Anesthesia management of a patient undergoing implantation of a left ventricular assist system: A case report

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is generally regarded as a progressive and irreversible medical condition. The EVAHEART is an implantable left ventricular assist system.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the anesthesia management of a 56-year-old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy undergoing an EVAHEART implantation. Transesophageal echocardiography is crucial to ensure the correct positioning of the device and the proper aortic valve outflow. Because the continuous blood flow device functions best under low systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, milrinone is the preferred drug. Our patient was accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, so during the operation, nitric oxide was used to reduce pulmonary artery pressure.

CONCLUSION

The cardiac output achieved by the patient with the assistance of EVAHEART can reach 4 L/min, which of course depends on the front load, rear load, and pump speed.

Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses: Quantification of the Viral Copy Number for the Four Miniature Pig Breeds in China

Domestic pigs has served not only as one of the most important economy livestock but also as ideal organ-source animals owing to similarity in anatomy, physiology, and organ size to humans. Howerer, the barrier of the cross-species transmission risk of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERVs) blocked the pig-to-human xenotransplantation. PERVs are integrated into pigs’ genomes and cannot be eliminated by designated or specified pathogen-free breeding. PERVs are an important biosafety issue in xenotransplantation because they can be released from normal pig cells and infect human cells in vitro under certain conditions. Screening and analyzing the presence of PERVs in pig genome will provide essential parameters for pig breed sources. In China, four miniature pig breeds, such as Guizhou miniature pig (GZ), Bama miniature pig (BM), Wuzhishan miniature pig (WZS), and Juema miniature pig (JM), were the main experimental miniature pig breeds, which were widely used. In this study, PCR was performed to amplify env-A, env-B, and env-C for all individuals from the four breeds. The results revealed that PERV env-A and env-B were detected in all individuals and the lowest ratios of PERV env-C was 17.6% (3/17) in the GZ breed. Then, PERV pol and GAPDH were detected using the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method. As the reference of GAPDH copy number, the copy numbers of PERVs were at the median of 12, 16, 14, and 16 in the four miniature pig breeds (GZ, BM, WZS, and JM), respectively. Furthermore, the copy number of the PERV pol gene in many organs from the GZ breed was analyzed using ddPCR. The copy numbers of PERV pol gene were at the median of 7 copies, 8 copies, 8 copies, 11 copies, 5 copies, 6 copies, and 7 copies in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, muscle, and skin, and the maximum number was 11 copies in the lung. The minimum number was 5 copies in the kidney as the reference of GAPDH. These data suggest that GZ breed has the lower PERVs copy number in the genome, and may be an ideal organ-source miniature pig breed for the study of the pig-to-human xenotransplantation.

Dietary supplementation with sodium bicarbonate or sodium sulfate affects eggshell quality by altering ultrastructure and components in laying hens

Dietary sodium (Na) levels were related to the content of the eggshell matrix. We therefore speculated that dietary Na supplementation as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) may improve eggshell quality. Additionally, dietary NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ supplementation may further affect eggshell quality in different ways due to differences in anions. This study investigated and compared the effects of dietary Na supplementation in either NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ form on laying performance, eggshell quality, ultrastructure and components in laying hens. A total of 576 29-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to 8 dietary treatments that were fed a Na-deficient basal diet (0.07% Na, 0.15% Cl) supplemented with Na₂SO₄ or NaHCO₃ at 0.08, 0.18, 0.23 or 0.33% Na for 12 weeks. No differences were observed in laying production performance with dietary Na supplementation. Dietary Na supplementation resulted in quadratic increases of eggshell breaking strength in both Na₂SO₄ and NaHCO₃ added groups (P < 0.05), and Na₂SO₄-fed groups had a quadratic increase in the eggshell ratio at week 12 (P < 0.05). Compared with supplementing 0.08% Na, dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na increased the effective thickness (P < 0.05) in both Na₂SO₄ and NaHCO₃ added groups, but decreased the thickness and knob width of the mammillary layer (P < 0.05). A linear increase on the calcium content of the shell was only observed with Na supplementation from NaHCO₃ (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in Na contents of the shell with dietary Na supplemented by both sources. Dietary Na addition had a quadratic increase on uronic acid contents of shell membrane in NaHCO₃-fed groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) contents of shell membranes increased linearly with dietary Na supplementation (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of 0.23% Na from Na₂SO₄ increased the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell (P < 0.05). Additionally, compared with NaHCO₃-fed groups, Na₂SO₄-fed groups had higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness, eggshell weight ratio, effective thickness and the sulfated GAG contents of calcified eggshell at week 12. Overall, dietary supplementation of NaHCO₃ or Na₂SO₄ could increase eggshell breaking strength, which may be related to increased sulfated GAG contents in eggshell membranes and improved ultrastructure. Higher eggshell breaking strength, thickness and eggshell ratio could be obtained when the diet was supplemented with 0.23% Na from Na₂SO₄.

[Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of diffuse midline gliomas with histone H3K27M mutation: an analysis of 30 cases]

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of diffuse midline glioma (DMG) with H3K27M mutation. Methods: Thirty cases of DMG were collected in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital from October 2016 to May 2018. The patients' clinicopathological data including age, tumor site and histological grade, treatment and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: There were 21 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 26 years (range 5-53 years). Fourteen tumors were located in thalamus, 12 in brainstem (one involved both thalamus and brainstem), and one each in hypothalamus, fourth ventricle, and sellar region, respectively. Two cases presented as diffuse intracranial lesions. Three cases (10.0%) were of WHO grade Ⅰ, 10 cases (33.3%) were grade Ⅱ, eight cases (26.7%) were grade Ⅲ, and nine cases (30.0%) were grade Ⅳ.All patients with gradeⅠ tumors were older than 20 years. Histologically, all were pilocytic astrocytoma-like. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that all tumors were IDH1 negative. Twenty-eight tumors showed diffuse expression of H3K27M, and two showed focal expression. Twenty-one tumors(100.0%, 21/21) showed absent expression of H3K27me3. Sixteen tumors (57.1%, 16/28) showed strongly positive expression of p53, and ATRX was negative in eight tumors (38.1%, 8/21). The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 5% to 40%. Eight cases (including two cases of H3K27M expression of individual cells) showed K27M mutation in H3F3A gene. Intracranial and spinal cord dissemination occurred in six cases (20.0%, 6/30). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.5 months and median overall survival (OS) was 34 months. Mean PFS was 11.2 months and mean OS was 24.3 months. Compared with adults (>20 years old), children/adolescents (no more than 20 years old) had significantly shorter median OS (8 months vs. 34 months, P=0.013). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between DMGs located in the brain stem/thalamus and other sites within midline (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between WHO grade ⅠDMGs and WHO grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ DMGs (P>0.05). Conclusions: DMGs occur more commonly in children and adolescents with male predominance. DMGs present with WHO Ⅰ-Ⅳ tumors morphologically, and pilocytic astrocytoma-like lesions with WHO Ⅰ are more common in adults. Expression of H3K27M but not H3K27me3 is helpful for diagnosis of DMG. The prognosis of children/adolescents is significantly worse than that of adults, whereas histological grade and tumor location do not affect prognosis.

Effects of dietary rapeseed meal supplementation on cecal microbiota in laying hens with different flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 genotypes

To evaluate the effect of dietary rapeseed meal (RM) supplementation on cecal trimethylamine and bacteria in laying hens with different flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) genotypes, a 3 × 2 2-factorial arrangement was employed using FMO3 genotypes (AA, AT, and TT) and dietary RM (0 and 14% of diet) as the main effects. At 50 wk of age, 36 hens of AT genotype and 36 hens of TT genotype were randomly allotted to one of the 2 dietary treatments, and each dietary treatment consisted of 3 replicates with 6 birds each. A total of 12 hens with AA genotype were allotted to one of the 2 dietary treatments that consisted of 3 replicates with 2 hens. Hens were fed 0% RM in a corn-soybean (SM) diet for one wk before the 6-week feeding trial period. Dietary RM supplementation increased trimethylamine (TMA) concentrations in both egg yolks (P < 0.0001) and cecal chyme (P < 0.0001). Dietary RM supplementation increased bacterial abundance and diversity (P < 0.0001). Weighted UniFrac, Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling, and analysis of similarity (R-ANOSIM = 0.1516; P-value = 0.014) indicated distinct clustering was dependent on diets rather than FMO3 genotypes. Twenty-four phyla (most dominant, Bacteroides, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) and 229 genera were identified in the cecal samples. Compared with the SM diets, RM diets increased the proportion of Firmicutes (P = 0.004), Proteobacteria (P = 0.006), and Firmicutes:Bacteroides (P = 0.001), and some low-abundance phyla (P < 0.01), whereas the abundance of Bacteroides was lower (P = 0.0002). The abundance of 42 genera varied with dietary types. Six phyla and 35 genera were positively correlated with TMA concentration in the cecal chyme. In conclusion, the major TMA-producing bacteria in cecal were from Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla. The major TMA-producing bacterial genera could be from the genera that positively correlated with TMA concentration.

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic or inorganic zinc on carbonic anhydrase activity in eggshell formation and quality of aged laying hens

This study evaluated the effects of different dietary levels and sources of zinc (Zn) on performance and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in eggshell formation and quality in aged laying hens. A total of 504 Hy-line Grey layers aged 59 wk were fed a basal diet (Zn, 28.4 mg/kg) for 4 wks, then randomly allocated to 7 groups that were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with inorganic (ZnSO4·H2O) or organic (amino acid metals, 9.58%) Zn at 35, 70, or 140 mg Zn per kg of feed for 6 weeks. Each group had 6 replicates of 12 hens. Results showed that egg weight decreased linearly with the supplemental level of organic Zn (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had linear and quadratic effects on the CA activity in plasma (P < 0.05), and it was higher in the organic Zn-added groups at wks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn supplementation had a quadratic effect on the CA activity in the eggshell gland (P < 0.05). Shell thickness was greater in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05), and its relationship with the supplemental level of Zn showed linearly and quadratically, increasing with the organic Zn and with the inorganic Zn at wk 4, while linearly increasing with the inorganic Zn at wk 6 (P < 0.05). At wk 4, the supplemental level of inorganic Zn had a linear effect on shell weight, and linear and quadratic effects on shell index and ratio (P < 0.05), while shell weight, the index, and ratio increased linearly and quadratically with the organic Zn level in the diet (P < 0.05), with more obvious effects in the organic Zn-added groups (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary Zn supplementation, up to 140 mg/kg feed, could increase eggshell thickness by enhancing CA activity in the plasma and eggshell gland of aged layers; thicker eggshells were found in the organic Zn-added groups, but the breaking strength did not increase despite the eggshell thickness increasing.

Dietary choline and phospholipid supplementation enhanced docosahexaenoic acid enrichment in egg yolk of laying hens fed a 2% Schizochytrium powder-added diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary phospholipid supplementation on laying hen performance, egg quality, and the fatty acid profile of egg yolks from hens fed a 2% Schizochytrium powder diet. Three-hundred-sixty 28-wk-old Hy-line W-36 laying hens were randomly allocated to one of the 5 dietary treatments, each treatment with 6 replicates of 12 birds each. All diets included 2% Schizochytrium powder (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], 137.09 mg/g). The control group was not supplemented with any additional phospholipids, whereas the other 4 experimental diets were supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg choline (CHO), 1,000 mg/kg monoethanolamine (MEA), 1,000 mg/kg lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), or 500 mg/kg LPC + 500 mg/kg MEA (LPC + MEA). The experimental diets were isocaloric (metabolizable energy, 11.15 MJ/kg) and isonitrogenous (crude protein, 16.60%). The feeding trial lasted 28 days. Laying hen performance and egg quality were not affected (P > 0.05) by the diets used. The monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) level was reduced in the LPC group at d 28 (P < 0.01), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) level was increased (P < 0.05). The omega-6 (n-6) PUFA level of the egg yolks in the LPC group had a trend to increase in comparison to the control (P = 0.07). The CHO and LPC groups had higher omega-3 (n-3) PUFA and DHA levels and lower n-6/n-3 ratios than the other groups at d 28 (P < 0.01). The DHA content in egg yolk reached a plateau after the laying hens consumed the experimental diets for 14 days, and higher yolk DHA contents were observed in the CHO and LPC groups as compared with the other groups at d 14. It was concluded that dietary choline supplementation for more than 14 d enhanced egg yolk enrichment with n-3 PUFA and DHA when laying hen diets were supplemented with 2% Schizochytrium powder. All the diets had no adverse effect on hen performance, egg quality, or egg components under the experimental condition.

Effects of dietary gallic acid supplementation on performance, antioxidant status, and jejunum intestinal morphology in broiler chicks

Gallic acid (GA), widely distributed in plants and feeds, is known to have a diverse range of activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of inclusion of dietary GA at levels 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, or 150 mg/kg on growth performance, antioxidant status, and jejunum intestinal morphology of broiler chicks. In total, 630 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 6 treatment groups for a period of 6 weeks. The results indicate that dietary addition of GA at 75 to 100 mg/kg improved feed conversion efficiency in both the grower (d 21 to 42, P = 0.045) and overall (d 1 to 42, P = 0.026) periods. Dietary addition of GA at a concentration ≥100 mg/kg was able to exhibit higher breast muscle ratio at 42 d (P = 0.043). Interestingly, dietary GA inclusion level from 50 to 100 mg/kg reduced the crypt depth (P = 0.009) and increased the villus height:crypt depth ratio (VCR) of the birds (P = 0.006). Dietary supplementation of GA at 100 mg/kg decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 42 d of age (P = 0.030). Moreover, dietary addition of GA linearly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.039) and plasma total superoxide dismutase activities (P = 0.049) at 21 d of age. However, analysis of plasma biochemical markers revealed that dietary supplementation of GA did not exhibit beneficial health effects. Overall, we conclude that 75 to 100 mg/kg of GA are suitable for enhanced growth performance and health benefits in a broiler diet.

[Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based urinary metabolomics in very low birth weight premature infants]

Objective: To investigate the urinary metabolic spectrum and pathways in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants. Method: A prospective case-control study was conducted to collect and compare the data of VLBW premature infants and full term infants from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yet-Sen University in 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, urine specimens in each group were collected. Metabolites of urine samples including amino acid, fatty acid and organic acid were detected using the urease pre-processing and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technology. Using the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the biomarkers and differences between the two groups were found. The online metabolic pathway website was explored and multivariable analysis was conducted to investigate the valuable pathways and biomarkers related to the prematurity. Result: A total of 20 VLBW premature infants were enrolled, among whom 11 were male, 9 were female; and 20 full term infants were enrolled, among whom 9 were male, 11 were female. The urinary metabolites were established and compared between the VLBW premature and term infants. The investigation showed that the following nine pathways were enriched: amino-acyl-tRNA biosynthesis(P=0.000), lysine degradation(P=0.007), fatty acid biosynthesis(P=0.008), pyrimidine metabolism(P=0.014), pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis(P=0.022), valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis(P=0.022), lysine biosynthesis(P=0.031), glycerolipid metabolism(P=0.046), and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation(P=0.031). Almost all the metabolites decreased except for the glyceric acid exhibiting a higher content in the VLBW premature infant. 12 potential biomarkers were explored with the most significant covariance and correlation, within which stearic acid, palmiticacid, myristic acid, β-amino-isobutyric acid, and uric acid were lower, while myo-inositol, mannitol, glycine, glucose1, glucose2, glyceric acid and N-acetyl-tyrosine were higher in the VLBW premature group compared with the control group. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the VLBW premature infants and full-term infants in the metabolic state and pathways. The urease pre-processing and GC-MS technology followed by the OPLS-DA and multivariable analysis to investigate VLBW premature infants' urinary metabolites is a valuable method to evaluate the patients' metabolism.

Effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, serum hormone levels, and expression of genes related to the reproductive axis in laying hens

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary octacosanol supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, serum hormone levels, and gene expression related to reproductive axis in laying hens to confirm the reproduction-promoting function of octacosanol. In total, 360 Hy-Line Brown (67-wk-old) laying hens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments with 0, 5, and 10 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The feeding trial lasted for 10 weeks. The results showed that the dietary addition of 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol improved feed efficiency by 4.9% and 3.4% (P < 0.01), increased the albumen height by 20.5% and 13.3% (P < 0.01), the Haugh unit score by 12.9% and 8.7% (P < 0.01), and the eggshell strength by 39.5% and 24.5% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared with the control diet. Dietary octacosanol addition significantly affected serum triiodothyronine, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.05), and progesterone and luteinizing hormone level (P < 0.01). Compared with the control, dietary addition of octacosanol at 5 mg/kg promoted the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA expression in different-sized follicles, and significantly increased the FSHR mRNA expression of granulosa cells from the F2 and F3 follicles (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with both 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol promoted the mRNA expression of luteinizing hormone receptor and prolactin receptor in different-sized follicles, and significantly up-regulated the expression levels in F1 granulosa cells (P < 0.05). The ovarian weight was significantly increased with the dietary addition of 5 mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.05). The numbers of small yellow follicles and large white follicles were increased with the addition of dietary 5 and 10 mg/kg octacosanol (P < 0.01). This study provides evidence that octacosanol has the capacity to improve reproductive performance, indicating that it is a potentially effective feed additive in egg production.

Benign mixed tumor of the vagina

Mixed tumor of the vagina is a rare benign tumor containing both epithelial and mesenchymal components. The authors report the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with a painless mass that had descended from the vagina in the last six months. Physical examination showed the presence of a solitary, non-tender nodule that was 3x3x2 cm in size and seemed to originate from the posterior wall of the lower vagina. The tumor was removed and pathologically examined. The findings were indicative of a mixed tumor of the vagina, and were in agreement with previous cases. No recurrence or progression occurred during the ten-month follow-up. As this tumor shares common features with some other tumors, its differential diagnosis is very important. Moreover, due to the rarity of this disease, gynecologists and pathologists need to familiarize themselves with the features in order to avoid a misdiagnosis.

Effects of Dietary Octacosanol on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks

Octacosanol, which has prominent physiological activities and functions, has been recognized as a potential growth promoter in animals. A total of 392 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broiler chicks with similar body weight were randomly distributed into four dietary groups of seven replicates with 14 birds each supplemented with 0, 12, 24, or 36 mg octacosanol (extracted from rice bran, purity >92%)/kg feed. The feeding trial lasted for six weeks and was divided into the starter (day 1 to 21) and the grower (day 22 to 42) phases. The results showed that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in broilers fed a diet containing 24 mg/kg octacosanol compared with those fed the control diet in the overall phase (day 1 to 42, p = 0.042). The average daily gain and FCR both showed linear effects in response to dietary supplementation of octacosanol during the overall phase (p = 0.031 and 0.018, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet showed a higher eviscerated yield, which increased by 5.88% and 4.26% respectively, than those fed the control diet (p = 0.030). The breast muscle yield of broilers fed with 24 mg/kg octacosanol diet increased significantly by 12.15% compared with those fed the control diet (p = 0.047). Eviscerated and breast muscle yield increased linearly with the increase in dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.013 and 0.021, respectively). Broilers fed with 24 or 36 mg/kg octacosanol diet had a greater (p = 0.021) pH_45min value in the breast muscle, which was maintained linearly in response to dietary octacosanol supplementation (p = 0.003). There was a significant decrease (p = 0.007) in drip loss value between the octacosanol-added and the control groups. The drip loss showed linear (p = 0.004) and quadratic (p = 0.041) responses with dietary supplementation of octacosanol. These studies indicate that octacosanol is a potentially effective and safe feed additive which may improve feed efficiency and meat quality, and increase eviscerated and breast muscle yield, in broiler chicks. Dietary supplementation of octacosanol at 24 mg/kg diet is regarded as the recommended dosage in the broilers’ diet.

Individual and Joint Acute Toxicities of Selected Insecticides Against Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

As widely used pesticides, organophosphate, pyrethroid, and neonicotinoid insecticides have different modes of action. In the present study, we evaluated individual and joint acute toxicities of two organophosphates, two pyrethroids, and two neonicotinoids against the second-instar silkworm by feeding silkworm with the insecticide-treated mulberry leaves. The 96-h lethal concentration 50 (LC(50)) values of chlorpyrifos, acephate, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, cypermethrin, and deltamethrin against silkworm were 3.45 (2.95-4.31), 44.45 (39.34-48.56), 1.27 (1.19-1.35), 2.38 (2.19-2.54), 0.36 (0.30-0.43), and 0.037 (0.033-0.041) mg/liter, respectively. Moreover, the 96-h LC(50) values of 50:50 binary mixtures of insecticides against silkworm ranged from 0.048 (0.043-0.054) to 3.52 (2.09-4.51) mg/liter. In addition, the combination coefficient (Q) values of all tested mixtures ranged from 0.36 to 3.37. According to the obtained Q values, the binary mixture of deltamethrin-chlorpyrifos showed antagonistic effects at 96-h interval, while the other binary mixtures had additive effects. Taken together, our results provided valuable guidelines in assessing the ecological risk of these insecticide mixtures against silkworm.

Bioefficacy comparison of organic manganese with inorganic manganese for eggshell quality in Hy-Line Brown laying hens

This study was aimed at investigating the bioefficacy of organic compared with inorganic manganese (Mn) for eggshell quality. An amino acid-Mn complex or Mn sulfate monohydrate was used as the organic or inorganic Mn source. A total of six hundred forty-eight 50-wk-old layers (Hy-Line Brown) were divided into 9 groups; each group consisted of 6 replicates with 12 layers each. The feeding trial lasted 12 wk. During the first 4 wk of the feeding trial, the groups were fed a basal diet, which met the nutrient requirements of the layers, except for Mn. During the following 8 wk, 9 levels of Mn (inorganic Mn: 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg; organic Mn: 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were used to supplement, respectively, in the basal diet on an equimolar basis. An exponential regression model was applied to calculate the bioefficacy of organic Mn compared with the inorganic Mn. Dietary supplementation with either organic or inorganic Mn did not influence egg production and feed efficiency of (P > 0.05), and eggshell quality did not exhibit a significant response to dietary supplementation with Mn sources at 56 and 58 wk (P > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with either organic Mn or inorganic Mn significantly enhanced the thickness, breaking strength, and elastic modulus of the eggshells compared with the control group at the end of 62 wk (P < 0.05). At the end of 62 wk, the bioefficacy of organic Mn was 357% (shell thickness), 406% (breaking strength), 458% (elastic modulus), and 470% (eggshell Mn), as efficacious as inorganic Mn at equimolar levels. This study suggests that organic Mn enhances eggshell quality in aged laying hens compared with inorganic Mn.

Updated morphology, histopathology and molecular phylogeny of Myxobolus hearti, cardiac myxosporea in gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch)

The original description of Myxobolus hearti is supplemented with new data on spore morphology, histopathology and molecular phylogeny. Myxobolus hearti are found in the heart ventricle of the gibel carp, Carassius gibelio (Bloch), where they form whitish oval or irregularly shaped plasmodia. Mature spores are oval or shortly ellipsoidal in frontal view, lemon-shaped in sutural view and eye-shaped in apical view. The spores are 14.12 ± 0.35 (13.6-15) μm long (mean ± SD), 11.85 ± 0.34 ± 0.36 (11-12) μm wide and 7.32 ± 0.36 (7-8) μm thick. The two polar capsules are equal in size, 6.11 ± 0.29 (6-7) μm long and 3.89 ± 0.31(3-4) μm wide, and are long pyriform in shape. Polar filaments have six or seven coils situated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the polar capsules. Histopathology indicates that the plasmodia are encased by the host connective tissue, and no inflammatory responses are found in the heart ventricles. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S small-subunit ribosomal DNA sequences indicates that M. hearti is, genetically, most similar to Henneguya doneci, a gill-infecting species.

Relapse of hyperthyroidism after hemithyroidectomy in concurrent medullary thyroid cancer and Graves' disease

We present a rare case of concurrent medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and relapse of Graves' disease (GD). A 26-year-old Chinese female suffered from GD for 1 year. Physical examination demonstrated mildly diffuse goiter with a palpable 1.0 cm nodule in the right thyroid lobe and exophthalmos. Before hemithyroidectomy, calcitonin was elevated and thyroglobulin was normal. After surgery, histopathological findings proved coexistence of MTC and GD. 16 months later, GD relapsed and radioactive iodine 131 therapy was given. Meanwhile, postoperative monitoring showed well controlled calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen. Our lesson demonstrates although concomitant of MTC and GD is very rare, yet after hemithyroidectomy for the single nodular MTC lesion, remnant thyroid lobe could be the source of GD relapse very soon. More importantly, the relapse of GD and the following radioiodine therapy and radiation exposure could have been prevented if a better therapy plan of total thyroidectomy was adopted in the first place, instead of hemithyroidectomy (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 11).

Solexa sequencing of microRNAs on chromium metabolism in broiler chicks

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the differential expression of the known microRNAs (miRNAs) in broiler skeletal muscle.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 288 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 0.4, 2.0, or 10.0 mg·kg(-1) CrPic, respectively. Dietary CrPic supplementation at 10.0 mg·kg(-1) increased the average daily feed intake in broilers (p < 0.05). On day 42, the serum total protein level was highest in animals treated with 2.0 mg·kg(-1) (p < 0.05) and 10.0 mg·kg(-1) CrPic (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 10.0 mg·kg(-1) CrPic decreased the levels of serum glucose (p < 0.05) on day 42 and of serum triglyceride (p < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. To further identify miRNAs from broiler skeletal muscles, we sequenced two small RNA libraries using the Solexa sequencing approach, and 57 miRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed (p < 0.05). Among them, 6 upregulated and 2 downregulated miRNAs were validated by real-time qPCR (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study provide a valuable clue regarding the role of miRNA target genes in the mechanism of the dietary CrPic effect on protein synthesis in skeletal muscles of broilers.

Trimethylamine deposition in the egg yolk from laying hens with different FMO3 genotypes

The A/T polymorphism at position nt 1,034 of the chicken FMO3 cDNA sequence is associated with elevated levels of trimethylamine (TMA) in the egg yolk, which is responsible for the fishy egg flavor. This study was aimed to investigate yolk TMA deposition in eggs from different FMO3 genotype (AA, AT, TT) laying hens fed a high level of choline, and the relationship between egg yolk TMA contents and yolk acceptability. A total of 132 genotyped laying hens, 38 wk of age, were assigned to 1 of the 4 dietary treatments: 1) a control group of AA hens fed 370 mg of choline/kg of diet (practical choline level, provided by 500 mg of choline chloride/kg of diet); 2) AA hens were fed 2,960 mg of choline/kg of diet (higher dietary choline level, provided by 4,000 mg of choline chloride/kg of diet); 3) AT hens were fed 2,960 mg of choline/kg of diet; and 4) TT hens were fed 2,960 mg of choline/kg of diet. All layers were fed a 370 mg of choline/kg added diet for a period of 1-wk adaptation followed by a 6-wk trial period. A remarkable increase in yolk TMA concentration of TT hens (P < 0.001) caused by dietary choline addition at 2,960 mg/kg was observed. The relationship between TMA concentration in the egg yolk (μg/g, y) and deposition time (1~42 d, x) for TT hens is y = 0.0005x(3) - 0.0419x(2) + 1.0924x + 0.4323 (R(2) = 0.9259). The fish-flavor scores of egg yolks rose steadily (R(2) = 0.9324) as the TMA concentration increased, and there was also a corresponding decrease in the acceptance score (R(2) = 0.8276). The eggs were acceptable when the yolk TMA concentrations were less than 4.516 μg/g of yolk.

Intracellular localization and association of MHC class I with porcine invariant chain

The objective was to investigate the intracellular localization and association of pig major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I subunits with invariant chain (Ii). Pig MHC class I subunit cDNAs were cloned by RT-PCR and eukaryotic expression plasmids of α and β2m were constructed with fusions to red or enhanced green fluorescent protein (pDsRed2-N1-α, pEGFP-N1-α, pDsRed2-N1-β2m, and pEGFP-N1-β2m). A pig Ii mutant with a deleted CLIP region (DCLIP-Ii) was constructed by overlap extension PCR. Wild-type Ii and mutant Ii were cloned into pEGFP-C1 (pEGFP-C1-Ii, pEGFP-C1-DCLIP-Ii). The recombinant plasmids of MHC I subunits and pEGFP-C1-Ii (pEGFP-C1-ΔCLIP-Ii) were transiently cotransfected into COS-7 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed to detect expression and intracellular localization of Ii and MHC I subunits, and immunoprecipitation was used to analyze their association. Our results indicated that pig Ii associates with integrated MHC I subunits to form oligomers, but cannot associate with single MHC I subunits. Furthermore, deletion of the Ii CLIP sequence blocks association with integrated MHC I subunits. Thus, pig Ii cannot associate with a single MHC I molecule, the α or β2m chain, but Ii and the integrated MHC I molecule can form complexes that colocalize in the endomembranes of COS-7 cells. The Ii of CLIP plays a key role in assembly of Ii and MHC I.

Mollugin inhibits the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by blocking the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway

Mollugin, a kind of naphthohydroquinone, is a major constituent isolated from Rubia cordifolia L. and demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory activity in recent reports. However, the effects and mechanism of action of mollugin in inflammation have not been fully defined. The present study was therefore designed to investigate whether mollugin suppresses the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Mollugin attenuated the LPS-induced expression of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 but augmented the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Mollugin did not inhibit the degradation of inhibitory kappa B (IκB)-α or the nuclear translocation of p65 nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) but rather enhanced the phosphorylation of p65 subunits evoked by LPS. Mollugin did not inhibit the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 either. Mollugin significantly reduced the LPS-mediated phosphorylation of Janus kinase (JAK) 2, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT3. Molecular docking analysis showed that mollugin binds to JAK2 in a manner similar to that of AG490, a specific JAK2 inhibitor. We conclude that mollugin may be a JAK2 inhibitor and inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory responses by blocking the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway.

Pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as type II kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) inhibitors: CoMFA and CoMSIA studies

Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) inhibitors have been proved to be very effective anticancer agents. Molecular docking, 3D-QSAR methods, CoMFA and CoMSIA were performed on pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as non-ATP competitive KDR inhibitors (type II). The bioactive conformation was explored by docking one potent compound 20 into the active site of KDR in its DFG-out inactive conformation. The constructed CoMFA and CoMSIA models produced statistically significant results with the cross-validated correlation coefficients q² of 0.542 and 0.552, non-cross-validated correlation coefficients r² of 0.912 and 0.955, and predicted correction coefficients r²_pred of 0.913 and 0.897, respectively. These results ensure the CoMFA and CoMSIA models as a tool to guide the design of a series of new potent KDR inhibitors.

Myrislignan attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation reaction in murine macrophage cells through inhibition of NF-κB signalling pathway activation

Myrislignan is a new kind of lignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. Its antiinflammatory effects have not yet been reported. In the present study, the antiinflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of myrislignan in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Myrislignan significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner. It inhibited mRNA expression and release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This compound significantly inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dose-dependently in LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. Further study showed that myrislignan decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α) protein and the translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. Our results suggest that myrislignan may exert its antiinflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated macrophages cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling pathway activation.

[A new natural polyphenol BJA32531 inhibited the proliferation and regulated miRNA expression in human HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of 1,2,6-Tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose (BJA32531) on the miRNA expression during BJA32531-induced cytotoxicity in human HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells.

METHODS

Cell proliferation was assessed using a colorimetric assay (cell counting kit-8). Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide staining. The miRNA expression profile of the cancer cells was analyzed by a miRNA array and quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

BJA32531 inhibited the cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in HepG2 cancer cells. Cellular exposure to BJA32531 influenced the miRNA expression pattern in the cells, including 19 upregulated and 85 down-regulated miRNAs in the cells. The up-regulations of let-7a and miR-10b as well as the down-regulations of miR-132 and miR-125b were verified to be consistent with the the results of the miRNA array.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the mechanisms by which BJA32531 exerted the antiproliferative effects on HepG2 cancer cells may be related to its regulation of miRNA.

Comparison of lipid oxidation, messenger ribonucleic acid levels of avian uncoupling protein, avian adenine nucleotide translocator, and avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α in skeletal muscles from electrical- and gas-stunned broilers

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of stunning methods [electrical stunning (ES) vs. gas stunning (GS)] on lipid oxidation in broiler meat and to investigate possible mechanisms of lipid oxidation by measuring plasma variables, muscle reactive oxygen species (ROS), and TBA reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations, muscle fiber ratios, and mRNA levels of avian uncoupling protein (avUCP), avian adenine nucleotide translocator, and avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (avPGC-1α). Arbor Acres broilers (n = 36) were not stunned (control) or were exposed to the following stunning treatments: 40% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2); 60% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2); 35 V, 47 mA, 400 Hz; 50 V, 67 mA, 160 Hz; and 65 V, 86 mA, 1,000 Hz. The ROS level in tibialis anterior (TA; P < 0.05) and the TBARS concentration in pectoralis major (PM; P < 0.01) were decreased in the GS groups compared with the ES groups at 45 min postmortem. However, the TBARS concentrations at 24 h postmortem in the PM and TA groups were not affected by stunning method (ES or GS). Compared with ES, GS caused greater expression of avUCP mRNA (1.47-fold in PM, and 2.41-fold in TA) and avPGC-1α mRNA (1.42-fold in PM, and 2.08-fold in TA). In conclusion, the upregulation of avUCP and avPGC-1α reduced ROS accumulation and lipid oxidation at 45 min postmortem in the skeletal muscles of broilers stunned with hypercapnic moderate oxygenation GS. However, these changes were not sufficient to cause a difference in meat lipid oxidation at 24 h postmortem between broilers stunned with hypercapnic moderate oxygenation GS and those stunned with low-current, high-frequency ES.

Effect of electrical stunning current and frequency on meat quality, plasma parameters, and glycolytic potential in broilers

This study was designed to determine the effect of electrical stunning variables (low currents and high frequencies) on meat quality, glycolytic potential, and blood parameters in broilers. A total of 54 broilers were stunned with 9 electrical stunning methods for 18 s using sinusoidal alternating currents combining 3 current levels (35 V, 47 mA; 50 V, 67 mA; and 65 V, 86 mA) with 3 frequencies (160, 400, and 1,000 Hz). Samples for meat quality were obtained from the pectoralis major (PM) and musculus iliofibularis (MI), and samples for glycogen metabolism were taken from the PM and tibialis anterior muscle at 45 min postmortem. The use of high frequency reduced the shear value in PM (400 and 1,000 Hz vs. 160 Hz; P < 0.01) and cooking loss in MI (1,000 Hz vs. 160 and 400 Hz; P < 0.01). The shear value of PM decreased at high frequency (400 and 1,000 Hz) when current was high (50 V, 67 mA and 65 V, 86 mA; P < 0.01) but increased at high frequency (1,000 Hz) when current was low (35 V, 47 mA). Stunning with 1,000 Hz (vs. 160 Hz) caused low glycogen and glycolytic potential in PM (P < 0.05). Plasma corticosterone decreased (P < 0.05) at high currents (≥50 V, 67 mA) but was not affected by changes in frequency. Electrical current interacted with frequency in plasma glucose, redness 24 h postmortem, shear value (PM), pH 24 h postmortem (MI), and glycolytic potential (tibialis anterior; P < 0.05). This study indicated that high stunning frequencies (400 and 1,000 Hz) may improve meat quality without aggregating stress when the current was not too low (>50 V, 67 mA).

Plasma variables, meat quality, and glycolytic potential in broilers stunned with different carbon dioxide concentrations

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different CO(2) concentrations on blood variables, glycolytic potential (GP), and meat quality of hot-boned muscles in broilers. Thirty broilers were exposed to one of the following 5 gas mixtures for 90 s: 40% CO(2) + 30% O(2) + N(2) (control), 30% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G30%), 40% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G40%), 50% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G50%), and 60% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G60%). Samples were taken from the pectoralis major (PM), musculus iliofibularis (MI), and tibialis anterior muscles 45 min postmortem. The ultimate pH in both the PM (vs. G30% and G40%) and MI (vs. G40%) was decreased with G60% (P < 0.05), whereas drip loss in the PM (vs. G30%, P = 0.01) was increased with G60%. Drip loss in the MI (vs. control and G30%, P < 0.01) was increased with G50%. Lightness after 24 h in PM (vs. G30% and G40%, P < 0.01) was increased with G50%. In MI, lightness after 24 h was slightly decreased with G40% compared with the control (P < 0.10). The GP value in the PM was lower in the G30% and G40% than in G60% (P < 0.05), and the GP value in the tibialis anterior was the lowest in G30% (P < 0.01). Plasma corticosterone, plasma glucose, and meat quality (pH, lightness, redness, yellowness) 45 min postmortem were not affected by CO(2) levels (P > 0.05). In conclusion, stunning broilers with low CO(2) levels (30 and 40%) improved meat quality but had no advantage in animal welfare compared with high CO(2) levels (50 and 60%).

Comparison of blood variables, fiber intensity, and muscle metabolites in hot-boned muscles from electrical- and gas-stunned broilers

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of gas stunning (GS) and electrical stunning (ES) on energy metabolism in Arbor Acres broilers. Thirty-six birds were slaughtered without stunning (control) or after stunning with the following treatments: 40% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G40%); 60% CO(2) + 21% O(2) + N(2) (G60%); 35 V, 47 mA, 400 Hz (E35V); 50 V, 67 mA, 160 Hz (E50V); and 65 V, 86 mA, 1,000 Hz (E65V). Muscle samples were obtained from the pectoralis major (breast) and tibialis anterior (leg) muscles in ambient temperature within 45 min postmortem and stored at -80°C. Blood pH decreased consistently with GS (G40% and G60%) compared with ES and the control (P < 0.01). No consistent differences were observed between GS and ES in the plasma variables, glycolytic potential, adenosine phosphates, or fiber intensities. Plasma lactate increased with G40% and E35V (P < 0.05), whereas plasma uric acid and urea nitrogen increased with E35V (P < 0.05) compared with the control. Compared with the control, the intensity of type IIB fibers decreased in broilers stunned with E35V and E50V (P < 0.05) and glycolytic potential increased (P < 0.01) with G60% in the breast muscle and decreased (P < 0.01) in the leg muscle with all the stunning treatments except for E50V. Energy decreased (lower adenosine triphosphate, higher adenosine monophosphate, and adenosine monophosphate:adenosine triphosphate ratio, P < 0.05) in breast muscle with G40% compared with ES at high currents (E50V and E65V). However, the adenosine phosphates with GS were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from ES at low current (E35V) in either breast or leg muscle. In conclusion, no essential difference in energy metabolism was found in broilers stunned with ES and GS when ES was based on low current and high frequency and GS was based on hypercapnic moderate oxygenation. This study indicated that G40% was potentially a superior stunning variable.

Praeruptorin A inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in murine macrophages through inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation

Praeruptorin A (PA) is a pyranocoumarin compound isolated from the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (Umbelliferae). However, the antiinflammatory effect of PA has not been reported. The present study investigated the antiinflammatory effect of PA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. PA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The mRNA and protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL-1β and TNF-α were also suppressed by this compound. Further study showed that PA decreased the cytoplasmic loss of inhibitor κB-α (IκB-α) protein and inhibited the translocation of NF-κB from cytoplasm to nucleus. Taken together, the results suggest that PA may exert antiinflammatory effects in vitro in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of NF-κB signal pathway activation.

Transport stress in broilers. II. Superoxide production, adenosine phosphate concentrations, and mRNA levels of avian uncoupling protein, avian adenine nucleotide translocator, and avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha in skeletal muscles

The effect of transport stress on superoxide production and adenosine phosphate concentration in addition to avian uncoupling protein (avUCP), avian adenine nucleotide translocator, and avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha mRNA levels of skeletal muscles in broilers was investigated. Arbor Acres chicks (n = 360, 46 d old, males) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments: unstressed control, 45-min (short-term) transport with 45-min (short-term) recovery, 45-min transport with 3-h (long-term) recovery, 3-h (long-term) transport with 45-min recovery, and 3-h transport with 3-h recovery. Each treatment consisted of 6 replicates with 12 birds each. All birds (except control group) were transported according to a designed protocol. Transport time affected reactive oxygen species production in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and energy charge (EC) in both breast and thigh muscles (P < 0.05 for all 4 comparisons), ATP:adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ratio in the breast muscle (P < 0.05), and avUCP mRNA levels in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05). Long-term transport increased (P < 0.05) reactive oxygen species production, ATP content, ATP:ADP ratio, and EC in the thigh muscle, but it decreased ATP content, ATP:ADP ratio, and EC in the breast muscle. Long-term transport increased avUCP mRNA in the thigh muscle (P < 0.05). Long-term recovery increased the ATP (P < 0.05) and ADP (P < 0.05) concentrations, avian adenine nucleotide translocator mRNA (P < 0.05), and avian peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha mRNA (P < 0.05) in the thigh muscle, whereas EC decreased (P < 0.05) in the breast muscle. There were interactions between transport and recovery time on ATP (P < 0.05), EC (P < 0.05), and avUCP mRNA level (P < 0.05) in the thigh muscle. This study suggests that long-term transport accelerates muscle energy metabolism and lipid peroxidation. A long-term recovery may help alleviate cellular damage and maintain meat quality by reducing the rate of energy metabolism and scavenging of free radicals formed.

Effect of astragaloside IV on hepatic glucose-regulating enzymes in diabetic mice induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin

AIM

Hepatic glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) are important in control of blood glucose homeostasis, and are considered to be potential targets for antidiabetic drugs. Astragaloside IV has been reported to have a hypoglycemic effect. However, the biochemical mechanisms by which astragaloside IV regulates hepatic glucose-metabolizing enzymes remain unknown. The present study examines whether GP and G6Pase mediate the hypoglycemic effect of astragaloside IV.

METHODS

Type 2 diabetic mice were treated with astragaloside IV for 2 weeks. Blood glucose and insulin levels were measured by a glucometer and the ELISA method, respectively. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were determined using Labassay kits. Activities of hepatic GP and G6Pase were measured by the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-coupled reaction. The mRNA and protein levels of both enzymes were determined by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Astragaloside IV at 25 and 50 mg/kg significally decreased the blood glucose, TG and insulin levels, and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression as well as enzyme activity of GP and G6Pase in diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Astragaloside IV exhibited a hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic effect of this compound may be explained, in part, by its inhibition of hepatic GP and G6Pase activities.

Ellagitannin (BJA3121), an anti-proliferative natural polyphenol compound, can regulate the expression of MiRNAs in HepG2 cancer cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in cancers. A number of miRNA expression-profiling studies have been done to identify the miRNA signatures of cancers from different cellular origin. There is, however, relatively little information on how anticancer agents regulate miRNA expression. Ellagitannin (BJA3121), 1,3-Di-O-galloyl-4,6-(s)-HHDP-b-D-glucopyranose, is a new natural polyphenol compound isolated from Balanophora Japonica MAKINO. Our preliminary results have shown that BJA3121 had antiproliferative effect and modified the expression of different genes in human HepG(2) cancer cells. In this study, we further evaluate whether this antineoplastic compound is able to alter miRNA expression in HepG(2) cells. We demonstrated for the first time that BJA3121 can regulate the expression of 25 miRNAs, including 17 upregulated and 8 downregulated miRNAs in HepG(2) cells. Our results suggested that BJA3121-modifed miRNA expression can mediate, at least in part, the antiproliferative and multigene regulatory action induced by the compound on HepG(2) cancer cells.

[Effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides on production of cytokines by murine immunocytes and serum levels of cytokines in tumor-bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP) on the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) by murine immunocytes.

METHODS

The cell's metabolic activity was determined with methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetry assay and the amounts of TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-2 were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

FVP (200, 100, 50 microg/mL) could promote the metabolic activity of murine splenocytes and peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and increase the amounts of TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-2 in the supernatants of splenocyte cultures, and the amount of TNF-alpha in PEC cultures, with the most marked increase on TNF-alpha level. FVP (100, 50, 25 mg/kg) could raise the serum levels of TNF-alpha and INF-gamma in S180 tumor-bearing mice.

CONCLUSION

FVP may regulate murine immune function through promoting the production of TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-2.

[Immunomodulatory effects of Fomes fomentarius polysaccharides: an experimental study in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Fomes fomentarius polysaccharides (FFP) in mice.

METHODS

MTT assay was employed to evaluate the in vitro metabolic activity of the mouse splenocytes treated with FFP at different concentrations, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) from the cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The changes in the phagocytotic activity of mouse macrophage in response to FFP treatment were evaluated by phagocytosis percentage of chicken red blood cells (CRBCs). The effect of FFP on the humoral immunity was assessed in mice immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) by measuring the serum levels of specific antibody (hemolysin) against SRBCs.

RESULTS

FFP at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 microg/ml all significantly enhanced the metabolic activity of mouse splenocytes in vitro and increased the production of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-2. FFP treatment also markedly enhanced the metabolic activity of mouse peritoneal exudate cells and TNF-alpha production by the cells. At the doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, FFP significantly increased serum hemolysin level in mice immunized with SRBCs, and FFP at 50 and 100 mg/kg obviously increased the capacity of mouse peritoneal macrophages in vivo for CRBC phagocytosis.

CONCLUSION

FFP can promote the secretion of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-2 by mouse immunocytes and enhance mouse humoral immune response and the phagocytotic activity of the macrophages.

Effects of yeast culture in broiler diets on performance and immunomodulatory functions

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplemental yeast culture (Diamond V XP Yeast Culture; YC) in broiler diets on performance, digestibility, mucosal development, and immunomodulatory functions. One-day-old Arbor Acres chicks (n = 960) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments based on corn and soybean meal and containing 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g/kg of YC in the diet for 42 d. Each treatment consisted of 12 replicates of 20 broilers each. Nutrient digestibility was determined on d 15 and 35 by total fecal collection. On d 21 and 42, 12 birds per treatment were sacrificed to evaluate gut morphology and secretory IgA. Broilers were vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine by eye drop on d 7 and 28 and antibody titer was determined on d 14, 21, 35, and 42. Dietary supplemental YC at 2.5 g/kg improved average daily gain and feed conversion during grower and overall periods (P <or= 0.05). Yeast culture supplementation increased digestibility of Ca (linear and quadratic, P = 0.01) and P (linear, P = 0.01) on d 35, but did not affect (P > 0.05) protein retention and energy digestibility. Villus height to crypt depth ratios in the duodenum and jejunum (d 42) and ileum (d 21) were increased (P <or= 0.05) in broilers fed 2.5 g/kg of YC. Yeast culture increased antibody titers to Newcastle disease virus (linear, P <or= 0.05), serum lysozyme activity (linear and cubic, P <or= 0.05), and IgM (linear, P <or= 0.05) and secretary IgA concentrations in the duodenum (linear, P = 0.01). Results of this study indicate that dietary supplemental YC at 2.5 g/kg improved growth performance. Dietary YC affected immune functions, digestibility of Ca and P, and intestinal mucosal morphology of broilers. Growth performance was optimized at 2.5 g/kg of YC in the present study. Immune function could be modified with dietary YC supplementation.

13c-(2-Chloro-ethoxy)-1,13c-dihydro-2,3-epoxy-dibenzo[a,kl]xanthan-1-one

The title compound, C(22)H(15)ClO(4), containing three chiral C atoms, is an inter-mediate in the design of chiral alcohols. In the crystal structure, a chain structure is generated through C-H⋯O contacts and an intramolecular C-H⋯O interaction also occurs. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the naphthalene system is 16.5°.

[Isolation and characterization of the anti-HIV active component from Eucommia ulmoides]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-HIV effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, so as to provide experimental basis for searching a new efficacious drug for treatment of AIDS.

METHODS

Using phytochemistry to isolate compounds from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, the inhibitory activity of Samples on the HIV gp41 six-helix bundle formation was determined by a modified sandwich ELISA and PAGE.

RESULTS

The Samples from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver had potent inhibitory activity on the HIV gp41 six-helix bundle formation.

CONCLUSION

Eucommia uloides Oliver can inhibit HIV by targeting HIV gp41.

[Inhibitory effect of polysaccharides on the six-alpha-helix bundle formation of HIV gp41 protein]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the in vitro inhibitory effect of expolysaccharides from Streptomyces, polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran on six-alpha-helix bundle formation of HIV gp41 protein.

METHODS

The amount of six-alpha-helix bundle formed in the presence of N36 and C34 was tested by ELISA in response to treatments with different doses of polysaccharides.

RESULTS

Expolysaccharides from Streptomyces potentially inhibited six-alpha-helix bundle formation with the effective concentration (IC(50)) of 145.48-/+7.25 mg /L. Polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran showed no effect on the six-alpha-helix bundle formation.

CONCLUSION

Expolysaccharides from Streptomyces can inhibit the six-alpha-helix bundle formation of HIV gp41, whereas polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum and rice bran do not exhibit such activity.

Population dynamics and maturation cycle of Camallanus cotti (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in the Chinese hooksnout carp Opsariichthys bidens (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae) from a reservoir in China

The seasonal population dynamics and maturation cycle of the nematode Camallanus cotti in the posterior intestine of Chinese hooksnout carp Opsariichthys bidens have been studied in the Danjiangkou Reservoir of the Hubei Province in central China from September 2004 to November 2005. The overall prevalence, mean abundance and intensity of C. cotti among fish sampled (n=700 fish) were 47%, 2.29+/-12.38 (+/-S.D.) and 1-307 (average 4.89+/-17.74), respectively. The overall sexual ratio of female to male nematodes (excluding L3 and L4 juveniles) was 1.17:1. Statistical results showed weakly positive correlations between fish length and the number of nematodes per host. The dynamics of infection of the nematode exhibited significant seasonal pattern in changes in mean abundance. A similar pattern was found for changes in nematode prevalence, although this was not statistically significant. Higher levels of infection were observed among fish sampled in summer months and the lower in the winter. Neither the prevalence nor the abundance of the parasite was significantly different between male and female hosts. The pattern of frequency distribution of the parasite in the host was found to be over-dispersed throughout the sampling period. In addition, studies on the development and maturation of the parasite in O. bidens revealed that development (maturation), recruitment of the next generation, and reproduction may be continuous year-round, although reproduction may peak during the winter.

[Saponin from Tupistra chinensis Baker inhibits mouse sarcoma S-180 cell proliferation in vitro and implanted solid tumor growth in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the antitumor effect of saponin extracted from Tupistra chinensis Baker (STCB) against mouse sarcoma S-180 cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and explore the primary mechanism of this effect.

METHODS

Cytotoxic effect of STCB on S-180 cells in vitro was evaluated by MTT colorimetry, and its effect against in vitro tumor growth was tested in Kunmin mice bearing S-180 implanted tumor. The morphological and ultrastructural changes of S-180 cells after saponin treatment in vitro were examined with light and transmission electron microscope. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the cell cycle and apoptosis of S180 cells treated with different concentrations of STCB with propidium iodide staining.

RESULTS

STCB could markedly inhibit S-180 cell proliferation in vitro with 50% inhibitory concentration of 34.64 microg/ml. STCB given by intragastric administration also significantly inhibited the growth of S-180 solid tumor, and the inhibition rate exceeded 30% at the dose of 0.5 g/kg, reaching 54.86% at 2 g/kg. Electron microscopy and flow cytometry revealed increased S180 tumor cell apoptotic rate with the increment of saponin concentration, along with increased percentage of cells in S phase and decreased cells in G(2)/M phase in response to 10 or 30 microg/ml STCB treatment. At the concentration of 60 microg/ml, however, STCB resulted in an opposite effect on the cell cycles, presumably due to its interference with mitosis at high concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

STCB inhibits the growth of S-180 cells both in vivo and in vitro possibly by inducing cell apoptosis and interfering with the cell cycle progression of the tumor cells.

[Diclofenac suppresses hepatoma cell proliferation and promotes cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitor diclofenac on the proliferation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression of cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2, Hep3B and human hepatocellular cell line QSG-7701.

METHODS

After exposure to diclofenac at various concentrations (10-200 micromol/L) for 24, 48 and 72 h, the cell proliferation was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and mRNA expression determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Diclofenac exposure for 24, 48 and 72 h significantly inhibited HepG2 and Hep3B cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, with inhibition rate of 40.47% and 54.49% after 48 h exposure to 50 micromol/L diclofenac and IC50 of 70.54 and 48.39 micromol/L, respectively. A much weaker antiproliferative effect on QSG-7701 cells was shown, with IC50 of 189.91 micromol/L after 48-hour exposure to diclofenac. RT-PCR detected COX-2 mRNA in HepG2 and Hep3B cells, but hardly in QSG-7701 cells. Treatment with diclofenac or 5-Fu resulted in elevated COX-2 mRNA expression both in HepG2 and Hep3B cells.

CONCLUSION

Diclofenac can specifically inhibit the proliferation of COX-2-expressing HepG2 and Hep3B cells, and induce up-regulation of COX-2 mRNA expression, which indicates the important role of COX-2 in the proliferation of hepatoma cells.

[Purification of a small peptide SV-PP-3 from the venom of Agkistrodon blomhoffii siniticus and its inhibition of platelet aggregation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of the small peptide SV-PP-3 from the venom of Agkistrodon blomhoffii siniticus on platelet aggregation.

METHODS

The small peptide SV-PP-3 was isolated and purified by centrifugation at low temperature, sephadex G-75 column chromatography and reverse-phase (HPLC) on C-18 column. The platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was measured by LBY-NJ aggregometer.

RESULTS

SV-PP-3 was purified from the venom of Agkistrodon blomhoffii siniticus, which inhibited the platelet ADP-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

SV-PP-3 can inhibit ADP-Induced platelet aggregation.

[Isolation and structural analysis of a new polysaccharid, Streptomyces polysaccharide]

OBJECTIVE

To isolate and purify a new polysaccharid Streptomyces polysaccharid polysaccharide (SMP ), from cultured broth of a Streptomyces sp.strain and perform its structural analysis.

METHODS

Ethanol was used to precipitate the polysaccharides and macromolecules from the broth. The proteins in the precipitate were removed by Sevage method and purification of SMP was carried out by DEAE-celluloseion-exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-25 gel filtration. The chemical structure of the SMP was determined by combined application of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV, IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, supplemented by periodate oxidation and Smith degradation.

RESULTS

The purified SMP was neutral by a relative molecular mass of approximately 4 855. Sugar analysis showed that SMP contained glucose and fructose residues in an approximate molar ratio of 22:1 (10.96 to 0.48). The glycosidic linkages were estimated to be (1-6)- alpha-D- pyranoside form.

CONCLUSION

SMP is characterized as a (1-6)- alpha-D- pyranose.

Numerical study of nonlinear pulsatile flow in S-shaped curved arteries

The nonlinear pulsatile blood flow in S-shaped curved arteries was studied with finite element method. Numerical simulations for flows in two models of S-shaped curved arteries with different diameters and under the same boundary conditions were performed. The temporal and spatial distributions of hemodynamic variables during the cardiac cycle such as velocity field, secondary flow, pressure, and wall shear stresses in the arteries were analyzed. Results of numerical simulations showed that the secondary flow in the larger S-shaped curved artery is more complex than that in the smaller one; stronger eddy flow occurred in the inner bends of curved arteries; pressure and wall shear stresses changed violently in the curved arteries, especially in the larger model. These hemodynamic variables in curved arteries will cause important effects on the function of arterial endothelium in the region. For instance, they may lead to the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and the thickening of the intima, and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis may develop in such regions. Due to having the special blood flow characteristics in the S-shaped arteries, it is worthwhile to study flow in this kind of curved artery. The comprehensive theoretical foundation showed in the present study can be extended to approach problems of nonlinear pulsatile flow in curved arteries with more complex geometrical shape.

Antisense Sp1 oligodeoxynucleotide decreases telomerase activity by inhibiting hTERT mRNA expression in Jurkat T cells

AIM

To study the effects of transcriptional factor Sp1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) on telomerase activity and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression.

METHODS

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) was designed to inhibit Sp1 expression and transferred to Jurkat T cells by lipofectamin. Telomerase PCR-ELISA was used to detect telomerase activity. RT-PCR analysis was used to assess the mRNA expression of Sp1 and hTERT, and Western blot was used to analyze the levels of Sp1 protein.

RESULTS

Treatment of Jurkat T cells with Sp1 antisense ODN (1 micromol/L) dramatically reduced Sp1 mRNA and protein levels. The inhibition rate was 44.8 % (P <0.05) and 57 % (P <0.01), respectively. Following the transcriptional factor Sp1 functionally altering, hTERT mRNA expression were suppressed with a 43.7 % inhibition rate (P <0.01). A dose-dependent inhibition of telomerase activity by antisense Sp1 ODN was also discovered. From 0.25 to 2.0 micromol/L, telomerase activity was reduced from 27.1 % to 64.6 %.

CONCLUSION

Antisense Sp1 ODN decreases telomerase activity by inhibiting hTERT mRNA expression in Jurkat T cells.

Effect of E1B mutant adenovirus on p53-deficient leukemic cells

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of E1B mutant adenovirus (dl1520) on 3 p53-deficient leukemic cell lines K562, Jurkat and HL-60. METHODS: The replication efficiency of dl1520 in the 3 leukemic cell lines was assessed by plaque assay, and the number of cells killed by the adenovirus determined by using trypan-blue in a course of 10 d following the infection. RESULTS: The replication efficiency of dl1520 in the 3 leukemic cell lines was significantly lower than that in the positive control, and no significant cytocidal effect against the 3 cell lines was observed. CONCLUSION: dl1520 can not inhibit the malignant blood cells as K562, Jurkat and HL-60 cell lines.