Organs Of Animals Research Articles

Baseline Raman Spectral Fingerprints of Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae

As a highly sensitive vibrational technique, Raman spectroscopy (RS) can provide valuable chemical and molecular data useful to characterise animal cell types, tissues and organs. As a label-free, rapid detection method, RS has been considered a valuable asset in forensics, biology and medicine. The technique has been applied to zebrafish for various purposes, including physiological, biochemical or bioaccumulation analyses. The available data point out its potential for the early diagnosis of detrimental effects elicited by toxicant exposure. Nevertheless, no baseline spectra are available for zebrafish embryos and larvae that could allow for suitable planning of toxicological assessments, comparison with toxicant-elicited spectra or mechanistic understanding of biochemical and physiological responses to the exposures. With this in mind, this work carried out a baseline characterisation of Raman spectra of zebrafish embryos and larvae throughout early development. Raman spectra were recorded from the iris, forebrain, melanocytes, heart, muscle and swim bladder between 24 and 168 h post-fertilisation. A chemometrics approach, based on partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), was used to obtain a Raman characterisation of each tissue or organ. In total, 117 Raman bands were identified, of which 24 were well represented and, thus, retained in the data analysed. Only three bands were found to be common to all organs and tissues. The PLS-DA provided a tentative Raman spectral fingerprint typical of each tissue or organ, reflecting the ongoing developmental dynamics. The bands showed frequencies previously assigned to collagen, cholesterol, various essential amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids.

Mitochondrial donation as a mechanism of participation by mesenchymal stromal cells in regenerative processes

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are universal regulators of regenerative processes due to their ability to secrete regulatory molecules or replace dead cells through differentiation in the appropriate direction. Recently, another mechanism for the beneficial effects of MSCs on damaged tissue has been discovered, such as the transfer of mitochondria into its cells in response to stress signals. MSCs can transfer mitochondria through tunneling nanotubes that form a communication bridge between cells, through gap junctions, by release as part of extracellular vesicles or in free form, and as a result of complete or partial fusion with recipient cells. In damaged cells that received mitochondria from MSCs, impaired energy metabolism is restored and oxidative stress is reduced, which is accompanied by increased survival, and in some cases also increased proliferation or a change in differentiation status. The restoration of energy after the transfer of mitochondria from MSCs has a beneficial effect on the functional activity of recipient cells and suppresses inflammatory reactions. A significant contribution of the MSC mitochondrial donation to the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs has been repeatedly demonstrated in models of damage to various organs in experimental animals. This stimulates the search for methods to enhance the process of mitochondrial donation. However, it should be taken into account that MSCs are able to transfer mitochondria to malignant cells as well, thereby stimulating tumor growth and increasing its resistance to chemotherapy. These data make it necessary to evaluate the prospects for the use of MSCs in cell therapy with caution. On the other hand, they can serve as a basis for the search for new therapeutic targets in the treatment of oncological diseases.

Human role in the concept of «Computational Leviathan»

Computational sociology is a subfield of social philosophy that views social relations in the context of comparing them to a computer. «Computational Leviathan» is a concept of computational sociology that draws an analogy between society and social relations and a set of organs of a giant animal in constant interaction. The interaction consists of information exchange, production and consumption of resources, and other mutually beneficial processes. Like organs in an organism, the components of the “computational Leviathan” cannot do without each other, being in mutual dependence. The cessation or disruption of one of the components immediately affects the activity of the others, which, in turn, leads to fundamental changes in the functioning of the “Leviathan” or to death, i.e. to the end of human civilization. The purpose of this article is to reveal the role of the individual in the concept of “computational Leviathan.” Research methods: theoretical: information analysis, synthesis of judgments and observations, analogy; modeling; empirical: comparison, cross-sectional study, text analysis, method of expert evaluations. Sources of research: literature, observation, experience, logical reasoning. Scientific novelty: the role of an individual in the concept of “computational Leviathan” has been clarified.

Chronic heat stress upregulates pyruvate metabolic process and gluconeogenesis but downregulates immune responses in Sahiwal cattle.

Climate change and growing population and their strain on animal production are the impending challenges that the developing countries, like India, need to tackle in the coming days. This study aimed to detect and analyze the uncharacterized variation in the gene expression patterns with the change of condition, from thermoneutral to chronic hot-humid, in the Sahiwal cattle, one of the best breeds of milk-producing cattle in India, known for being heat-tolerant. Using RNA-Seq analysis on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), 4021 differentially expressed mRNAs (2772 upregulated, 1249 downregulated) and 1303 differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (769 upregulated, 534 downregulated) were identified, with the thresholds of false discovery rate < 0.05 and|log2(fold change)| > 2. Significantly (p-adjusted < 0.05) overrepresented Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathways were analyzed, revealing upregulation of processes like pyruvate metabolic process, gluconeogenesis, ion transmembrane transport, neuropeptide signaling pathway, and animal organ development, with genes like SHH, GRK1, CHRM3, CAMK2A, and HSPB7 were upregulated, while translation and immune responses, with genes like RPS3, EEF1A1, TNF, BoLA-DRB3, and UBB were downregulated. Analysis of cis-mRNAs of DE-lncRNAs showed presence of both up- and down-regulated cis-mRNAs for both up- and down-regulated lncRNAs indicating existence of positive and negative regulation of mRNA expression by lncRNAs. Managemental nudges that decrease metabolic heat generation, like betaine and chromium supplementation, and increase heat dissipation, like microenvironment cooling, should be utilized. This study highlights the role of pyruvate metabolism and gluconeogenesis in coping up with heat stress and offers an improved understanding of the heat stress response of Sahiwal cattle along with the genes and pathways responsible for it.

Alterations in tissue content of iron and zinc in mice bearing hepatoma 22a and their correction by zinc sulphate supplementation

It is known that many tumors induce iron and zinc deficiency in the organism. We studied the content of these metals, as well as the specific activity of two antioxidant metal-dependent enzymes – catalase and superoxide dismutase of three distal organs (thymus, liver and spleen) in animals bearing transplantable hepatoma 22a. These alterations were compared to weight changes of organs. On day 21 of tumor growth, as compared to control group, nonheme iron content in all three organs was decreased, and zinc content – only in the thymus. The specific activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were both increased in the thymus, while in the liver activity of superoxide dismutase decreased. At the same time point thymic involution and splenomegaly were developed. In order to normalize metal content mice bearing hepatoma 22a were supplemented with 22 mkg of zinc sulphate per ml of drinking water during 3 weeks. Zinc sulphate supplementation partly compensated zinc deficiency in the thymus, increased zinc content in the liver and restored iron content in three organs. It also normalized superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and had no influence on enzymes in other organs. Zinc supplementation did not influence the weight of spleen and liver, but prevented the development of thymic involution. Moreover, metal deficiency in the thymus was restored while the activity of antioxidant enzymes remained unchanged. Based on this we can conclude that thymus involution in hepatoma 22a mice was associated with iron and zinc deficiency in this organ and was not linked with antioxidant enzyme activity, while splenomegaly had no relation to both types of parameters in the spleen. Thus, zinc sulphate positively influences metabolism of two vital trace elements – zinc and iron in animals bearing hepatoma 22a, what contributes to maintaining of the central immune organ – the thymus, and along with this it improves antioxidant system of the liver.

Anatomy of the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaev breed in the age aspect

Sheep farming is one of the key branches of animal husbandry in the Russian Federation. Various measures aimed at further increasing the useful qualities in sheep breeding are based not only on breeding principles, but also on the achievements of veterinary sciences. It is quite understandable that the special attention of biological science and agricultural practice to the breed, age, and species characteristics of animals, namely to the reproduction system, allows us to scientifically and correctly raise issues in breeding, care, feeding, exploitation and reproduction. Not knowing the issues of anatomical topography, the structure of organs in animals of different age groups, it is difficult to carry out various medical manipulations in surgical or obstetric and gynecological practice. The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Cadaveric material for the study was delivered to the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine from a farm in the Leningrad Region. Female sheep of the Edilbaev breed served as the object of the study. Three age groups were selected for the study. The study established the anatomical features of the uterus in the age aspect in sheep of the Edilbaev breed, and morphometric measurements were carried out in three age-related physiological groups (fetuses, newborns, young). Skeleto- and syntopia of all parts of the uterus was determined in different age groups. It was established that the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaevsky breed belongs to mobile organs, that is, depending on physiological conditions, it can change its topographic location points. Morphometry has determined that there is an uneven increase in the components of all parts of the uterus from the fetal period to the age stage of the young. The results of the study can be used by veterinary specialists, in particular obstetricians, surgeons to establish operative access to the uterus and in obstetric and gynecological practice in sheep breeding.

μCT imaging of a multi-organ vascular fingerprint in rats.

The importance of microvascular imaging in diagnosis and therapeutic targeting of various diseases is increasingly recognized. The new approach emphasizes the need for holistic studies to understand the inter-organ vascular cross-talk. Here, we report on the development of a novel perfusion protocol which consistently delivers a micro-computed tomography contrast agent to micro-vessels of multiple organs in a single experimental animal. We describe the achieved repeatability of the perfusions, as well as the image analysis steps developed individually for each organ type. We also optimize image acquisition by investigating the compromise between shortening of the scanning time and preservation of the highest possible spatial resolution. Taking together, with the multi-organ perfusion, optimized image acquisition, and the conceived image analysis steps, we provide a comprehensive and reliable experimental protocol for studying vascular morphology and pathology in multi-organ diseases.

Prevalence, Virulence Genes, Drug Resistance and Genetic Evolution of Trueperella pyogenes in Small Ruminants in Western China.

Trueperella pyogenes is a significant opportunistic pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in animal agriculture due to its ability to infect various animal tissues and organs. Limited research has been conducted on the prevalence and biological characteristics of T. pyogenes isolated from sheep and goats. This study aimed to isolate T. pyogenes from clinical samples of sheep and goats in western China, examining genetic evolutionary relationships, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. Between 2021 and 2023, standard bacteriological methods were used to isolate and identify T. pyogenes from 316 samples (209 from goats and 107 from sheep) collected from 39 farms. Susceptibility to 14 antibiotics was tested using broth microdilution per CLSI guidelines, and PCR detected eight virulence genes. Whole-genome sequencing analyzed genetic relationships and gene carriage status in 39 isolates. The results indicated that 86 strains of T. pyogenes were isolated from 316 samples, yielding an isolation rate of 27.2% (goats n = 47, 22.5%; sheep n = 39, 36.4%). The virulence genes plo, cbpA, nanH, nanP, fimA, fimC, and fimE were present in 100%, 66.7%, 64.1%, 71.8%, 69.2%, 59.0%, and 82.1% of isolates, respectively, with none carrying the fimG gene. The dominant virulence genotype was plo/nanH/nanP/fimA/fimC/fimE. The isolates exhibited resistance to erythromycin (44.2%, 38/86), gentamicin (38.4%, 33/86), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (37.2%, 32/86), tetracycline (32.6%, 28/86), and streptomycin (32.6%, 28/86), and low resistance to chloramphenicol (14.0%, 12/86), ciprofloxacin (7.0%, 6/86), penicillin (5.8%, 5/86), and clindamycin (4.7%, 4/86). All isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime, vancomycin, and linezolid. Among the 86 isolates, 37 (43.0%) displayed multidrug resistance (MDR) characteristics. The whole genome sequencing of 39 isolates identified eight types of resistance genes, including ant(2″)-Ia, ant(3″)-Ia, cmlA1, cmx, erm(X), lnu(A), sul1, and tet(W). Except for tet(W), erm(X), and sul1, the other resistance genes were reported for the first time in T. pyogenes isolated in China. The drug susceptibility test results and resistance gene detection for the isolated strains were consistent for tetracycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, and sulfisoxazole. Similar allelic profiles and genetic evolutionary relationships were found among isolates from different farms. This study highlights the antibiotic resistance status and virulence gene-carrying rate of Trueperella pyogenes, providing a basis for clinical medication.

Construction and implementation of a laparoscopic skill training course based on a smartphone application and virtual reality

BackgroundTo develop a laparoscopic training course that combines a smartphone application (APP) and virtual reality (VR), and initially evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of its implementation.MethodsThe Exploring Laparoscopy (Ex-Lap) app was developed to meet training demands. The course was designed by integrating the app with a VR simulator (LapSim®) and animal organ perfusion simulators. From January 2021 to December 2023, 91 participants were enrolled in the study and then divided into 5 separate batches to undergo the first stage of the course. The performance of the participants was evaluated by rating scale, the overall Training and Assessment of Basic Laparoscopic Techniques (TABLT) scores, and pass rates. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0, employing Kruskal-Wallis tests, Chi-squared analysis, and Fisher’s exact test, depending on the data type.ResultsThe Staged Training and Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (STALS) course was developed, consisting of three stages. The overall pass rates for the first stage across the five batches ranged from 85 to 100%, with no significant difference (P = 0.387). No significant differences were found in the scale scores or TABLT scores for the training tasks among students from different batches (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe STALS course is applicable in residency training, demonstrating satisfactory teaching effectiveness and replicability.

Сравнительный анализ методов диагностики состояния органа дыхания у экспериментальных животных

Summary. The purpose of the study is to comparison of methods for diagnosing the state of the respiratory organ of experimental animals under the influence of physical factors, the intensity and exposure times of which are close to extreme. Materials and methods of research. The experiments used 45 male rabbits of the “Soviet Chinchilla” breed with a body weight of 2,7-3,4 kg, randomly divided into a control group, a group exposed to the lungs, a group exposed to the hearing organ and a group exposed to thermal effects on different areas of skin. To differentiate structural and functional disorders of the external respiratory system, three methods for diagnosing the state of the respiratory organ of experimental animals (rabbits) were used: acoustic impedance measurement of the respiratory tract, analysis of biophysical parameters of the lungs and pathological examination. A general conclusion about the state of the respiratory organ was given on the basis of a comparative statistical analysis of the characteristics of animals in the experimental and control groups. The relative size of the area of hemorrhages on the pleural surface of the lungs was used as a criterion indicator. The results of the study and their analysis. It has been shown that methods for diagnosing the state of the respiratory system based on impedance, biophysical indicators and the results of a pathological examination complement each other, providing an objective diagnosis of the state of the respiratory organ of experimental animals under the influence of physical factors, the intensity and exposure times of which are close to extreme, and are comparable in objectivity (sensitivity and diagnostic specificity) with methods used in medical clinical practice (impulse oscillometry).

The effects of microplastics exposure on quail's hypothalamus: Neurotransmission disturbance, cytokine imbalance and ROS/TGF-β/Akt/FoxO3a signaling disruption

Microplastics (MPs) have become a major focus of environmental toxicology, raising concerns about their potential adverse effects on animal organs and body systems. As these tiny particles infiltrate ecosystems, they may pose risks to the health of organisms across diverse species. In this study, we attempted to examine the neurotoxic effects of MPs exposure on avian hypothalamus by using an animal model-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The quails of 7-day-old were exposed to 0.02 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg polystyrene microplastic (PS-MPs) of environmental relevance for 35 days. The results showed PS-MPs exposure did damages to hypothalamic structure characterized by neuron malformation, irregular arrangement and cellular vacuolation after 5-week exposure. PS-MPs exposure also induced Nissl body reduction and dissolution in the hypothalamus. Moreover, the decrease of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and increasing acetylcholine (Ach) indicated that PS-MPs exposure caused hypothalamic neurotransmission disturbance. PS-MPs exposure also led to neuroinflammation by disrupting the balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) generation with reducing antioxidants indicated PS-MPs led to hypothalamic oxidative stress. Additionally, RNA-Seq analysis found that both transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling were disturbed in the hypothalamus by PS-MPs exposure. Especially, the increasing ROS led to TGF-β activation and then induced hypothalamic inflammation by nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. The present study concluded that oxidative stress might be an important mechanistic signaling involved in MPs neurotoxicology.

Morphological characteristics and distribution identification of telocytes in Tibetan sheep testis and epididymis

Telocytes (TCs) are a type of stromal cell discovered in the various organs of different animals and have many potential functions, including angiogenesis, signalling, and substance transport. However, the TCs have not been detected in the testis or epididymis of Tibetan sheep. This study investigated the position, characteristics, and distribution of TCs in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue staining, immunohistochemistry, and double immunofluorescence to elucidate their possible functions. TEM revealed that TCs were often found near basement membranes and capillaries and were characterised by large nuclei, elongated cytoplasmic protrusions, and many secretory vesicles. We also observed via toluidine staining that TCs were present near basement membrane and interstitial capillaries. Immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence revealed the positive expression of CD117, vimentin, platelet derived growth factor receptor α(PDGFRα), PDGFRα + CD117, and PDGFRα + vimentin in TCs. Additionally, we inferred that TCs participates in the formation of the blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers, as well as in material transport and a stable microenvironment. This study presents the first evidence of the presence of TCs near the basement membrane and blood vessels in the testis and epididymis of Tibetan sheep. These findings provide new insights into the function of TCs in the reproductive systems of plateau animals.

Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Xenotransplantation: A Metadata Analysis for Informed Decision-Making

Background: Xenotransplantation, the transfer of animal organs into humans, has gained attention as a solution to the global shortage of human organs for transplantation. Genetic advancements in donor animals, particularly pigs, offer potential to reduce immune rejection and improve compatibility.Objective: This review aimed to examine the scientific advancements, ethical concerns, and clinical outcomes of xenotransplantation, focusing on the use of genetically modified pigs.Methods: A review based on metadata analysis was conducted, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The research question focused on the efficacy, safety, and ethical considerations of xenotransplantation. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched using keywords such as "xenotransplantation," "genetic modification," "pig organ transplantation," and "immune rejection." Studies were screened based on eligibility criteria, including clinical trials and ethical analyses. Quality was assessed using the CASP tool, and data were synthesized from 27 studies.Results: Xenotransplantation from genetically modified pigs showed a reduction in immune rejection rates by 60% and decreased waiting times for organ transplants by up to 50%. Long-term graft survival remains uncertain, with a success rate of 70% in short-term trials.Conclusion: Xenotransplantation offers a promising solution to organ shortages, but further long-term studies and ethical evaluations are needed to ensure safety and acceptance.

Biochemical blood parameters in platinum fox females and males in ontogenesis

Currently, veterinarians pay much attention to the diagnostic examination of animals, including animals kept on fur farms. Blood is the main material used for such examinations. Changes in its composition allows veterinary practitioners to identify disorders in various systems and organs of animals, as well as to assess metabolism in animals. Results of biochemical tests of serum samples from platinum fox males and females of different age groups and comparative assessment thereof are presented. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (U/L), alanine aminotransferase (U/L), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), total protein (g/L), albumin (g/L), urea (mmol/L), creatinine (μmol/L), α-amylase (U/L), cholesterol (μmol/L) were determined. Aspartate aminotransferase levels in females at the age of 6 months were lower by 69% than that ones in males. Increase in aspartate aminotransferase by the age of 6 months helps animals to accumulate body weight before winter. Sexual differences in the alkaline phosphatase levels were detected in 1.5-month-old kits: alkaline phosphatase levels were higher by 21.05% in males than in females. By the age of 6 months, the alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in both males and females. The decline in alkaline phosphatase level with the age is associated with participation of this enzyme in the development of animal skeleton during ontogenesis. From the age of 4 months, the growth and development of the skeleton slows down, and by the age of 6 months the animals gain the size and body weight of adult animals. Urea and creatinine levels in foxes of both sexes increased during their growth, but remained within the reference limits. Changes in urea levels in blood can be caused by feeding excessively high-protein or excessively low-protein diets. The total protein content in sera from 4 month-old males and females decreased by 32.51 and 43.24%, respectively, compared with that one in sera from animals at the age of 1.5 months, and increased at the age of 6 months up to the level observed at the age of 4 months. According to the literature, rather rapid stabilization of protein metabolism is a biological feature of many mammals born in spring, their growth rate is accelerated and, in general, the maturity phase is shortened.

Three-dimensional Culture of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Mammary Epithelial Cell Line

Background: The mammary gland is a crucial organ in dairy animals, responsible for milk production, regulated by intricate hormonal and cellular interactions. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems used in mammary gland research fail to replicate the complex in vivo environment, limiting the understanding of mammary gland biology. The study explores the advantages of three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for Buffalo Mammary Epithelial Cells (BuMECs), aiming to enhance morphological and functional differentiation compared to 2D cultures. Methods: BuMECs were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM/F12) supplemented with 10% FBS and specific growth factors. For 2D culture, BuMECs were grown on a plastic substratum. For 3D culture, cells were cultured on top of and embedded in growth factor-reduced (GFR) Matrigel. Morphological differentiation was observed under phase-contrast microscopy. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized to measure β-casein gene expression using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting, targeting total casein. Result: BuMECs grown in 3D cultures exhibited enhanced morphological differentiation, forming alveolar and ductal structures, unlike the monolayer formation observed in 2D cultures. Rapid formation of duct-like structures was noted within 24 hours in 3D cultures. Functional differentiation was significantly improved, evidenced by a five-fold increase in β-casein mRNA expression and higher protein levels of α, β and κ-casein in 3D cultured cells compared to 2D cultures. Western blot analysis confirmed the elevated casein protein expression in 3D cultures.

Transcriptome analysis reveals miRNA expression profiles in hypothalamus tissues during the sexual development of Jining grey goats

BackgroundExploring the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying goat sexual maturation can enhance breeding practices and optimize reproductive efficiency and is therefore substantially important for practical breeding purposes. As an essential neuroendocrine organ in animals, the hypothalamus is involved in sexual development and other reproductive processes in female animals. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as significant regulators of goat reproduction, there is a lack of research on the molecular regulatory mechanisms of hypothalamic miRNAs that are involved in the sexual development of goats. Therefore, we examined the dynamic changes in serum hormone profiles and hypothalamic miRNA expression profiles at four developmental stages (1 day (neonatal, D1, n = 5), 2 months (prepubertal, M2, n = 5), 4 months (sexual maturity, M4, n = 5), and 6 months (breeding period, M6, n = 5)) during sexual development in Jining grey goats.ResultsTranscriptome analysis revealed 95 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in the hypothalamus of goats across the four developmental stages. The target genes of these miRNAs were significantly enriched in the GnRH signalling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, and the Ras signalling pathway (P < 0.05). Additionally, 16 DEMs are common among the M2 vs. D1, M4 vs. D1, and M6 vs. D1 comparisons, indicating that the transition from D1 to M2 represents a potentially critical period for sexual development in Jining grey goats. The bioinformatics analysis results indicate that miR-193a/miR-193b-3p-Annexin A7 (ANXA7), miR-324-5p-Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor A1 (ADGRA1), miR-324-3p-Erbb2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), and miR-324-3p-Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3) are potentially involved in biological processes such as hormone secretion, energy metabolism, and signal transduction. In addition, we further confirmed that miR-324-3p targets the regulatory gene RAPGEF3.ConclusionThese results further enrich the expression profile of hypothalamic miRNAs in goats and provide important insights for studying the regulatory effects of hypothalamic miRNAs on the sexual development of goats after birth.

Methionine deficiency inhibited pyroptosis in primary hepatocytes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): possibly via activating the ROS-AMPK-autophagy axis

BackgroundMethionine (Met) is the only sulfur-containing amino acid among animal essential amino acids, and methionine deficiency (MD) causes tissue damage and cell death in animals. The common modes of cell death include apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis. However, the studies about the major modes of cell death caused by MD have not been reported, which worth further study.MethodsPrimary hepatocytes from grass carp were isolated and treated with different doses of Met (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 mmol/L) to examine the expression of apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and necroptosis-related proteins. Based on this, we subsequently modeled pyroptosis using lipopolysaccharides and nigericin sodium salt, then autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitors compound C (CC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were further used to examine the expression of proteins related to pyroptosis, autophagy and AMPK pathway in MD-treated cells respectively.ResultsMD up-regulated B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bax), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 II (LC3 II), and down-regulated the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), sequestosome 1 (p62), cleaved-caspase-1, cleaved-interleukin (IL)-1β, and receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP) 1 in hepatocytes, while it did not significantly affect RIP3. In addition, MD significantly increased the protein expression of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), p-AMPK, and Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) without significant effect on p-target of rapamycin. Subsequently, the use of CQ increased the protein expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-caspase-1, and cleaved-IL-1β inhibited by MD; the use of CC significantly decreased the protein expression of MD-induced LC3 II and increased the protein expression of MD-suppressed p62; then the use of NAC decreased the MD-induced p-AMPK protein expression.ConclusionMD promoted autophagy and apoptosis, but inhibited pyroptosis and necroptosis. MD inhibited pyroptosis may be related regarding the promotion of autophagy. MD activated AMPK by inducing ROS production which in turn promoted autophagy. These results could provide partial theoretical basis for the possible mechanisms of Met in ensuring the normal structure and function of animal organs. Furthermore, ferroptosis is closely related to redox states, it is worth investigating whether MD affects ferroptosis in hepatocytes.

THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF THE FLAVONOID EXTRACT FROM THE PLANT PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI

The work studied the antibacterial activity of a flavonoid extract isolated from the medicinal plant Physalis alkekengi against conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria, in particular, Proteus mirabilis 9, Escherichia coli NC 101, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus subtilis. The immunostimulating effect of the plant flavonoid extract in the lymphoid organs of immunized animals was also studied in vivo.

Haematological and biochemical studies on Justicia secunda infusion used in treatment of anaemia

The effect of ethanolic and infusion of Justicia secunda leaves in the animal organs was investigated using standard analytical protocols. A total of 40 albino rats divided into four groups of five rats each comprising one normal groups and three groups treated with 125, 250 and 500mg/kg body weight respectively. The infusion of J. secunda leaves was prepared using conventional methods. The hematological, biochemical and histological studies were also carried out as reported in previous literatures. The findings confirmed that Justicia secunda leaves are not toxic at the doses administered, there were significant concentrations of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sulfur. The hematological study conducted on the infusion of the leaves revealed several positive effects on blood parameters in experimental rats. The extract significantly P&lt;0.05 elevated hemoglobin and platelet count, particularly at higher doses, compared to the control group. The liver function tests showed no significant alterations in AST, ALT, TP, and ALB levels; however, the infusion resulted in some alterations in ALP activity and total bilirubin concentration. The histopathological examination of liver tissues showed mild congestion and degenerative changes in higher dose groups, indicating potential dose-dependent hepatomegaly and stress on hepatic architecture.

Millimeter-scale soft capsules for sampling liquids in fluid-filled confined spaces.

Sampling liquids in small and confined spaces to retrieve chemicals and microbiomes could enable minimally invasive monitoring human physiological conditions for understanding disease development and allowing early screening. However, existing tools are either invasive or too large for sampling liquids in tortuous and narrow spaces. Here we report a fundamental liquid sampling mechanism that enables millimeter-scale soft capsules for sampling liquids in confined spaces. The miniature capsule is enabled by flexible magnetic valves and superabsorbent polymer, fully wirelessly controlled for on-demand fluid sampling. A group of miniature capsules could navigate in fluid-filled and confined spaces safely using a rolling locomotion. The integration of on-demand triggering, sampling, and sealing mechanism and the agile group locomotion allows us to demonstrate precise control of the soft capsules, navigating and sampling body fluids in a phantom and animal organ ex vivo, guided by ultrasound and x-ray medical imaging. The proposed mechanism and wirelessly controlled devices spur the next-generation technologies for minimally invasive disease diagnosis.