B1 Gene Research Articles

Differences in Toxoplasma gondii distribution in different muscle and viscera of naturally infected sheep.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can cause serious pathology in intermediate hosts such as humans and animals. Eating undercooked or raw meat is the most important route of infection by T. gondii. Sheep are an important source of meat worldwide, and they are also susceptible to T. gondii. Mutton infected with T. gondii poses a serious threat to the food safety of consumers. At present, studies have mainly focused on the infection ratio of T. gondii in livestock; however, systematic studies have not been performed on differences in the distribution of this parasite in different muscle and viscera tissues of animals. In this study, the differences in the distribution of T. gondii in naturally infected Small-tailed Han sheep was studied. By amplifying the B1 gene of the parasite via real-time fluorescence quantification PCR (RT‒qPCR), we found that the parasite burden of T. gondii differed among different parts of the sheep, with the highest burden observed in the heart among the viscera and the external ridge among the muscle. The relative expression was ranked from high to low in our study as follows: heart, spleen, external ridge, tenderloin, lung, liver, kidney, neck meat, forelegs, cucumber strips, hind leg, lamb belly, and lamb chops. This study provided important guidance for monitoring the food safety of mutton products.

ATF3 induction prevents precocious activation of skeletal muscle stem cell by regulating H2B expression

Skeletal muscle stem cells (also called satellite cells, SCs) are important for maintaining muscle tissue homeostasis and damage-induced regeneration. However, it remains poorly understood how SCs enter cell cycle to become activated upon injury. Here we report that AP-1 family member ATF3 (Activating Transcription Factor 3) prevents SC premature activation. Atf3 is rapidly and transiently induced in SCs upon activation. Short-term deletion of Atf3 in SCs accelerates acute injury-induced regeneration, however, its long-term deletion exhausts the SC pool and thus impairs muscle regeneration. The Atf3 loss also provokes SC activation during voluntary exercise and enhances the activation during endurance exercise. Mechanistically, ATF3 directly activates the transcription of Histone 2B genes, whose reduction accelerates nucleosome displacement and gene transcription required for SC activation. Finally, the ATF3-dependent H2B expression also prevents genome instability and replicative senescence in SCs. Therefore, this study has revealed a previously unknown mechanism for preserving the SC population by actively suppressing precocious activation, in which ATF3 is a key regulator.

Identification of hydatid cysts and concomitant liver enzyme dysfunction in patients from Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah City by conventional and phylogenetic methods

Hydatid cyst infection is a serious disease that affects humans who come into touch with the infective stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, which is found all over the world. The current study used patient physical and laboratory examinations, X-ray imaging, ultrasonic inspection, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify hydatid cyst presence in patients from the Iraqi cities of Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah and to identify hydatid cysts and concomitant liver enzyme dysfunction in patients from the Iraqi cities of Al-Najaf and AlDiwaniyah using conventional and phylogeny. Both strategies used partial gene sequencing (PGS) to target the E. granulosus antigen subunit B2 (EgB2) gene. The findings revealed an abdominal lump (6-7cm, left costal border), leukocytosis (12103/mm3), eosinophilia (84101/mm3), and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (35mm/hr), ultrasonic-detected splenic and liver cysts, and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)= Mean standard error (MSE) (170.12.3 IU/l), Patients with such changes were then given surgical interventions to diagnose and remove cysts, which were identified as hydatid cysts (wheel-like, "rosette-like," or "honeycomb-like" cysts with cystic cavity-based "snowflakes" like protoscoleces, wavy or serpentine-like cystic membranes of punctured or solid-pseudotumor ball-like calcified degenerated cysts, respectively). The existence of hydatid cysts from the E. granulosus tapeworm was discovered by PCR. The PGS validated the results of the previous tests, yielding three nucleotide-sequence-based isolates that were identical to those from Brazil (bovine), Argentina (camelid), and Bengal (buffalo). The study found hydatid cyst infection in human patients in the Iraqi cities of Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah, implying the presence of the adult form of the worm, Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms, in dogs in these areas. Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus, EgB2 gene, hydatid cysts.

The role of melatonin receptor 1B gene (MTNR1B) in the susceptibility to depression and type 2 diabetes comorbidity

The role of melatonin receptor 1B gene (MTNR1B) in the susceptibility to depression and type 2 diabetes comorbidity

Chromosomal Location of the <i>b</i>-<i>Amy-A1</i> Gene and Distribution of Its Alleles in Winter Common Wheat Culture

The analysis of the chromosomal location of the b-Amy-A1 gene, which controls the synthesis of wheat beta-amylase isoenzymes, was carried out by assessing the linkage with the B1 (Awnless) marker gene located in the long arm of chromosome 5A. Results based on F2 and F→∞ Delta × Selection 2092 study. The b-Amy-A1 locus showed 6.55 ± 2.10% linkage to the B1 gene. In parallel, alleles of the Rht8 locus, which causes dwarfing of plants, were identified and its linkage to the C gene (Compact spike) was established in 22.59 ± 6.28% (F2) and 24.22 ± 1.18% (F→∞) of recombination in chromosome 2D. The Delta variety carries the Rht8a allele, and the Selection 2092 accession carries the Rht8c allele. A collection of winter common wheat varieties created and released in the Russia was studied. The selected cultivars carried identical b-Amy-B1a and b-Amy-D1a alleles of the 4B and 4D chromosome loci. At the same time, the most common b-Amy-A1a and b-Amy-A1b alleles of chromosome 5A differed. It was found that in the direction from south to north of European part, the frequency of the b-Amy-A1a allele increases from 24.2% (Northern Caucasus) to 72.50% (Moscow–Ulyanovsk regions). Accordingly, the frequency of the alternative allele b-Amy-A1b decreased from 75.8% (Northern Caucasus) to 25.0% (Moscow–Ulyanovsk regions). In the Rostov region, the ratio of the occurrence of alleles b-Amy-A1a to b-Amy-A1b was 42.5 to 57.5%. At the same time, already in the Central Chernozem region+, a significant dominance of the b-Amy-A1a allele over b-Amy-A1b was manifested. Using the collection of varieties as a population of F→∞ demonstrated the linkage of b-Amy-A1 with B1 value in 5.56 ± 1.90% recombination.

CRISPR/Cas12a combined with RPA for detection of T. gondii in mouse whole blood

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan that is ubiquitous in humans and animals. It can invade any human organ and cause severe diseases, including toxoplasma ophthalmopathy, meningoencephalitis, and liver necrosis. Porcine toxoplasmosis is prevalent in China. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and Cas (CRISPR-Associated Protein) systems are widely used for gene editing and pathogen detection. CRISPR-based diagnostics are molecular assays that have been developed to detect parasites with high sensitivity and specificity.MethodsThis study aimed to establish a combined CRISPR/Cas12a and RPA rapid detection method for T. gondii by targeting the B1 gene and 529 bp repeat element (529 RE). The detection results could be visualized by the fluorescence or lateral flow strips (LFS). The sensitivity and specificity of the method were evaluated, and T. gondii-infected mouse blood was used for detection.ResultsThe results indicated that the established method for T. gondii detection was satisfactory, with a detection limit of 1.5 cp/μl for the two loci. Moreover, the B1 gene could detect 1 tachyzoite per reaction, and the 529 RE could detect 0.1 tachyzoite per reaction, consistently with the highly sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. The method was suitable for strains, including RH, and did not cross-react with other protozoa DNA with similar habits. The T. gondii-infected mouse blood samples were all positive for T. gondii at 1, 3, and 5 days post infection (dpi).ConclusionsThis study established a rapid, sensitive, and time-saving DNA detection method for T. gondii that has the potential to be an alternative tool for T. gondii detection in the field.Graphical abstract

Argonaute 5-mediated antiviral defense and viral counter-defense in Nicotiana benthamiana

The argonaute (AGO) family proteins play a crucial role in preventing viral invasions through the plant antiviral RNA silencing pathway, with distinct AGO proteins recruited for specific antiviral mechanisms. Our previous study revealed that Nicotiana benthamiana AGO5 (NbAGO5) expression was significantly upregulated in response to bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) infection. However, the roles of NbAGO5 in antiviral mechanisms remained to be explored. In this research, we examined the antiviral functions of NbAGO5 in the infections of different viruses. It was found that the accumulation of NbAGO5 was induced not only at the RNA but also at the protein level following the infections of BaMV, potato virus X (PVX), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in N. benthamiana. To explore the antiviral mechanism and regulatory function of NbAGO5, we generated NbAGO5 overexpression (OE-NbAGO5) and knockout (nbago5) transgenic N. benthamiana lines. Our findings reveal that NbAGO5 provides defense against BaMV, PVX, TMV, and a mutant CMV deficient in 2b gene, but not against the wild-type CMV and turnip mosaic virus (TuMV). Through affinity purification and small RNA northern blotting, we demonstrated that NbAGO5 exerts its antiviral function by binding to viral small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs). Moreover, we observed that CMV 2b and TuMV HC-Pro interact with NbAGO5, triggering its degradation via the 26S proteasome and autophagy pathways, thereby allowing these viruses to overcome NbAGO5-mediated defense. In addition, TuMV HC-Pro provides another line of counter-defense by interfering with vsiRNA binding by NbAGO5. Our study provides further insights into the antiviral RNA interference mechanism and the complex interplay between NbAGO5 and plant viruses.

Research progress of acupuncture-moxibustion in treatment of spinal cord injury through mediating inflammatory reaction

Inflammatory reaction after spinal cord injury (SCI) is the main obstacle to the recovery of neural function. In the occurrence and development of SCI, the complex regulatory mechanisms are involved in inflammatory reaction, including the activation of inflammatory cells (e.g.macrophages and microglia), and the release of cytokines (e.g. tumor necrosis factor, interleukin and chemokines). Acupuncture-moxibustion is significantly effective in clinical treatment of SCI, and its mechanism is related to adjusting the function of inflammatory cells after SCI, modulating the expression of cytokines and the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, as well as the expression of high mobility group protein B1 and calcitonin gene related peptide. This article summarizes the research progress of mechanism of inflammatory reaction after SCI and the effects of acupuncture-moxibustion intervention in recent years so that the new ideas can be provided to clarify the pathogenesis of SCI and the effect of acupuncture-moxibustion intervention.

Genetic Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii by Serological and Molecular Analyzes in Different Sheep and Goat Tissues in Northeastern Iran.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by compilation protozoan agent Toxoplasma gondii, leading to significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. Overcooked or raw meat consumption has been a considerable transmission route. The present study was conducted to determine the seropositivity rate of T. gondii in sheep and goats by serological and molecular tests and genotyping of obtained isolates in northeast Iran. Blood and tissue samples (diaphragm, heart) of 296 animals (including 168 sheep and 128 goats) were collected from the slaughterhouse in Quchan Country from august 2016 to April 2017. Modified agglutination test (MAT) and the PCR method performed to detect parasite DNA on tissues.PCR-RFLP method of GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. In addition, sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate the Toxoplasma type strains. Serum positive for MAT results were found in 27.4% of sheep and 23.4% of goats. Positive PCR of B1 gene results in diaphragm and heart tissues of sheep and goats was 47.8% and 26.1%, 40% and 23.3%, respectively. PCR of GRA6 gene results were positive in 10 samples that RFLP technique results using MseI enzyme revealed genotype I. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed DNA of all samples was closely related to Toxoplasma type I. Concerning the high seropositivity rate of toxoplasmosis, undertaking an appropriate preventive program for reducing the prevalence of T. gondii infection by raw or undercooked meat consumption of livestock is recommended. Our study supports the notion that these animals' consumption of raw and undercooked meat can be a probable source of human toxoplasmosis.

Myocardial Infarction Susceptibility and the MTNR1B Polymorphisms.

Melatonin is a circadian hormone with antioxidant properties that protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Genetic variations of the melatonin receptor 1B gene (MTNR1B) play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, MTNR1B polymorphisms are crucial in numerous disorders of the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate a possible association of MTNR1B polymorphisms with chronotype and susceptibility to myocardial infarction. The present case-control study included 199 patients with myocardial infarction (MI) (57% men) and 198 control participants (52% men) without previous cardiovascular diseases who underwent genotyping for the MTNR1B polymorphisms rs10830963, rs1387153, and rs4753426 from peripheral blood samples. Chronotype was determined using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). As estimated by the chi-square test, no significant association was found in the distribution of alleles and genotypes between myocardial infarction patients and controls. In addition, there was no association between MTNR1B polymorphisms and chronotype in MI patients. As some previous studies have shown, the present negative results do not exclude the role of the MTNR1B polymorphisms studied in the development of myocardial infarction. Rather, they may indicate that MTNR1B polymorphisms are a minor risk factor for myocardial infarction.

Analysis of the distal urinary tract in larval and adult zebrafish reveals homology to the human system.

Little is known about the distal excretory component of the urinary tract in Danio rerio (zebrafish). This component is affected by many human diseases and disorders of development. Here, we have undertaken multi-level analyses to determine the structure and composition of the distal urinary tract in the zebrafish. In silico searches identified uroplakin 1a (ukp1a), uroplakin 2 (upk2) and uroplakin 3b (upk3b) genes in the zebrafish genome (orthologues to genes that encode urothelium-specific proteins in humans). In situ hybridization demonstrated ukp1a expression in the zebrafish pronephros and cloaca from 96 h post-fertilization. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining of adult zebrafish demonstrated two mesonephric ducts uniting into a urinary bladder that leads to a distinct urethral opening. Immunohistochemistry identified Uroplakin 1a, Uroplakin 2 and GATA3 expression in zebrafish urinary bladder cell layers that match human urothelial expression. Fluorescent dye injections demonstrated zebrafish urinary bladder function, including urine storage and intermittent micturition, and a urethral orifice separate from the larger anal canal and rectum. Our findings reveal homology between the urinary tracts of zebrafish and humans, and offer the former as a model system to study disease.

Computational Investigation of GluN2B Receptor Effectiveness of Octreotide in Nervous Diseases by Using AutoDock Vina

: The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that participate in excitatory postsynaptic signaling in the mammalian central nervous system. In the 1980s, octreotide first became available for the treatment of acromegaly. In acromegaly patients and healthy volunteers, somatostatin and its analogs, such as octreotide and lanreotide, dramatically decrease the release of GH. In this study, we investigated the effect of octreotide, which controls blood lipids, on one of the proteins involved in epilepsy. After examining the genes involved in epilepsy by the DisGeNET server, we selected the ionotropic glutamate receptor NMDA type subunit 2B gene with the symbol GRIN2B. The docking and molecular simulation process was done using the AutoDock Vina 1.2.0 algorithm under the Chimera user interface. The analysis of docking results has been done by the PDBsum and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler servers. The VMD program prepared the images. The Pocket Drug server detected eighteen packets. Only the molecular docking results of 5 out of 18 pockets were acceptable. The results of docking for eighteen pockets were found in the target protein after the simulations; 13 have fewer than 14 residues, and 5 have more than 14 residues. We selected the best 18 pockets (P35, P64), (P10, P14, P17).

Ameliorative effect of quercetin on pancreatic damage in rodent: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Pancreatitis has the potential to occur with increasing cases of hyperlipidemia and alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, until now pharmacotherapy for pancreatitis is more emphasized for pain relief and lowering triglyceride levels (for HFD-induced pancreatitis). The polyphenol (quercetin) has several biological activities, including anti-cancer, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and ant-diabetic. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of quercetin to treat pancreatitis. After verification, 19 relevant articles were included in the analysis, where Linear mix model analysis was applied to parameters including blood glucose, pancreas islet number, insulin level, TBARS level, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), endogenous antioxidant (GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), TNFα, IL−6, Caspase 3 (Casp3) and IL−1b gene expression. The level quercetin was used as fixed effect and study setting as random effect. The administration of quercetin was able to significantly increase the production of tissue insulin, restore the antioxidant defense system (increase SOD, GSH, decrease TBARS), and inhibit the progression of inflammation based on the expression of NF-kB, TNFα and IL−6 genes. Therefore, the results of meta-analysis support the hypothesis that quercetin is able to restore pancreatic function, and has the potential to be developed to treat pancreatitis.

EVALUATION OF B1 GENE TO DETECT Toxoplasma gondii: COMPARISON OF THREE SETS NESTED PCR PRIMER

This study aimed to evaluate three sets of B1 gene DNA primer for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii. The DNA of Toxoplasma gondii that stored on liquid nitrogen was isolated using DNAzol™ reagent. The first step of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCRs) was performed using external and internal primer sets, respectively, and then nPCR. PCR products sequencing was performed by Apical Science. All sequences were analysed using CLC Sequence Viewer Version 8.0 software and compared to sequence database that deposited in ToxoDB (Toxoplasma gondii genome database) using BLAST (https://toxodb.org/toxo/app). Each B1 gene primer was evaluated by performing single PCR (forward and reverse) and nested PCR reactions. Three sets of B1 gene primer have different amplification precision. According to the results of amplicon sequencing, the primer set #2 has the best amplification precision of B1 gene.

Intermittent Fasting Sustainably Improves Glucose Tolerance in Normal Weight Male Mice Through Histone Hyperacetylation

Abstract To explore the mechanism by which intermittent fasting (IF) exerts prolonged effects after discontinuation, we examined mice that had been subjected to 4 cycles of fasting for 72 hours and ad libitum feeding for 96 hours per week (72hIF), followed by 4 weeks of ad libitum feeding, focusing on expression of genes for lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle and histone acetylation in the promoter region. The 72hIF regimen resulted in metabolic remodeling, characterized by enhanced lipid utilization and mitochondrial activation in the muscle. This long-term IF (72hIF) caused stronger metabolic effects than alternate day fasting (24hIF) wherein fasting and refeeding are repeated every 24 hours. Upregulation of lipid oxidation genes and an increase in oxygen utilization were sustained even at 4 weeks after discontinuation of 72hIF, associated with histone hyperacetylation of the promoter region of uncoupling protein 3 (Ucp3) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b (Cpt1b) genes. An increase in leucine owing to fasting-induced muscle degradation was suggested to lead to the histone acetylation. These findings support the previously unappreciated notion that sustainable promotion of histone acetylation in lipid oxidation genes of the muscle and adipose tissues during and after IF may contribute to sustained metabolic effects of IF.

MAGEB2-Mediated Degradation of EGR1 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Human Spermatogonial Stem Cell Lines.

Spermatogonial stem cells are committed to initiating and maintaining male spermatogenesis, which is the foundation of male fertility. Understanding the mechanisms underlying SSC fate decisions is critical for controlling spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the key molecules and mechanisms responsible for regulating human SSC development are not clearly understood. Here, we analyzed normal human testis single-cell sequencing data from the GEO dataset (GSE149512 and GSE112013). Melanoma antigen gene B2 (MAGEB2) was found to be predominantly expressed in human SSCs and further validated by immunohistology. Overexpression of MAGEB2 in SSC lines severely weakened cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Further, using protein interaction prediction, molecular docking, and immunoprecipitation, we found that MAGEB2 interacted with early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in SSC lines. Reexpression of EGR1 in MAGEB2 overexpression cells partially rescued decreased cell proliferation. Furthermore, MAGEB2 was shown to be downregulated in specific NOA patients, implying that abnormal expression of MAGEB2 may impair spermatogenesis and male fertility. Our results offer new insights into the functional and regulatory mechanisms in MAGEB2-mediated human SSC line proliferation and apoptosis.

EphrinB2 (B2) expression predicts poor response to PD1/L1 antibodies (Ab) in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC).

4575 Background: B2 is a ligand for EphB4 which enhances tumor invasion, proliferation, survival and promotes angiogenesis. A prior analysis of TCGA data from 409 muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients (pts) demonstrated that high (34%) B2 gene expression had poor survival vs. low (66%) expression (Hazard Ratio 0.7 p = 0.02). Our phase II trial of sEphB4-HSA (JCO PMID 35984996) which targets B2, in combination with pembrolizumab in previously treated mUC (N=70) demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 37%. Among pts with high expression of B2, ORR was 52% with 24% complete response (CR). This retrospective study examined the ORR to PD1/L1 Ab in pts with mUC and its correlation with B2 mRNA expression. Methods: Pts with mUC who had received anti PD1/L1 Ab were eligible if they had radiographic response data and tumor tissue for B2 testing. Pts’ demographics and disease characteristics were abstracted. Radiographic images were reviewed using RECIST 1.1. Tumor specimens were analyzed for intensity of B2 expression using in-situ hybridization (ISH). Scores of 2-4 were considered High (Hi) and 0-1 were considered Low (Lo) expression. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize study results. Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association of ORR with B2 expression using SAS 9.4. Results: 120 (N) pts from University of Southern California (USC, n=49), Dana Farber (DFCI, n=55), and University of Colorado (UC, n=16) met were included. 88 pts were male (73%). Median age was 72. PD1/L1 Ab were administered in the post-platinum progressive disease (n=95, 79%) and first-line setting (n=25, 21%) and included pembrolizumab (n=88, 73%), atezolizumab (n=26, 22%) and nivolumab, avelumab, and durvalumab, 3%, 1%, and 1%, respectively. Objective response rate (ORR) defined as radiographic CR plus partial response (PR) were calculated and summarized. Among all pts (N=120), ORR was 20% (95% CI 13-28). 62% had B2 Hi expression with a response rate of 12%, and 38% had B2 Lo expression with a response rate of 33%, p=0.009). These proportions were similar for each institution. Conclusions: In addition to conferring poor prognosis in MIBC, B2 expression is associated with poor ORR to PD1/L1 Ab monotherapy in mUC. Given that the combination of B2 inhibition & pembrolizumab was more active in B2 expressing mUC, these data provide further rationale for investigating B2 as a mechanism of resistance to PD1/L1 ab, biomarker of response and a therapeutic target. [Table: see text]

Placental homing peptide guides HIF1α‑silenced exosomes conjugates for targeted enhancement of invasion of trophoblast cells.

There is a current lack of availability of therapeutics to treat Preeclampsia (PE), primarily due to the risk of harm to the fetus. Hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF1α) is highly expressed in trophoblast cells and suppresses their invasive ability. Extensive studies have confirmed the positive effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‑derived exosomes on PE. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for targeted delivery of HIF1α‑silenced exosomes to the placenta. HIF1α was overexpressed in JEG‑3 cells. Then, the glucose uptake, lactate production, proliferation and invasion of HIF1α‑elevated JEG‑3 cells were detected. Exosomal membrane protein lysosome‑associated membrane glycoprotein 2b and placental homing peptide CCGKRK gene sequence amplified by PCR were conjugated using short hairpin RNA‑HIF1α (sh‑HIF1α) sequence (exo‑pep‑sh‑HIF1α), which were then transfected into MSCs cultured invitro. Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of the aforementioned MSCs and identified by determining the size and exosomal markers. Finally, the invasion ability of MSCs‑derived exosomes treated JEG‑3 cells were detected using Transwell assays. HIF1α was demonstrated to remarkably promote the uptake of glucose and the production of lactate in JEG‑3 cells. In addition, high levels of HIF1α facilitated the proliferation of JEG‑3 cells, while suppressing their invasion ability. Bone marrow derived MSCs were cultured invitro and exosomes were successfully isolated from these cells. Exo‑pep‑sh‑HIF1α significantly reduced placental HIF1α expression, and induced significant enhancement of placental invasion. Overall, placental homing peptide‑guided HIF1α‑silenced exosomes effectively facilitated the invasion of placental trophoblasts, which could be used for the targeted delivery of payloads to the placenta and serve as a novel placenta‑specific therapeutic approach.

Molecular epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Korea.

Toxoplasmosis is a major public health concern, with raw or undercooked meat being the primary source of human infection. Knowledge regarding the molecular epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in cattle destined for human consumption in Korea is lacking. The present study aimed to genetically characterize the infectious strains of T. gondii. Overall, 455 cattle blood samples from 84 farms in the Gyeongnam-do (Province) were randomly collected in 2017. Nested PCR analysis revealed that only 3 (0.7%) samples were infected with T. gondii. The B1 gene sequence of T. gondii was observed to be similar (97.3-99.6%) to that of other T. gondii isolates. This is the first study to perform the molecular detection of T. gondii in cattle in Korea. Although the prevalence of infection was low, our findings suggest that cattle present a potential public health issue. It may be crucial to recognize the importance of T. gondii infection in cattle meat.

Association of TGFB3 and FGFs gene polymorphisms with cleft lip with or without cleft palate a systematic review

Objectives: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the possible association between transforming growth factor B3 (TGFB3) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) gene polymorphisms and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). Material and Methods: Two reviewers independently screened studies by examining all titles and abstracts. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: The outcome of interest was NSCL/P; the polymorphisms studied were TGFB3 and FGF; they presented sufficient data, that is, allele/genotype frequency between cases and controls; or their odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Study quality was independently assessed by a risk of bias assessment for genetic association studies. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, we have selected a total of six articles (four for TGFB and two for FGF). Particularly for the TGFB gene, we have found significant results in exon 4 in the variant g.15812T>G, and in the single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs2300607 A/T, in the distribution between cases and controls. On the other hand, for the FGF gene, we observed a statistically significant in the genotype rs34010 CA. Conclusion: None of the genetic variations that show the association is verified in different populations; therefore, there is not enough scientific validation regarding the association between TGFB and FGF polymorphism and NSCL/P. The findings of the different studies suggest the need for further investigations with samples composed of a larger number of individuals in different populations, which should be performed with all the standards for genetic studies, thus allowing an understanding of the molecular basis of the disease.