Expression Of Growth-related Genes Research Articles

Replacement of fish meal with soy protein concentrate in diet of juvenile rice field eel Monopterus albus

Among plant protein sources, soy protein concentrate (SPC) has lower anti-nutritional factors and higher protein content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing fish meal in diet of rice field eel Monopterus albus with soy protein concentrate on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, intestinal digestive enzymes and growth-related genes expression in skeletal muscle. Six isonitrogen (45% crude protein) and isolipidic (5.5% crude lipid) diets were formulated with 0 g/kg, 8.5 g/kg, 17 g/kg, 25.5 g/kg, 34 g/kg and 42.5 g/kg SPC inclusion to replace 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 75% of fish meal (S0 (control), S8.5, S17, S25.5, S34, S42.5, respectively). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 100 fish per net cage (mean initial weight 25.56 ± 0.12 g). The fish were fed once at 18:00 per day for 56 days. Results showed that weight gain and feed intake significantly decreased in fish fed S42.5 (P < 0.05). Feed conversion rate was significantly higher in S34 and S42.5 groups compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). No significant effects were found on hepatosomatic index and body composition among treatments. Viscerosomatic index significantly decreased with the increasing levels of SPC inclusion. Amylase and lipase activities in intestine peaked at S17 group. Dietary SPC supplementation significantly reduced the activities of intestine trypsin and serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase as well as the content of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and malondialdehyde, but significantly elevated the activities of catalase and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase activity had a rising trend compared to the control. High supplementation levels of dietary SPC down-regulated myogenic determination factor and myogenin mRNA expression, but up-regulated myostatin mRNA expression. These results suggested that fish meal could be partially replaced by SPC in diet of M. albus and the optimal supplementation level of SPC was 26% by using broken-line model curve. Replacing fish meal with dietary SPC has benefit in enhancing serum antioxidant capacity, improving serum lipid profile and modulating growth-related genes expression pattern in skeletal muscle of M. albus.

Molecular and computational analysis of Ghrelin, growth hormone Secretagogues receptor and mRNA expression of Growth-related genes after exogenous administered ghrelin peptide in Labeo rohita

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone secreted primarily by the stomach and is involved in controlling growth by governing different functions in vertebrates including feed intake and metabolism in vertebrates. This work was aimed to identify sequences of ghrelin gene and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in Labeo rohita. The full-length cDNA sequence of ghrelin is 453 bp including 5′-untranslated region (UTR) of 65 bp, 3′-UTR of 76 bp with a poly-A frame. An open reading frame (ORF) is 312 bp, which encodes a peptide of 103 amino acid residues. A secondary structure of GHSR protein consists of alpha helix 66.0%, 16% disordered and 43% transmembrane helix. Molecular docking and interaction between synthetic ghrelin peptides and GHSR in the contact map revealed 19 amino acid residues closer than 4.5 Å distance. The mRNA expression level of ghrelin, leptin, GHSR, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and insulin growth factor-I (IGF-1) revealed significant changes (p < 0.05), in the different treatments. The outcome of the present work contributes to understanding the role of ghrelin and its mechanism of action in regulating the expression of growth-related genes and feed intake in fish.

Redox-sensitive bZIP68 plays a role in balancing stress tolerance with growth in Arabidopsis.

Perturbation of the cellular redox state by stress conditions is sensed by redox-sensitive proteins so that the cell can physiologically respond to stressors. However, the mechanisms linking sensing to response remain poorly understood in plants. Here we report that the transcription factor bZIP68 underwent in vivo oxidation in Arabidopsis cells under oxidative stress which is dependent on its redox-sensitive Cys320 residue. bZIP68 is primarily localized to the nucleus under normal growth conditions in Arabidopsis seedlings. Oxidative stress reduces its accumulation in the nucleus and increases its cytosolic localization. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) revealed that bZIP68 primarily binds to promoter regions containing the core G-box (CACGTG) or G-box-like motif of the genes involved in abiotic and biotic stress responses, photosynthesis, biosynthetic processes, and transcriptional regulation. The bzip68 mutant displayed slower growth under normal conditions but enhanced tolerance to oxidative stress. The results from the ChIP-seq and phenotypic and transcriptome comparison between the bzip68 mutant and wildtype indicate that bZIP68 normally suppresses expression of stress tolerance genes and promotes expression of growth-related genes, whereas its inactivation enhances stress tolerance but suppresses growth. bZIP68 might balance stress tolerance with growth through the extent of its oxidative inactivation according to the environment.

TAC3 Gene Products Regulate Brain and Digestive System Gene Expression in the Spotted Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

Neurokinin B (NKB) is a member of the tachykinin (tac) family that plays important roles in mammalian growth by modulating prolactin (PRL) synthesis and secretion and causing contraction of the stomach and intestine. However, its potential role in regulating growth of teleosts is less clear. We aimed to explore the role that NKB plays in regulating fish growth using the spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) as a model. In the present study, two tac3 and two tacr3 genes were identified in the spotted sea bass. Sequence analysis showed that two tac3 transcripts, tac3a and tac3b, encode four NKBs: NKBa-13, NKBa-10, NKBb-13, and NKBb-10. Expression analysis in different tissues showed that both genes are highly expressed in the brain, stomach and intestine of the spotted sea bass. In situ hybridization indicated that the tac3a and tac3b mRNAs are both localized in several brain regions, such as the telencephalon and hypothalamus, and that tacr3a and tacr3b are localized in the intestinal villus and gastric gland. To investigate the potential role of NKBs in regulating growth, in vitro experiments were performed to detect the effect of NKBs on growth-related gene expression in the brain and brain-gut peptide (BGP)-related genes in the stomach and intestine. NKBb-13 was the most critical ligand in regulating the expression of growth-related genes in the brain and brain-gut peptide (BGP)-related genes in the stomach. The expression of cholecystokinin (cck) was enhanced by NKBa-13, NKBa-10, and NKBb-10 but not NKBb-13 in the intestine. In general, our results showed that NKBs participate in regulating the growth of spotted sea bass.

Effects of dietary lipid levels on sub-adult triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): 1. Growth performance, digestive ability, health status and expression of growth-related genes

A growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid levels on the growth performance, feed utilization, digestive ability, health status and expression of growth-related genes of female triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Six isonitrogenous diets, containing 46% protein were formulated with graded lipid levels of 6.6 (Diet 1), 12.3 (Diet 2), 14.8 (Diet 3), 19.5 (Diet 4), 22.8 (Diet 5) and 29.4% (Diet 6). Each diet was fed to quadruplicated groups of fish with initial average weight of 233 g in freshwater cages for 80 days. Results showed that there were significant linear and quadratic responses in growth performance, feed utilization, digestive ability and health status of sub-adult fish (P < .05). Final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), stomach protease activity, activity of lipase in pyloric caeca, activity of amylase in pyloric caeca and intestine showed a general increasing trend with increasing dietary protein level. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased with increasing dietary protein level. No significant difference of intestinal morphology was observed in any of the groups (P > .05) except that the highest value for muscular layer thickness and density of goblet cells were found in Diet 6 treatment (P < .05). When examining health status, no negative effects were found in the antioxidative capacity of the intestine and liver (P > .05), however, the lowest value of plasma total anti-oxidative capacity (T-AOC) content and highest plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) content were shown in Diet 6 treatment (P < .05). There was no significant difference in plasma enzymes in any of the groups (P > .05) except for activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK), which increased as dietary lipid levels increased (P < .05). The expression of growth-related genes was at first significantly improved (P < .05) and then kept consistent (P > .05). Broken-line regression analysis of FCR showed that the minimum dietary lipid level of triploid rainbow trout was 23.3% in the present study. In summary, we found that triploid rainbow trout could use or tolerate high dietary lipid level (up to 29.4%) with no negative effect on fish growth, feed utilization, liver or intestine health. The minimum dietary lipid level for sub-adult triploid rainbow trout was estimated to be 23.3% based on FCR under the present conditions.

Effects of temperature and sex steroids on sex ratio, growth, and growth-related gene expression in the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus

AB Aquatic Biology Contact the journal Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections AB 28:79-90 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00710 Effects of temperature and sex steroids on sex ratio, growth, and growth-related gene expression in the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus Qiaomu Hu, Haifeng Tian, Hanbing Xiao* Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430223, PR China *Corresponding author: xhb@yfi.ac.cn ABSTRACT: Andrias davidianus is one of most farmed amphibians owing to its palatability and nutritional value. In this transitional group between aquatic and terrestrial animals the effects of temperature and sex hormones on sex ratio and growth are not fully understood. Here, we quantified the sex dimorphism of A. davidianus growth with adult males approximately 30% larger than females, and for the first time determined the time of initiation of sex differentiation to be ~98 days post-hatching (dph). Mortality increased significantly with increased temperature, from 9.4% at 20°C to 40.6% at 28°C. At temperatures ≥30°C we observed 100% mortality. The proportion of males was 66.1% at 28°C, significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). 17α-estradiol induced larval feminization and produced female bias of 81-100% at concentrations from 25 µg l-1 to 1000 µg l-1. However, sex bias was not observed in larvae exposed to 17α-methyltestosterone at concentrations of 50 µg l-1 and 100 µg l-1. Additionally, growth characteristics at different temperatures showed that 28°C inhibited growth and 24°C promoted growth, reflecting the expression profile of growth-related genes (GH, GHR, and IGF-1). Sex steroids including 17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone significantly inhibited growth (p < 0.05). The results suggest that water temperature and sex steroids play a vital role in gonad differentiation and growth of A. davidianus. KEY WORDS: Temperature · Sex steroids · Sex ratio · Growth · Andrias davidianus Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Hu Q, Tian H, Xiao H (2019) Effects of temperature and sex steroids on sex ratio, growth, and growth-related gene expression in the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus. Aquat Biol 28:79-90. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00710 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in AB Vol. 28. Online publication date: August 08, 2019 Print ISSN: 1864-7782; Online ISSN: 1864-7790 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.

Class I TCP Transcription Factors Target the Gibberellin Biosynthesis Gene GA20ox1 and the Growth-Promoting Genes HBI1 and PRE6 during Thermomorphogenic Growth in Arabidopsis.

Plants respond to a rise in ambient temperature by increasing the growth of petioles and hypocotyls. In this work, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana class I TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, PCF (TCP) transcription factors TCP14 and TCP15 are required for optimal petiole and hypocotyl elongation under high ambient temperature. These TCPs influence the levels of the DELLA protein RGA and the expression of growth-related genes, which are induced in response to an increase in temperature. However, the class I TCPs are not required for the induction of the auxin biosynthesis gene YUCCA8 or for auxin-dependent gene expression responses. TCP15 directly targets the gibberellin biosynthesis gene GA20ox1 and the growth regulatory genes HBI1 and PRE6. Several of the genes regulated by TCP15 are also targets of the growth regulator PIF4 and show an enrichment of PIF4- and TCP-binding motifs in their promoters. PIF4 binding to GA20ox1 and HBI1 is enhanced in the presence of the TCPs, indicating that TCP14 and TCP15 directly participate in the induction of genes involved in gibberellin biosynthesis and cell expansion by high temperature functionally interacting with PIF4. In addition, overexpression of HBI1 rescues the growth defects of tcp14 tcp15 double mutants, suggesting that this gene is a major outcome of regulation by both class I TCPs during thermomorphogenesis.

Growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and growth-related gene expression in response to dietary Ziziphus mauritiana in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ziziphus mauritiana leaf powder (ZLP) on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology and growth-related gene expression of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). ZLP was incorporated into the basal diet at 5, 10 and 20 g per kg diets (w/w) and fed to fish for 12 weeks. The obtained results revealed significantly (P < .05) improved average body weight, weight gain percentage, feed intake, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and apparent protein utilization in fish fed ZLP as compared to fish fed ZLP free diet with the highest being in fish fed 10 g per kg diet. The highest carcass total protein and the lowest moisture and lipid contents were observed in fish fed ZLP at 20 g/kg as compared to the control, while the lowest ash content was observed in fish fed ZLP at 10 g/kg. Serum ion Na+ and Ca++ significantly increased (P˂0.05) in all groups fed with ZLP compared to the control group, while an increase in the serum K+ ion concentration was recorded at 5 and 10 g ZLP fed groups. Significant upregulations in insulin-like growth factor and ghrelin gene expression in fish fed ZLP were recorded (P < .05). The stomach showed an increase in the thickness of the gastric mucosa and muscularis in all treated groups with the highest values in 10 g/kg fed group. The intestinal mucosal folds, heights, widths, area and perimeter of the villi and thickness of muscular layers were significantly (P < .05) higher in groups fed with ZLP, which was confirmed by using scanning electron microscopy.Thus, ZLP can be used effectively in tilapia diets for improving the growth and intestinal health.

Abstract 4397: Gli Activation by Steroid Receptors in Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Background: The nuclear steroid receptor superfamily encompasses a group of proteins best known for their functions as primary transcription factors that are conditionally active when bound to a ligand. Here, we show that prominent members of this family (androgen receptor [AR], estrogen receptor [ER-α] and glucocorticoid receptor [GR]) have a secondary function of coordinately activating the Gli family of transcription factors. Previously, we found that liganded AR recognizes and binds to Gli2/Gli3 proteins at their Protein Processing Domains. This binding prevents their degradation and stabilizes them in their high molecular weight, transcriptionally-active forms. This interaction bypasses the need for signaling through Hedgehog/Smoothened to stabilize Gli. To determine whether other steroid receptors have this activity, we tested the ability of human ER-α and GR to bind to Gli3 and whether they increased Gli activity in exogenous (293FT) and endogenous breast and prostate cancer cell systems. Methods: Human AR, ER-α or GR expression vectors were co-transfected into 293FT cells along with a myc-tagged Gli3. Protein extracts were tested for co-immunoprecipitation of AR-/ER-/GR-Gli3 complexes. 293FT cells were co-transfected with AR, ER, or GR along with a Gli-reporter vector. Luciferase activity was measured in transfected cells upon treatment with vehicle, R1881 (AR ligand), estradiol (E2-ER ligand); or dexamethasone (dex-GR ligand). LNCaP (express AR), MCF7 (express ER) or LNCaP-AI cells (express GR) were transfected with reporter in the presence or absence of R1881, E2, dex or vehicle and luciferase activity was measured. AR-/ER-Gli3 complexes were detected by in situ proximity ligation assays in prostate cancer or breast cancer cells. The effect of AR or ER-α siRNA knockdown in LNCaP or MCF7 cells on Gli3 protein stability was measured on western blot. Results: Pulldowns of AR, ER or GR co-immunoprecipitates with Gli3. Transfection with AR or ER increased Gli reporter activity in the presence of vehicle but was further increased by R1881 or E2 treatment. Gli reporter activity was unchanged by transfection with GR in the presence of vehicle but the presence of 5 or 10nM of dex tripled this activity. Gli-luciferase activity was significantly increased in R1881-treated LNCaP cells, E2-treated MCF7 cells and in dex-treated LNCaP-AI cells. PLA detected the presence of AR-Gli3 and ER-Gli3 complexes in nuclei of LNCaP and MCF7 cells. AR and ER-α knockdown destabilized Gli3 protein in LNCaP and MCF7 cells. Conclusion: Collectively our results established a secondary function (Gli activation) shared by an important evolutionary spectrum of human steroid receptors (AR, ER, and GR). As Gli is oncogenic and regulates the expression of many growth-related genes, our observations may explain the pro-oncogenic effects of steroid receptors in steroid-dependent tumour systems. Citation Format: Shabnam Massah, Na Li, Sarah Truong, Jane Foo, Gail Prins, Ralph Buttyan. Gli Activation by Steroid Receptors in Prostate and Breast Cancer Cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4397.

Absorption of zinc ions dissolved from zinc oxide nanoparticles in the tobacco callus improves plant productivity

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) are soluble in water and can release Zn2+, an essential mineral that promotes the growth of plant cells. When ZnO NPs were administered to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samusun-NN) callus under white light irradiation, a concentration-dependent increase in weight was observed. Specifically, an increase in chlorophyll levels was triggered by blue light and induced by ZnO NPs. mRNA-seq analysis showed that during the early stages of tobacco callus exposure to ZnO NPs and white light irradiation, there was considerable fluctuation in the expression of genes related to salt stress. After 24 h, the expression of cellular component and growth-related genes also fluctuated. Analysis by RT-qPCR revealed that, after 1 day of ZnO NPs exposure, the expression levels of photosynthesis-related genes were enhanced. The Zn content of control-treated callus was 0.19 mg g−1 dry weight, whereas that of callus cultured with the ZnO bulk particles (BPs), with a particle diameter of 2000 nm, was 2.59 mg g−1 dry weight, and for callus cultured with ZnO NPs, with a particle diameter 34 nm, the Zn content was 3.37 mg g−1 dry weight. These results indicate that ZnO particles supplied large amounts of Zn to the callus, suggesting that the smaller the particle size, the larger the surface area of particles dissolve zinc ions more efficiently and the more ions are supplied to tobacco callus cells, and resulting in an increase in plant productivity. Under the light illumination, incubation of tobacco callus with zinc oxide nanoparticle dispersion resulted in supply of much zinc ions into cell, and induction of chlorophyll accumulation and cell proliferation.

Gene expression associated with indicated faster growth of crossbreeding inSinocyclocheilus grahami

In this study, pure-breeding and crossbreeding of Sinocyclocheilus grahami were established to test heterosis and expression of growth-related genes which were examined in the first-generation (F1). Genetic distances results showed that Muyang river (M) and Sanbaimu reservoir (S) populations had smaller interspecific distances (genetic distance: 0.000) while larger distances were shown to other two populations (0.024 of Jiuzhai vauclusian spring [J] and 0.044 of Chenglong vauclusian spring [C]). Full-sib families were created by using the Muyang river population as females: MM, MS, MJ and MC. Growth performance had significant differences between each group of F1 hybrids; the fastest growth group was shown in MJ while the slowest was in MS. For growth-related genes, the fast growth group of MJ hybrids showed significantly higher levels of ghrelin expression in strong expression tissues of the intestine and liver. Among the four combinations, mRNA levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were the highest expression in MJ hybrids than others in all tested tissues. Myostatin b and somatostatin1 (SST1) were strongly expressed in the brain and MJ hybrids showed relatively lower expression level. In the muscle, slow growth group of MS hybrids showed extremely higher expression levels of these two genes, especially SST1 gene. In conclusion, associating growth with growth-related genes expression indicated faster growth of crossbreeding in S. grahami and can make a contribution to commercial fish production in the future.

Modulatory Effects of Single and Complex Vitamins on the In Vitro Growth of Murine Ovarian Follicles.

Vitamin is a well-known co-factor for many metabolic processes and its roles in fertility and follicular growth have been studied. Vitamin supplementation is frequently achieved by daily ingestion in the form of a complex capsule. However, the role of single and complex vitamins in in vitro maturation of murine follicles is not fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two forms of vitamins. Pure L-ascorbic acid, and multi-vitamin (vitamin C + vitamin B complex) was treated at two different concentrations (50 and 100µg/ml), to pre-puberty murine follicles during in vitro maturation. To determine the specific stage of growth that is affected by treatment with vitamins, the vitamins were treated from day 0, 4, 9, and 13. Growth of each follicle was assessed by measuring diameters of whole expanded area and of the granulosa cells. Expression of follicular and oocyte growth-related genes and the effect of vitamin on the viability of follicles was assessed using senescence associated β-galactosidase staining. Treatment with vitamins promoted the in vitro growth of murine follicles and the upregulated the expression of granulosa cell- and oocyte-specific genes such as BMP15, Fsh receptor, and GDF9. The proliferation of the granulosa cells was enhanced by the treatment of vitamin. Fifty µg/ml concentration vitamin showed greater effects compared to higher concentration. The viability of in vitro grown follicles was also significantly improved in vitamin-treated follicles. The effects of single L-ascorbic acid and complex vitamin were not significantly different to those of day 4 and day 9 follicles. Vitamins promoted murine follicle development in vitro with different effects on specific growth stage. Supplementation of vitamins during in vitro maturation of murine follicles is an efficient strategy for in vitro expansion of follicular cells. These results could be customized to the sophisticated culture of follicles retrieved from aged or cancer-survived female that contain smaller number of follicles with reduced potential to develop into mature follicles.

Transcriptome profiles of corticosterone-induced cytotoxicity reveals the involvement of neurite growth-related genes in depression

Corticosterone (CORT), the main HPA-axis glucocorticoid hormone in rodents, is involved in the regulation of animal stress responses. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of corticosteroids on depression are yet to be elucidated. We found that fluoxetine reversed neurite growth inhibition induced by CORT in PC12 cells, a widely used model system for neurobiological and neurotoxicological studies. Transcriptome profiling showed that 1,609 genes were up-regulated, whereas 1,764 genes were down-regulated significantly in the CORT group in comparison with the Control group. Of them, the expression of 589 DEGs was reversed after fluoxetine treatment, and genes related to cell morphogenesis, neurite growth, and immune function were involved in the neuroprotective effect of fluoxetine against CORT. Furthermore, expression of neurite growth-related genes, such as such as Calpain 2 (Capn2), vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (Vamp7) and C-type natriuretic peptide (Cnp), altered in a brain region- or treatment-specific manner in the animal models of depression. Therefore, the interaction between stress, glucocorticoids, and neurite growth inhibition may be a candidate pathophysiology underlying major depressive disorder (MDD), and the identification of Capn2, Vamp7 and Cnp might provide insight into treatment of MDD.

Effects of dietary Radix Rehmanniae Preparata polysaccharides on the growth performance, immune response and disease resistance of Luciobarbus capito

This work explores the effects of dietary Radix Rehmanniae Preparata polysaccharide (RRPP) supplementation on the growth performance, nonspecific immune responses, immune- and growth-related gene expression and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Luciobarbus capito. Diets containing five concentrations of 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% RRPP were fed to fish for 60 d. The results indicated that the growth performance significantly increased in the 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4% RRPP groups compared with that in the control (P < 0.05). The activities of serum lysozyme (LAZ), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and total protein (TP) were significantly increased in the appropriate RRPP supplemented groups (P < 0.05). With respect to immune- and growth-related genes, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II, up-regulation were observed in the three organs (kidney, spleen, gut) of the fish fed with RRPP, compared with the control. In contrast, the mRNA expression of IL-10 and transforming-growth factor (TGF)-β were downregulated. After challenge with A. hydrophila, the final survival rate was significantly higher in fish fed the RRPP supplement than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, RRPP enhanced the growth performance, immune response and disease resistance of Luciobarbus capito, with the greatest effects at 0.2% RRPP.

Expression of alpha-amylase and growth-related genes during early larval developmental stages of Clarias magur

To understand the carbohydrate utilization ability during developmental stages of Clarias magur, the mRNA levels and enzyme activity of amylase were studied. Furthermore, the transcript levels of some important growth genes like growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) were evaluated. The enzymatic activity and mRNA expression of alpha-amylase along with expression of growth-related genes were examined from hatching until 34 days post-hatching (dph) by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Subsequently, mRNA expression pattern revealed the significantly (P < .05) high transcript level of alpha-amylase during early stages and early peaks were found at 3 to 6 dph, later the expression decreased till the end of experiment. Growth-related genes like GH, IGF-I and IGFBP showed a variable level of mRNA expression pattern from 0 dph to 34 dph. However, there was no significant difference (P > .05) in the mRNA expression of growth-related genes among the different time points of the present study. Moreover, the amylase activity revealed almost same pattern as that of its mRNA expression. In general, the present results suggested that C. magur has the ability to utilize the digestible carbohydrates during the early stages and can be helpful in developing low cost feeds for larvae.

Identification of muscle and adipose gene expression patterns in lean and obese pigs

Obesity is a major risk factor of preventable deaths worldwide, with increasing rates being observed in adults and children. To understand the mechanisms of obesity development, genetically lean (Duroc strain) and obese (Rongchang strain) pigs were used to identify potential differences in muscle and adipose development patterns following consumption of an identical diet for 180 days. Lean pigs had a significantly higher lean percentage (67.79% versus 44.71%) and lower obesity index (0.68 versus 0.84) than obese pigs. They also exhibited significantly lower adipocyte volumes and higher myofibre cross-sectional areas. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that lean pigs had a significantly higher expression of muscle growth-related genes and lower expression of lipogenesis-related genes. By contrast, obese pigs had higher expression of a myostatin-related gene and lower expression of lipolysis-related genes. Additionally, the mitochondrial DNA copy number was higher in the muscle and lower in adipose tissue in lean compared with obese pigs. These results indicate that lean pigs have a distinct development pattern from obese pigs, involving lipogenesis, muscle growth, and energy metabolism. This study provides a basis for exploring the mechanisms of adipose deposition and muscle growth in obesity. Keywords: Obesity, mitochondrial DNA, Sus scrofa

Modulation of digestive enzyme activity, blood health, oxidative responses and growth-related gene expression in GIFT by heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (L-137)

The current study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (HK L-137) on growth, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology and oxidative status in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). For 12 weeks, fish were fed a control diet (HKL0) or a diet supplemented with HK L-137 at a concentration of 50 (HKL50), 100 (HKL100) or 1000 (HKL1000) mg kg−1 feed. At the final sampling, the HKL100 group had significantly (P < 0.05) increased performance parameters (FBW, WG, SGR and FER) compared to the control group, while the HKL50 and HKL1000 groups showed weaker improvements. Mucosal thickness and villus length were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the HKL50 and HKL100 groups in the anterior, middle and posterior intestine, but muscle thickness was significantly (P < 0.05) improved only in the anterior and middle intestine. Amylase, lipase and protease activity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in fish fed 50 or 100 mg HK L-137 per kg diet compared to control fish. Significant modulation of blood haematocrit, haemoglobin levels, and RBC and WBC counts (P < 0.05) occurred in fish fed HK L-137, while total cholesterol and GPT were decreased by HK L-137. Furthermore, antioxidative enzyme (SOD and CAT) activity were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the HKL100 group than in the control group, while MDA levels were lower. Furthermore, fish fed HK L-137 showed enhanced total serum protein and IgM levels. Interestingly, qRT-PCR revealed significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of the growth-related gene IGF-I and the glucose regulation gene G6PD but downregulation of the fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene in all HKL groups compared to the control group. Thus, we conclude that the use of HK L-137 is an efficient strategy to achieve economically feasible and sustainable tilapia production.

Effects of dietary protein levels on growth, feed utilization and expression of growth related genes of juvenile giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)

A 6-week growth trial was conducted to study the effects of dietary protein levels on growth, feed utilization, ammonia excretion and expression of growth related genes of juvenile giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus). Seven experimental diets were formulated to contain 38% (P38), 42% (P42), 46% (P46), 50% (P50), 54% (P54), 58% (P58) or 62% (P62) dietary crude protein (CP) (dry-matter basis). Experimental fish (average initial body weight: 5.39 ± 0.05 g) were randomly distributed into 21 glass tanks (length 60 cm × width 45 cm × height 50 cm) at a density of 15 fish / tank and fed their prescribed diets to apparent satiation twice daily (08: 00 and 16:30) by hand. All tanks were connected to the mechanical and biological water filters as a recycling system, and each experimental treatment had three replicates. At the end of the trial, two fish per tank were collected for whole-body composition analysis, and other three fish per tank were individually weighed and dissected to obtain liver and intraperitoneal fat (IPF) weights. Total RNA was extracted from grouper liver and pituitary using Trizol Reagent. Results showed that weight gain% (WG%) of fish was remarkably increased as dietary CP levels increased from 38% to 54%, and when it continued to rise from 54% to 62%, there only had a slight increment in values of this parameter. Analysis of a nonlinear exponential model indicated that the optimal dietary protein requirement for maximum growth of giant grouper was estimated to be 56% of dry matter. Daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversation ratio (FCR) were decreased with the increasing of dietary CP levels. Fish fed P38 and P42 showed lower lipid retention efficiency (LRE) and lower contents of liver lipid, whole-body protein as well as muscle protein than fish fed other dietary CP levels. The water ammonia production was linearly related to dietary CP levels. Expression of pituitary growth hormone (GH) and hepatic target of rapamycin (TOR), S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) as well as insulin growth factor I (IGFI) were lower in fish fed P38, P42 and P46 than those in fish fed P50, P54, P58 and P62. Generally, the optimal dietary crude protein requirement for maximum growth of giant grouper was estimated to be 56% of dry matter.

Effect of feeding less shell, extruded and enzymatically treated palm kernel cake on expression of growth-related genes in broiler chickens

Palm kernel cake (PKC) is a residue of palm kernel after oil extraction and can be used as a by-product feedstuff for livestock. In the current study, various post-treated PKC fed to broiler chickens and their growth performance and expression of genes related to growth trait studied. A total of 2500-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to following five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: 0% PKC (control: corn-soybean meal), 25% PKC in the forms of either untreated or less-shell or extrudedor enzymatically-treated. Each treatment group consisted of five replicates with 100 chicks each. Growth performance and expression of 27 selected genes related to growth and metabolism pathways were investigated. Chickens were fed with treated PKC diets had lower (p < .05) body weight gain, inferior feed conversion ratio (FCR) and higher feed intake. The expression of genes involved in mTOR (GRB2, GRB10), FoxO (FOXO3) and insulin (PRKCZ) signalling pathways, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (ENO1), fructose and mannose metabolism and apoptosis (RHOBTB2, LOC101750363) were significantly up-regulated in broilers fed with less-shell PKC. It can be concluded that the shell reduction, enzymatic and extrusion treatment practiced in this study did not change PKC feeding potentials in broiler chickens.HighlightsSignificant up-regulation of eight genes which involved in energy metabolism and growth related functions were observed in broilers fed with less-shell palm kernel cake (PCK).The DEGs (differentially expressed genes), which were upregulated in less shell palm kernel cake fed broilers constituted the pathways related to energy and metabolism such as mTOR, glycolysis, fructose and mannose metabolism, FOXO, apoptosis, and insulin signaling pathway.Higher bulk density and lower water holding capacity of palm kernel cake may lead to higher feed consumption in palm kernel cake incorporated diets.

Change in Hair Growth-related Gene Expression Profile in Human Isolated Hair Follicles Induced by 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors, Dutasteride and Finasteride, in the Presence of Testosterone

Objective: 5-α Reductase (5AR) subtypes I and II are suggested to be involved in the development of Andro-Genetic Alopecia (AGA); however, the involvement of type I 5AR in the pathogenesis of AGA and downstream molecular events following androgen receptor inhibition are still poorly understood. We investigated the changes in gene expression levels of growth factors and related molecules responsible for hair growth, such as enzymes and transcription factors, using the bulbar portions of plucked human hair follicles, and evaluated the involvement of type I 5AR in human hair growth. Methods: Anagen hairs were plucked from male donors with AGA and cultured in medium containing Di-Hydro Testosterone (DHT) or testosterone in the presence or absence of the 5AR inhibitors, dutasteride or finasteride. Total RNA extracted from the bulbar portions of hair follicles was subjected to quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis to assess gene expression levels of growth factors and other related molecules. Results: DHT stimulation resulted in a trend to decrease the expression of genes encoding fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7; p=0.52), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1; p=0.85) and WNT family member 5A (WNT5a; p=0.08). Subsequently, testosterone stimulation led to decreased expression of genes encoding FGF7 (p=0.53), IGF1 (p=0.93) and WNT5a (p=0.51), which was reversed by dutasteride or finasteride treatment. Conclusion: Among the assessed growth factors and other molecules related to hair growth, the expression levels of FGF7, IGF1 and WNT5a were reversed by 5AR inhibitors under testosterone stimulation. Our data suggest this assay may be useful to deeper dissect the effect of 5AR on human hair follicles and supports the previously unreported involvement of type I 5AR in hair growth.