Effect of paternal aging and vitrification on mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length of mouse blastocysts

In this study, we examined the effects of paternal aging on the mitochondrial DNA copy number (mt-cn), telomere length (TL), and gene expression in mouse embryos. The effects of vitrification on the mt-cn and TL of the embryos derived from young and aged male parents (YF and AF, respectively) were examined. C57BL/6N male mice were used for embryo production at 13-23 and 50-55 weeks of age. Two-cell stage embryos were collected from the oviducts of superovulated female mice (8-15 weeks old) and cultured for 24 h until the 8-cell stage, followed by embryo vitrification. Fresh and vitrified-warmed embryos were incubated for 2 days until the blastocyst stage, and mt-cn and TL were investigated. The cell-free mitochondrial DNA copy number (cf-mt-cn) in the spent culture medium (SCM) of the embryos was then investigated. RNA sequencing of blastocysts revealed that metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and mTOR pathways, were enriched in differentially expressed genes. The mt-cn and TL of AF-derived blastocysts were lower and shorter, respectively, than those of YF-derived blastocysts. Paternal aging did not affect the blastocyst rate after vitrification. Vitrification of the 8-cell stage embryos did not affect the mt-cn of the blastocysts. However, it increased the cf-mt-cn (cell-free mt-cn) in the SCM of both YF- and AF-derived embryos. Vitrification did not affect the TL of either YF- or AF-derived embryos. Thus, paternal aging affected the mt-cn and TL of the embryos, but vitrification did not affect these parameters in either age groups.

Genetic structure and origin of emu populations in Japanese farms inferred from large-scale SNP genotyping based on double-digest RAD-seq

The emu is a novel poultry species in Japan. However, Japanese farmed emu populations have reduced genetic diversity owing to inbreeding. We have previously suggested that there are genetic resources in the Tohoku Safari Park (TSP) and Fuji/Kakegawa Kachoen Garden Park (FGP/KGP) to extend the genetic diversity of commercial emu farms based on microsatellite (SSR) and mitochondrial DNA. However, those markers provide relatively poor information. Thus, we investigated the genetic structure of farmed Japanese populations based on a large-scale genotyping system using RAD-seq and verified the usefulness of TSP and FGP/KGP as genetic resources for expanding genetic diversity. Admixture, phylogenetic, and principal component analyses based on 28,676 SNPs showed that TSP individuals were ancestors in the Okhotsk Emu Farm (OEF). FGP/KGP individuals showed a unique genetic component that differed from that of the others. We have previously reported that the mitochondrial haplotypes of FGP/KGP were shared with an isolated wild population in eastern Australia. These results suggest that FGP/KGP individuals originated from an eastern Australia isolated population different from other populations including ancestral of OEF/TSP. Our results would provide information for the development of Japanese emu farms and industry and for the conservation of genetic resources in the Australian wild emu.

Genomic traces of Japanese malting barley breeding in two modern high-quality cultivars, 'Sukai Golden' and 'Sachiho Golden'

Two modern high-quality Japanese malting barley cultivars, 'Sukai Golden' and 'Sachiho Golden', were subjected to RNA-sequencing of transcripts extracted from 20-day-old immature seeds. Despite their close relation, 2,419 Sukai Golden-specific and 3,058 Sachiho Golden-specific SNPs were detected in comparison to the genome sequences of two reference cultivars: 'Morex' and 'Haruna Nijo'. Two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) clusters respectively showing the incorporation of (1) the barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV) resistance gene rym5 from six-row non-malting Chinese landrace Mokusekko 3 on the long arm of 3H, and (2) the anthocyanin-less ant2 gene from a two-row Dutch cultivar on the long arm of 2H were detected specifically in 'Sukai Golden'. Using 221 recombinant inbred lines of a cross between 'Ishukushirazu' and 'Nishinochikara', another BaYMV resistance rym3 gene derived from six-row non-malting Japanese cultivar 'Haganemugi' was mapped to a 0.4-cM interval on the proximal region of 5H. Haplotype analysis of progenitor accessions of the two modern malting cultivars revealed that rym3 of 'Haganemugi' was independently introduced into 'Sukai Golden' and 'Sachiho Golden'. Residual chromosome 5H segments of 'Haganemugi' surrounding rym3 were larger in 'Sukai Golden'. Available results suggest possibilities for malting quality improvement by minimizing residual segments surrounding rym3.

Effect of a low ethanol concentration during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and subsequent embryo development

The present study investigated the effects of low ethanol exposure on bovine oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated for the antral follicles of slaughterhouse-derived ovaries. These COCs were incubated in maturation medium containing 0, 0.1, and 0.2% ethanol for 21 h and subjected to fertilization and in vitro development, and then the rates of nuclear maturation, mitochondrial DNA copy number (Mt-cn) and protein (TOMM40), ATP content and lipid content in oocyte, fertilization, and blastulation were examined. Furthermore, COCs were incubated with 0 or 0.1% ethanol and then mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the glucose consumption of COCs was determined. In addition, gene expression in oocytes was examined by RNA sequencing. Ethanol (0.1 and 0.2%) increased Mt-cn and Mt-protein levels whereas 0.2% ethanol increased the blastulation rate and ATP content in oocytes and decreased lipid content in oocytes. Ethanol (0.1%) increased MMP in oocytes and decreased glucose consumption of COCs. Eight stage embryos derived from 0.1% ethanol treated oocytes had higher levels of trimethyl-H3K9 compared with that of nontreated counterpart. RNA sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were associated with glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, carbon metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation pathways. In conclusion, even 0.1% concentrations of ethanol during in vitro maturation considerably affects oocyte metabolism and histone configuration of embryos.

Carcass traits and fat quality of breeding emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in northern Japan

Characterization of carcass traits and fat quality is important to effectively produce and genetically improve emus. We investigated carcass traits in 309 emus. The meat production of female emus showed a significantly higher value than that of males (P < 0.01). The fat weight of male (9.232 ± 3.156 kg) was larger than that of the female (7.772 ± 2.697 kg). The fat yield (fat weight per kg of body weight) was strongly correlated to body weight (r = 0.79 and r = 0.75 in male and female, respectively). The fat melting points of females and males were 19.19 ± 3.39°C and 19.39 ± 3.39°C, respectively, without significant difference. Since the fat melting point did not correlate to body and fat weights, we predicted that it was an independent trait from body growth and was highly influenced by genetic elements. Percentages of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids were 22.27 ± 3.50%, 9.37 ± 1.90%, 54.11 ± 5.17%, 13.54 ± 7.80% and 0.71 ± 0.59%, respectively. Among them, linoleic acid contents showed a wide individual difference (range 0.3–19.9%). The oleic/stearic acid ratio showed a negative correlation to the fat melting point. These results suggest that the fat melting point is a good indicator of C18:1/C18:0 ratio in emu fat.

Genetic relationships among emu populations in Japanese farms based on mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA polymorphisms

Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are expected to become a novel poultry species for producing eggs, meat, and oil. In our previous studies, Japanese emu populations were predicted to have reduced genetic diversity through inbreeding. For a sustainable emu industry in Japan, it is necessary to understand the current genetic structure and relationships in dispersed farms. In this study, we investigated the genetic structure and relationships of six Japanese emu farms based on mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite polymorphisms. We analyzed the DNA sequences of the mitochondrial D-loop region in 157 individuals and detected four haplotypes with four nucleotide substitution sites (Hap-a, Hap-b, Hap-c, and Hap-d). Analysis of molecular variance revealed that 43.6% of total variance was "among population," and the F_ST value was 0.436 with significant genetic differentiation (P < 0.001). In microsatellite analysis, the expected (H_E ) and observed (H_O ) heterozygosities were 0.53-0.64 and 0.44-0.59, respectively. Phylogenetic trees and STRUCTURE analysis revealed that the six Japanese farmed emu populations could be divided into four genetically differentiated groups. Therefore, we identified genetic resources that may be useful in extending the genetic diversity of Japanese farms and are predicted to contribute to the conservation and reconstruction of populations.

Development of 49 novel microsatellite markers from Next-generation sequencing data and a robust method for parentage tests in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

The emu is a useful and new breed of poultry, but their genetic improvement has not advanced yet due to their very recent domestication. Pedigree information is difficult to record because of their complex reproduction system (polyandry). To identify parent-offspring relationships in the emu, parentage test based on polymorphic DNA markers have to be developed. In this study, we isolated more than 25,000 microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) regions from Next-generation sequencing data via the QDD pipeline and developed 49 SSR markers with polymorphism in the Japanese farmed emu. The dinucleotide motifs, (AC)_n, (AT)_n and (AG)_n, were the most frequently detected and were found on 10,167 (38.55%), 8,114 (30.76%) and 4,796 (18.18%) contigs, respectively. Forty-nine novel SSR markers were characterized in 20 individuals and showed N_A ranged from 2 to 12, with an average of 4.2. H_E/H_O ranged from 0.389/0.071 to 0.702/1.000 with an average of 0.601/0.515. PIC value ranged from 0.059 to 0.886 with an average of 0.528, and 17 of 49 markers showed a higher polymorphism than 0.500. Thirty-four individuals were genotyped using 12 markers, and CERVUS simulations based on genotype showed that parents of all offspring were identified with 0.9995-1.0 probability. Thus, 49 novel SSR markers and a robust method for parentage test for the Japanese emu were developed.

Mitochondrial DNA variations in Japanese farmed emu populations

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a new poultry. In this study, we investigated the haplotype composition of mitochondrial DNA among emu populations farmed in Japan. We sequenced the D-loop region in 109 individuals, and detected four substitution sites and three haplotypes (Hap-a, -b, and -c). Hap-a was the most frequently observed haplotype in the Japanese populations. Although Hap-c was a rare haplotype in not only Japanese but also Australian populations, it was detected with high frequency in the Japanese farmed population. The AMOVA indicated that 9% of total variance was “among population”. The F_ST value was 0.087 and genetic differentiation was significant (P<0.01). These results may contribute to conserving the genetic resources available for the Japanese emu industry.

Development and characterization of ten novel microsatellite loci for the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and genetic diversity of Japanese farm populations

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a useful poultry animal farmed for fat, meat, and eggs. Genetic structure and relationships among farmed emu populations in Japan are unknown and the number of microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of the emu is insufficient. In this study, we isolated 16 microsatellites from the emu genome and developed ten new microsatellite markers. These microsatellite markers were used to characterize three farm emu populations in Japan. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 13 and the expected (H_E) and observed heterozygosity (H_O) of these microsatellite loci was 0.187-0.802 and 0.179-0.647, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.176 to 0.786. Positive inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) values were detected in all tested populations, and they ranged from 0.027 to 0.540. These results suggest that farm populations of the emu in Japan resulted from inbreeding. The fixation index (F_ST) values ranged from 0.026 to 0.061, and phylogenetic trees and population structure analysis confirmed no definitive genetic differentiation among the three populations. Therefore, these populations are at a relatively low level of genetic differentiation at present. The microsatellite markers developed in our study can be utilized for genetic analysis and preservation of genetic resources in the emu.

A simplified protocol for molecular sexing in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

Male and female emus are nearly identical both as chicks and as adults. Although morphological differences of the internal genital tract can be used to distinguish the sexes, a high degree of diagnostic skill is required for accurate sexing. DNA-based sexing methods are highly accurate and can be used to diagnose sex without requiring a high degree of technical skill. However, conventional PCR-RFLP is time consuming and costly, requiring the digestion of PCR products. In this study, we simplified the protocol for sexing the emu by using multiplex PCR without restriction enzyme treatment. Multiplex PCR based on a W-specific primer, with the commonly designed primer set on both Z and W chromosomes, amplified both 197-bp and 272-bp bands in the female, and only the 272-bp band in the male. Sexing results obtained in this way were completely concordant with results obtained using the conventional PCR-RFLP method. Thus, we succeeded in simplifying the protocol for sexing the emu, and suggest that our protocol improves production efficiency by facilitating rapid pairing and selection of individuals to establish high-quality pedigrees.

[Risk factors of recurrence in resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer]

We reviewed risk factors of recurrence in resected pathological stage I non-small cell lung cancer (I NSCLC). Objective is 229 complete resected I NSCLC in our department. Risk factors of recurrence were carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), histology, differentiation, lymphatic invasion, blood vessel invasion, pleural invasion and tumor size. By univariate analysis, lymphatic invasion (p=0.009), blood vessel invasion (p=0.008), pleural invasion, p1 (p=0.013), p2 (p=0.001), and tumor size (value of cut off was 2 cm) were significant risk factors of recurrence. By multivariate analysis, blood vessel invasion (p=0.004), pleural invasion (p1 or p2) [p=0.001], were significantly risk factors of recurrence. It was suggested that I NSCLC presenting pathological blood vessel invasion and/or pleural invasion should be recognized as cases with a high risk of recurrence, and a strict follow-up and adjuvant therapy should be in consideration.

[Less invasive surgery for the small size peripheral lung cancer: an indication and a review of VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy]

According to increment of detection of the "small" size peripheral lung cancer measuring less than 20 mm in the greatest dimension, the "less" invasive VATS lobectomy has became widespread among the general thoracic surgeon. To decide on the indication of VATS lobectomy, the frequency of nodal metastasis and recurrence were examined in relation to size of the tumor. The diagnostic accuracy of nodal status in clinical and pathological examinations was 88% in the group with tumors less than 20 mm, 79% in the 21 to 30 mm group and 63% in the c-T2 group, respectively. Also, recurrencies were experienced more frequently in c-T2 (44%) than in c-T1 (19%). In our department, the VATS lobectomy was introduced under the condition as follows; the clinical stage should be limited to T1N0M0. Intraoperative histological examination of the locoregional lymph nodes is required to avoid the risk of local recurrence. In these limited conditions, the survival rate of VATS lobectomy is slightly superior to that of the standard thoracotomy in a same clinical stage. In the future, the application of this procedure should be investigated in older patients, and in more advanced cases.

[Levofloxacin concentrations in serum, sputum and lung tissue: evaluation of its efficacy according to breakpoint]

The levels of levofloxacin (LVFX) in the serum, sputum and lung tissue were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography method, and the penetration ratio of LVFX into respiratory tissue was investigated. The subjects of this study were 23 patients under pulmonectomy or brochoscopy. LVFX at the dose of 200 mg was given orally and specimens were collected as follows; serum at 2, 3 and 5 hours after, sputum at 2 hours after, and lung tissue at 3 and 5 hours after the administration, respectively. The mean level of LVFX in lung tissue at 3 hours was 3.91 +/- 2.33 micrograms/g, and those in sputum and in serum at 2 hours were 0.71 +/- 0.63 and 2.08 +/- 1.01 micrograms/ml, respectively. A very strong correlation was demonstrated between the level of LVFX in lung tissue and that in serum (p < 0.0001), but correlation between those in sputum and in serum was not significant. The penetration ratio of LVFX into lung tissue was 217.2% and that into sputum was 4.05%. Based on the results of this study, the breakpoints (BPs) of LVFX for pneumonia and chronic respiratory tract infections were calculated to be 4 micrograms/ml and 1 microgram/ml, respectively. It was concluded that penetration of LVFX into lung tissue was satisfactory, and the tissue level of LVFX exceeded greatly the MIC90s against the typical pathogenic bacteria of respiratory tract infections. Taking the excellent BP for pneumonia, 4 micrograms/ml, into consideration, it was thought that LVFX is an effective antibacterial agent against pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections.

Bradycardia induced by irinotecan: a case report

Irinotecan chloride (CPT-11) is a new semi-synthetic camptothecin analogue which has encouraging antitumor activity against various malignancies. The major and unique toxicity of CPT-11 is diarrhea. Cardiovascular toxicity is rare and has not been found in clinical trials performed in Japan except for a very few cases of insignificant tachycardiac arrhythmia. We report a case of a 69-year-old man with recurrent colon cancer who suffered from bradycardia induced by infusion of CPT-11. Other toxicities including hematological toxicity and diarrhea were mild. Pharmacokinetic analysis using a limited sampling model revealed that the occurrence of bradycardia did not correlate with the excess of drug exposure. Although all of the cholinergic actions reported in the literature were mild, cardiotoxicity may come to be a clinically significant problem. If the events were examined more thoroughly, the cholinergic effect may be discovered more frequently. To administer CPT-11 safely needs meticulous monitoring not only for hematological toxicity and diarrhea but also for other cholinergic actions including bradycardia.

The influence of relative body weight on toxicity of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine whether there was any relationship between the adverse toxicity of combination chemotherapy and clinical values including age, sex, creatinine clearance (Ccr), body surface area and relative body weight.

METHODS

Cisplatin at a dose of 80 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide at a dose of 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 2 and 3 were given to 42 consecutive patients with solid tumors. All patients had normal major organ function and received uniform hydration therapy.

RESULTS

Body Mass Index as a measure of relative body weight was inversely correlated with the percentage decrease in white blood cells (P = 0.0681) and platelet count (P = 0.0115). Body surface area was also inversely correlated with leukopenia (P = 0.0171) and thrombocytopenia (P = 0.0058). In contrast, age, sex and Ccr had no significant relationship with adverse toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that dose adjustment of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide according to age or ideal body weight is not appropriate and that a conventional dose modification method based solely on body surface area is probably not sufficient to reduce interpatient variability of cancer chemotherapy. A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of combination chemotherapy is warranted to establish the ideal dose modification method.

[Endoscopic surgery of airway lesions by Nd-YAG laser treatment]

Between April 1980 and November 1990, we treated 212 cases of airway lesion using an Nd-YAG laser via the fiberoptic bronchoscope. The Nd-YAG laser power output was usually 40 W (20-60 W) delivered in 2 sec. shots. The cases consisted of 98 primary lung cancer, 12 primary tracheal cancer, 53 metastatic airway lesion, 7 benign tumor, and 42 cicatricial and granulomatous lesions. The therapeutic effects of Nd-YAG laser treatment were evaluated based on alleviation of dyspnea, widening of airway, and curative vaporization for therapeutic purposes. Effectiveness was observed in 180 of a total of 212 cases (84.9%). Out of 75 emergency cases in which a lifesaving procedure was performed to widen the airway, effective results were obtained in 70 (93.3%) with dramatic improvement in condition. It was also effective in 90 of 109 cases (82.6%) in which the procedure was performed for staged (palliative) widening of airway. In 55 cases of advanced lung cancer (Stage III or IV, mainly non-small cell cancer) in which palliative widening procedure was performed, one year survival was 44%. In 13 of 18 cases (72.2%) in which the procedure was performed for curative vaporization of invasive cancer, successful results were obtained. In 7 cases of benign tumor in which vaporization was performed as a radical curative procedure, no recurrence was observed in any cases. In 53 cases of metastatic airway lesion, effective results were obtained 48 (90.6%). The primary lesions of these cases consisted of 14 cases of esophageal cancer, 9 cases of lung cancer, 7 cases of colo-rectal cancer, 7 cases of thyroid cancer, and 16 others.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Clinical studies on reconstruction procedure of total layer chest wall resection]

The results of clinical studies on 16 reconstruction procedure after total layer chest wall resection in 14 cases of malignant tumor of the chest wall were reported. The 14 cases consisted of two cases with recurrent primary chest wall tumor, two cases of primary breast cancer, seven cases of recurrent breast cancer, and others. The reconstruction procedure after total layer chest wall resection was conducted using only various myocutaneous flaps (eight cases using latissimus dorsi of the resected side, three cases using the abdominitis of the resected side, three cases using latissimus dorsi of the non-resected side, and two cases using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap of the non-resected side). reconstruction only using a myocutaneous flap proved to be satisfactory for preventing early stage postoperative respiratory distress and maintaining the stability of the chest wall and respiratory function during prolonged observation. Namely, use of myocutaneous flap is the best approach of reconstruction the chest wall after total layer chest wall resection. We confirmed that reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous free flap of the non-resected side with microvascular anastomosis of thoracodorsal vessels was useful for posterior chest wall tumors invading the latissimus dorsi muscle. Also, our results demonstrated the insertion of an omental flap under the myocutaneous flap was useful for cases with secondary chest wall infection or vascular damage caused by preoperative high dose irradiation.

[A case report of mediastinal malignant lymphoma with long survival following combination chemotherapy using adriamycin, vincristine and cyclophosphamide]

Mediastinal B-cell malignant lymphoma of a 22-year-old female was successfully treated by combination chemotherapy including Adriamycin, Vincristine and Cyclophosphamide. She suffered from dyspnea and axillary tumor in September 1984. Roentgenological examination revealed a large anterior mediastinal tumor. Biopsy of the axillary tumor yielded a diagnosis of metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma from thymus by hematoxylin and eosin. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy including CDDP and ACNU resulted in a symptom-free period of only 2 months. Superior vena cava syndrome and massive pleural effusion recurred. Salvage chemotherapy including Adriamycin, Vincristine and Cyclophosphamide resulted in rapid therapeutic effect. Six courses of chemotherapy were administered, and she is alive and well 4 years after the first salvage chemotherapy. A definitive diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma was made after review of biopsy specimens using immunohistochemical procedures. To select adequate treatment for mediastinal malignant lymphoma, reliable diagnostic procedures including immunohistochemistry are needed. Intensive chemotherapy with appropriate drugs may obtain good response even in advanced cases, such as this.

Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of ras-p21 expression in lung carcinomas

Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses were performed on 49 cases of surgically resected primary lung carcinoma to examine the expression of ras oncogene product using monoclonal antibodies to ras-p21. Two different monoclonal antibodies, NCC-RAS-001 and RAP-5 were used for immunohistochemical study. Cancer cells of 16 cases (33%) and 15 cases (31%) were strongly positive for NCC-RAS-001 and RAP-5, respectively. The staining pattern of antibodies was heterogenous among cancer cells, even in the same case. Among various histologic type of lung cancers, squamous cell carcinomas and well-differentiated adenocarcinomas had a tendency to react more intensively than other histologic types of carcinoma. Immunoblot analysis using monoclonal antibody NCC-RAS-004 revealed the presence of ras-p21 not only in cancer tissues but also in non-cancerous tissues in all cases analysed. In 13 cases (27%), cancer tissue expressed more than twice as much ras-p21 as non-cancerous tissues. Our study showed that the over-expression of ras-p21 in lung carcinomas compared with non-cancerous tissues was a relatively common phenomenon, especially in squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.