S20 Group Research Articles

Is lactational Sertraline exposure safe for maternal health and the reproductive/neurobehavioral development of the descendants? A study in rats.

Although sertraline is considered one of the safest antidepressants in the lactation period, there are still few studies that assess its impact on child development. Therefore, this experimental study aimed to clarify the effect of sertraline on the neurobehavioral and reproductive development of male rats. Thus, 30 lactating rats were divided into 3 experimental groups (n=10/group): CO- received filtered water, S10 and S20 groups that received, respectively, 10 and 20mg/kg/day of sertraline. Treatment was performed by gavage, from postnatal days (PND) 1 to 20. During this period, the reflex and somatic development of rats were observed, as well as maternal behavior. On PND 21, mothers were euthanized and the organs were weighed. On PND 21, 45, and 100, one male from each litter was euthanized for histological and immunohistochemical (PCNA and WT1) analysis of the reproductive organs. The growth of body weight, the anogenital distance (AGD), the time to puberty, sperm quality, sexual behavior, neurobehavior, and natural fertility were also verified. Statistical analysis: One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test (p≤0.05). The results showed that mothers in the S20 group had an increase in thyroid weight. The male offspring exposed to sertraline had lower body weight (PND 7), lower AGD (PND 7 and 14), and delay in reflex development, in addition to histological alterations in the testis (PND 21). In adulthood, sperm quality was altered, without compromising natural fertility. Therefore, the present study found important alterations in the reflex and reproductive development of male rats exposed to sertraline during lactation.

Effect of sevoflurane delayed-postconditioning on ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effect, effective time window, and mechanism of protection of sevoflurane post-conditioning and late sevoflurane post-conditioning on heart muscle ischemiareperfusion (I/R) lesion in isolated rat heart.Methods: Langendorff isolated perfusion model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After 15 min of stabilization, the rats were assigned to 10 groups, based on the treatments given: control group (TTC), I/R group, sevoflurane post-processing group (SpostC), 0.5 min-, 1 min-, 5 min-, 10 min-, 20 min-, 30 min- delayed sevoflurane post-processing group (S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10, and S20). The levels of mitochondrial membrane permeability, area of myocardial infarction, myocardial apoptosis, and p-GSK3 beta level were determined.Results: Myocardial infarction areas in Spost, S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10 and S20 groups were significantly than in I/R group (p < 0.05), while expression levels of myocardial p-Akt were significantly higher in Spost, S0.5, S1, S3, S5, S10, S20, and S30 groups than in I/R group (p < 0.05). GSK-3 phosphorylation level was significantly higher in Spost, S1, S10, S20, and S30 groups than in I/R group (p < 0.05). Expression of p-GSK-3β in S30 group decreased, relative to that in Spost group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Sevoflurane post-conditioning and delayed sevoflurane post-conditioning mitigates I/R lesions in isolated rat hearts. The protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury is related to the levels of phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. Thus, this treatment approach may be useful in the management of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Comparative Analysis of miRNA Expression Profiles in Skeletal Muscle of Bian Chickens at Different Embryonic Ages.

Simple SummaryThe development of skeletal muscle during the embryonic period has an important impact on the meat production of poultry, and miRNAs are vital regulators of skeletal muscle development. In this study, through the RNA-seq analysis of leg muscles from 14- and 20-day Bian chicken embryos, we screened out 127 and 131 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in a fast-growing group (F14 vs. F20) and a slow-growing group (S14 vs. S20), respectively. Based on functional enrichment analysis and interaction network analysis, we further screened out 13 miRNAs and 5 hub genes, which potentially play important roles in skeletal muscle development. This study provides data support for future studies on the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle development of Bian chickens.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are widely involved in the growth and development of skeletal muscle through the negative regulation of target genes. In order to screen out the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with skeletal muscle development of Bian chickens at different embryonic ages, we used the leg muscles of fast-growing and slow-growing Bian chickens at the 14th and 20th embryonic ages (F14, F20, S14 and S20) for RNA-seq. A total of 836 known miRNAs were identified, and 121 novel miRNAs were predicted. In the F14 vs. F20 comparison group, 127 DEMs were screened, targeting a total of 2871 genes, with 61 miRNAs significantly upregulated and 66 miRNAs significantly downregulated. In the S14 vs. S20 comparison group, 131 DEMs were screened, targeting a total of 3236 genes, with 60 miRNAs significantly upregulated and 71 miRNAs significantly downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the predicted target genes were significantly enriched in 706 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways in the F14 vs. F20 group and 677 GO terms and 5 KEGG pathways in the S14 vs. S20 group. According to the interaction network analysis, we screened five coexpressed DEMs (gga-miR-146a-3p, gga-miR-2954, gga-miR-34a-5p, gga-miR-1625-5p and gga-miR-18b-3p) with the highest connectivity degree with predicted target genes between the two comparison groups, and five hub genes (HSPA5, PKM2, Notch1, Notch2 and RBPJ) related to muscle development were obtained as well. Subsequently, we further identified nine DEMs (gga-let-7g-3p, gga-miR-490-3p, gga-miR-6660-3p, gga-miR-12223-5p, novel-miR-327, gga-miR-18a-5p, gga-miR-18b-5p, gga-miR-34a-5p and gga-miR-1677-3p) with a targeting relationship to the hub genes, suggesting that they may play important roles in the muscle development of Bian chickens. This study reveals the miRNA differences in skeletal muscle development between 14- and 20-day embryos of Bian chickens from fast- and slow-growing groups and provides a miRNA database for further studies on the molecular mechanisms of the skeletal muscle development in Bian chickens.

Salinity regulates the formation and hatching of Cryptocaryon irritans tomonts, affecting infectivity to Larimichthys crocea

Cryptocaryon irritans are the main pathogens of “white spot disease” on the body surface of marine teleosts, but the seawater environment affects pathogen development and virulence. This study investigated C. irritans tomont formation, cell division, hatching, and infectivity to Larimichthys crocea under eight salinity gradients (S0, S5, S10, S20, S30, S40, S45, and S50) to understand how C. irritans grows, develops and harms host fish in a variable natural environment. The results showed that the protomont hatching rate in S5, S10, S20 and S30 significantly increased over time, but the highest and lowest values appeared in S20 and S30, respectively; and the hatching rate in S20 is significantly higher than S30.The rate of tomont formation increased over treatment time, and the highest and lowest rates were observed in S20 and S0 groups, respectively. Seawater at extreme salinity (S0, S40, S45, and S50) significantly reduced the encystment duration to <5 min. In addition, the tomont division rate at S5, S10, S20, S30, S40 and S45 significantly increased over time, and the highest and the lowest values were recorded in S20 and S45, respectively; and the division rate at S20 is significantly higher than S45. The hatching rate in S5, S10, S20, S30, and S40 also significantly increased over time, but the highest and lowest values appeared in S20 and S5, respectively; and the hatching rate in S20 is significantly higher than S5. The tomonts treated with seawater of 5–45‰ salinity divided evidently, but most tomonts under 0 and 50‰ salinity dissolved. TEM observation showed the pellicular alveoli of tomonts in S40 and S45 were wider than S20, the chromatin was loose, and the cyst wall was separately compressed into thin-layered layers. Finally, the aspect ratios of the theronts hatched at S5, S10, S20, S30, and S40 significantly increased than those at S20, and the theronts became long and thin. The infectivity of the theronts hatched from tomonts under S5 and S40 salinity treatments were significantly lower than the control (S20) because of the changes of theront number and morphology. In conclusion, salinity changes regulate the formation and development of C. irritans tomonts. Low (S5) or high (S40) salinity inhibits the infectivity of incubated theronts.

The Effects of Different Levels of Sunflower Hulls on Reproductive Performance of Yearly Ewes Fed with Pelleted Complete Diets

In this study, 84 pregnant ewes were used and randomly distributed to one of four treatments, as follows: C (control), total mixed ration (TMR) +12% SFH (S12), TMR +20% SFH (S20), and TMR +28% SFH (S28). Treatments had a significant (p &lt; 0.05) effect on the daily feed intake (DFI) of the ewes during the late gestation (30 d prepartum) and post-partum period, with the S12 and S20 groups having lower feed intake (35; 60%) than the C and S28 group. The DFI was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) low during late gestation in comparable with other periods. The results revealed that body weight (BW) at late gestation was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher than the BW at 60-days postpartum and during the mating period. Body condition score (BCS) was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher during late gestation in comparison with other periods. There was no significant effect of different levels of SFH on reproductive parameters except S/C, which was significantly higher in the S20 than other groups. Serum glucose level was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the S20 group than the C, S12, and S28 groups during 30 days postpartum. S20 and S28 groups showed a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in glucose levels at parturition in comparison with other reproductive periods. At late gestation, a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher concentration of blood NEFA was reported for ewes from the C group compared with other groups. Furthermore, significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) NEFA levels at parturition were found for ewes from the S20 group compared with the S12 group. In conclusion, TMR is not preferable to be used alone in the late gestation period. Sunflower hull can be used as a cheap source of fiber in TMR without adverse effects on health or the reproductive traits of ewes. The increasing level of sunflower hull up to 28% can affect fertility and increase the number of services per conception, probably due to its high content of lignin (phytoestrogen).

Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data to evaluate responses to hypersalinity stress in the gill of the razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta)

Salinity is an important ecological factor that affects physiological metabolism, survival, and distribution of marine organisms. Despite changes in the osmolarity and composition of the cytosol during salinity shifts, marine mollusks are able to maintain their metabolic function. The razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta) survives the wide range of salinity in the intertidal zone via changes in behavior and physiology. To explore the stress responses and mechanisms of salinity tolerance in razor clams, we collected transcriptomic and metabolomic data from a control group (salinity 20‰, S20) and a salinity-stress group (salinity 35‰, S35). The transcriptome data showed that genes related to the immune system, cytoskeleton remodeling, and signal transduction pathways dominated in the S35 group to counteract hypersalinity stress in the gill. The metabolomic analysis showed that 142 metabolites were significantly different between the S35 and S20 groups and that amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were affected by hypersalinity stress. Levels of amino acids and energy substances, such as l-proline, isoleucine, and fructose, were higher in the gill of the S35 group. The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic data indicated that metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids was enhanced in the gill during adaptation to high salinity. These results clarified the complex physiological processes involved in the response to hyperosmotic stress and maintenance of metabolism in the gill of razor clams. These findings provide a reference for further study of the biological responses of euryhaline shellfish to hyperosmotic stress and a molecular basis for the search for populations with high salinity tolerance.

The effect of pre- and postnatal exposure to a mixture of daidzein and genistein on the reproductive system of male rats

Abstract Introduction: There is growing interest in the risk or benefits soybean food known as rich in isoflavones, due to their interactions with endogenous estrogen signal transduction pathway. Recent studies provide evidence that isoflavones can affect the reproductive and endocrine system under regular diet. The aim of this study was to determine how the long-lasting administration of the key isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, may change morphology of the testis and the function of the epididymal antioxidant system of male rats. Materials and methods: Male rats were treated by genistein and daidzein, in combination 2 (S2) or 20 (S20) mg/kg body weight per day for 5 days weekly mixed with regular rat chow from prenatal life until to sexual maturity. The control groups were fed without isoflavones. Results: The findings show that the body, testis and cauda epididymis weights, testosterone level in blood plasma were significantly lower than controls in the S20 group (p &lt; 0.05). Also, superoxide dismutase activity in the epididymis, catalase activity in the testis, and glutathione peroxidase activity in the caput epididymis were significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05). Treating with these isoflavones significantly suppressed lipid peroxides levels in the epididymis (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, presence of prematurely exfoliated gametogenic cells was observed in seminiferous tubules as well as the architectural disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium. Conclusions: These findings suggest that isoflavones, if consumed chronically at a dose as for the S20 group may act not only as antioxidants, but they can be a risk for the male rats reproductive system dysfunction.

Effects of freeze‐dried powder of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba on the growth performance, molting and fatty acid composition of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary replacement fish meal supplemented with freeze-dried powder of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba (FDPE) on the growth performance, molting, and fatty acid composition of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (initial weight 1.27 ± 0.09 g). Four diets containing 0% (S0 group), 10% (S10 group), 20% (S20 group), and 30% (S20 group) FDPE were used in the present study. At the end of growth trial, the final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate in the S10, S20, and S30 groups were higher than those in the S0 group. The shrimp in the S10 and S20 groups exhibited better molting synchronism than those in the S0 group. The astaxanthin content in the hepatopancreas from the shrimp in the groups supplemented with FDPE was significantly higher than that in the S0 group (p < 0.05) and increased as the FDPE content in the feed increased. The shrimp in the S10, S20, and S30 groups had a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in the hepatopancreas than those in the S0 group. The sum of EPA and DHA in the muscles from the shrimp in the S0 group was lower than that in the other groups. These results indicate that the dietary inclusion of 10%–20% FDPE can be used as practical diets in L. vannamei farmed under a clear water system.

Integrative hepatic metabolomics and proteomics reveal insights into the mechanism of different feed efficiency with high or low dietary forage levels in Holstein heifers

Feed efficiency (FE) can be affected by dietary composition, management, and metabolic conditions. The liver is the central metabolic organ in cattle; however, specific metabolic changes in the liver under different dietary forage levels have not been clarified. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hepatic physiology mechanisms of high or low dietary forage levels (80% or 20% forage, namely S80 and S20) on FE in dairy heifers using integrative metabolomic and proteomic methods. Feed efficiency was lower in the S80 group than the S20 group. A total of 29 metabolites and 60 proteins were significantly different between the liver samples of the two groups. Fourteen selected proteins were analyzed using parallel reaction monitoring to confirm the reliability of proteomic analysis. Integrative functional analysis of differentially expressed metabolites/proteins confirmed the enhanced hepatic ability of fatty acid oxidation, amino acid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis, ketone bodies synthesis, and oxidative stress defense in the S80 heifers. These metabolic pathways are associated with FE in ruminants. Thus, our results suggested that the aforementioned metabolic pathways may be responsible for the reduced FE in heifers fed high levels of forage. Biological significanceImproving the efficiency of animal production is a continuously urgent mission of all agricultural producers. Limit-feeding high concentrate diets to heifers is considered as an effective way to improve feed efficiency in heifers' raising, which can not only decrease the feeding and management cost but also relieve some environmental problems. However, the detailed metabolic and physiological changes and mechanisms associated with this strategy remain to be further characterized even some transcriptomics and microbiology work have been done. For extending the knowledge towards this strategy, an integrative metabolomic and proteomic method was used to investigate the hepatic physiology mechanisms of high or low dietary forage levels on feed efficiency in dairy heifers. Enhanced hepatic ability of fatty acid oxidation, amino acid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, gluconeogenesis, ketone bodies synthesis, and oxidative stress defense were found in high forage consumed heifers, which were all related to energy utilization in ruminants and might be responsible for the reduced feed efficiency. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the hepatic metabolism in high or low forage fed heifers may help to design alternative feeding or management strategies that improve feed efficiency.

Effects of swimming exercise on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

Background: Swimming is commonly considered to be an efficient rehabilitation exercise to treat peripheral nerve injury. However, the most effective resistance level and exercise duration is still unclear. We investigated the effects and mechanisms of swimming at various exertion levels in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.Methods: Sciatic nerve transection rats were randomized into the following four groups based on swimming duration (from the 7th day to the 28th day post-surgery): sedentary control group (SC), S10 group (10 min/3 times/week), S20 group (20 min/3 times/week), and S30 group (30 min/3 times/week) (n = 10 each). Axon regeneration, electrophysiological properties, muscular weights, macrophage infiltration, and nerve repair associated maker, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were measured.Results: Dramatic higher successful percentages of nerve regeneration across the 10-mm gaps in swimming groups compared to the SC group. Total area of nerve regeneration significantly improved in the S10 group; however, electrophysiological properties, muscular weights, and macrophage infiltration in the regenerated nerves of rats did not differ significantly between the various exercise groups. CGRP expression was significantly increased in the spinal cord of rats in the S20 group.Conclusions: Our data indicated that CGRP-related axonal regeneration improved significantly with moderate swimming. These results should inspire new studies in physiotherapeutic practice for related human treatment.

Effects of different amounts and types of dietary fatty acids on the body weight, fat accumulation, and lipid metabolism in hamsters

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the effects of different amounts of dietary fatty acids on body weight, fat accumulation, and lipid metabolism of hamsters. MethodsSixty male golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into six groups. Three of the groups (the S groups) were fed experimental diets containing 5%, 15%, and 20% (w/w) fat of soybean oil (S5, S15, and S20, respectively), and the other three groups (the M groups) were fed the same proportions of an experimental oil mixture (M5, M15, and M20, respectively). The experimental oil mixture consisted of 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and a polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio of 5 with a mixture of soybean and canola oils. Food consumption was measured daily, and body weights were measured weekly. Serum insulin and leptin concentrations were measured and hepatic fatty acid metabolic enzymes and adipose differentiation markers were determined using an enzyme activity analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsResults showed that the weight and weight gain of the S20 group were significantly greater than those of the other five groups. When the total fat consumption increased, the body weight, weight gain, and adipose tissue weight of the S groups significantly increased, but there were no significant differences in these parameters among the M groups. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the M15 and S15 groups. The S20 group had significantly higher leptin and insulin concentrations and lipoprotein lipase was promoted, but the acetyl-coenzyme A oxidase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1, were significantly lower. ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that a special experimental oil mixture (with 60% MUFAs and a ratio of 5) with high fat can prevent body weight gain and body fat accumulation by lowering insulin concentrations and increasing hepatic lipolytic enzyme activities.

Effects of several degrees of chronic social defeat stress on emotional and spatial memory in CD1 mice

In the present study, the effects of several degrees of CSDS (Chronic Social Defeat Stress) on emotional and spatial memory in mice were evaluated in separate experiments. Male CD1 mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n=10–12) for each experiment: NS (non-stressed), S5, S10 and S20 (5, 10 and 20 sessions of CSDS, respectively). The S groups underwent the corresponding number of agonistic encounters (10min each) over a 20-day period. 24h after the last session of CSDS, mice performed the inhibitory avoidance (Experiment 1) or the Morris water maze test (Experiment 2). In both experiments, animals were also evaluated in the elevated plus maze for 5min to obtain complementary measures of locomotor activity and emotionality. The results showed that the highest degree of CSDS had impairing effects on inhibitory avoidance, while there were no significant differences between groups in the water maze. The S20 group exhibited higher anxiety levels in the elevated plus maze. No variations in locomotor activity were observed in any experiment. In conclusion, CSDS has a greater impact on emotional memory than on spatial memory. These negative effects of CSDS on memory do not seem to be secondary to the motor or emotional effects of stress.

Abstract 13615: High-Dose Simvastatin Induce Insulin Resistance During Acute Myocardial Infarction by Inhibiting Intracellular Insulin Signaling, Without Attenuating Its Clinical Benefit

Background: Hyperglycemia during the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI) is a strong marker of mortality, but statin use in this set can potentially induce dysglycemia. We aimed to identify whether statins also induce hyperglycemia during MI and the related mechanisms as well as to evaluate its clinical relevance. Methods: We prospectively studied 550 patients with ST-elevation MI treated without (WS) or with simvastatin (S) at 20, 40 or 80 mg/day. Of these, 27 non-diabetics were randomized to S10 or S80mg/day and performed euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (EHC) associated with abdominal adipose tissue biopsy after 40 minutes of insulin infusion in the second (D2) and sixth (D6) days after MI. Measurements of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide on admission (D1) and fifth (D5) day were performed in all patients. Results: Between D2 and D6, insulin sensitivity index (ISi) measured by EHC increased (20±60%) in the S10 group and reduced (-6±28%) in S80 (p=0.025). Analysis of the biopsies by Western-blot showed a reduction in phosphorylation/activation of Akt and IRS-1 in patients treated with S80 compared to those treated with S10. Among the 550 patients, ISi was estimated by HOMA2S (plasma glucose and insulin) and varied in 40±145% (WS), 22±117% (S20), 16±61 % (S40) and -2%±88% (S80) between D1 and D5 (p=0.001). Insulin secretion at D1 estimated by HOMA2B (glucose and C-peptide) (p=0.001) and the dose of S (p=0.009) were the only independent markers of a fall in HOMA2S between D1 and D5. Among patients not treated with statins or taking 20mg/day (WS + S20), plasma glucose ≥140mg/dl at admission (stress hyperglycemia) increased by 2.25x (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-3.85, p=0.004) the risk of death or MI after mean 634±501 days; but not in those treated with S40 or S80 (p=0.727). Stress hyperglycemia also increased the incidence of death in 30 days after MI in the WS + S20 group (HR 3.15, 95%CI 1.41-7.01; p=0.003), but not in the S40 + S80 group (p=0.858) Conclusion: The use of high-dose simvastatin in MI reduces IS through the inhibition of intracellular insulin signaling pathways. IS impairment is dependent on the dose of statin and the reserve of insulin secretion. However, high-dose statins attenuate the short- and long-term clinical impact of hyperglycemia in MI.

277 LIPID ACCUMULATION DURING BOVINE OOCYTES Gyr/HOLSTEIN MATURATION COLLECTED BY OPU IN SPOM SYSTEM

In vitro embryo production (IVP) is an important tool for cattle breeding. Brazilian dairy systems are based on Gyr/Holstein crossbreds, which integrates adaptability to tropical conditions and milk production. Oocyte quality is crucial for IVP, and lipid accumulation is a detrimental factor. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of SPOM maturation system (Albuz et al. 2010 Hum. Reprod. 25) on lipid accumulation in bovine oocytes. Oocytes obtained by ovum pick-up (OPU) from heifers without ovarian stimulation were transferred to control media (TCM 199 + sodium pyruvate, ITS, penicillin-streptomycin, BSA, FSH, oestrogen, and hCG) or SPOM (2 h pre-IVM: TCM 199 hepes + sodium pyruvate, ITS, penicillin-streptomycin, BSA, IBMX, and forskolin; followed by 28 h IVM: control media + cilostamide) in 5% CO2 atmosphere at 38°C. Oocytes were collected after 20, 24, and 28 h (groups: C20, C24, C28; S20, S24, S28) and evaluated for nuclear maturation using HOECHST (experiment 1, n = 301, 35–62 per group) and lipid content using Oil Red (experiment 2, n = 163, 14–42 per group). Oocytes from 4 replicates were fixed with PFA and stored at 4°C. For Oil Red, all structures were stained and evaluated at the same day. After being washed in 50% ethanol, oocytes were incubated in 0.2% Oil Red O solution for 10 min. Stained area fraction in each oocyte cytoplasm was measured using ImageJ (NIH). Nuclear maturation analysis was performed by Chi-squared test and Lipid analysis by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-test (P = 0.05). Distinct superscript letters indicate statistical difference between groups. In experiment 1, we detected a reduction in the percentage of matured (MII) oocytes only in S20 group (C20 = 64.28%a, C24 = 74.28%a, C28 = 60.46%a, S20 = 25.8%b, S24 = 59, 01%a, S28 = 74.13%a). In experiment 2, we detected an increase in lipid content in both control and SPOM groups from 20 to 28 h of IVM (S20 = 5.72a ± 4.41, S24 = 15.95bd ± 7.41, S28 = 37.46c ± 8.68, C20 = 8.65a ± 2.58, C24 = 12.14ad ± 8.08, C28 = 18.50b ± 8.09). For SPOM groups, the lipid content increased 2.78-fold from S20 to S24, and 6.54-fold from S20 to S28. In the control group, only in C28 wasa lipid increase detected, 2.13-fold higher than C20 content. Comparing control and SPOM groups at each time point, S28 displayed a 2.02-fold increase in lipid content compared to C28. We concluded that despite SPOM system being effective in maintaining meiotic arrest until 20 h of IVM and forskolin being present during pre-IVM in SPOM groups, Gyr/Holstein crossbreed oocytes obtained by OPU presented a significant increase in lipid content when matured in SPOM system, even higher than observed for the control group. During the last 8 h of IVM we observed a huge lipid accumulation in both systems, suggesting this might be a crucial period.

Effects of different amounts and types of dietary fatty acids on body weight, fat accumulation and lipid metabolism in hamsters

The study explored the effects of different amounts of dietary fatty acids on body weight, fat accumulation and lipid metabolism in hamsters. We conducted 12 wk intervention with sixty male golden Syrian hamsters were randomly divided into six groups. Three of the groups fed with experimental diets containing 5%, 15% and 20% (w/w) fat of soybean oil (S5, S15 and S20). And the other fed with experimental mix oil (M5, M15 and M20). The experimental mix oil consist of 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated‐to‐saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio 5 mix by soybean oil and canola oil. The result showed that the S20 group's weight and weight gain were significantly greater than the other five groups. When the total fat consumption increased, the S group's body weight, weight gain and adipose tissue weight will significantly increase, but they were no significant difference in the M groups. When S20 compared with M20 group, S20 had significantly higher leptin, insulin concentration and promote triglyceride accumulation enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL), but lipolysis enzyme acetyl‐CoA oxidase (ACO) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 (CPT‐1) was significantly lower. Therefore, the study showed that special proportion of experimental mix oil with high fat can prevent body weight gain and body fat accumulation by lowering insulin concentration and increased hepatic lipolytic enzyme activities.Grant Funding Source: National Science Council

Ets-transcription factors in formation and maintenance of permanent articular cartilage

Ets-transcription factors in formation and maintenance of permanent articular cartilage

The Effect of Glycerol Concentrations on the Post‐thaw In Vitro Characteristics of Cryopreserved Sex‐sorted Boar Spermatozoa

The objective of this study was to optimize protocols for the cryopreservation of sex-sorted boar spermatozoa. In the experiment 1, we evaluated the effects of a standard boar sperm cryopreservation procedure (3% final glycerol concentration) on the in vitro characteristics of sex-sorted sperm frozen at low sperm concentrations (20 × 10(6) sperm/ml; S20 group). Non-sorted spermatozoa frozen at 1000 × 10(6) (C1000 group) and 20 × 10(6) (C20 group) sperm/ml were used as the freezing control groups. In experiment 2, the effects of different final glycerol concentrations (0.16%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%) on post-thaw quality of the S20 and C20 groups were evaluated. In both experiments, the samples were evaluated prior to freezing (5°C) and at 30, 90 and 150 min after thawing. Experiment 1 indicated that freezing sperm at low concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) at 90 and 150 min after thawing regardless of whether the sperm were sorted or not. However, the sperm membrane integrity was not affected at any evaluation step. Inexperiment 2, significant effects on the TM and PM because of increased glycerol concentrations in the S20 and C20 groups were observed only at 90 and 150 min after thawing. The samples frozen in 3% glycerol showed lower (p < 0.05) TM and PM values when compared to those frozen in the presence of 0.5% and 1% glycerol. In both experiments, non-sorted control samples displayed higher percentages of spermatozoa with damaged DNA than sorted spermatozoa. In conclusion, the optimization of cryopreservation conditions by decreasing the glycerol concentrations can improve post-thaw motility of sex-sorted spermatozoa frozen at low concentrations.

Influence of air-abrasion and subsequent heat treatment on bonding between zirconia framework material and indirect composites

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of air-abrasion and subsequent heat treatment on the shear bond strength of the bond between indirect composites and a zirconia material. Four surface preparations were employed; ground flat, then heated to regenerate the crystal phase (C); air-abraded with alumina for 10 s (S10), for 20 s (S20), and air-abraded for 10 s and heated (H). Disks were primed with Alloy Primer and bonded either with Estenia or with Gradia composite. XRD analysis suggested that the monoclinic zirconia content was increased by air-abrasion, and decreased by heating. The surface roughness of S10, S20 and H disks was similar. Nevertheless, H groups showed lower bond strengths than the S10 and S20 groups both before and after thermal cycling. Although alumina air-abrasion considerably enhanced bonding between zirconia and indirect composites, subsequent heat treatment had a negative effect on the durability of bond strength.

Eletroacupuntura no reparo do tendão calcanear comum em coelhos após enxertia com peritônio bovino

Avaliou-se o efeito da eletroacupuntura (EA) sobre os aspectos macroscópicos e microscópicos em 36 coelhos que tiveram o tendão calcanear comum seccionado e que, após 30 dias, receberam enxerto de peritônio bovino conservado em solução saturada de sal. Após a cirurgia, os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de igual número: os do grupo E10 foram estimulados pela EA do segundo ao 11º dia de pós-operatório, os do grupo E20 do 11º ao 31º dia de pós-operatório e os do grupo C não foram estimulados. Posteriormente, os animais foram redistribuídos em três subgrupos de igual número, os quais foram observados no pós-operatório por 11, 31 e 91 dias. Nos coelhos do E10 e E20, ocorreu diminuição de aderência da área enxertada aos tecidos circunvizinhos. Aos 31 dias de pós-operatório, observou-se nos do E10 tecido conjuntivo. Verificou-se intensa neovascularização no local enxertado em todos os animais que receberam estímulo pela EA. Nos coelhos do E10, aos 91 dias, verificou-se intensa quantidade de tecido conjuntivo, com fibras colágenas organizadas e paralelas ao eixo do tendão. O estímulo pela EA na fase precoce do pós-operatório estimulou a maturação cicatricial com mínima reação inflamatória.

Comparison of Usefulness of Simvastatin 20 mg Versus 80 mg in Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Contrast-induced nephropathy limits the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present study compared the protective effects of different statin doses on renal function. A total of 228 patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing selective PCI were randomly divided into simvastatin 20-mg group (S20, n = 115) and simvastatin 80-mg group (S80, n = 113). Serum creatinine was measured at admission, the day of PCI, and 24 and 48 hours after PCI. The creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cochcroft-Gault formula. High-sensitive C-reactive protein, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were also measured before and after the procedure. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as a postprocedure increase in serum creatinine of > or =0.5 mg/dl or >25% from baseline. The serum creatinine significantly increased after PCI, with the peak value occurring at 24 hours, and then began to decrease. At 48 hours, the serum creatinine had decreased to the baseline level in the S80 group, but it had failed to do so in the S20 group. At 24 and 48 hours after PCI, the serum creatinine was lower in the S80 group than in the S20 group (p <0.05 and p <0.001, respectively). The creatinine clearance significantly decreased after PCI, with the lowest value occurring at 24 hours, and then it began to increase. In the S80 group, the creatinine clearance recovered to baseline level at 48 hours, but it failed to do so in the S20 group. The creatinine clearance was greater at 24 and 48 hours in the S80 group than that in the S20 group. Although the procedure caused a significant increase in high-sensitive C-reactive protein, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels, the value was lower in the S80 group than in the S20 group (p <0.001). In conclusion, pretreatment with simvastatin 80 mg before PCI could further decrease the occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy compared with simvastatin 20 mg. This benefit was associated with the lowering of high-sensitive C-reactive protein, P-selectin, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels.