E Group Research Articles

Associations Between the Apolipoprotein E ε4 Allele and Reduced Serum Levels of High Density Lipoprotein a Cognitively Normal Aging Han Chinese Population.

Background: Previous studies have confirmed that APOE genotype is associated with lipid metabolism, but related studies are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional study to explore the associations between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes and serum levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein in a cognitively normal aging Han Chinese population.Methods: One hundred sixty-nine community elders with normal cognitive function were included in the study. Based on multiplex amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (PCR), these subjects were divided into three groups: (1) E2/2 or E2/3 (APOE E2); (2) E3/3 (APOE E3); and (3) E2/4, E3/4, or E4/4 (APOE E4). Correlations of serum levels of fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein with APOE genotypes were assessed.Results: The results of Mann-Whitney analysis showed that the concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in APOE E2 and E3 groups was higher than that in E4 groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis also suggested that a lower level of high density lipoprotein was associated with the E4 allele (adjusted odds ratio 0.164, 95% confidence interval 0.031~ 0.876, P = 0.034).Conclusion: APOE E4 is associated with decreased serum high density lipoprotein concentration in healthy elderly. However, the above conclusions need to be further verified.

Maternal Folik Asit Suplemantasyonunun Rat Yavrularında Doğum Ağırlığı ve Obezite Gelişimi Üzerine Etkilerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışmada gebelik boyunca farklı miktarlarda folik aside (FA) maruz bırakılan rat yavrularının doğum ağırlığı ile obezite gelişimi üzerine etkilerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.&#x0D; Gereç ve Yöntem: Wistar türü dişi ratların (n=18) gebe kalmaları sağlanmış ve randomize şekilde üç gruba ayrılmıştır. Gebelik döneminde her gruba FA içerikleri farklı üç ayrı beslenme protokolü (Kontrol grubu [KG]: 2 mg/kg folik asit, Deney 1 grubu [D1]: 5 mg/kg folik asit, Deney 2 grubu [D2]: 40 mg/kg folik asit) uygulanmıştır. Kontrol ve deney grubu yavruların doğum ağırlığına bakılmıştır. Laktasyon dönemi sonrasında her gruptan 12 yavru (6 dişi ve 6 erkek) olmak üzere toplamda 36 yavrunun haftalık vücut ağırlığı takibi yapılmıştır. Yedi ve on ikinci haftaların sonunda yavruların obezite durumu (Lee indeksi) değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmaya toplamda 18 anne ve 36 yavru olmak üzere 54 rat dahil edilmiştir.&#x0D; Bulgular: En yüksek ortalama doğum ağırlığının, D2 grubundaki ratlardan doğan yavrularda olduğu belirlenmiştir (KG: 5.6±0.1 g; D1: 5.8±0.5 g; D2: 5.9±0.2 g; p&lt;0.05). D2 grubu erkek (174.4±5.6 g) ve dişi (138.3±7.7 g) yavruların yedinci haftanın sonundaki vücut ağırlıklarının, KG (erkek: 151.6±10.6 g; dişi: 124.6±3.9 g) ve D1 grubundaki (erkek: 163.3±25.3 g; dişi: 130.8±13.0 g) yavrulardan daha yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir (p&lt;0.05). On ikinci hafta sonundaki erkek ve dişi yavruların ortalama vücut ağırlıkları ve vücut ağırlığı artışları benzer bulunmuştur (p&gt;0.05). Yüksek miktarda folik aside maruz kalan annelerin yavrularının yedi haftalık iken vücut ağırlıkları normal aralıkta olmasına rağmen, on ikinci haftanın sonunda dişi yavruların tamamının, erkek yavruların ise üçte birinin obez olduğu (%33.3) belirlenmiştir.&#x0D; Sonuç: Bu çalışma, maternal FA suplemantasyon miktarının yavru ratlarda vücut ağırlığı artışıyla ilişkili bir risk faktörü olabileceğini ve yavrularda obeziteye yatkınlığa neden olabileceğini düşündürmüştür. Gebelerde FA suplemantasyonu uygulamasında doza dikkat edilmelidir.

Preparation of Future Specialists of the Social Sphere for the Formation of a Healthy Lifestyle of Pupils in the Professionally-Directed Educational Environment

Background and Aim of Study: Preparing future social pedagogues and social workers for prevention activities with students in general and forming healthy lifestyles in particular is an important task of modern professional education of social specialists. The aim of the study: to determine the effectiveness of the impact of the developed scientific and methodological support of the process of training future specialists in the social sphere to form a healthy lifestyle of students on indicators of their personal and professional potential. Material and Methods: The following complex of theoretical research methods has been used: analysis, comparison, generalization, systematization literature and interpretation of results. Methods of mathematical statistics have been used. The use of the Pearson criterion χ2 in the statistical processing of experimental data in groups E1 and K1 (students of H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University) allowed to determine a significant difference in the readiness of future specialists of the control and experimental groups after the experiment and to prove the effectiveness of the experimental work. Results: The article revealed the components of the process of professional training of future specialists in the social sphere to work on the formation of healthy lifestyles of students, as well as the peculiarities of its organization in the various social institutions that carry out the function of preventing their maladjustment. Conclusions: The analysis of the results of the experimental study on the problem of preparing future specialists in the social sphere to form a healthy lifestyle of pupils allowed to draw the conclusions about efficiency of an experimental study on the formation of health-saving readiness of future social pedagogues and social workers in the conditions of state and non-governmental social institutions of the network of social care institutions affiliated with Higher Education Institutions.

The amino acid profile after addition of humic acids and phytobiotics into diet of broiler chicken

The aim of the study was analysed the effect of humic acids separately and humic acids in combination with phytobiotic as garlic and oregano powder on amino acid (AA) profile of the most valuable parts of Ross 308 chicken. A total of 200 pcs Ross 308 broiler chickens of mixed sex were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=50): control group (C) without supplementation, experiment group E1 (2% humic acids), E2 (80% humic acids and 20% garlic powder) and E3 (90% humic acids and 10% oregano powder). Fattening period lasted for 42 days and all groups were kept under the same conditions. After slaughter, the AA profiles of breast and thigh samples were determined. In comparison with control group, 6 out of 10 AA was significantly affected (p ≤0.05) by used dietary supplementation - Met, Cys and His in thigh and Leu, Phe, His and Arg in breast muscle. AA composition of breast muscle was positively affected mainly by humic acids and 10% oregano powder supplementation (E3), while thigh muscle by humic acids and 20% garlic powder (E2). The highest obtained AA in breast muscle was Leu (2.02 g.100 g-1) in E3 group and thigh muscle His (1.15 g.100 g-1) in E2 group (p ≤0.05). In conclusion, humic acids and 10% oregano powder supplementation (E3) elicited to the best AA profile of chicken breast muscle but also the worst AA profile in thigh muscle so the effect of such a supplementation is disputable. On the other hand, humic acids and 20% garlic powder supplementation resulted into slight increase of AA in both breast and thigh muscle (E2).

Microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum as an alternative to fish oil in enriching table eggs with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The research deals with the addition of microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum as an alternative to fish oil in a feed-mixture for laying-hens and its effect on the deposition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3-PUFAs) [α-linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] in the lipids of egg yolks. In the study, 240 Tetra SL laying hens housed in enriched cages were used, divided into six groups, each in five repetitions. Groups E1, E3 and E5 were given 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% microalgae and groups E2, E4 and E6 were given feed mixtures with 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% fish oil. The mixtures were modified on the basis of 17% of the crude protein and 11.7MJ ME kg-1 . The results showed satisfactory disposal of n-3 PUFA in egg yolks of laying-hens fed mixtures with the addition of either fish oil or microalgae. Eggs of E1, E3 and E5 groups contained in 100 g: 321.07 mg, 361.60 mg and 399.34 mg n-3 PUFA, respectively (P < 0.001). Eggs of E2, E4 and E6 groups contained in 100 g: 346.25 mg, 346.17 mg and 369.02 mg n-3 PUFA, respectively (P < 0.001). By increasing the content of fish oil or microalgae in feed-mixtures for laying hens, the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in egg yolk lipids (P < 0.001) was decreased. Our results justified the usage of the microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum in the enrichment of table eggs with n-3 fatty acids as an alternative feed to fish oil. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of perinatal bisphenol A and 17β estradiol exposure: Comparing hormone receptor response.

Hormonal regulation controls mammary gland (MG) development. Therefore some hormone-related factors can disrupt the early phases of MGs development, making the gland more susceptible to long term modifications in its response to circulating hormones. Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), are able to cause alterations in hormone receptor expression, leading to changes in the cell proliferation index, which may expose the tissue to neoplastic alterations. Thus, we evaluated the variations in hormone receptor expression in the MG of 6-month old Mongolian gerbils exposed to BPA and 17β estradiol during the perinatal period. Receptors for estrogen alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), progesterone (PGR), prolactin (PRL-R), and co-localization of connexin 43 (Cx43) and ERα in gerbils were analyzed, and serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were assessed. No alterations in body, liver, and ovary-uterus complex weights were observed. However, there was an increase in epithelial ERα expression in the 17β estradiol (E2) group and in PGR in the BPA group. Although immunohistochemistry did not show alterations in ERβ expression, western blotting revealed a decrease in this protein in the BPA group. PRL-R was more present in epithelial cells in the vehicle control (VC), E2, and BPA groups in comparison to the intact control group. Cx43 was more frequent in E2 and BPA groups, suggesting a protective response from the gland against possible malignancy. Serum concentration of estradiol reduced in VC, E2, and BPA groups, confirming that alterations also impacts steroid levels. Consequently, perinatal exposure to BPA and the reference endogenous estrogen, 17β estradiol, are able to increase the tendency of endocrine disruption in MG in a long term manner, since repercussions are observed even 6 months after exposure.

Maternal Exposure to High Estrogen Increases Hyperlipidemia Risk of Childhood Offspring

Background: Maternal endocrine disorders can cause abnormal metabolism in offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate whether prenatal high E2 exposure influenced the lipid metabolism of childhood offspring. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 3,417 women whose E2 levels on the day of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) administration were tested, 1326 were pregnant between 2005-2010. Of 803 women who delivered, 298 women declined child testing and 165 were lost to follow up. Finally, 209 children (125 singleton and 84 twins) born to 167 women without high E2 (low E2 group), and 220 children (126 singleton and 94 twins) from 173 women with high E2 (high E2 group) completed our follow-up study. Information about their 429 children at 3-10 years old was available. Serum lipid levels of these children were examined, and, the relationship between serum lipid levels in offspring and maternal estrogen levels was analyzed. Furthermore, animal models of high estrogen exposure were established to study the lipid metabolism in the offspring. Findings: The serum total cholesterol (TC) levels were 4.10±0.67 mmol/L (low E2 group) and 4.24±0.71 mmol/L (high E2 group, p<0.05), respectively, and, serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were 2.10±0.47 mmol/L (low E2 group) and 2.22±0.50 mmol/L (high E2 group, p<0.05), respectively. Serum triglyceride (TG) levels and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were comparable in the two groups. In addition, children in high E2 group had significantly larger birth length than those in low E2 group, whereas no statistically significant differences were observed in birth weight, age, BMI, singleton and twins’ ratio, gender ratio, feeding pattern, blood pressure and heart rate of children between two groups. On the other hand, there was an independently significant association between serum lipid levels in childhood and prenatally maternal serum E2 levels. It was confirmed in the mouse model that intrauterine high E2 resulted in hypercholesterolemia in offspring until adulthood. Interpretation: This study provides evidence that the offspring exposed to intrauterine high estrogen had significantly higher levels of lipids in childhood, suggesting that prenatal high estrogen exposure may predispose offspring to lipid metabolism disorder in later life. Funding: Research supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC1001300), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81671519, 81801444, 81490742, 31571556). Declaration of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Ethical Approval: Our study was approved by the ethical committee of School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. All experiments were conducted in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-OCC-14004682). Our animal experiments were approved by the Zhejiang University Animal Care and Use Committee.

Endurance running exercise is an effective alternative to estradiol replacement for restoring hyperglycemia through TBC1D1/GLUT4 pathway in skeletal muscle of ovariectomized rats.

Menopause is a risk factor for impaired glucose metabolism. Alternative treatment of estrogen for postmenopausal women is required. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 5-week endurance running exercise (Ex) by treadmill on hyperglycemia and signal pathway components mediating glucose transport in ovariectomized (OVX) placebo-treated rats, compared with 4-week 17β-estradiol (E2) replacement or pair-feeding (PF) to the E2 group. Ex improved the hyperglycemia and insulin resistance index in OVX rats as much as E2 or PF did. However, Ex had no effect on body weight gain in the OVX rats. Moreover, Ex enhanced the levels of GLUT4 and phospho-TBC1D1 proteins in the gastrocnemius of the OVX rats, but E2 or PF did not. Instead, the E2 increased the Akt2/AS160 expression and activation in the OVX rats. This study suggests that endurance Ex training restored hyperglycemia through the TBC1D1/GLUT4 pathway in muscle by an alternative mechanism to E2 replacement.

Effect of Vitamin D3 and Virgin Coconut Oil on Cartilage Degeneration, Inflammation and Functional Abilities in Early Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic, degenerative knee joint disorder associated with inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced functional abilities, thereby impacting the patient’s quality of life. The prevalence of KOA is growing rapidly in India and around the globe, even in younger populations. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in musculoskeletal health and deficiency of this vitamin is highly prevalent across the age groups impacted by KOA. Consumption of vitamin D rich foods along with functional foods possessing antioxidant and analgesic properties needs to be explored as a potentially novel, low cost dietary strategy for the prevention and management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as KOA. Objective: To assess the effect of vitamin D3 and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCNO) supplementation on vitamin D3 status, cartilage degeneration, inflammatory status, and functional abilities in early KOA. Methods: One hundred vitamin D deficient, age and gender-matched adults afflicted by early KOA (30-65yrs) were selected purposively from K. J. Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India after obtaining ethical clearance from the institute. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. They were then counselled on making required dietary modifications, with due emphasis on vitamin D3 rich foods, and were given an at-home KOA exercise program. The participants were divided equally into two experimental groups: E1 (n=50) and E2 (n=50), with equal number of males and females in each group. The groups were either supplemented with Vitamin D3 alone (group E1) or Vitamin D3 + VCNO (group E2). All the participants were assessed for vitamin D status (serum 25 (OH) D levels (CLIA), Vitamin D3 intake (3-day diet recall and FFQ), pain (VAS), stiffness, functional abilities (WOMAC and 6 MWT), and inflammation (ESR and serum CRP). The cartilage marker (s-COMP (ELISA)) was assessed only in a subset of participants (n =40) from each group, both pre and post intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Results: A significant rise in Vitamin D3 intake and serum vitamin D3 levels (p&lt;.001) was observed post-supplementation in both groups. sCOMP (&lt;.001), ESR, and serum CRP (&lt;.001) were significantly reduced in both the groups, indicating a decline in cartilage degeneration and inflammatory status. VAS score (&lt;.001) was significantly reduced in both groups, indicating reduced pain intensity. Total WOMAC score (p&lt;.001) was significantly reduced, with a highly significant improvement in the distance covered during the 6 MWT (&lt;.001), indicating improved functional abilities. The mean difference of effect in all the above parameters was higher in the vitamin D3 and VCNO supplementation group (E2) than the group which received vitamin D3 alone (E1). Conclusion: Supplementation of vitamin D3 along with VCNO could be an effective strategy for delaying the progression of KOA by reducing cartilage degeneration, inflammation and pain, as well as improving functional abilities. Thus, simultaneous improvement of vitamin D3 status and oxidative stress should be considered in early KOA management. Non-conventional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functional foods such as VCNO could be further explored. Key words: Knee osteoarthritis, vitamin D, virgin coconut oil, anti-inflammatory, functional food, functional abilities, cartilage degeneration, inflammation, WOMAC, sCOMP.

Effects of synthetic (JWH-018) cannabinoids treatment on spermatogenesis and sperm function

JWH-018 is a synthetic cannabinoid which has been increasingly used by adolescents and adults, and is known to cause severe multi-organ failure. However, little is known about the complications and toxicological effects of JWH-018 on reproduction system. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of JWH-018 on testis and spermatogenesis. Thirty CD-1 male rats were distributed into six groups, control group (C1 and C2), ethanol group (E1 and E2), and JWH-018 group (JWH1 and JWH2), which were administered 0.9% NaCl, %100 ethanol, and JWH-018 (0.3 mg/kg) respectively for 9 d. We euthanized C1, E1, and JWH1 group mice at day 2 and C2, E2, and JWH2 group mice at 45 d after the last injection to evaluate the acute testis damage and potential recovery of spermatogenesis. The histopathology of seminiferous epithelium was evaluated and organ weight, sperm concentration and motility, membrane integrity, and serum testosterone levels were statistically analyzed. In JWH1, seminiferous tubule degeneration, partial germ cell depletion disorganized seminiferous epitheliums were seen. We also observed significantly decreased sperm concentration, sperm motility, intact membrane, and testosterone levels in JWH1 group compared to other groups. Forty-five days after the JWH-018 treatment, sperm concentration, motility, and testosterone level were increased, suggesting that testis and spermatogenesis can recover. We concluded that the use of JWH-018 may adversely affect male reproductive potential and testis histopathology.

Effect and mechanisms of sacral nerve stimulation on visceral hypersensitivity mediated by nerve growth factor.

To investigate the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on nerve growth factor (NGF) mediated visceral sensitivity in normal rat and visceral hypersensitivity model rats. 120 male newborn rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: group A was normal model group; group B ~ F were all sensitized with acetic acid enema and grouped again. Group c2 was given NGF antagonist, d2 group was given NGF agonist, e2 group was given PI3K inhibitor, and f2 group was given PLC‐γ inhibitor. After treatment, the expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K, AKT, PLC‐γ, NF‐κB, TRPV1, pTRPV1 and intracellular Ca2+ content were detected. The expression of protein TRPV1 and pTRPV1 was increased, and Ca2+ was increased in the visceral hypersensitive group. NGF, TrKA in NGF antagonist group, PI3K, AKT, NF‐κB in PI3K inhibitor group, PLC‐γ in PLC‐γ inhibitor group were all almost not expressed. The relative expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K, AKT, PLC‐γ and NF‐κB in NGF antagonist group was lower than that in visceral hypersensitivity group and NGF activator group (P < .01). The relative expression of NGF, TrKA, PI3K and AKT mRNA in NGF antagonist group was lower than that in the normal model group (P < .01). There was no significant difference in the relative expression of PLC‐γ and NF‐κB mRNA (P > .05). The expression level of MAPK, ERK1 and ERK2 in visceral hypersensitivity group was higher than that in PI3K inhibitor group and PLC‐γ inhibitor group. The normal group Ca2+ curve was flat, and the NGF agonist group had the highest Ca2+ curve peak. Calcium concentration in visceral hypersensitivity group was higher than that in PI3K inhibitor group and that in PLC‐γ inhibitor group was higher than that in NGF antagonist group. The binding of TrkA receptor to NGF activates the MAPK/ERK pathway, the PI3K/Akt pathway and the PLC‐γ pathway, causing changes in the fluidity of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+, resulting in increased sensitivity of visceral tissues and organs.

Increased Progesterone on the Day of Administration of hCG in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Affects the Expression of HOXA10 in Primates' Endometrial Receptivity.

The increase in progesterone (P4) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration have a negative effect on endometrial receptivity. There are few reports regarding the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) as one of many biomolecular factors of endometrial receptivity. To evaluate the effect of increased P4 concentration on the day of hCG administration on HOXA10, a total of 16 Macaca nemestrina were divided into three dose groups of recombinant-follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) (30IU, 50IU, and 70IU) and one control group. Injection of rFSH combined with gonadotropin release hormone (GnRH) at 160 ug/day was given subcutaneously using a long protocol technique. Blood samples for estradiol (E2) and (P4) concentration measurements were taken on the day of injecting hCG in the final follicular phase, while the collection of endometrial tissue for HOXA10 measurement was carried out 8 to 10 days after hCG administration. E2 and P4 were measured by ELISA, whereas HOXA10 expression was measured with immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques. The concentration of E2 and P4 was found to be higher in dose groups compared with the natural group, but no significant differences were found within the group. For the Hscore for HOXA10 expression, no significant differences within dose groups were found. In addition, no significant differences for the Hscore for HOXA10 were found when compared to E2 groups. Significantly, the Hscore of HOXA10 was found to be >1 ng/mL in the P4 group compared with the Hscore HOXA10 in the P4 natural group (p = 0.022). The high concentration of P4 caused by ovarian hyperstimulation in the follicular phase stimulates the expression of HOXA10 in the secretion phase.

DICHOTOMOUS KEYS IN THE BOTANICAL LEARNING OF NON-VISUAL (BLIND) PEOPLE

Recently, the research about innovative approaches in the education of blind (non-visual- NV) students has intensified; however the use of dichotomous keys (DK) in their botanical education has not yet been examined. This research explored the contribution of two self-generated dichotomous keys (DK) for plant identification (a digital version- DDK and a printed version- DPK), to the botanical education of NV students. The research included 100 students, with an average age of 24, divided into 2 groups. Group E1 determined the plants using the DDK while in Group E2 plants were identified using the DPK. The DDK contributed more than the DPK in helping the NV participants to acquire the quality and durability knowledge they need to identify different plant groups (woody, bushy and herbaceous plants). The NV has the greatest success in the identification of woody plants, and the least success in the identification of herbaceous plants. The members of both groups (E1, E2) had possitive opinion about the contribution of the applicable dichotomous key to their knowledge, the activities in it. Due to this fact, both versions of DKs are recommended as new assistive tools in the botanical education of NV students. Keywords: botanical education, plants identification, dichotomous keys, non-visual people, quasi-experimental design.

EFFECT OF TAURINE ADMINSTRATIONON THE STRUCTURE OF RABBIT TESTES

The aim of this work was to analyze the effect of taurine (TAU) on the microscopic structure of rabbit testes, focusing on individual parameters of the seminiferous tubules. We used 5 months old sexually mature male rabbits, which were divided into four experimental groups. Rabbits from the experimental groups E1, E2, and E3 received taurine dissolved in drinking water (doses 321.675 mg/rabbit/day, 643.35 mg/rabbit/day and 965.025 mg/rabbit/day) for four weeks. To compare the results of our experiment a control group of rabbits (KK) was created without any TAU administration. We analyzed the following morphometric parameters: the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (μm), the height of the epithelium and the diameter of the lumen of the seminiferous tubules (μm), the area (μm2) and the perimeter (μm) of the seminiferous tubules. Based on our results, we have found that the oral administration of TAU caused a significant increase (P

Liuwei Dihuang soft capsules inhibits the phenotypic conversion of VSMC to prevent the menopausal atherosclerosis by up-regulating the expression of myocardin.

Liuwei Dihuang (LWDH) is a classic prescription that has been used as a traditional medicinal formula for more than 1000 years in China. In clinical, LWDF is used for treating functional decline associated with senile disease and menopausal syndrome. Studies have demonstrated that LWDH could significantly improve estrogen level and ER expression, and suspend the process of atherosclerosis. However, the under mechanism of how LWDH suppressing VSMCs phenotypic conversion and proliferation through ER is still unknown. This study was to reveal the under mechanism of how LWDH inhibits the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs. 24 ApoE-/- mice were divided into 4 groups: sham group, model group, E2 group, and LWDH group, and 6 C57BN/L6 mice were used as control group. The primary VSMCs were divided into control group, model group, E2 group, LWDH group, LWDH+MPP group, and LWDH+PHTPP group with or without control siRNA, ERα siRNA, ERβ siRNA, and myocardin siRNA. Oil red staining was used to evaluate the lipid deposition in the cardiac aorta. Serum chemistry analysis to test serum TG, TC, LDL, and HDL. Immunofluorescence staining was used to test α-SMA, osteopontin and F-actin. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to check out the myocardin in the cardiac aorta. The mRNA levels of α-SMA, osteopontin, ERα, ERβ, SRC3 and myocardin were detected by Real Time-PCR, and the protein expression levels of them were detected by Western blotting. Co-immunoprecipitation was proceed to test the interaction between ERα and SRC3 and SRC3 and myocardin. Flow cytometry was used to check out the cell cycle. Wound healing assay and Transwell were managed to evaluate the migration capacity of VSMCs. In vivo administration of LWDH suppressed AS symptoms, decreases phenotypic marker of vascular endothelial cell, and increases phenotypic marker of VSMC in ovariectomized ApoE-/- female mice. Moreover, LWDH significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERα, ERβ, SRC3 and myocardin in the cardiac aorta of ovariectomized ApoE-/- female mice. In vitro, LWDH altered cell cycle and reduced the elevated cyclinD protein expression migration capacity and in the model VSMCs. In addition, LWDH inhibited phenotypic conversion and promoted the expression of ER, SRC3, and myocardin of the primary VSMC phenotypic conversion model. Inhibition of ERα almost completely eliminated the impacts of LWDH on α- SMA and osteopontin. Furthermore, LWDH promoted the interaction between ERα and SRC3 and up-regulated the co-activation of SRC3 and myocardin. LWDH could inhibit the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs in vitro and in vivo by increasing the activity of myocardin through up-regulating the expression of ERα and promoting the interaction between ERα and SRC3. Our research reveals the under mechanism of how LWDH inhibits the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs.

Regulation of triglyceride synthesis by estradiol in the livers of hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ♀ × O. aureus ♂).

Estradiol (E2) is a sex steroid hormone that modulates multiple physiological processes in teleosts. The aim of this study was to explore the role of E2 in the hepatic lipid metabolism of hybrid tilapia. The hybrid tilapias were injected with different concentrations of E2 (0 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) and ICI 182,780 (ICI) (35 mg/kg) (an E2 receptor antagonist). Subsequently, the liver lipid depositions were analyzed by tissue sections with oil red O staining. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were assayed from the fish in different groups. Genes related to very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly, lipoprotein lipase and lipoprotein receptors, fatty acid uptake and triacylglycerol metabolism were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. The results showed that 50 mg/kg E2 injections enlarged the lipid droplets significantly. Simultaneously, the E2 injections tended to upregulate TC, TG, LDL, and HDL in the serum. The 50 mg/kg E2 group showed a significantly higher expression of the VLDL assembly genes but depressed levels of LDLR and LRP1. In addition, FABP3, FABP11a and DGAT2 were significantly elevated, while CD36 and ACO1 decreased in the 50 mg/kg E2 injection. The ICI injection inhibited the expression of MTP, LPL, LRP1, CD36, FABP11a, ACO1 and FAS in tilapia livers. These results demonstrated that by stimulating the expression of genes associated with the VLDL assembly, inhibiting lipoprotein lipase and lipoprotein receptor-related genes and promoting the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of the TG, E2 induced deposition of lipids in the livers of hybrid tilapia. Overall, the results suggest a role for E2 in fish lipid metabolisms that provide new clues to illustrate the sex steroid function in energy metabolism in livers.

The influence of statin monotherapy and statin-ezetimibe combined therapy on FoxP3 and IL 10 mRNA expression in patients with coronary artery disease.

FoxP3 is a marker of human T regulatory cells (Tregs), which are supposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with pleiotropic, immunoregulatory properties, produced mostly by Tregs and B regulatory cells. Due to their anti-inflammatory action, both Tregs and IL-10 are believed to inhibit plaque development and decrease atherosclerosis progression. The effect of hypolipidemic drugs - statins or ezetimibe - on FoxP3-positive Tregs and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, is still unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of 3 different therapies of equivalent hypolipidemic activity: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and combination therapy of atorvastatin and ezetimibe on FoxP3-Tregs transcription factor and IL-10 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Sixty-five patients with diagnosed CAD participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to 3 therapeutic groups: atorvastatin at a dose of 40 mg/day (A40 group); rosuvastatin 20 mg/day (R20 group); and atorvastatin 10 mg/day combined with ezetimibe 10 mg/day (A10+E10 group). After 1 month and 6 months of therapy, the mRNA expression for FoxP3 and IL-10 in PBMCs was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and lipid parameters. An improvement in lipid parameters was observed in each of the groups studied; however, hypolipidemic treatment did not induce any change in FoxP3 and IL-10 mRNA expression. After 6 months, an increase in FoxP3 mRNA expression was noted in A40 group as compared to R20 group. None of the therapies of equal hypolipidemic efficacy affected FoxP3 and IL-10 mRNA expression in patients with stable CAD.

Hypoxia Limits the Growth of Bovine Follicles in Vitro by Inhibiting Estrogen Receptor α.

Simple SummaryIt is well documented that a hypoxic environment at high altitudes decreased the fertility of female domestic animals because of embryonic or fetal losses, intrauterine growth restriction, and birth weight reduction. However, little study has been performed on for the effects of hypoxia on bovine ovary function. In this study, we found that the hypoxia plays an important role in regulating follicular survival and genes expression. Hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicles cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα, which could provide useful information for future studies relating to reproduction of cattle.Female animals living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have lower ovulation rates because of the hypoxic environment, however, the mechanism of hypoxia on animal follicles is unclear. In this study, the effects of hypoxia on bovine follicles were investigated using an in vitro follicular culture system. The results show that there was a significant decrease in follicular diameter from day 3 to day 6 in both hypoxia and hypoxia with estrogen (E2) and fulvestrant (ICI 182780) (hypoxia + E2 + ICI) groups, when compared with a normoxia group (p < 0.05). We also observed significant downregulation of ERα and FSHR, while upregulation of LHCGR expression in the hypoxia group and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups compared to the normoxia group (p < 0.05). The expression of IGF1 gene was significantly downregulated in hypoxia + E2 + ICI group when compared to the hypoxia + E2 group (p < 0.05). The expression of HIF1A, ADAMTS1, VEGFA, and EDN2 were upregulated in both hypoxia and hypoxia + E2 + ICI groups in comparison to normoxia group (p < 0.05). Under hypoxic conditions, the addition of E2 resulted in a decrease of HIF1A protein but an increase of ERα protein in cultured bovine follicles (p < 0.05). In summary, hypoxia limits the growth of bovine follicle cultured in vitro through inhibition of ERα.

Quality and oxidative stability of eggs laid by hens fed marigold extract supplemented diet

The research objective was to determine the influence of marigold extract and storage duration on the indicators of egg quality and on the oxidative stability of eggs. The 5-wk long research was carried out on 300 laying hens. Laying hens were divided into control group (C-without marigold extract supplementation) and 2 experimental groups (E1-supplemented 1g/kg of marigold extract and E2-supplemented 2g/kg of marigold extract to diet). The eggs were analyzed on 2 occasions, as fresh eggs (1 D after collecting in the facility) and after 28 D of storage in a refrigerator on +4°C. On both occasions, there were 30 eggs analyzed per each group. Statistical analysis of the research results proved influence of marigold extract supplementation and storage duration on the weight of eggs (P < 0.05) and on the eggshell thickness (P < 0.001), but they did not have any influence on other indicators of external egg quality. Storage duration affected (P < 0.001) all indicators of internal egg quality, whereas supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) only the pH value of yolk. Supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) the yolk color intensity. There was a significant increase in the value of yolk color, starting with 9.63 in the C group and raising to 12.77 (E1) and 13.50 (E2) in fresh eggs. Yolk color of stored eggs was more intensive than the yolk color of fresh eggs in all 3 groups (P < 0.001). Supplemented marigold extract did not influence the obtained results of lipid oxidation in yolks, whereas storage duration had influence (P < 0.05) on oxidation intensity. The most favorable value of oxidation in fresh eggs was determined in the E2 group (0.545μg MDA/g), and in stored eggs in the E1 group (0.615μg MDA/g). Based on the research results, it was concluded that the supplementation of marigold extract had favorable influence on the yolk color intensity and on the oxidative stability of eggs without having negative influence on other egg quality indicators.

THE EFFECT OF BEE PRODUCTS AND PROBIOTIC ON MEAT PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

The aim was the evaluation of meat performance in chickens Ross 308 after the addition of bee pollen and propolis in a combination with probiotic into diet for broiler chicken. A total of 180 Ross 308 broiler chickens of male and female sex were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=60): the control group (C) without additional supplementation, experimental group E1 supplemented with 400 mg bee pollen extract per 1 kg of feed mixture and 3.3 g probiotic (Lactobacillus fermentum) added to drinking water on a daily basis, and experimental group E2 supplemented with 400 mg propolis extract/1 kg feed mixture and 3.3 g probiotic (L. fermentum) added to drinking water on a daily basis. The feed mixtures were produced without any antibiotics and coccidiostatics. The fattening period lasted for 42 days. The findings of the work on the meat performance and carcass characteristics of chickens revealed that bee pollen in combination with probiotic was the most suitable feed supplement. Among the most noteworthy parameters affected positively (P≤0.05) by this supplement in comparison with control may be mentioned the breast part weight. Moreover, it seems likely that there was synergistic effect of bee pollen and probiotic manifested by higher live body and carcass weight (P≤0.05) in comparison with the control. Present results would also seem to suggest that propolis supplementation with probiotic had effects on meat performance and carcass characteristics of Ross 308 broiler chicken.