猴D型逆转录病毒和猴艾滋病

1983年在加里福利亚和新英格兰灵长类研究中心先后发现了与人艾滋病的表现相似的猴艾滋病(Smian AIDS,SAIDS)(Letvin et al.,1983;Henrickson et al.,1983)。引起SAIDS的病原体有猴艾滋病D型逆转病毒(Simian AIDS Type D)Retrovirus,SRV)和猴免疫缺陷病毒(Simian Immunodefiency Virus,SIV)。由     

The Conserved Proline Residue in the LOB Domain of LBD18 Is Critical for DNA-Binding and Biological Function

Dear Editor, The LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN （LBD）/ ASYMMETRICLEAVES2-LIKE （ASL） genes （hereafter referred to as LBD） encode proteins containing a conserved plant-specific LOB domain and play roles in lateral organ development （Iwakawa et al., 2002; Shuai et al., 2002; Majer and Hochholdinger, 2011）. The LOB domain is approximately 100 amino acids in length and contains a conserved four-Cys motif （CX2CX6CX3C）, the Gly-Ala-Ser block （GAS）, and the leucine-zipper-like coiled-coil motif （LX6LX3LX6L） （Shuai et al., 2002）. The leucine-zipper-like coiled-coil motif in the LOB domain is predicted to function in protein dimerization. LOB, AS2, and LBD4 preferentially bind unique DNA sequences in electrophoretic mobility shift assays （EMSAs） （Husbands et al., 2007）. The LOB domain of AS2 cannot be functionally replaced by those of other members of the LOB family,     

神农架川金丝猴初产雌性妊娠期异亲哺乳

<正>灵长类动物生长发育过程中,雌性往往承担着主要的育幼责任,因此,母亲是帮助灵长类婴儿尽早适应环境并独立生活的重要角色(F?rster and Cords, 2002; Xi et al., 2008; Briga et al., 2012)。对大多数群居型灵长类动物而言,母亲以外的成员也常常参与照料婴猴,该现象普遍存在于旧大陆猴中,     

Resolving the Activation Site of PositiveRegulators in Plant PhosphoenolpyruvateCarboxylase

Dear Editor, Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase （PEPC; EC 4.1.1.31） islocated at an important branch point in the carbohydratemetabolism of plants. The enzyme is a homotetramer andcatalyzes the addition of bicarbonate to phosphoenolpyru-vate （PEP） to form oxaloacetate and phosphate. PEPC isregulated by metabolites and phosphorylation. AIIostericfeedback inhibition is mainly regulated by L-malate andL-aspartate which bind to a site separated from the activecenter （Kai et al., 1999; Paulus et al., 2013）. Structure analy-sis of PEPC from Escherichia coli （Kai et al., 1999; Matsumuraet al., 2002）, Zea rnays （Matsumura et al., 2002）, Flaveria trin-ervia, and F. pringlei （Paulus et al., 2013） revealed that thesubstrate PEP and the feedback inhibitors bind to separatesites within each monomer.     

A Brassinosteroid-Signaling Kinase Interacts withMultiple Receptor-Like Kinases in Arabidopsis

Dear Editor, Higher plants have evolved hundreds of genes encodingreceptor-like kinases （RLKs）, which function as cell surfacereceptors perceiving developmental and environmental sig-nals （Shiu et al., 2004）. Many RLKs have been shown to playspecific roles in hormone responses, developmental regula-tion, defense against pathogen infection, and adaptationto abiotic stresses （Chae et al., 2009; Antolin-Llovera et al.,2012）. The mechanisms that ensure specific signal transduc-tion from each RLK to target cellular responses remain poorlyunderstood. Recent studies revealed that many RLKs trans-duce signals by phosphorylating receptor-like cytoplasmickinases （RLCKs）, which lack the transmembrane domainsbut are anchored at the plasma membrane through lipidmodification （Tang et al., 2008; Zhang et al., 2010; Shi et al.,2013）. There are over 400 RLKs and only about 150 RLCKs inArabidopsis （Shiu et al., 2004）. One outstanding question iswhether each RLCK mediates signaling downstream of a spe-cific RLK, participates in multiple RLK pathways, or mediatescrosstalk between RLK pathways.     

基于线粒体控制区序列的猕猴属系统发育研究

通过线粒体部分控制区DNA序列数据探讨7种猕猴属物种的分子系统发育关系。结果表明熊猴的核苷酸多样度最高,而藏酋猴核苷酸多样度较低。基于控制区序列数据所构建的最大似然树,不考虑食蟹猴的位置,7种猕猴物种可粗略地分为3个种组,即狮尾猴组(包括北平顶猴)、头巾猴组(包括红面猴、熊猴和藏酋猴)和食蟹猴组(包括恒河猴和台湾猴)。与前人(Fooden＆Lanyon,1989;Tosi et al,2003a;Deinard＆Smith,2001;Evans et al,1999;Hayasaka et al,1996;Morales＆Melnick,1998)的结果不同,我们的结果支持食蟹猴比北平顶猴分化早的假设;东部恒河猴(相对于台湾猴)和东部熊猴(相对于藏酋猴)出现并系。与Y染色体、等位酶、核基因以及部分形态学数据推测的结果(Delson,1980;Fooden＆Lanyon。1989;Fooden,1990;Tosi et al,2000,2003a,b;Deinard＆Smith,2001)一致,红面猴应归于头巾猴组,但此结论与前人(Hayasaka et al,1996;Morales＆Melnick,1998;Tosi et al,2003a)依据线粒体得到的结果有较大分歧。     

雄性食蟹猴高敏C反应蛋白基础值及高脂膳食诱导后与血脂变化的关系研究”

本研究针对不同年龄段和高脂膳食诱导后雄性食蟹猴的高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)的变化规律进行了研究。实验利用免疫比浊法对不同年龄段食蟹猴的后肢静脉血测定,并选择中年雄性食蟹猴饲喂高脂饲料,研究高脂膳食条件下hs-CRP值的变化及与总胆固醇的关系。结果显示老龄雄性食蟹猴的hs-CRP平均值高于中年和低龄食蟹猴(6.09 mg·L-1±2.06 mg·L-1VS.2.78 mg·L-1±1.48 mg·L-1&2.31 mg·L-1±1.52 mg·L-1),且差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);老年雄性食蟹猴的hs-CRP值高于雄性群体均值(6.09±2.06 VS.3.19±2.16),差异也有统计学意义(P<0.05)。高脂膳食诱导后,食蟹猴总胆固醇(TC)含量显著升高(P<0.05),hs-CRP与对照组比较也有明显升高(P<0.05),提示hs-CRP可能与高脂含量有一定相关性,在心血管病动物实验研究中可作为辅助的预警指标。本研究确定了不同年龄段雄性食蟹猴的hs-CRP均值,且不同年龄段间hs-CRP存在差异;雄性食蟹猴经高脂膳食诱导后在总胆固醇含量升高的同时伴随hs-CRP水平的升高。本研究结果可为以灵长类动物为实验动物的心血管病相关研究提供基础数据。     

Efficient Gene Targeting in Zebrafish Mediated by a Zebrafish-Codon-Optimized Cas9 and Evaluation of Off-Targeting Effect

Targeted genome modifications with the Cas9/gRNA system derived from the clustered regularly interspaced short palin- dromic repeat/CRISPR-associated （CRISPR/Cas） system have been successfully used in cultured human cells as well as in most model organisms, including zebrafish （Danio rerio）, mouse, and fruit fly （Chang et al., 2013; Cong et al., 2013; Gratz et al., 2013; Hwang et al., 2013; Jao et al., 2013; Shen et al., 2013; Wei et al., 2013）. Its application in zebrafish is particu- larly attractive due to the ease of handling this organism and the simple application of this method by direct injection of Cas9/ gRNA. However, the information about its specificity in this organism is very limited and needs further evaluation. In addition, it is conceivable that a Cas9 mRNA optimized for zebrafish codon preference could enhance its activity.     

贵州省梵净山自然保护区黔金丝猴的种群数量

<正>黔金丝猴(Rhinopithecus brelichi),隶属灵长目(Primates),猴科(Cercopithecidae),疣猴亚科(Colobinae)仰鼻猴属(Rhinopithecus),是中国一级保护珍稀动物,世界自然保护联盟(IUCN)将其列为濒危(En)物种,仅分布在贵州省铜仁市梵净山国家级自然保护区内。对于黔金丝猴的研究,迄今为止仅有关于这个物种的种群遗传多样性(Pan et al.,2011)、夜宿地选择(Xiang et al.,2009b)以及保护状态(Xiang et al.,2009a)等少量的报道。对于该物种的保护而言,首先需要了     

高脂血症恒河猴血清RETN与血脂的相关性分析

目的探讨高脂血症恒河猴血清抵抗素（RETN）水平与血脂的相关性。方法高脂血症恒河猴和健康恒河猴各8只,分别为实验组及对照组,测定其空腹血清RETN、总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、高密度脂蛋白（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL-C）,分析高脂血症恒河猴血清RETN水平与血脂的关系。结果实验组的血清RETN水平、TC、LDL-C显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）,实验组TG较对照组显著降低（P〈0.05）;两组HDL-C差异不显著（P〉0.05）。相关分析显示,血清RETN与TC、LDL-C正相关,与TG负相关,与HDL-C无相关性。结论高脂血症恒河猴血清RETN水平与血脂存在相关性,可为人类高脂血症研究提供实验数据。     

Serum lipids, body mass index and waist circumference during pubertal development in Spanish adolescents: the AVENA Study.

AIM: To describe the effects of chronological age and biological age (pubertal development) on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in Spanish adolescents. METHODS: A representative Spanish sample of 526 adolescents (254 males and 272 females), were studied. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and lipoprotein(a) were measured, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) was calculated. Additional measurements included BMI and waist circumference. Adolescents were classified according to chronological age, and pubertal development (also age of menarche in females). RESULTS: In males, serum TC levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early puberty, and serum LDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with mid and early puberty. Serum HDLc levels were lower at mid puberty in comparison with early and late puberty. Serum TC and LDLc levels were not different when analyzed according to chronological age. In females, HDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, but no differences were found when HDLc and the other studied lipid and lipoprotein variables were analyzed according to chronological age, or age of menarche. All the observed differences persisted after adjusting for BMI and waist circumference. In female adolescents, both BMI and waist circumference were higher at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, while in males, BMI and waist circumference were different when analyzed according to chronological age. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the assessment of pubertal development may provide additional valuable information when interpreting lipid profile and body fat in adolescents.     

实验性高脂血症恒河猴模型的初步建立及分析

目的建立实验性高脂血症恒河猴模型,为人类高脂血症研究提供理想动物模型。方法设计高脂实验饲料配方并检测常规营养成分,用高脂饲料诱导实验性高脂血症恒河猴模型,分别在2个月、4个月、6个月后监测体重、血清总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、高密度脂蛋白（HDL—C）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL—C）等指标,对其血脂指标的变化趋势进行分析。结果模型组在实验2个月、4个月时的日采食量和摄入能量均低于对照组（P（0．05）,但体重则无明显变化（P〉0．05）;而在实验6个月时日采食量和摄入能量与对照组无显著性差异（P〉0．05）,体重有显著性差异（P〈0．05）;模型组与对照组的TC、TG、HDL—C、LDL—C在实验前和2个月比较无显著性差异（P〉0．05）;在4个月比较时TC、TG、LDL—C有显著性差异（P〈0．05）,而HDL无显著性差异（P〉0．05）;在6个月比较时TC、LDL—C有显著性差异（P〈0．05）,并且TC、LDL—C远远高于恒河猴血脂的正常参考值水平,而TG、HDL—C则无显著性差异（P〉0．05）;变化趋势分析结果为,模型组TC和LDL-C水平有递增趋势、TG水平则出现了先递减后逐渐恢复的趋势、HDL—C水平未出现明显变化趋势。结论模型组恒河猴具有高胆固醇血症和高低密度脂蛋白血症的特征,已经初步建立了实验性恒河猴高脂血症动物模型。     

Association of natural intake of dietary plant sterols with carotid intima-media thickness and blood lipids in Chinese adults: a cross-section study

Background

Many studies showed a moderate cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterols (PS), but increased circulating PS might be atherogenic. We evaluated the associations between natural dietary intake of PS and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) and serum lipids.

Methodology/Principal Findings

This community-based cross-sectional study included 1160 men and 2780 women aged 31–75 years. Dietary intakes were assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire. The IMTs at the common, bifurcation and internal carotid artery segments, and fasting serum total (TC), LDL (LDLc) and HDL (HDLc) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were determined. After adjusting for potential covariates, multivariate analysis showed a dose-dependent inverse association of total PS intake with serum TC, LDLc, non-HDLc in women (P<0.001) and in men (P<0.05). As compared to the lowest quartile of PS intake (<206 mg/d), the multivariate-adjusted means of TC, LDLc and non-HDLc in the highest quartile of PS intake (447 mg/d) decreased by 5.0%, 6.2% and 6.5% in women (P<0.005), and by 6.4%, 7.1% and 6.7% (P>0.05) in men. Although the IMTs tended to be lower with greater intake of dietary PS, only small differences in the left internal IMT between the highest and lowest groups were observed among men (−7.6%) and women (−5.1%) (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed no significant mean differences among the PS groups in HDLc, TG and IMTs at other studied sites among men and women (all P>0.05).

Conclusions

Greater PS consumption from natural diets is associated with lower serum total, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol and with thinner left internal IMT in women and men.     

三聚氰胺等物质给予幼年恒河猴的毒性试验

目的观察三聚氰胺及其同系物给予动物后,导致肾脏损伤、形成结石的过程,及肾脏损伤的恢复过程。方法选择6月龄恒河猴6只,雌雄各半,随机分为3组,2只/组,分别为T1（140 mg/kg三聚氰胺和14 mg/kg三聚氰酸）,T2（140 mg/kg三聚氰胺和50mg/kg腺嘌呤）和T3组（140mg/kg三聚氰胺）。连续70 d口服受试物,观察动物的一般状态,分别于不同时间点进行血液学、血生化、尿常规和肾脏B超的检测;并连续观察18个月,观察动物的生长发育情况。结果 1.各剂量组动物在给予受试物8周后所有动物肾脏中均出现多个结石;停止给予受试物后,所有动物结石数量和大小均呈下降趋势,至停止给予受试物16个月后,全部动物肾脏均未检测出结石。2.各剂量组,血清中β2微球蛋白（β2-MG）和尿酸（UA）等指标随着给药时间的延长而有所增高,但在正常范围内。在动物的恢复期,此两项指标的数值明显下降。结论 1.单纯三聚氰胺（相当于人体使用量48 mg/kg.w.d）不能造成恒河猴肾脏功能的明显损害,可形成肾结石。2.在三聚氰酸或腺嘌呤存在的情况下,三聚氰胺可以造成恒河猴肾功能指标β2-MG和UA在正常范围内升高,并可在肾脏形成结石;。3.经过16个月的恢复所有动物结石无法检出,其中三聚氰胺组动物恢复最快。     

Cholesterol metabolism in rhesus monkey, squirrel monkey, and baboon

The metabolism of cholesterol was studied in baboons, rhesus monkeys, and squirrel monkeys while they were being fed either a low fat, low cholesterol (basal) diet or the basal diet supplemented with saturated fat and cholesterol (atherogenic diet). When the diet was changed from basal to atherogenic, the mean total serum cholesterol concentration increased from 70 to 180 mg/dl in the baboon, from 168 to 283 mg/dl in the squirrel monkey, and from 144 to 608 mg/dl in the rhesus monkey. In animals fed the atherogenic diet, the percentage of dietary cholesterol absorbed was greatest in the rhesus monkey and least in the baboon. The fraction of the total body pool of cholesterol that was derived from the diet was greatest in the squirrel monkey and least in the baboon. The turnover of the body pool of cholesterol was several times faster in the squirrel monkey than in the baboon or the rhesus monkey when either dict was fed. The mean total fecal excretion of endogenous cholesterol and bile acid increased in all species on transition to the atherogenic diet; however, the relative contributions of the neutral and acidic fractions to the increase in total excretion differed among species. The difference in percentage of dietary cholesterol absorbed may, in part, account for the large differences in serum cholesterol during the atherogenic diet period. Comparison with other published results indicates that of these species cholesterol metabolism in the baboon is most like that in the human.     

Usefulness of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in Japanese hyperlipidemic women within seven years of menopause

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic value of treatment with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in women with hypoestrogenic hyperlipidemia caused by menopause. DESIGN: Fifty-six women with total cholesterol (TC) levels of 220 mg/dl or more who were within 7 years of menopause were randomly assigned to receive an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (pravastatin 10 mg/day; treated group, 26 patients) or no medical treatment (nontreated group, 30 patients) in this 6-month nonblinded prospective trial. RESULTS: In the treated group, the mean (SD) TC levels decreased significantly from 254.5+/-22.3 mg/dl at baseline to 204.7+/-22.2 mg/dl (19.6%), and the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level decreased significantly from 146.7+/-30.5 to 104.3+/-22.5 mg/dl (28.9%); the mean arteriosclerotic index decreased significantly from 2.98 to 2.08 (30.2%). There were no significant changes in either triglyceride levels or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. In the nontreated group, there were no significant changes in the TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, or triglyceride levels; there was also no change in the arteriosclerotic index. After 6 months, the TC level, LDL-C level, and arteriosclerotic index were significantly lower in the treated group compared with the nontreated group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lowered TC and LDL-C levels and was useful in the treatment of hypoestrogenic hyperlipidemia for periods of at least 6 months.     

Role of apolipoprotein E and B gene variation in determining response of lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels to increased dietary cholesterol.

A large segment of the population is modifying its dietary cholesterol intake to achieve a healthier life-style. However, all individuals do not respond equally. We have investigated the effects that that two physiologically important polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein (apo) E and B genes have on the responses of plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein levels to a high-cholesterol diet. Over a 6-wk period, individuals were prescribed two diets, one consisting of 300 mg dietary cholesterol/d for 3 wk and one consisting of 1,700 mg dietary cholesterol/d for 3 wk. Total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apo B levels were significantly increased on the high-cholesterol diet. Average total cholesterol (numbers in parentheses are SDs) went from 167.6 (23.4) mg/dl on the low-cholesterol diet to 190.8 (36.2) mg/dl on the high-cholesterol diet; LDL-C went from 99.9 (24.8) mg/dl to 119.2 (33.4) mg/dl, and apo B went from 74.9 (24.5) mg/dl to 86.8 (29.5) mg/dl. In 71 individuals, the frequencies of the apo epsilon 2, epsilon 3, and epsilon 4 alleles were .09, .84, and .07, respectively. The frequency of the longer, apo B signal peptide allele (5'beta SP27) was .68. Apo epsilon 2/3 individuals had significantly lower LDL-C levels than did epsilon 3/3 homozygotes, on both the low-cholesterol diet (LDL-C lower by 21 mg/dl) and the high-cholesterol diet (LDL-C lower by 27 mg/dl). Average triglyceride levels were significantly different among apo B signal peptide genotypes, with the 5'beta SP27/37 homozygotes having the lowest levels (70 mg/dl). When individuals were switched from the low-cholesterol diet to the high-cholesterol diet, in no case were the average responses in lipid levels significantly different among apo E or B genotypes. Therefore, these gene loci do not have a major effect on the response of lipid levels to increased dietary cholesterol.     

Prevention of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in the hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis-prone Japanese (LAP) quail by taurine supplementation

The effects of taurine supplementation on the serum cholesterol levels and the progression of atherosclerosis were investigated in the hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis-prone Japanese (LAP) quail. The ingestion of a high-cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol by LAP quails for 60 days resulted in a marked elevation in serum non-HDL cholesterol and triglyceride, as well as severe aortic lesions with lipid droplets. An immunohistochemical study showed that the lesion consisted of mainly lipid-rich macrophages and T cells. Sixty-day taurine supplementation (1% in drinking tap water) to LAP quails fed high-cholesterol diet containing 1% cholesterol significantly reduced serum non-HDL cholesterol from 4,549 to 2,350 mg/dl. The serum triglyceride level also decreased after taurine supplementation from 703 to 392 mg/dl. Although the HDL cholesterol level significantly decreased due to the high-cholesterol diet, it recovered to the control level fed a regular diet in response to taurine. Bile acid production was stimulated and hepatic cholesterol was reduced by taurine supplementation. A quantitative analysis using aortic cross-sections showed that areas of oil-red O positive lipid accumulation significantly decreased by 74% after taurine supplementation. These results demonstrated the lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects of taurine in a diet-induced hyperlipidemic LAP quail model. The prevention of atherosclerosis by taurine is mainly attributed to an improvement in the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may be related to changes in the hepatic cholesterol metabolism.