Decreased Egg Production Research Articles

Hypoxia and reduced salinity exacerbate the effects of oil exposure on sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) reproduction

Estuaries of the northern Gulf of Mexico are dynamic environments, with fluctuations in salinity and dissolved oxygen, including areas of seasonal hypoxia. Fish that reside and reproduce in these estuaries, including sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus; SHM), were at significant risk of oil exposure following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It is poorly understood how differences in environmental conditions during oil exposure impact its toxicity. The present study investigated the effects of crude oil high-energy water accommodated fraction (HEWAF) on SHM reproduction in three environmental scenarios (normoxic, hypoxic, and hypoxic with low salinity) to determine if differences in salinity (brackish vs low salinity) and dissolved oxygen (normoxia vs hypoxia) could exacerbate the effects of HEWAF-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We observed that HEWAF exposure significantly increased liver somatic index of SHM compared to control, but this effect was not exacerbated by hypoxia or low salinity. HEWAF exposure also significantly decreased egg production and egg fertilization rate, but only in the hypoxic and hypoxic with low salinity scenarios. A significant correlation existed between body burdens of PAHs and reproductive endpoints, providing substantial evidence that oil exposure reduced reproductive capacity in SHM, across a range of environmental conditions. These data suggest that oil spill risk assessments that fail to consider other environmental stressors (i.e. hypoxia and salinity) may be underestimating risk.

Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 614:51-65 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12904 Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) Takuya Ohnishi1,*, Junya Hirai1, Shinji Shimode2, Atsushi Tsuda1 1Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan 2Graduate School of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan *Corresponding author: ohnishi@aori.u-tokyo.ac.jp ABSTRACT: Evaluation of the physiological states of copepods can improve current understanding of the dynamics of zooplankton population and contribute to assessments of the health of trophic linkages in marine ecosystems. However, assessing the starvation status of copepods in situ using conventional methods is difficult because of spatial and temporal changes in food availability. Here, we analyzed gene expression to identify the molecular markers associated with starvation in the copepod Calanus sinicus from the western North Pacific Ocean. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were compared between starved and satiated copepods using high-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Sixteen DEGs were identified. Nine of these DEGs were assigned to known functional genes associated with energy metabolism, egg production, and somatic growth, and therefore were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) as candidate markers for starvation. To evaluate the reliability of these candidate markers as indicators for starvation, copepods were given different food concentrations and fasted for various periods. Gene expression was highly sensitive to temporal and quantitative changes in food conditions. During starvation, the expression of NADH-dehydrogenase (related to energy metabolism) was upregulated and that of vitellogenin 2 (related to egg production) was downregulated compared to their expression in satiated copepods. As might be expected from such changes in expression, complete fasting significantly decreased egg production. Changes in NADH-dehydrogenase and vitellogenin 2 expression were therefore correlated with the degree of copepod starvation or food limitation. This information may help to assess potential reproductivity and predict egg production rates in copepods in their natural environment. KEY WORDS: Copepod · Starvation · Molecular marker · Gene expression · RNA-Seq · qRT-PCR Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Ohnishi T, Hirai J, Shimode S, Tsuda A (2019) Identification of molecular markers associated with starvation in female Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida). Mar Ecol Prog Ser 614:51-65. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12904 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 614. Online publication date: April 04, 2019 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.

Molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae from breeder chicken flock showing arthritis in Egypt.

Aim:Arthritis is one of the most economic problems facing poultry industry worldwide. The study was done to detect possible causes of arthritis in breeder chicken flock with emphasis on molecular identification of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS).Materials and Methods:This study was carried on chicken from broiler breeder flock of 57 weeks’ age in Dakahlia, Egypt, suffered from arthritis with frequently 5-7% decrease in egg production, reduced fertility, and hatchability. Forty blood samples were randomly collected from individual birds in sterile tubes and used for serum separation. Serum samples were tested using serum plate agglutination (SPA) test against colored antigens for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), MS, and Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum (SGP). On the other hand, 24 joint samples were collected. Of those 24 samples, 12 joint samples were subjected to bacteriological examination, while the other 12 were utilized for molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for MS and avian reovirus (ARV).Results:SPA test results revealed the presence of antibodies against MG, MS, and SGP in tested sera in rates of 14/40 (35%), 35/40 (87.5%), and 9/40 (22.5%), respectively. Furthermore, 19 bacterial isolates were recognized from joint samples and identified as five Staphylococcus spp., nine Escherichia coli, three SGP, one Citrobacter, and one Proteus. The identified Staphylococcal isolates were three coagulase-positive staphylococci (two Staphylococcus aureus and one Staphylococcus hyicus) and two coagulase-negative staphylococci (one Staphylococcus epidermidis and one Staphylococcus lentus), while E. coli isolate serotypes were 1 O11, 2 O55, 3 O78, 1 O124, 1 O125, and 1 untyped. PCR proved that 12/12 (100%) samples were positive for MS variable lipoprotein hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene, while ARV was not diagnosed in any of the examined samples. Four amplified vlhA gene of MS isolates (named MS-2018D1, MS-2018D2, MS-2018D3, and MS-2018D4) was successfully sequenced.Analysis of phylogenetic tree revealed the presence of 100% identity between each two sequenced isolates(isolates MS-2018D1 and MS-2018D4 and also isolates 2018D2 and MS-2018D3). However, the nucleotide similarity between four isolates was 88.6%. On the other hand, our field isolates MS-2018D1, MS-2018D4, MS-2018D2, and MS-2018D3 showed nucleotide identity with vaccine strain MS-H 98.4%, 98.4%, 88.1%, and 88.1%, respectively. Furthermore, the nucleotide similarities with field strains from Argentina ranged between 87.8% and 98.6%.Conclusion:Four field isolates of MS were identified in examined broiler breeder flock. A phylogenetic study of these isolates revealed the variation between isolated MS strains and vaccine strain. Therefore, further studies are required for evaluating the vaccine efficacy against the present field isolates of MS. In addition, application of MS immunization of breeder flocks is necessary for proper control of the disease.

A survey of the incidence of worm parasites in laying chickens in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This research is based on parasitic helminthes of laying birds conducted in July 2018 in the Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This work aimed at identifying the types of worm parasites that may be found in laying birds (poultry) farms and to determine their prevalent rates in layers together with the percentage infestation of these worm parasites in Abak Local Government Area. A total of 270 sterile samples were collected randomly from 10 farms in 3 weeks at Abak Local government Area. These sterile samples were transported immediately for analysis in the laboratory using floatation method with saturated salt solution. With the aid of x10 microscope, it was discovered that out of the 270 (or 100%) samples examined for helminthes only two types of nematodes were identified. A sum total of 196 (or 73%) nematode eggs were found and a total of 113 (or 42%) Ascardia gallinarum eggs were tested positive and 83 (or 31%) Heterakis gallinarum were tested positive while a total of 74 (or 27%) fecal sample tested negative. The high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes as observed in this area has a strong relationship with their mode of feeding and living conditions which lead to reduced body weight, decreased egg production and deaths thus affecting the meat quality and nutrient content of the chicken. Laying birds should be dewormed every three months and high level of hygiene should be maintained in the farm. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of helminthes in Abak Local government Area in laying birds, which may lead to high losses. Thus, improved farm management and disease control to enhance their potentials is necessary.

Smp38 MAP Kinase Regulation in Schistosoma mansoni: Roles in Survival, Oviposition, and Protection Against Oxidative Stress.

Eukaryotic protein kinases (ePKs) are good medical targets for drug development in different biological systems. ePKs participate in many cellular processes, including the p38 MAPK regulation of homeostasis upon oxidative stress. We propose to assess the role of Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway in Schistosoma mansoni development and protection against oxidative stress, parasite survival, and also to elucidate which target genes have their expression regulated by Smp38 MAPK. After a significant reduction of up to 84% in the transcription level by Smp38 MAPK gene knockdown, no visible phenotypic changes were reported in schistosomula in culture. The development of adult worms was tested in vivo in mice infected with the Smp38 knocked-down schistosomula. It was observed that Smp38 MAPK has an essential role in the transformation and survival of the parasites as a low number of adult worms was recovered. Smp38 knockdown also resulted in decreased egg production, damaged adult worm tegument, and underdeveloped ovaries in females. Furthermore, only ~13% of the eggs produced developed into mature eggs. Our results suggest that inhibition of the Smp38 MAPK activity interfere in parasites protection against reactive oxygen species. Smp38 knockdown in adult worms resulted in 80% reduction in transcription levels on the 10th day, with consequent reduction of 94.4% in oviposition in vitro. In order to search for Smp38 MAPK pathway regulated genes, we used an RNASeq approach and identified 1,154 DEGs in Smp38 knockdown schistosomula. A substantial proportion of DEGs encode proteins with unknown function. The results indicate that Smp38 regulates essential signaling pathways for the establishment of parasite homeostasis, including genes related to antioxidant defense, structural composition of ribosomes, spliceosomes, cytoskeleton, as well as, purine and pyrimidine metabolism pathways. Our data show that the Smp38 MAPK signaling pathway is a critical route for parasite development and may present attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis.

Diagnosis of Gallibacterium Anatis in Layers: First Report in Turkey

ABSTRACT Gallibacterium anatis, a member of the Pasteurellaceae family, leads to decrease in egg-production, animal welfare and increase in mortality. This study aimed to diagnose G. Anatis, which caused economic losses in laying hens by using conventional and molecular techniques. In this study, G. anatis was examined from a total of 200 dead chicken tissues (heart, liver, lung, spleen and trachea) in laying hen farms that observed a decrease in egg production with respiratory system infection. Conventional methods based on colony morphology, sugar fermentation tests and hemolytic properties and molecular conformation using 16S rRNA-23S rRNA specific primers were performed to identify G. anatis. G. anatis was isolated in 20 (10%) of the examined samples and isolates were confirmed by conventional PCR. A total of 11 (2.2%) positivity was obtained as isolates were the result of PCR performed on tissues and organs directly. As a result, the presence of G. anatis was detected for the first time in Turkey by this study. It was thought that G. anatis may have a role in egg production losses due to respiratory tract infection in poultry and this situation may be a guide for poultry clinicians and microbiologists.

Chicken interferon gamma fold expression level and tracheal lesion score differences between commercial broiler chickens vaccinated with live and vectored ILT vaccines

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory tract disease affecting chickens around the world. The disease generates severe production losses due to increased mortality, decreased egg production, delayed body weight gain, and a predisposition to other respiratory pathogens causing enormous economic losses to the intensive poultry industry. Two licensed vaccines, comprising live or vectored ILT, are available to control the disease. The present trial was conducted to determine changes in chicken interferon gamma fold expression levels in chicken spleens and to evaluate tracheal lesion scores before and after vaccination with live and vectored infectious laryngotracheitis vaccines. Broilers were kept under commercial conditions until 35 days of age. Spleen and trachea samples were taken at 14, 28, and 35 days of age. Tracheas were stained with H&E, histopathology was performed, and the INF-γ fold expression level in spleen samples was analyzed. In the spleens of birds vaccinated with the live ILT vaccine, the increase in INF-γ expression levels was statistically significantly (p < 0.01) lower at 28 days of age, or 7 days post vaccination, (trial 1) and higher at 35 days of age, or 14 days post vaccination, (both trials). At 7 days post vaccination with the live ILT vaccine, the mean tracheal lesion score was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than it was in the control group (both trials). At 14 days post vaccination with the live ILT vaccine, the mean tracheal lesion score was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than it was in the control group 3 (trial 1). No significant differences were found between the control group 3 and group 2, which was vaccinated with the vectored HVT/LT vaccine (both trials). The results of the histology of trachea lesions indicate that vaccination with live ILT may have induced early local immunity. The INF-γ analysis results might indicate that the birds in group 2 (HVT/LT) did not develop local immunity until 35 days of age From the practical point of view, the vectored ILT vaccine is more beneficial because of its ease of administration in the hatchery, lower labor cost, and the absence of clinical signs post vaccination. Its potential drawback, however, is poor local immunity and the slow onset of optimal immunity in commercial broiler chickens

Prevelence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)in Layer Chickens with Reference to its Ability to Form Biofilm and Enterotoxins

This descriptive study was done on 100 samples obtained from layer chicken with symptoms of arthritis and decrease egg production in Assuit Governorate Egypt. A total of 37 Staphylococcal isolates were recovered, of which 21(56.7%) identified as coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and 16 (43.2%) were identified as coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS). Sensitivity test of S. aureus isolates was performed against 10 common used chemotherapeutic agents, the results showed that all tested isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin , cefoxitin, and methicillin, while all were sensitive to vancomycin and Tylosin. For phenotypic analysis of biofilm formation, Congo Red Agar (CRA) test of 21 coagulase positive S. aureus isolates revealed that 76.2 % of these isolates were positive for biofilm production with variay degrees. A total of 12 representative coagulase positive staphylococci isolates were screened by multiplex PCR targeted the 16S rRNA, nuc and mecA genes to discriminate strains and to detect methicillin resistant strains(MRSA) , another PCR assay for presence of biofilm related genes, icaA, icaD, and PCR assay to detect prevalence of enterotoxin genes (SEs) . The 12 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus .Among the 12 S. aureus strains, 11 were found carrying mecA gene and only one isolate was mecA negative, biofilm related genes were icaD gene detected in 8 of11 S.aureus strains(72.7%), while icaA gene was found in one strain only(9%)and one strain was positive for both icaA and icaD genes. All the examined 11 mecA positive S.aureus strains harbourd enterotoxins genes distributed as follow: Sea found in (81.8%), seb (9%) and seb, sec in (9%) .Our results indicated that poultry S. aureus isolates are likely to be enterotoxigenic and biofilm producing ,and this may constitute a risk for poultry and might pose a public health hazard.

Acute toxicity of gossypol in northern bobwhites

ABSTRACT Gossypol, a secondary metabolite found in cotton (Gossypium spp.), is known to be toxic to a variety of animals, particularly monogastric mammals and commercial poultry (Gallus domesticus). Gossypol toxicosis in poultry include reduced weight, decreased egg production, and egg yolk discolouration. However, there is limited published data regarding gossypol toxicity in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), which may encounter cottonseed products in the environment and subsequently ingest gossypol. We determined the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites following the Environmental Protection Agency’s OCSPP 850.2100 Guideline: Avian Acute Oral Toxicity Test. Through a range-finding test, we estimated that the LD50 was between 200 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Following the range-finding test, we administered a single oral dose of refined gossypol to quail at 262, 342, 447, 585, and 765 mg/kg BW. We observed quail daily for mortality and any signs of intoxication throughout a 14-day observation period. We performed gross necropsies and had histopathology done on select organ tissues from experimental animals. Using the probit analysis, we determined that the oral LD50 of gossypol in northern bobwhites is 651 mg/kg BW (95% CI 579–731). Hepatocellular pigment accumulation and pancreatic necrosis were important lesions interpreted as evidence of gossypol toxicity.

Drosophila female fertility and juvenile hormone metabolism depends on the type of Wolbachia infection.

Maternally inherited intracellular bacteria Wolbachia cause both parasitic and mutualistic effects on their numerous insect hosts, including manipulating the host reproductive system in order to increase the bacteria spreading in a host population, and increasing the host fitness. Here, we demonstrate that the type of Wolbachia infection determines the effect on Drosophila melanogaster egg production as a proxy for fecundity, and metabolism of juvenile hormone (JH), which acts as gonadotropin in adult insects. For this study, we used six D. melanogaster lineages carrying the nuclear background of interbred Bi90 lineage and cytoplasmic backgrounds with or without Wolbachia of different genotype variants. The wMelCS genotype of Wolbachia decreases egg production in infected D. melanogaster females in the beginning of oviposition and increases it later (from the sixth day after eclosion), whereas the wMelPop Wolbachia strain causes the opposite effect, and the wMel, wMel2 and wMel4 genotypes of Wolbachia do not show any effect on these traits compared with uninfected Bi90 D. melanogaster females. The intensity of JH catabolism negatively correlates with the fecundity level in the flies carrying both wMelCS and wMelPop Wolbachia The JH catabolism in females infected with genotypes of the wMel group does not differ from that in uninfected females. The effects of wMelCS and wMelPop infection on egg production can be levelled by the modulation of JH titre (via precocene/JH treatment of the flies). Thus, at least one of the mechanisms promoting the effect of Wolbachia on D. melanogaster female fecundity is mediated by JH.

RNA-Seq analysis of duck embryo fibroblast cell gene expression during the early stage of egg drop syndrome virus infection

Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV), a member of the family Adenoviridae and an economically important pathogen with a broad host range, leads to markedly decreased egg production. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the host-EDSV interaction remains unclear. Here, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to study the dynamic changes in host gene expression at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-infection in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs) infected with EDSV. Atotal of 441 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after EDSV infection. Gene Ontology category and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were associated with multiple biological functions, including signal transduction, host immunity, virus infection, cell apoptosis, cell proliferation, and pathogenicity-related and metabolic process signaling pathways. We screened and identified 12 DEGs for further examination by using qRT-PCR. The qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq results were highly consistent. This study analyzed viral infection and host immunity induced by EDSV infection from a novel perspective, and the results provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms underlying host-EDSV interactions, which will prove useful for the future development of antiviral drugs or vaccines for poultry, thus benefiting the entire poultry industry.

Combined effects of pentachlorophenol and its byproduct hexachlorobenzene on endocrine and reproduction in zebrafish

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its byproduct hexachlorobenze (HCB) are two co-existing persistent environmental chemicals, but their combined toxicity remains unclear. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to 5 (low dose) and 25 μg·L−1 (high dose) of PCP, HCB or their combination for 21 days, and the impact on endocrine and reproduction was investigated. Results showed that combined exposure to 25 μg·L−1 PCP and 25 μg· L−1 HCB significantly increased the plasma estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, altered the expressions of genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis, inhibited gonadal development, and eventually lead to decreased egg production of F0 zebrafish as well as inhibited development of F1 eggs/larvae. Compared to the combined exposure of high doses, significantly lower levels of plasma E2 and T were observed for either the high PCP or high HCB alone exposure, indicating a synergistic effect of the two chemicals on endocrine disruption after combination. Furthermore, the high PCP alone exposure inhibited the gonadal development in both the males and females, while the HCB alone exposure did not. Comparison of exposure effects indicated a greater decrease of mature gametes levels and egg production in the high combined group when compared to the high HCB alone group, but no significant difference was observed between the high combined group and the high PCP alone group. Taken together, the results suggested that combined exposure to PCP and HCB may synergistically affect endocrine of zebrafish, and result in reproduction impairments, with PCP being the primary contributor.

Identification of novel multi-stage histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors that impair Schistosoma mansoni viability and egg production

BackgroundNovel anti-schistosomal multi-stage drugs are needed because only a single drug, praziquantel, is available for the treatment of schistosomiasis and is poorly effective on larval and juvenile stages of the parasite. Schistosomes have a complex life-cycle and multiple developmental stages in the intermediate and definitive hosts. Acetylation and deacetylation of histones play pivotal roles in chromatin structure and in the regulation of transcription in eukaryotic cells. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors modulate acetylation of several other proteins localized both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm and therefore impact on many signaling networks and biological processes. Histone post-translational modifications may provide parasites with the ability to readily adapt to changes in gene expression required for their development and adaptation to the host environment. The aim of the present study was to screen a HDAC class I inhibitor library in order to identify and characterize novel multi-stage hit compounds.MethodsWe used a high-throughput assay based on the quantitation of ATP in the Schistosoma mansoni larval stage (schistosomula) and screened a library of 1500 class I HDAC inhibitors. Subsequently, a few hits were selected and further characterized by viability assays and phenotypic analyses on adult parasites by carmine red and confocal microscopy.ResultsThree compounds (SmI-124, SmI-148 and SmI-558) that had an effect on the viability of both the schistosomula larval stage and the adult worm were identified. Treatment with sub-lethal doses of SmI-148 and SmI-558 also decreased egg production. Moreover, treatment of adult parasites with SmI-148, and to a lesser extent Sm-124, was associated with histone hyperacetylation. Finally, SmI-148 and SmI-558 treatments of worm pairs caused a phenotype characterized by defects in the parasite reproductive system, with peculiar features in the ovary. In addition, SmI-558 induced oocyte- and vitelline cell-engulfment and signs of degeneration in the uterus and/or oviduct.ConclusionsWe report the screening of a small HDAC inhibitor library and the identification of three novel compounds which impair viability of the S. mansoni larval stage and adult pairs. These compounds are useful tools for studying deacetylase activity during parasite development and for interfering with egg production. Characterization of their specificity for selected S. mansoni versus human HDAC could provide insights that can be used in optimization and compound design.

New insights into the metabolism and toxicity of bisphenol A on marine fish under long-term exposure

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure receives great ecotoxicological concern. However, gaps in knowledge, such as metabolism of BPA and inconsistent reports on reproductive toxicity, still exist. In this study, a marine fish model (Oryzias melastigma) was exposed to serial concentrations of BPA throughout its whole life cycle. The level of BPA-glucuronide (BPAG) dramatically increased throughout the embryonic stage since 4 dpf. Accordingly, the mRNA level and enzymatic activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) increased across the embryonic stage. The mRNA level of UGT2 subtype rather than UGT1 or UGT5 showed a concentration dependent response to BPA exposure. BPA exposure led to the morphological disruption of the chorion and villi as shown by scanning electron microscopy; however, the hatchability was not significantly influenced after exposure. Newly hatching larvae were continuously exposed to BPA for 120 days. Lower mRNA levels of hormone metabolism-related genes, decreased ratio of E2/T, slower ovary development and decreased egg production confirmed the inhibitory effect of BPA on reproduction. Overall, our results showed the conjugation of BPA into BPAG by UGT2 at the embryonic stage and convinced the reproductive toxicity from multiple levels after whole life exposure to BPA.

Autophagy Benefits the Replication of Egg Drop Syndrome Virus in Duck Embryo Fibroblasts.

Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV) is an economically important pathogen with a broad host range, and it causes disease that leads to markedly decreased egg production. Although EDSV is known to induce apoptosis in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs), the interaction between EDSV and its host needs to be further researched. Here, we provide the first evidence that EDSV infection triggers autophagy in DEFs through increases in autophagosome-like double-membrane vesicles, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, and LC3 colocalization with viral hexon proteins. Conversely, P62/SQSTM1 degradation, LC3-II turnover, and colocalization of LAMP and LC3 confirmed that EDSV infection triggers complete autophagy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine (CQ) and 3-methyladenine (3MA) or RNA interference targeting ATG-7 decreased the yield of EDSV progeny. In contrast, induction of autophagy by rapamycin increased the EDSV progeny yield. In addition, we preliminarily demonstrated that the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway contributes to autophagic induction following EDSV infection. Altogether, these finding lead us to conclude that EDSV infection induces autophagy, which benefits its own replication in host cells. These findings provide novel insights into EDSV–host interactions.

Prediction of Layer Chicken Disease using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarcy Process

Chicken disease belong to the herpes group that often attacks poultry like laying hens. Various types of diseases that can attack such as marek, IB chicken, chicken NP, CA, EDS. Therefore it is necessary to be given a special vaccine for poultry that can anticipate the dominant diseases attacking poultry in particular chicken laying. So need a prediction model with the concept of fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. analytical hierarchy process is one of the methods in the decision-making system that uses several variables with a multilevel analysis process using criteria such as decreased egg production, cough, watery eyes, wings hanging down, a gray sprocket, legs paralyzed. From the test results obtained varied values with alternative results obtained: Marek 0.1487, IB chicken 0.3464, CA 0.1769, chicken NP 0.2407, EDS 0.0884. Then fuzzy analytical hierarcy process is good for predicting laying hens disease

Co-infection of fowl adenovirus with different immunosuppressive viruses in a chicken flock

In poultry, fowl adenovirus (FAdV) and immunosuppressive virus co-infection is likely to cause decreased egg production, inclusion body hepatitis, and pericardial effusion syndrome. In this study, fowl adenovirus infection was found in parental and descendent generations of chickens. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dot blot hybridization to detect the infection of reticuloendotheliosis (REV), avian leukosis virus (ALV), and chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) in 480 plasma samples. The test samples were 34.58% FADV-positive, 22.29% REV-positive, 7.5% CAV-positive, and 0.63% ALV-positive. Sequence analysis showed that FADV belonged to serotype 7, which can cause inclusion body hepatitis. The ALV strain was ALV-A, in which the homology of gp85 gene and SDAU09C1 was 97.3%. The positive rate was lower because of the purification of avian leukemia, whereas the phylogenetic tree analysis of REV showed that the highest homology was with IBD-C1605, which was derived from a vaccine isolate. Through pathogen detection in poultry we present, to our knowledge, the first discovery of fowl adenovirus type 7 infection in parental chickens and found that there was co-infection of FAdV and several immunosuppressive viruses, such as the purified ALV and CIAV. This indicates that multiple infection of different viruses is ever-present, and more attention should be given in the diagnosis process.

A2B Adenosine Receptor Signaling on Epithelial Cells Promotes Type 2 Immunity Against Helminths

Abstract Intestinal helminth infections trigger potent type 2 immune responses, although the mechanisms that initiate these host protective responses against these multicellular parasites remain uncertain. We have previously reported that inoculation with the murine intestinal nematode parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp) results in rapid increases in intestinal epithelial surface expression of the ectonucleotidases, CD39 and CD73, which in turn degrade extracellular ATP into adenosine. Adenosine binds to adenosine G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors (A1, A2A, A2B and A3 –AR). Mice deficient in A2BAR have an impaired type 2 immune response and delayed worm expulsion during helminth infection. We now report that mice lacking A2BAR specifically on intestinal epithelial cells (Villin-Cre-A2BARfl/fl), but not on myeloid cells (LysMCre-A2BARfl/fl), have an impaired type 2 memory immune response with delayed worm expulsion and decreased egg production after Hp secondary inoculation. pSTAT6 levels in CD4+ T cells and B cell MHC-II surface expression (an indicator of IL-4 activity) from mesenteric lymph nodes of Villin-Cre-A2BARfl/fl mice were significantly decreased after primary Hp inoculation. Taken together, our data demonstrate a key role for epithelial cell specific A2BAR signaling in the initiation of the protective type 2 immune response to helminth infection. These studies indicate that extracellular adenosine binding to epithelial cell A2BAR acts as an endogenous danger signal that is released following helminth infection, which triggers host protective type 2 immune responses.

Alteration of Hepatic Gene Expression along with the Inherited Phenotype of Acquired Fatty Liver in Chicken.

Fatty liver is a widespread disease in chickens that causes a decrease in egg production and even death. The characteristics of the inherited phenotype of acquired fatty liver and the molecular mechanisms underlying it, however, are largely unknown. In the current study, fatty liver was induced in 3 breeds by a high-fat (HF) diet and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The results showed that the dwarf Jingxing-Huang (JXH) chicken was more susceptible to fatty liver compared with the layer White Leghorns (WL) and local Beijing-You (BJY) breeds. In addition, it was found that the paternal fatty livers induced by HF diet in JXH chickens were inherited. Compared to birds without fatty liver in the control group, both offsprings and their sires with fatty livers in the paternal group exhibited altered hepatic gene expression profiles, including upregulation of several key genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism (ACACA, FASN, SCD, ACSL5, FADS2, FABP1, APOA4 and ME1). This study uniquely revealed that acquired fatty liver in cocks can be inherited. The hepatic gene expression profiles were altered in chickens with the inherited phenotype of acquired paternal fatty liver and several genes could be candidate biomarkers.

Ecotoxicological assessment of perchlorate using in vitro and in vivo assays

Perchlorate is an inorganic ion widespread in the environment, generated as a natural and anthropogenic pollutant, with known endocrine disruption properties in the thyroid gland. Nonetheless, there are few reports of its ecotoxicological impact on wildlife. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adverse effects of KClO4 exposure on different cell lines, HEK, N2a, and 3T3, as well as in ecological models such as Vibrio fischeri, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Daphnia magna, and Eisenia fetida. Perchlorate exhibited similar toxicity against tested cell lines, with LC50 values of 19, 15, and 19mM for HEK, N2a, and 3T3, respectively; whereas in V. fischeri, the toxicity, examined as bioluminescence reduction, was considerably lower (EC50 = 715mM). The survival of the freshwater algae P. subcapitata was significatively impaired by perchlorate (LC50 = 72mM), and its effect on the lethality in the crustacean D. magna was prominent (LC50 = 5mM). For the earthworm E. fetida, the LC50 was 56mM in soil. In this organism, perchlorate induced avoidance behavior, weight loss, and decreased egg production and hatchling, as well as morphological and histopathological effects, such as malformations, dwarfism, and necrosis. In conclusion, perchlorate toxicity varies according to the species, although E. fetida is a sensitive model to generate information regarding the toxicological impact of KClO4 on biota.