Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Gene Research Articles

Effect of duration of estradiol exposure on embryo survival and endometrial gene expression in anestrous embryo recipient mares

Previous studies indicate a positive correlation between the duration of estrus prior to ovulation and likelihood of pregnancy in embryo recipient mares. However, the mechanisms by which the duration of estrus before may affect fertility remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of different durations of estradiol exposure, prior to progesterone administration, on embryo viability in anestrous recipient mares, and endometrial expression of genes thought to influence embryo survival. Three groups of anestrous recipient mares treated with different duration of estradiol were used: long (LE), short (SE) and no treatment (NE). Day 8 embryos were transferred into recipient mares four days after long-acting progesterone administration and recovered 48h later to examine embryo growth and viability. The endometrial gene expression profile of selected genes was also investigated. The likelihood of recovering an embryo 48h after transfer was 46.1% (6/13), 62.5% (5/8) and 85.7% (6/7) for recipient mares from the NE, SE and LE groups, respectively (P= 0.09). Embryos recovered from the different groups of recipients did not, however, differ in size, morphology or the proportion of nuclei undergoing mitosis (P>0.05). Abundance of mRNA for uterocalin (P19) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) were increased in the LE compared to the NE group, while fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), progesterone receptor (PGR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) transcript abundances were increased (P<.05) in the NE group compared to both SE and LE groups. In conclusion, a longer exposure of the endometrium to estradiol before progesterone tended to improve embryo survival within 48h of transfer. However, the grade, growth rate, and proportion of mitotic cells in surviving embryos did not differ among groups. If embryos are destined to fail in a suboptimal endometrial environment, they die and disappear quickly. Moreover, a more adequately estradiol-primed uterus, before the progesterone rise, seems to create a uterine environment, in terms of P19, IGF1, FGF2 and PGR gene expression, more conducive to embryo survival and further development.

IGF-1 gene therapy prevents spatial memory deficits and modulates dopaminergic neurodegeneration and inflammation in a parkinsonism model

Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease is considered an indicator of the prodromal stages of this condition, occurring prior to the onset of classic and pathognomonic motor symptoms. Among other factors, neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a potential mediator of this neurodegenerative process, and glial cells are directly involved. However, the use of neurotrophic factors is associated with neuroprotection and cognitive improvements. Among all those factors, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of IGF-1 gene therapy in an early animal model of 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA)- induced parkinsonism.For this purpose, we employed male Wistar rats. The animals were first divided into two groups according to the bilateral injection into de Caudate Putamen unit (CPu):(a) VEH group (vehicle solution) and (b) 6-OHDA group (neurotoxic solution). After that, the animals in each group were divided, according to the bilateral injection into the dorsal hippocampus, in a control group (who received a control virus RAd-DSRed) and an experimental group (who received a therapeutic virus (RAd-IGF1). After three weeks of exposure to 6-OHDA, our study showed that IGF-1 gene therapy improved cognitive deficits related to short-term and spatial working memory, it also increased expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in the CPu. In addition, the therapy resulted in significant changes in several parameters (area, perimeter, roundness, ramification, and skeleton ́s analyses) related to microglia and astrocyte phenotypes, particularly in the CPu and dorsal hippocampal areas.Our data support the use of IGF-1 as a therapeutic molecule for future gene transfer interventions, that will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms correlating cognitive function and inflammatory process.

Dietary chromium-methionine supplementation and broiler (22–43 days) responses during heat stress. 2 - Physiological variables, and heat shock protein 70 and insulin-like growth factor-1 gene expression

Dietary chromium-methionine supplementation and broiler (22–43 days) responses during heat stress. 2 - Physiological variables, and heat shock protein 70 and insulin-like growth factor-1 gene expression

IGF-1 Genome-Edited Human MSCs Exhibit Robust Anti-Arthritogenicity in Collagen-Induced Arthritis.

Stem cell therapy stands out as a promising avenue for addressing arthritis treatment. However, its therapeutic efficacy requires further enhancement. In this study, we investigated the anti-arthritogenic potential of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMM) overexpressing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in a collagen-induced mouse model. The IGF-1 gene was introduced into the genome of AMM through transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs). We assessed the in vitro immunomodulatory properties and in vivo anti-arthritogenic effects of IGF-1-overexpressing AMM (AMM/I). Co-culture of AMM/I with interleukin (IL)-1β-treated synovial fibroblasts significantly suppressed NF-kB levels. Transplantation of AMM/I into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) led to significant attenuation of CIA progression. Furthermore, AMM/I administration resulted in the expansion of regulatory T-cell populations and suppression of T-helper-17 cell activation in CIA mice. In addition, AMM/I transplantation led to an increase in proteoglycan expression within cartilage and reduced infiltration by inflammatory cells and also levels of pro-inflammatory factors including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-1β, NF-kB, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In conclusion, our findings suggest that IGF-1 gene-edited human AMM represent a novel alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of arthritis.

Effect of dietary chitosan on the growth performance, intestinal histology and growth-related gene expression in stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) juveniles.

As sturgeon breeding has proliferated, there has been a heightened demand for growth stimulators in their diets. This study aimed to determine the impact of dietary chitosan on growth performance, whole-body proximate composition, growth-related gene expression, and intestinal histology in juvenile Acipenser stellatus. A total of 180 A. stellatus juveniles with an average weight of 31.90 ± 0.73 g were fed with diets containing 0 (control), 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 g chitosan.kg-1 basic diet for eight weeks. The findings revealed a significant enhancement in growth performance with rising chitosan concentrations. Furthermore, chitosan supplementation upregulated the expression of the growth hormone gene in both brain and liver tissues. In liver samples, the most pronounced expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene was noted at 6.0 g chitosan.kg-1, while in brain samples, peak expressions were observed in both the 4.5 and 6.0 g chitosan.kg-1 treatments. While the whole-body proximate composition remained relatively stable, there was a notable decrease in whole-body lipids with the escalation of chitosan dosage. Intestinal villi dimensions, both height and width, were amplified in the chitosan-supplemented groups compared to controls. In summation, chitosan supplementation showed promise in bolstering growth performance, refining intestinal morphology, and enhancing growth-related gene expression. Analysis of the polynomial regression of weight gain and specific growth rate revealed that the optimum dietary chitosan requirements in A. stellatus were 5.32 and 5.21 g chitosan.kg-1, respectively.

Multi-omics revealed the mechanism of feed efficiency in sheep by the combined action of the host and rumen microbiota

This study was conducted to investigate potential regulatory mechanisms of feed efficiency (FE) in sheep by linking rumen microbiota with its host by the multi-omics analysis. One hundred and ninety-eight hybrid female sheep (initial body weight=30.88±4.57 kg; 4-month-old) were selected as candidate sheep. Each test sheep was fed in an individual pen for 60 days, and the residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated. The ten candidate sheep with the highest RFI were divided into the Low-FE group, and the ten with the lowest RFI were divided into the High-FE group, all selected for sample collection. The RFI, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were highly significantly different between the two experimental groups (P<0.001). Compared with Low-FE group, the insulin-like growth factor-1 and very low-density lipoprotein in serum and the propionate in rumen significantly increased in High-FE group (P<0.01), but the acetate:propionate ratio in rumen significantly decreased in High-FE group (P=0.034). Metagenomics revealed Selenomonas ruminantium, Selenomonas sp. and Faecalibacterium prausnitzi were key bacteria, and increased abundance of the genes encoding the enzymes for cellulose degradation and production of propionate in High-FE group. The results of proteomics and section showed the rumen papilla length (P<0.01) and expression of carbonic anhydrase(P<0.05) and Na+/K+-ATPase (P<0.05) were significantly higher in High-FE group. On the other hand, the acetyl-CoA content significantly increased in the liver of High-FE group (P<0.01). The relative expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and apolipoprotein A4 genes were significantly up-regulated in the liver of High-FE group (P<0.01), but relative expression level of monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 3 gene was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). These findings provide the mechanism by which the collaborative interaction between rumen microbiota fermentation and host uptake and metabolism of fermentation products impacts feed efficiency traits in sheep.

The effects of nano-curcumin on growth performance, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, disease resistance, and gene expression in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fingerlings

Phytochemicals are used in fish farming to reduce stress and combat diseases during intensification. Recently, nanotechnology has represented a paradigm shift in the aquatic feed industry to improve the solubility, availability, and efficacy of phytochemicals. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with nano-curcumin (CUNE) on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, blood biochemistry, antioxidant status, disease resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), and the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interlukin-1β (IL-1β) genes in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fingerlings. Fish (6.02±0.01) were randomly divided into four equal groups and fed varying levels of CUNE: 0 (CUNE0), 50 (CUNE1), 60 (CUNE2), and 70 mg/kg (CUNE3) of nano-curcumin for 56 days, respectively. The inclusion of dietary CUNE significantly improved the growth indices (final body weight and weight gain, and specific growth rate) and feed utilization (improved feed intake and lower FCR) of European seabass fingerlings (p<0.05). However, CUNE inclusion had no significant effect on body composition including the percentages of dry mater, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash (p>0.05). All CUNE groups established an enhancement in blood hematology in a dose-dependent manner, with CUNE3 demonstrating the highest values. CUNE supplementation (70 mg/kg diet) produced the highest levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and triglycerides, as well as the lowest levels of glucose, and hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP; p<0.05) compared to other groups. Furthermore, the CUNE-supplemented groups showed significant improvements in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while reducing malondialdehyde (p<0.05). Additionally, the consumption of CUNE increased the expression of IGF-1, GH, and IL-10 genes in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Interestingly, fish fed 70 mg of CUNE in their diets had lower expression of the IL-1β gene compared to the other groups (p<0.05). When the fish were challenged with V. parahaemolyticus, the addition of CUNE in their diets resulted in reduced mortality rates. Therefore, nano-curcumin could be considered as a natural feed additive to promote growth, feed utilization, and bacteria resistance via supporting antioxidant status, serum metabolites, and the regulation of GH, IL-10, and IGF-1 in the hepatic tissues of European seabass fingerlings.

Locally Directed Recombinant Adeno- Associated Virus–Mediated IGF-1 Gene Therapy Enhances Osteochondral Repair and Counteracts Early Osteoarthritis In Vivo

Background: Restoration of osteochondral defects is critical, because osteoarthritis (OA) can arise. Hypothesis: Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) via recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors (rAAV-IGF-1) would improve osteochondral repair and reduce parameters of early perifocal OA in sheep after 6 months in vivo. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Osteochondral defects were created in the femoral trochlea of adult sheep and treated with rAAV-IGF-1 or rAAV-lacZ (control) (24 defects in 6 knees per group). After 6 months in vivo, osteochondral repair and perifocal OA were assessed by well-established macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical scoring systems as well as biochemical and micro–computed tomography evaluations. Results: Application of rAAV-IGF-1 led to prolonged (6 months) IGF-1 overexpression without adverse effects, maintaining a significantly superior overall cartilage repair, together with significantly improved defect filling, extracellular matrix staining, cellular morphology, and surface architecture compared with rAAV-lacZ. Expression of type II collagen significantly increased and that of type I collagen significantly decreased. Subchondral bone repair and tidemark formation were significantly improved, and subchondral bone plate thickness and subarticular spongiosa mineral density returned to normal. The OA parameters of perifocal structure, cell cloning, and matrix staining were significantly better preserved upon rAAV-IGF-1 compared with rAAV-lacZ. Novel mechanistic associations between parameters of osteochondral repair and OA were identified. Conclusion: Local rAAV-mediated IGF-1 overexpression enhanced osteochondral repair and ameliorated parameters of perifocal early OA. Clinical Relevance: IGF-1 gene therapy may be beneficial in repair of focal osteochondral defects and prevention of perifocal OA.

MiR-335-3p improves type II diabetes mellitus by IGF-1 regulating macrophage polarization.

Previous studies have found that miR-335 is highly expressed in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) models and is related to insulin secretion, but there are few studies on the regulatory effects of miR-335-3p on insulin resistance and macrophage polarization in T2DM patients. This study aims to explore the effects of miR-335-3p on insulin resistance and macrophage polarization in T2DM patients. Blood glucose (insulin tolerance tests, glucose tolerance tests) and body weight of the T2DM model were measured; macrophages from adipose tissue were isolated and cultured, and the number of macrophages was detected by F4/80 immunofluorescence assay; the Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and Western blot assay were used to detect the miR-335-3p expression levels, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), M1-polarizing genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and TNF-α) as well as M2-polarizing genes (IL-10 and ARG-1). The targeting link between miR-335-3p and IGF-1 was confirmed using bioinformatics and dual luciferase assay. The results showed that miR-335-3p expression level in adipose tissue of the T2DM model was significantly decreased, and the mice's body weight and blood glucose levels dropped considerably, miR-335-3p inhibited the number of macrophages, inhibiting the iNOS and TNF-α relative mRNA expression levels, and up-regulated the IL-10 and ARG-1 relative mRNA expression levels, miR-335-3p negatively regulated target gene IGF-1, IGF-1 significantly increased the iNOS and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression levels, decreasing the IL-10 and ARG-1 mRNA and protein expression levels, indicating that miR-335-3p could affect the T2DM process by regulating macrophage polarization via IGF-1.

A High-Quality Blue Whale Genome, Segmental Duplications, and Historical Demography.

The blue whale, Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest animal known to have ever existed, making it an important case study in longevity and resistance to cancer. To further this and other blue whale-related research, we report a reference-quality, long-read-based genome assembly of this fascinating species. We assembled the genome from PacBio long reads and utilized Illumina/10×, optical maps, and Hi-C data for scaffolding, polishing, and manual curation. We also provided long read RNA-seq data to facilitate the annotation of the assembly by NCBI and Ensembl. Additionally, we annotated both haplotypes using TOGA and measured the genome size by flow cytometry. We then compared the blue whale genome with other cetaceans and artiodactyls, including vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world's smallest cetacean, to investigate blue whale's unique biological traits. We found a dramatic amplification of several genes in the blue whale genome resulting from a recent burst in segmental duplications, though the possible connection between this amplification and giant body size requires further study. We also discovered sites in the insulin-like growth factor-1 gene correlated with body size in cetaceans. Finally, using our assembly to examine the heterozygosity and historical demography of Pacific and Atlantic blue whale populations, we found that the genomes of both populations are highly heterozygous and that their genetic isolation dates to the last interglacial period. Taken together, these results indicate how a high-quality, annotated blue whale genome will serve as an important resource for biology, evolution, and conservation research.

Identification of genetic variants of bGH, GHR and IGF1 gene and their association with lactation persistency in Tharparkar cattle

Persistency can be explained as number of days during which the high level of milk production is maintained after the peak milk yield. The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants of bovine-Growth Hormone (bGH), Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) and Insulin like Growth Factor1 (IGF1) gene and their association with lactation persistency in Tharparkar cattle. Study was carried out using data of daily milk yield, monthly test days, total milk yield and peak yield of 372 lactation records of 190 Tharparkar cattle maintained at Livestock Research Centre of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute from 1996-2019. Lactation persistency was estimated using Woods and Wilminks method and its least squares means were 2.37±0.08 and -5.4±0.56, respectively. Investigations on polymorphism were performed using seven reported primers for amplifying targeted regions of bGH, GHR and IGF1 gene. In PCR-RFLP, bGH-MspI RFLP had shown polymorphism in intron 3 and its genotypic frequencies were TT 0.49, CT 0.39 and CC 0.12. The allelic frequency of C and T were 0.31 and 0.69, respectively. The bGH-AluI RFLP had shown monomorphism in exon 5. GHR-AluI had shown polymorphism in exon 10 with only two genotypes AA and AG with frequency of 0.92 and 0.08, respectively. The frequency of A and G allele was 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. In GHR-StuI and IGF1-TasI in promoter region, RsaI in exon 3 and SnaB I in exon 1 had shown monomorphism. No significant association was found between genetic variants of bGH and GHR with lactation persistency in Tharparkar cattle.

Potential effects of probiotics (immunobacteryne; IMB) on growth performance, feed efficacy, blood biochemical, redox balance, nonspecific immunityand heat-shock protein expression of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings.

The supplementation of aquafeed with probiotics is recommended for feasible aquaculture activities. Therefore, the aim of current study was to investigate the potential effects of probiotics on growth performance, feed utilization, biochemical attributes, redox statusand immunity response as well as the transcription of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70)and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; n = 120). Fish with an initial weight of 8.17 ± 0.02 g/fish wererandomly divided into four treatment groups and were fed diets containing 0, 0.5, 1and 1.5 mg immunobacteryne (IMB)/kg dietrespectively. Dietary IMB at 1.5 g/kg diet significantly improved the growth performance, feed consumptionand growth hormonesecretion of the experimental fish (p < 0.05). The 1 or 1.5 g IMB/kg diet boosted phagocytic activities and innate immune response. Serum total protein, total cholesterol, triglyceridesand glucose were significantly increased in the groups that were fed 1 and 1.5 mg IMB/kg diet compared to the control (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of uric acid, creatinine, liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase)and cortisol hormone were significantly reduced in the aforementioned treated groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). All fish fed IMB-supplemented diet showed a significant increase in the expression of IGF-1 gene, while the transcription of HSP70 was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of IMB (1 g/kg diet) enhanced growth promoters, feed efficacy, blood biochemical, redox balanceand nonspecific immune responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Parental betaine supplementation promotes gosling growth with epigenetic modulation of IGF gene family in the liver.

Betaine is widely used as a feed additive in the chicken industry to promote laying performance and growth performance, yet it is unknown whether betaine can be used in geese to improve the laying performance of goose breeders and the growth traits of offspring goslings. In this study, laying goose breeders at 39wk of age were fed basal (Control, CON) or betaine-supplemented diets at low (2.5g/kg, LBT) or high (5g/kg, HBT) levels for 7wk, and the breeder eggs laid in the last week were collected for incubation. Offspring goslings were examined at 35 and 63 d of age. The laying rate tended to be increased (P = 0.065), and the feed efficiency of the breeders was improved by betaine supplementation, while the average daily gain of the offspring goslings was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) in serum and liver were significantly increased in the HBT group (P < 0.05), with age-dependent alterations of serum T3 levels. Concurrently, hepatic mRNA expression of the IGF gene family was significantly increased in goslings derived from betaine-treated breeders (P < 0.05). A higher ratio of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-immunopositive nuclei was found in the liver sections of the HBT group, which was confirmed by significantly upregulated hepatic expression of PCNA mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). Moreover, hepatic expression of thyroxine deiodinase type 1 (Dio1) and thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) was also significantly upregulated in goslings of the HBT group (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with significantly higher levels of global DNA 5-mC methylation, together with increased expression of methyl transfer genes (P < 0.05), including betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), and DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). The promoter regions of IGF-2 genes, as well as the predicted TRβ binding site on the IGF-2 gene, were significantly hypomethylated (P < 0.05). These results indicate that gosling growth can be improved by dietary betaine supplementation in goose breeders via epigenetic modulation of the IGF gene family, especially IGF-2, in the liver.

Polymorphism analysis of the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) gene encoding growth in F5 Golden Kamper chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Golden Kamper Chicken is a chicken cross between pelung and layer chickens with good meat and egg productivity. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene is one factor affecting the speed of chicken growth. This research aims to study the character of F5 Golden Kamper chickens and analyze the IGF-1 gene to determine its effect on chicken growth. The research will be done by hybridizing the F4 Golden Kamper hen and rooster, raising brood stock and DOC, egg collection, growth data collection, blood collection, DNA isolation, DNA amplification, electrophoresis, and sequencing. The observed parameters are DOC weight for the first seven weeks and polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Genestudio, MEGA11, and IBM SPSS 25 software. Sequencing data were processed using the Genestudio application, alignment with MEGA11, and genotype-haplotype associations using Pearson correlation and Linear Regression F test. The results showed that the molecular marker polymorphism of the IGF-1 gene was found at 12 mutation points. IGF-1 gene polymorphism did not correlate with the weight of F5 Golden Kamper chickens.

Identification of Boerka Goats Raised in Bali by using Molecular Analysis of IGF1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) Gene

Identification of Boerka Goats Raised in Bali by using Molecular Analysis of IGF1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) Gene

Dietary Effect of S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride on Growth, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Body Composition, and Expression of Some Related Genes in Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract The main objective of the current trial was to investigate the impacts of tilapia diets supplemented with S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) on the growth performance, feed efficiency, body analysis, blood biochemistry and regulation of myostatin (MSTN) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experimental fish (n=180) weighing 22.4±0.17 g were allocated randomly into three equal groups in triplicate as follows; the control group received an un-supplemented diet; the other two groups received two different levels of MMSC (0.2 and 0.4 g/kg) for eight weeks. The obtained findings demonstrated that tilapia diets enriched with small dosages of MMSC considerably (P&lt;0.05) enhanced all assessed growth performance and feed efficiency indicators when compared with the control group. When compared to the control group, tilapia meals supplemented with 0.2 g MMSC significantly (P&lt;0.05 or 0.01) raised blood protein profile, particularly total protein and globulin levels. Contrarily, blood creatinine levels were significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced in the group of tilapia fed diets containing MMSC (0.2 or 0.4 g/kg) compared to the group without receiving any supplementation. Whereas, fish body analysis showed higher significant increases in crude protein and ether extract levels (P&lt;0.01) as well as reduced ash content (P&lt;0.05) in the fish group that received lower MMSC doses in comparison to other treated and control groups. In addition, MMSC dietary supplementation significantly downregulated the expression of MSTN and upregulated IGF-1 mRNA expression compared with the control group. Additionally, both dosages of MMSC supplementation modestly enhanced the intestinal villus histomorphometric score indices with observed tall, thick, and various broad tips in comparison to the control group. In conclusion, it could be recommended that fish diets supplemented with 0.2 g MMSC per kg diet may promote the growth and general health status of Nile Tilapia.

The polymorphism of the ovine insulin like growth factor-2 (IGF2) gene and their associations with growth related traits in Tibetan sheep.

In the current study, the role of the ovine IGF2 as a potential candidate gene was investigated as though marker-assisted selection in Chinese Tibetan sheep. The Sanger DNA sequencing method explored five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 5'UTR of the ovine IGF2 gene (C15640T, G15801A, G15870A, C15982G and G15991A) in Chinese Tibetan sheep. The frequencies of four SNPs were within the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (chi-square test) except C15982G. The statistical analysis indicated that the C15640T and G15801A were significantly associated with body height, body length, chest circumference, and body weight (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Furthermore, C15982G variant exhibited significant correlation with the body weight (P < 0.01). These findings suggests that the promoter variants of IGF2 gene could be used as a candidate gene through marker-assisted selection for the body weight and body measurement traits in Tibetan sheep breeding program.

Effects of exposing Japanese quail eggs to a low dose of gamma radiation and in ovo feeding by two sources of trace elements on embryonic development activities

The present study investigated the influence of exposing quail eggs to low-dose gamma radiation (GR) and in ovo feeding with 2 sources of a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including sulfate (TES) and loaded with montmorillonite (TEM), on embryonic development activities and prehatch quality. A total of 960 eggs on the seventh day of incubation were randomly divided into 6 groups (160 eggs/group) with 4 replicate of 40 eggs in each. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 3 sources in ovo feeding with a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including 0 mg/egg, 50 mg TES/egg, and 50 mg TEM/egg with egg irradiation using 0 and 0.2 Gy from GR. Eggs injected with 50 mg TEM/egg and exposed to 0.2 Gy from GR (TEM/GR) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) higher in hatchability, hatch body weight, and relative organ weight (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart, and intestine). The obtained results indicated significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TEM/GR group. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased of catalase (CAT) activity and the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in TEM/GR group; however; total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in CT/GR group. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P ≤ 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were increased in the TEM/CR group; the concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the TEM/GR group; and interleukins (IL6 and IL10) showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results showed increase in thyroxine and myostatin concentrations with TES/CR and CT/GR of our study groups, respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of the GH, IGF-1, and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) genes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) upregulated in the liver tissue of the TEM/GR group compared with the other groups. In conclusion, TEM/GR was the best treatment for improving prehatch quality, increasing serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and promoting the expression of growth and immune genes in fertilized quail eggs.

IGF2 prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss and decreases intracellular alpha-synuclein accumulation in Parkinson’s disease models

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common late-onset neurodegenerative disease and the predominant cause of movement problems. PD is characterized by motor control impairment by extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). This selective dopaminergic neuronal loss is in part triggered by intracellular protein inclusions called Lewy bodies, which are composed mainly of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein. We previously reported insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) as a key protein downregulated in PD patients. Here we demonstrated that IGF2 treatment or IGF2 overexpression reduced the α-syn aggregates and their toxicity by IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) activation in cellular PD models. Also, we observed IGF2 and its interaction with IGF2R enhance the α-syn secretion. To determine the possible IGF2 neuroprotective effect in vivo we used a gene therapy approach in an idiopathic PD model based on α-syn preformed fibrils intracerebral injection. IGF2 gene therapy revealed a significantly preventing of motor impairment in idiopathic PD model. Moreover, IGF2 expression prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss in the SN together with a decrease in α-syn accumulation (phospho-α-syn levels) in the striatum and SN brain region. Furthermore, the IGF2 neuroprotective effect was associated with the prevention of synaptic spines loss in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. The possible mechanism of IGF2 in cell survival effect could be associated with the decrease of the intracellular accumulation of α-syn and the improvement of dopaminergic synaptic function. Our results identify to IGF2 as a relevant factor for the prevention of α-syn toxicity in both in vitro and preclinical PD models.

Growth performance of Indonesian three-breed cross chicken associated with growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 2 genes.

Poultry, such as chickens, is an important source of animal protein, producing eggs and meat. Local chickens are able to adapt to the hot weather and become more resistant to disease. However, it has relatively slow growth and low egg production. These problems can be overcome through holding selection and crossing. Local chicken productivity is slow and low based on chicken growth. There is a need to examine the factors that influence growth and productivity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate crossbreed chicken growth performance, including body weight (BW), BW gain, feed intake, and feed conversion. DNA was extracted from 40 chickens with the growth hormone (GH) gene and 40 chickens with the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene, followed by a polymerase chain reaction. Genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. In animal selection and phenotypic data collection, 80 chickens from Sentul, Kampung, and Kedu were used to produce the second-generation three-crossbreed chickens (F2) using the GH gene. Growth hormone is a very relevant gene in chicken performance traits. Growth hormone and IGF2 genes regulate chicken production. This study presents the second-generation growth features of three-crossbreed chickens derived from Sentul, Kampung, and Kedu, all of which are native to Indonesia (F2). A statistically significant (p = 0.05) improvement in BW, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion over a 12-week period was observed when the animals were allowed free access to regular feed. Analysis of variance results indicated a significant (p = 0.0001) interaction between the 12-week period and GH and IGF2 gene sensitivities of different chicken breeds. Crossbreed chicken growth performance increased within 12 weeks. This study highlighted the need to improve the productivity and breeding of domestic crossbred chickens to contribute to the Indonesian conservation and genetic diversity program.