus on studies carried out using the ex vivo model of spinal cord slice cultures and main advantages linked to practicality of these slices in both normal and neuropathological diseases and summarize them in different categories based on application.

Central neural activation following contact sensitivity peripheral immune challenge: evidence of brain-immune regulation through C fibres

This study tested the hypothesis that peripheral immune challenges will produce predictable activation patterns in the rat brain consistent with sympathetic excitation. As part of examining this hypothesis, this study asked whether central activation is dependent on capsaicin-sensitive C-fibres. We induced skin contact sensitivity immune responses with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), in the presence or absence of the acute C-fibre toxin capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) to trigger immune responses with and without diminished activity of C-fibres. Innovative blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data revealed that the skin contact sensitivity immune responses induced with DNCB were associated with localized increases in brain neuronal activity in treated rats. This response was diminished by pre-treatment with capsaicin 1 week before scans. In the same animals, we found expression of the immediate early gene c-Fos in sub-regions of the amygdala and hypothalamic sympathetic brain nuclei. Significant increases in c-Fos expression were found in the supraoptic nucleus, central amygdala and medial habenula following immune challenges. Our results support the idea that selective brain regions, some of which are associated with sympathetic function, process or modulate immune function through pathways that are partially dependent on C-fibres. Together with previous studies demonstrating the motor control pathways from brain to immune targets, these findings indicate a central neuroimmune system to monitor host status and coordinate appropriate host responses.

The 'scavenger' m7GpppX pyrophosphatase activity of Dcs1 modulates nutrient-induced responses in yeast

Dcs1, the m7GpppX pyrophosphatase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been reported to 'scavenge' capped 5' end fragments generated by 3'-->5' mRNA degradation. We now show that the absence of Dcs1, and the closely related Dcs2 protein, compromises cellular responses to glucose-deprivation stress as well as to step changes in glucose availability. Dcs1 and Dcs2 form homo- and heterodimers, with the heterodimer appearing as cells enter diauxie. Despite the previously observed increase in abundance of the mRNA encoding the neutral trehalase (Nth1) in the stationary phase, the total enzyme activity of Nth1 decreases in this phase of growth. Changes in trehalase activity are significant because the non-reducing disaccharide trehalose is thought to stabilize cellular components under stress conditions. In the dcs1Delta and dcs1Deltadcs2Delta mutants, normal regulation of trehalase activity is lost. Nutrient stress induces DCS1 and DCS2 transcription via the cAMP-PKA signalling pathway. Dcs1 also becomes phosphorylated as the availability of glucose diminishes, and we test the role of this phosphorylation in the stress response. Further evidence indicates that Dcs1 plays a complementary role to the translation factor eIF4E in preventing capped 5' fragments of mRNA from interfering with translation initiation. We conclude that Dcs1 function influences cellular responses to changes in nutrient avialability, while Dcs2 seems to act as a modulator of Dcs1 function.

The combined application of FTIR microspectroscopy and ToF-SIMS imaging in the study of prostate cancer

At present. a prognosis for prostate cancer (CaP) is determined by its accurate assessment of disease grade and stage. Histopathological typing using the Gleason grading system is the most universally accepted approach for grading CaP and provides an indication as to the aggressiveness of the tumour at the time of presentation. However, this system is based upon a visual criterion of pattern recognition that is operator dependent and subject to intra- and inter-observer variability, which can result in inappropriate patient management. Thus, there is a need for a molecular based diagnostic technique to grade tissue samples in a reliable and reproducible manner. In this paper we report a prototype diagnostic classifier for Gleason graded CaP tissue, based upon the integration of FTIR microspectroscopy with linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Blind testing of this model demonstrates 80% agreement of FTIR-LDA grade to histology, for the specimens analysed. We also study the effects of connective tissue absorption upon the area ratio of peaks at A1030 cm(-1)/A1080(cm(-1) which we use as a criterion to biospectroscopically map and distinguish areas of benign from malignant tissue. In addition, imaging time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has been applied to study freeze-dried, freeze-fractured prostate cancer cells in vitro. Preliminary results demonstrate localisation of various species including K, Ca and Mg within the cytoplasm that are present at millimolar concentrations and vital to cell physiology. The soft ionisation technique employed also permits for molecular information to be obtained and this has been used to evaluate chemically, different fracture planes within the analysis area.

Fixation protocols for subcellular imaging by synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy

Synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy is a powerful bioanalytical technique for the simultaneous analysis of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and a variety of phosphorylated molecules within intact cells. SR-FTIR microspectroscopy can be used in the imaging mode to generate biospectroscopic maps of the distribution and intensity profiles of subcellular biomolecular domains at diffraction-limited spatial resolution. However, the acquisition of highly spatially resolved IR images of cells is not only a function of instrumental parameters (source brightness, sampling aperture size) but also the cell preparation method employed. Additionally, for the IR data to be biochemically relevant the cells must be preserved in a life-like state without introducing artefacts. In the present study we demonstrate, for the first time, the differences in biomolecular localizations observed in SR-FTIR images of cells fixed by formalin, formalin-critical point drying (CPD), and glutaraldehyde-osmium tetroxide-CPD, using the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line. We compare these SR-FTIR images of fixed cells to unfixed cells. The influence of chemical fixatives on the IR spectrum is discussed in addition to the biological significance of the observed localizations. Our experiments reveal that formalin fixation at low concentration preserves lipid, phosphate, and protein components without significantly influencing the IR spectrum of the cell.

Applications of Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy in studies of benign prostate and prostate cancer. A pilot study

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy has been applied to a study of prostate cancer cell lines derived from different metastatic sites and to tissue from benign prostate and Gleason-graded malignant prostate tissue. Paraffin-embedded tissue samples were analysed by FTIR, after mounting onto a BaF(2) plate and subsequent removal of wax using Citroclear followed by acetone. Cell lines were analysed as aliquots of cell suspension held between two BaF(2) plates. It was found that the ratio of peak areas at 1030 and 1080 cm(-1), corresponding to the glycogen and phosphate vibrations respectively, suggests a potential method for the differentiation of benign from malignant cells. The use of this ratio in association with FTIR spectral imaging provides a basis for estimating areas of malignant tissue within defined regions of a specimen. Initial chemometric treatment of FTIR spectra, using the linear discriminant algorithm, demonstrates a promising method for the classification of benign and malignant tissue and the separation of Gleason-graded CaP spectra. Using the principle component analysis, this study has achieved for the first time the separation of FTIR spectra of prostate cancer cell lines derived from different metastatic sites.

Changes in the CSF fluid pathways in the developing rat fetus with early onset hydrocephalus

Interest in the factors involved in the abnormal cortical development of the HTx rat fetus have led us to re-examine the structural and morphological changes in the CSF pathways preceding constriction and blockage of the cerebral aqueduct. Histological analysis was carried out on coronal and sagittal sections from HTx and Wistar fetuses. The aqueduct is found to be a broad channel extending from the posterior end of the third ventricle that ends in a blind pouch above the developing cerebellum. The aqueduct drains into the fourth ventricle via a vertically orientated, narrow channel lying between the posterior aspect of the pontine flexure and the anterior surface of the cerebellum. On Day E18 the connecting channel between the aqueduct and the fourth ventricle is blocked by apposition of its walls. 24 hours later the lateral ventricles begin to dilate and the anterior end of the aqueduct is blocked and the connecting channel between the aqueduct and the fourth ventricle reopens. The cause of these sequential changes in the CSF fluid pathways remains speculative.

Bcr-Abl protein tyrosine kinase activity induces a loss of p53 protein that mediates a delay in myeloid differentiation

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is a haemopoietic stem cell disorder, the hallmark of which is the expression of the Bcr-Abl Protein Tyrosine Kinase (PTK). We have previously reported that activation of a temperature sensitive Bcr-Abl PTK in the multipotent haemopoietic cell line FDCP-Mix for short periods resulted in subtle changes including, a transient suppression of apoptosis and no inhibition of differentiation. In contrast, activation of the Bcr-Abl PTK for 12 weeks results in cells that display a delay in differentiation at the early granulocyte stage. Flow cytometric analysis also indicates that the expression of cell surface differentiation markers and nuclear morphology are uncoupled. Furthermore, a significant number of the mature neutrophils display abnormal morphological features. Prolonged exposure to Bcr-Abl PTK results in interleukin-3 independent growth and decreased p53 protein levels. FDCP-Mix cells expressing a dominant negative p53 and p53null FDCP-Mix cells demonstrate that the reduction in p53 is causally related to the delay in development. Returning the cells to the restrictive temperature restores the p53 protein levels, the growth factor dependence and largely relieves the effects on development. We conclude that prolonged Bcr-Abl PTK activity within multipotent cells results in a reduction of p53 that drives a delayed and abnormal differentiation.