Rattus Norvegicus Research Articles

Androgen Receptor Expression Governs the Seasonal Inhibition of Testicular Development and Subsequent Recovery in Rattus norvegicus caraco

Androgen Receptor Expression Governs the Seasonal Inhibition of Testicular Development and Subsequent Recovery in Rattus norvegicus caraco

High astrovirus diversity in an endemic bat species suggests multiple spillovers from synanthropic rodents and birds.

Beyond the role of bats as natural host reservoirs of infectious agents, the impact of viral spillover from other animal species to bats has been neglected. Given the limited virus-host specificity of astroviruses (AstVs) and their propensity for cross-species transmission, we hypothesized that AstVs could be transmitted within animal communities (rodents, birds, and bats) and that native endemic bats may be exposed to viruses hosted by other species. We investigated the presence of AstV RNA in 3,796 biological samples collected in Reunion Island from Mormopterus francoismoutoui (N = 3421), an endemic free-tailed bat species, and also from small terrestrial mammals and birds: Rattus rattus (N = 146), Rattus norvegicus (N = 74), Mus musculus domesticus (N = 36), Suncus murinus (N = 99), and Columba livia (N = 20). We found significant differences in AstV prevalence between species (ranging from 1% ± 1.97% in S. murinus to 75% ± 18.9% in C. livia) as well as variation of pairwise identity of AstV sequences among host species, with a high diversity in M. francoismoutoui (mean pairwise identity: 53.2% ± 11.2%). Phylogenetic analyses further revealed that AstVs detected in bats did not cluster in a single clade and were genetically related to AstVs found in birds, rodents, pigs, dogs, cats, and reptiles. Our study suggests that bats may be exposed to viruses associated to synanthropic and alien species. Cascade effects of virus spillover toward endemic and endangered bat species need to be fully assessed.IMPORTANCEEpidemiological consequences of cross-species transmission of zoonotic viruses are mostly considered from a health and economic perspective. Virus spillovers resulting from human-introduced species are much less considered, although they may have major consequences on the conservation of endemic and endangered bat species, in particular in an island context. Based on astrovirus detection and sequencing in an endemic bat species and five non-native species on a tropical island, we identified multiple and repeated viral introductions from synanthropic rodents and birds to bats, rather than the opposite. Such findings call for more investigations in these isolated and vulnerable ecosystems to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with pathogen spillovers.

Diverse Cre recombinase expression pattern in Albumin-Cre driver rats.

Rats (Rattus norvegicus) have been widely utilized as model animals due to their physiological characteristics, making them suitable for surgical and long-term studies. They have played a crucial role in biomedical research, complementing studies conducted in mice. The advent of genome editing technologies has facilitated the generation of genetically modified rat strains, advancing studies in experimental animals. Among these innovations, Cre-driver rat models have emerged as powerful tools for spatiotemporal control of gene expression. However, their development and characterization remain less advanced compared to mouse models. In this study, we developed liver-targeting Cre knock-in rats and reporter knock-in rats to evaluate Cre recombinase expression profiles in different genetic contexts. Our results revealed that insertion orientation and promoter origin significantly influence Cre expression patterns. Notably, forward insertion of the Albumin (Alb) promoter-driven Cre sequence at the ROSA26 locus resulted in ubiquitous Cre expression, while reverse insertion confined Cre expression predominantly to the liver. Interestingly, Cre expression under an endogenous Alb promoter unexpectedly induced expression in non-liver tissues, which may suggest a potential link to the in vivo dynamics of albumin. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous characterization in Cre-based transgenic systems. By elucidating the roles of promoter origin, insertion site, and orientation, our study provides valuable insights for optimizing Cre-driver rat models. These findings pave the way for refining genetic strategies to enhance tissue specificity and reliability in functional genomics and disease modeling.

Propolis from Mount Lawu: Dose-Dependent Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in a Rat Model of Wound Healing

Background: Chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, necessitating the exploration of effective adjuvant therapies. Propolis, a natural product derived from beehives, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of Mount Lawu propolis extract on oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model of wound healing. Methods: A completely randomized experimental design was employed using male rats (Rattus norvegicus). Granulation tissue wounds were induced, and the rats were treated with varying doses of ethanol extract of Mount Lawu propolis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to assess the expression of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the wound tissue. Results: The results demonstrated a significant dose-dependent decrease in MDA and IL-6 expression in the propolis-treated groups compared to the control group. The high-dose propolis group exhibited the most substantial reduction in both MDA and IL-6 levels. Conclusion: Mount Lawu propolis extract exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for chronic wound management.

New polymorphisms of Vkork1 gene related to anticoagulant resistance of rats and mice in Italy.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are a very effective tool to control rodent pest populations. Nevertheless, AR resistance has been documented worldwide. ARs block the cycle of vitamin K, leading to the death of the animal by internal bleeding: mutations in Vkorc1 gene can cause resistance. The spreading of AR-resistant rodents could lead to an increase of their populations, the associated diffusion of zoonotic pathogens, and to the amplified exposure of non-target animals to ARs, thus it is important to study its diffusion widely. This study aimed to report firstly the presence of Vkorc1 mutations in synanthropic rodents from the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, and evaluate their role in resistance by means of molecular docking analysis. A total of 67 animals were analyzed: 24 Rattus norvegicus, 35 Rattus rattus and eight Mus musculus. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AR resistance, in homozygosis or heterozygosis, were detected in 6/8 mice, on codons 128 and 139, and 13/24 R. norvegicus, on codons 61 and 139, and in 10/35 R. rattus, on codon 59. Furthermore, several newly described missense mutations were detected in all the tested species: the molecular docking analysis suggests a role of some of these (e.g., I123S and F87L) in resistance to brodifacoum, both in rats and in mice. The discovery of AR resistance SNPs in the 43.28% of tested rodents sounds as an alarm bell that requires the introduction of an integrated control approach, where ARs are not used routinely, but under specific monitoring evaluation. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Plague in Small Mammals From an Endemic Focus of the Malagasy Central Highlands: A Longitudinal Survey With a Special Reference on Black Rats (Rattus rattus).

Plague, a zoonotic disease caused by Yersinia pestis, remains a major public health threat in several parts of the world, including Madagascar. Factors underlying long-term persistence and emergence of the pathogen remain poorly understood. We implemented a longitudinal survey to provide insights into plague reservoir ecology within an endemic focus. Six trapping sessions (TS) were conducted in six different localities of the Ankazobe district from 2018 to 2020 in order to monitor small mammal communities. A total of 2762 individuals composed of six species (Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Setifer setosus, Suncus murinus and Tenrec ecaudatus) were caught over the six successive TS. R. rattus represented 88% of all captures, with the highest relative abundances observed during the dry season (June to August 2019). None of the micromammals tested positive for the presence of Y. pestis, neither with qPCR nor bacterial culture. However, 11 seropositive individuals (6 R. rattus, 2M. musculus and 3 S. murinus) were retrieved following ELISA, thus leading to a global seroprevalence of 0.4%. Our study highlighted the significant influence of climatic data on the seasonal variations of R. rattus abundance and suggest that black rat control should be conducted before the dry season, that is, during high reproduction period of rats, in order to reduce the number of reproducing animals and prevent subsequent increase in abundance. As three S. murinus and two M. musculus plague seropositive were identified in the present study, their potential role in plague eco-epidemiology in Madagascar should be explored further.

Moringa oleifera L. Nanosuspension Extract Administration Affects Heat Shock Protein-10 and -70 under Orthodontics Mechanical Force In Vivo.

The mechanical stimulation known as orthodontic mechanical force (OMF) causes biological reactions in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) needs pro-inflammatory cytokines to trigger bone resorption in OTM; nevertheless, heat shock protein-10 (HSP-10), a "Alarmin" cytokine, should control these pro-inflammatory cytokines to get the best alveolar bone remodeling (ABR). Moringa oleifera L. nanosuspension extract (MONE) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ABR-stimulating properties. The aim of the study was to examine in vivo HSP-10 and HSP-70 expressions under OMF following MONE application in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). A total of 36 Wistar rats (R. norvegicus) were split up into eight groups: one for treatment (OMF + MONE) and one for control (OMF + MONE administration for days 1, 7, 14, and 21). By employing nickel-titanium coil springs and using 10 g of light force per millimeter to implant the orthodontic device, the OMF was completed. According to the day of observation, all of the samples were sacrificed. To perform an immunohistochemistry investigation, the premaxilla of the sample was isolated. Tukey's Honest Significant Different (HSD) test (p < 0.05) was performed after an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis of the data. In both the OMF and MONE groups, HSP-70 peaked on day 14 and began to fall on day 21. HSP-10 peaked on day 21, but along with MONE, it also began to progressively decline on days 14 and 21, with significant differences (p < 0.05). According to immunohistochemistry evidence, postadministration of MONE markedly elevated HSP-10 but lowered HSP-70 expression in the alveolar bone of Wistar rats under OMF.

Sarcocystis Cymruensis in the Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) from an Urban District in Kuwait: Detailed Morphologic and Molecular Characterization.

The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in brown rats from Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Kuwait, and to describe detected parasites using morphological and DNA analysis methods. Ninety-eight brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) were examined for Sarcocystis spp. Obtained sarcocysts were investigated using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The detected Sarcocystis species was characterised at nuclear 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, (ITS1 and ITS2), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb), and apicoplast RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB). Sarcocysts were found in thigh muscles of 13.3% of the animals examined, while no oocysts/sporocysts were detected in faecal samples. Under a light microscope, sarcocysts were spindle-shaped, 850-3152 × 73-125μm (1781 ± 763 × 99 ± 15μm) in size and had thin (up to 0.9μm) and apparently smooth cyst wall. By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocyst wall was 0.7-1.1μm in thickness with numerous osmiophilic bleb-like protrusions. Based on DNA sequencing the sarcocysts examined were identified as S. cymruensis. Notably, ITS2 and rpoB sequences of S. cymruensis were obtained for the first time. No intraspecific variation was detected comparing 28S rRNA, ITS1, cox1 and cytb sequences of S. cymruensis isolated from Kuwait, Grenada and China. According to phylogenetic analysis, S. cymruensis was most closely related to S. muris, S. myodes and S. ratti using rodents as their intermediate hosts and cats as their identified or predatory mammals as their presumed definitive hosts. We present the first report of S. cymruensis in Kuwait and in Persian Gulf area. The study shed light on the usefulness of different genetic loci for the characterization of Sarcocystis spp. from rodents.

Prophylactic Peanut Allergen Ara h 6 Sublingual Immunotherapy Drives Expansion of FoxP3+Helios- Regulatory T Cells in the Absence of Allergen-Specific IgA.

Insights into the underlying immunological mechanisms of prophylactic sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) may support the development of new strategies for improved prevention and treatment of food allergy. Here, we investigated the humoral, regulatory and sublingual tissue immune response to prophylactic SLIT administration of a single purified peanut allergen in Brown Norway (BN) rats. BN rats received daily sublingual administration of peanut allergen Ara h 6 for three weeks. Suppression of sensitisation was evaluated by subsequent intraperitoneal administration of Ara h 6. Ara h 6-specific IgE, IgA, IgG1 and IgG2a-c levels were measured in serum. The frequency of regulatory T (Treg) cells was analysed using flow cytometry. The sublingual tissue response to Ara h 6 was analysed by transcriptional profiling using mRNA-sequencing. Ara h 6 SLIT protected rats from subsequent sensitisation without inducing a detectable humoral immune response (Ara h 6-specific IgE, IgA, IgG1 and IgG2a-c) in serum. SLIT furthermore promoted the relative expansion of induced Helios- Treg cells within the conventional CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg population in sublingual draining lymph nodes and blood. In conclusion, prophylactic Ara h 6 SLIT drives the relative expansion of induced Helios- Treg cells in the absence of Ara h 6-specific IgA highlighting a potential novel IgA-independent Treg-related immune response at the sublingual mucosal site.

The effect of heating therapy on the blood profile of white rats (Rattus norvegicus)

A decrease in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels was one of the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). One of the treatments for DM patients used Heating Therapy (HT). Heating Therapy is a treatment in the form of heat exposure which can cause increased expression of heat shock protein (HSP), improve glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and improve insulin signaling. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of heating therapy on the blood profile of mice. This research used a Complete Random Plan, which had five treatments and six replications. Rats without treatment (K-), diabetic rats (K+), rats given HT at 37°C for 10 minutes (P1), HT at 37°C for 20 minutes (P2) and HT at 37°C for 30 minutes (P3)). Heating Therapy was given every day for 3 weeks. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze research data. If there was a significant difference (P &lt;0.05), then proceed with the Duncan post-hoc test. The results showed that the control group and the treated group of mice given HT had significant differences (P &lt;0.05). By giving HT at a temperature of 37°C for 10 minutes was effective in increasing hemoglobin levels and improving the number of platelet cells in diabetic mice.

Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in exotic pets in Spain.

Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in different animal species raises concerns about the potential for animal reservoirs and transmission to humans. Here, we evaluate the exposure of exotic pet species to this virus throughout the early years of the pandemic (2020 - 2022) in southern Spain. A total of 180 exotic pets (126 domestic rabbits, 31 ferrets, and 23 rodents) were analyzed for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using two different ELISAs. ELISA-positive sera were subsequently tested for specific neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) using the virus neutralization test (VNT). Only one brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), representing 0.6 % of the total, tested positive by ELISA, yet showed negative result for SARS-CoV-2 nAbs by VNT. Our results suggest a very limited risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among humans and sympatric exotic pet species in the study region. However, the virus's potential for interspecies transmission emphasizes the need for ongoing surveillance, especially in settings with frequent human-animal interactions, to avoid potential virus evolution, the emergence of new animal reservoirs, and spillover events.

Enhancing dermal collagen density towards youthfulness: A comparative study of PCL, PLLA, and PDO thread implantation in aging rats model.

Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause skin aging. Intrinsic aging is characterized by decreased collagen density, particularly collagen types I (COL1A1) and III (COL3A1), and an increase in the COL1/COL3 ratio. Extrinsic aging, primarily due to ultraviolet light exposure, leads to photoaging, which causes collagen fragmentation and reduced production, leading to skin sagging. Thread lifts, a nonsurgical method, aim to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production using biodegradable monofilament threads such as polydioxanone (PDO), poly-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL). This study compared the effectiveness of PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads in reversing aging by enhancing dermal collagen, reducing the COL1/COL3 ratio, and increasing COL3A1 gene expression in UVB-exposed aging model rats. Thirty female Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) rats were divided into six groups, and their back hair was shaved and exposed to 840 mJ/m2 UVB for 4 weeks. Skin biopsy specimens were assessed using Sirius Red staining to determine dermal collagen density and the COL1/COL3 ratio. Furthermore, qRT-PCR was used to examine COL3A1 gene expression. PDO, PLLA, and PCL threads enhanced skin quality, similar to the young negative control group, based on parameters such as dermal collagen density, COL1/COL3 ratio, and COL3A1 gene expression. PCL thread was more active than PDO and PLLA. Thread implantation may result in a more youthful collagen profile than negative control and may be used to support skin anti-aging. The most effective thread was PCL compared to PDO and PLLA.

Senescent retinal pigment epithelial cells promote angiogenesis in choroidal neovascularization via the TAK1/p38 MAPK pathway.

Senescent retinal pigment epithelial cells play a key role in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD); however, the mechanisms underlying the angiogenic ability of these cells remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of the senescent adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) on wound healing, cell migration and survival, and tube formation abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally, we used Brown Norway rats to establish a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model for further nAMD-related studies. We found that the wound healing, cell migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs were significantly enhanced following culture in conditioned media from senescent ARPE-19cells; this was attributed to the activation of the transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/p38 MAPK pathway. Consistently, we found that the TAK1 inhibitors 5Z-7-oxozeaenol and takinib reversed the effects of conditioned media from senescent ARPE-19cells on the wound healing, migration, survival, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs. We further investigated the therapeutic effects of 5Z-7-oxozeaenol on the laser-induced CNV rat model. We found that TAK1 was activated in IB4+ areas in laser-induced CNV lesions; inhibiting the activity of TAK1 using 5Z-7-oxozeaenol significantly alleviated CNV lesion formation and fluorescein leakage in fundus fluorescein angiography and greatly improved a-waves, b-waves, and OP values, as recorded by electroretinography. Thus, senescent RPE cells may promote angiogenesis via the TAK1/p38 MAPK pathway. Further, inhibiting TAK1 expression alleviates pathological neovascularization and improves retinal function in a laser-induced CNV rat model, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this approach for treating nAMD.

Protein synthesis, autophagy, and regeneration-related signaling in fast/slow muscles in two mammalian models of disuse

Whether regulation of protein synthesis, autophagy, and regeneration are involved in slow/fast muscles in two disuse models (hindlimb unloading Sprague-Dawley rats ( Rattus norvegicus domestica (Berkenhout, 1769))) (HLU) and hibernating ground squirrels ( Spermophilus dauricus Brandt, 1843 (HIB)) is still unclear. Our results showed (1) fiber cross-sectional area was reduced in soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) of HLU whereas no change in HIB. The satellite cells/fiber was reduced and myonuclei/fiber was increased in SOL of HLU, while the percentage of satellite cells was significantly reduced in EDL of HIB. (2) Protein levels of phosphorylated- (P-)Akt, mTORC1, P-mTORC1, and P-S6K1 were reduced in SOL of HLU, whereas phosphorylated S6K1 was increased only in EDL of HIB. (3) Myostatin decreased in EDL of HLU but decreased in SOL of HIB. (4) Beclin1 increased in EDL of HLU and in SOL of HIB. (5) The activity of cathepsin L increased in SOL of HIB. (6) Collagen III increased in both SOL and EDL of HLU, but myogenin and collagen III increased in SOL, and collagen III was reduced in EDL of HIB. Taken together, Akt-mTORC1, Beclin1, and myogenin signaling showed muscle-specific responses in slow-twitch versus fast-twitch muscles, which may contribute to disuse atrophy in non-hibernators and anti-atrophy in hibernators.

Maternal Separation as Model Maternal Mortality Induced Caspase3 Expression of Cerebrum and Cerebellum in Rattus Norvegicus Newborn

Maternal Separation as Model Maternal Mortality Induced Caspase3 Expression of Cerebrum and Cerebellum in Rattus Norvegicus Newborn

TNF-α Expression and Plasma Cell and Macrophage Numbers in Traumatic Ulcers in a Rat Model Treated by Topical or Systemic Probiotic L. casei Shirota.

Introduction: Live microorganisms, named probiotics, can improve overall physical well-being, particularly the oral cavity's health. L. casei Shirota, a popular probiotic, can influence the immune response by increasing the number of macrophages and plasma cells that play a role in traumatic ulcer healing. Aims: To determine the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the varied number of plasma cells and macrophages on a traumatic ulcer animal model treated with topical or systemic administration of a probiotic L. casei Shirota. Material and Methods: Thirty-six healthy, 2-3-month-old male Rattus norvegicus weighing 175-250 gram, were designed into control and topical and systemic administration probiotic groups. The control group was treated with Aquadest 20 uL/20 gr, while topical probiotic and systemic administration probiotic groups were treated with 10,9x107 cells/kg, respectively. A heated round burnisher tip was used to traumatize the inferior incisive fornix labial area. After 3 or 7 days, the animal models were terminated. Immunohistochemical examination, Hematoxylin eosin staining, and statistical analysis were performed to analyze the expression of TNF-α and the number of plasma cells and macrophages. Results: The Mann-Whitney and Tukey HSD tests indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the results for the three groups. It was observed that topical administration provides more remarkable results than systemic administration for the expression of TNF-α, the number of plasma cells, and the number of macrophages. Conclusion: Topical administration of L. casei Shirota demonstrates better results than systemic administration for healing traumatic ulcers.

The Potential Effect of Avocado Seeds to Promote Bone Formation of Tooth Extraction Sockets in Diabetic Rats.

Objective: There is a significant difference in post-extraction complications in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients as this condition can influence each phase of wound healing due to being delayed. Avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) contain many compounds for instance polyphenol catechin compounds, including catechin, cyanidin, chlorogenic acid and quinic acid that can accelerate bone formation after tooth extraction through various mechanism. Bone formation involve RUNX2 as differentiation factor and proliferation factor for osteoblast. and Osteoblast plays and important role and involves in the formation of woven bone. The purpose of this research is to prove the potential of avocado seed extracts as a natural intervention to accelerate bone healing in diabetic conditions by promoting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, thereby improving bone formation. Materials and methods: This study is an experimental research with posttest-only control group design. The research samples were 20 white male Rattus norvegicus and were divided into two groups: control (K) and treated (KE). Then, the lower left incicives of the samples were extracted for immunohisto chemical staining to observe the expression of RUNX2, and H&amp;E staining to study osteoblast and woven bone at day 7 and 14. Data was analyzed using the SPSS Mann-Whitney and Spearman test. p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results show significant differences between the control and treatment groups. The expression of RUNX2 and the number of osteoblasts were significantly higher in the treatment group. Additionally, there were significant correlations between RUNX2 expression, osteoblast count, and woven bone formation. This suggests that RUNX2 can enhance woven bone formation. The woven bone formed will eventually be replaced by mature bone. Conclusion: Avocado seeds have potential effect to accelerate bone formation in diabetic conditions by increasing the expression of RUNX2, osteoblast count, and woven bone formation.

Pemanfaatan Senyawa Hepatoprotektif dalam Ekstrak Lumut Hati (Marchantia polymorpha) Sebagai Obat Hepatitis Berdasarkan Penurunan SGOT SGPT

Bryophyta plants contain secondary metabolite compounds that can have potential as drugs, such as liverwort (Marchantia polymoprha) which contains secondary metabolite compounds that have hepatoprotective properties against liver damage that have the potential as hepatitis drugs. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of liverwort extract administration in treating hepatitis. This study used an experimental approach, with a postest only control group design, 16 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) were grouped into 4 treatments with dose variations of 200 mg / kgBB, 300 mg / kgBB, 400 mg / kgBB, 500 mg / kgBB. Experimental animals were induced with 30% alcohol for 10 days to be exposed to hepatitis, and given treatment for 14 days. Data were analyzed by One Way Anova test, with a significance of 0.05, normally distributed data with a significance of SGOT 0.20 and SGPT 0.81. The results of data analysis showed that the concentration of 500 mg/kgBB extract dose had the strongest effect in reducing SGOT and SGPT enzymes.

Mercuric chloride induced reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative damage in male Wistar albino rat, Rattus norvegicus

Mercuric chloride induced reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative damage in male Wistar albino rat, Rattus norvegicus

Molecular Evolution of the Ovgp1 Gene in the Subfamily Murinae.

OGP, encoded by the Ovgp1 gene, is the major non-serum oviductal protein in most mammals. In the genome of Rattus norvegicus, Ovgp1 has been identified as a pseudogene. However, Mus musculus presents a functional gene. As the rat and the mouse belong to the subfamily Murinae, Ovgp1 has probably been lost after their divergence. This study aims to determine when the pseudogenization event occurred and which proteins could replace its function. To attain that, the potential expression of members belonging to the GH18 family is investigated in the rat oviduct by means of molecular and proteomic analyses. Specific Ovgp1 regions are sequenced in different murine rodent species. The analysis reveals the presence of stop codons only in some species of the Rattini tribe, suggesting that the majority of the murine species present a functional gene. Thus, the pseudogenization of Ovgp1 could be dated back to around 10 Mya, after the divergence of the Rattini tribe. The expression of several genes and proteins of the GH18 family, such as Chia, Chit1, Chi3l1, and Chid1, are detected in the rat oviduct. This study opens the door for further research on GH18 family proteins that mimic the OGP functions in species where Ovgp1 is pseudogenized.