Glomerular filtration rate determinations in conscious type II diabetic mice

Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The current studies were performed to determine the later stages of the progression of renal disease in type II diabetic mice (BKS; db/db). Methodology was developed for determining glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in conscious, chronically instrumented mice using continuous intravenous infusion of FITC-labeled inulin to achieve a steady-state plasma inulin concentration. Obese diabetic mice exhibited increased GFR compared with control mice. GFR averaged 0.313 ± 0.018 and 0.278 ± 0.007 ml/min in 18-wk-old obese diabetic (n = 11) and control (n = 13) mice, respectively (P < 0.05). In 28-wk-old obese diabetic (n = 10) and control (n = 15) mice, GFR averaged 0.348 ± 0.030 and 0.279 ± 0.009 ml/min, respectively (P < 0.05). GFR expressed per gram BW was significantly reduced in 18- and 28-wk-old obese diabetic compared with control mice (5.9 ± 0.3 vs. 9.0 ± 0.3; 6.6 ± 0.6 vs. 7.8 ± 0.3 μl·min(-1)·g body wt(-1)), respectively (P < 0.05). However, older nonobese type II diabetic mice had significantly reduced GFR (0.179 ± 0.023 ml/min; n = 6) and elevated urinary albumin excretion (811 ± 127 μg/day) compared with obese diabetic and control mice (514 ± 54, 171 ± 18 μg/day), which are consistent with the advanced stages of renal disease. These studies suggest that hyperfiltration contributes to the progression of renal disease in type II diabetic mice.     

饲喂不同浓度黄曲霉毒素B1饲料对异育银鲫成鱼的生长和毒素积累的影响

以含不同浓度黄曲霉毒素B1(AFB1)的配合饲料饲喂异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)成鱼56d,研究异育银鲫成鱼[(122.3±0.7)g]生长、生理反应、肝脏组织学变化、卵巢发育以及鱼体各组织中的AFB1的毒素积累状况。实验分为5个实验组,不同实验组饲料中AFB1含量分别为0、5、20、50、500μg/kg饲料(实测值分别为2.59、4.12、12.39、46.23、454.07μg/kg饲料),每个处理3个平行。在整个实验过程中各实验组均未表现出外部形态和行为异常,各组存活率均达到100%。各实验组异育银鲫成鱼终末体重、摄食率(FR)、特定生长率(SGR)和饲料效率(FE)均无显著差异。饲料AFB1水平对异育银鲫血清总胆固醇(TC)含量、血清谷丙转氨酶(GPT)、谷草转氨酶(GOT)和碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性均无显著影响。各毒素组血清超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)活性与对照无显著差异。各毒素组肝脏和卵巢均未见明显的组织学病理变化。肌肉和性腺中的AFB1积累量低于FDA食品安全限定标准(5μg/kg)。肝胰脏中的AFB1积累和饲料中的AFB1水平呈对数关系。饲喂AFB1≥50μg/kg饲料使异育银鲫成鱼肝脏AFB1积累超过安全限量标准。结果表明,异育银鲫成鱼至少可耐受AFB1含量达500μg/kg饲料(实测值:454.07μg/kg饲料)56d。     

Carnosine treatment largely prevents alterations of renal carnosine metabolism in diabetic mice

Recently, we identified an allelic variant of human carnosinase 1 (CN1) that results in increased enzyme activity and is associated with susceptibility for diabetic nephropathy in humans. Investigations in diabetic (db/db) mice showed that carnosine ameliorates glucose metabolism effectively. We now investigated the renal carnosinase metabolism in db/db mice. Kidney CN1 activity increased with age and was significantly higher in diabetic mice compared to controls. Increased CN1 activity did not affect renal carnosine levels, but anserine concentrations were tenfold lower in db/db mice compared to controls (0.24±0.2 vs. 2.28±0.3 nmol/mg protein in controls; p<0.001). Homocarnosine concentrations in kidney tissue were low in both control and db/db mice (below 0.1 nmol/mg protein, p=n.s.). Carnosine treatment for 4 weeks substantially decreased renal CN1 activity in diabetic mice (0.32±0.3 in non-treated db/db vs. 0.05±0.05 μmol/mg/h in treated db/db mice; p<0.01) close to normal activities. Renal anserine concentrations increased significantly (0.24±0.2 in non-treated db/db vs. 5.7±1.2 μmol/mg/h in treated db/db mice; p<0.01), while carnosine concentrations remained unaltered (53±6.4 in non-treated vs. 61±15 nmol/mg protein in treated db/db mice; p=n.s.). Further, carnosine treatment halved proteinuria and reduced vascular permeability to one-fifth in db/db mice. In renal tissue of diabetic mice carnosinase activity is significantly increased and anserine concentrations are significantly reduced compared to controls. Carnosine treatment largely prevents the alterations of renal carnosine metabolism.     

Effects of leptin and obesity on the upper airway function

Obesity is associated with alterations in upper airway collapsibility during sleep. Obese, leptin-deficient mice demonstrate blunted ventilatory control, leading us to hypothesize that (1) obesity and leptin deficiency would predispose to worsening neuromechanical upper airway function and that (2) leptin replacement would acutely reverse neuromuscular defects in the absence of weight loss. In age-matched, anesthetized, spontaneously breathing C57BL/6J (BL6) and ob(-)/ob(-) mice, we characterized upper airway pressure-flow dynamics during ramp decreases in nasal pressure (P(N)) to determine the passive expiratory critical pressure (P(CRIT)) and active responses to reductions in P(N), including the percentage of ramps showing inspiratory flow limitation (IFL; frequency), the P(N) threshold at which IFL developed, maximum inspiratory airflow (Vi(max)), and genioglossus electromyographic (EMG(GG)) activity. Elevations in body weight were associated with progressive elevations in P(CRIT) (0.1 ± 0.02 cmH(2)O/g), independent of mouse strain. P(CRIT) was also elevated in ob(-)/ob(-) compared with BL6 mice (1.6 ± 0.1 cmH(2)O), independent of weight. Both obesity and leptin deficiency were associated with significantly higher IFL frequency and P(N) threshold and lower VI(max). Very obese ob(-)/ob(-) mice treated with leptin compared with nontreated mice showed a decrease in IFL frequency (from 63.5 ± 2.9 to 30.0 ± 8.6%) and P(N) threshold (from -0.8 ± 1.1 to -5.6 ± 0.8 cmH(2)O) and increase in VI(max) (from 354.1 ± 25.3 to 659.0 ± 71.8 μl/s). Nevertheless, passive P(CRIT) in leptin-treated mice did not differ significantly from that seen in nontreated ob(-)/ob(-) mice. The findings suggest that weight and leptin deficiency produced defects in upper airway neuromechanical control and that leptin reversed defects in active neuromuscular responses acutely without reducing mechanical loads.     

五倍子小鼠肝脏毒性的基因表达谱分析

昆明种小鼠（雄性,体重20±2g）随机分为正常对照组和五倍子给药组。给药组每日灌胃五倍子提取物（0．2mL／10g体重,相当于8g五倍子生药／1kg体重）一次,连续给药30天。对照组灌胃等量生理盐水。之后分别提取两组小鼠的肝组织总mRNA,经反转录分别用Cy3,Cy5荧光标记．制备用于芯片杂交的cDNA探针。两种探针等量混合后与小鼠全基因组寡核苷酸芯片杂交．杂交信号经芯片扫描仪获取并用GenePix Pro4．0软件分析。结果表明,五倍子给药组中有461条基因差异表达,其中上调基因267条,下调基因194条,功能已知基因373条,功能未知基因88条。通过对这些差异表达基因的生物学功能及生物通路分析,它们主要涉及代谢、DNA结合与转录、蛋白质合成与修饰、细胞骨架及黏附因子、细胞周期与分化、离子通道与受体、信号转导、免疫、细胞凋亡等。上述研究结果对分析五倍子肝损伤机制可能具有十分重要的作用。     

Natural Occurrence of Aflatoxins from Maize in Iran

Fifty-one maize samples, intended for animal feed and human consumption, were collected from the four main maize production provinces in Iran and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for contamination by four naturally occurring aflatoxin analogues (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2). AFB1 was detected in 58.3, and 80% of the maize samples obtained from Kermanshah and Mazandaran provinces, respectively. The maximum AFB1 (276.3 μg/kg) and highest level of total aflatoxins (AFT) (316.9 μg/kg) were detected in a maize sample collected from Kermanshah province. The mean aflatoxin level from contaminated samples (52.60 μg/kg) from Kermanshah was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than those in maize from the other three provinces and exceeded all the maximum tolerated levels (MTLs) set for AFT in maize. The level of AFB1 in 15.68% of the total samples was above the MTL (5 μg/kg) for AFB1 in maize in Iran. The mean contamination level of AFT (23.86 μg/kg) in the positive samples was higher than MTL for maize in Iran (20 μg/kg) intended for animal feed. The levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 ranged between not detected (<0.1 μg/kg) and 276.3, 30.4, 9.1, and 1.1 μg/kg in maize grain, respectively.     

Ursodeoxycholate modulates bile flow and bile salt pool independently from the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (Cftr) in mice

Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) is treated with ursodeoxycholate (UDCA). Our aim was to evaluate, in cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator knockout (Cftr(-/-)) mice and wild-type controls, whether the supposed therapeutic action of UDCA is mediated via choleretic activity or effects on bile salt metabolism. Cftr(-/-) mice and controls, under general anesthesia, were intravenously infused with tauroursodeoxycholate (TUDCA) in increasing dosage or were fed either standard or UDCA-enriched chow (0.5% wt/wt) for 3 wk. Bile flow and bile composition were characterized. In chow-fed mice, we analyzed bile salt synthesis and pool size of cholate (CA). In both Cftr(-/-) and controls intravenous TUDCA stimulated bile flow by ～250% and dietary UDCA by ～500%, compared with untreated animals (P < 0.05). In non-UDCA-treated Cftr(-/-) mice, the proportion of CA in bile was higher compared with that in controls (61 ± 4 vs. 46 ± 4%; P < 0.05), accompanied by an increased CA synthesis [16 ± 1 vs. 10 ± 2 μmol·h(-1)·100 g body wt (BW)(-1); P < 0.05] and CA pool size (28 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 1 μmol/100 g BW; P < 0.05). In both Cftr(-/-) and controls, UDCA treatment drastically reduced the proportion of CA in bile below 5% and diminished CA synthesis (2.3 ± 0.3 vs. 2.2 ± 0.4 μmol·day(-1)·100 g BW(-1); nonsignificant) and CA pool size (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 μmol/100 g BW; P < 0.05). Acute TUDCA infusion and chronic UDCA treatment both stimulate bile flow in cystic fibrosis conditions independently from Cftr function. Chronic UDCA treatment reduces the hydrophobicity of the bile salt pool in Cftr(-/-) mice. These results support a potential beneficial effect of UDCA on bile flow and bile salt metabolism in cystic fibrosis conditions.     

Pulmonary microRNA profiling in a mouse model of ventilator-induced lung injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes induced by high tidal volume ventilation (HVTV) in pulmonary expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and identify potential target genes and corresponding miRNA-gene networks. Using a real-time RT-PCR-based array in RNA samples from lungs of mice subjected to HVTV for 1 or 4 h and control mice, we identified 65 miRNAs whose expression changed more than twofold upon HVTV. An inflammatory and a TGF-β-signaling miRNA-gene network were identified by in silico pathway analysis being at highest statistical significance (P = 10(-43) and P = 10(-28), respectively). In the inflammatory network, IL-6 and SOCS-1, regulated by miRNAs let-7 and miR-155, respectively, appeared as central nodes. In TGF-β-signaling network, SMAD-4, regulated by miR-146, appeared as a central node. The contribution of miRNAs to the development of lung injury was evaluated in mice subjected to HVTV treated with a precursor or antagonist of miR-21, a miRNA highly upregulated by HVTV. Lung compliance was preserved only in mice treated with anti-miR-21 but not in mice treated with pre-miR-21 or negative-control miRNA. Both alveolar-arterial oxygen difference and protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage were lower in mice treated with anti-miR-21 than in mice treated with pre-miR-21 or negative-control miRNA (D(A-a): 66 ± 27 vs. 131 ± 22, 144 ± 10 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.001; protein concentration: 1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 2.3 ± 1, 2.1 ± 0.4 mg/ml, respectively, P < 0.01). Our results show that HVTV induces changes in miRNA expression in mouse lungs. Modulation of miRNA expression can affect the development of HVTV-induced lung injury.     

Many amino acid substitution variants identified in DNA repair genes during human population screenings are predicted to impact protein function

Over 520 different amino acid substitution variants have been previously identified in the systematic screening of 91 human DNA repair genes for sequence variation. Two algorithms were employed to predict the impact of these amino acid substitutions on protein activity. Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT) classified 226 of 508 variants (44%) as "Intolerant." Polymorphism Phenotyping (PolyPhen) classed 165 of 489 amino acid substitutions (34%) as "Probably or possibly damaging." Another 9-15% of the variants were classed as "Potentially intolerant or damaging." The results from the two algorithms are highly associated, with concordance in predicted impact observed for approximately 62% of the variants. Twenty-one to thirty-one percent of the variant proteins are predicted to exhibit reduced activity by both algorithms. These variants occur at slightly lower individual allele frequency than do the variants classified as "Tolerant" or "Benign." Both algorithms correctly predicted the impact of 26 functionally characterized amino acid substitutions in the APE1 protein on biochemical activity, with one exception. It is concluded that a substantial fraction of the missense variants observed in the general human population are functionally relevant. These variants are expected to be the molecular genetic and biochemical basis for the associations of reduced DNA repair capacity phenotypes with elevated cancer risk.     

大蒜素对铜绿假单胞菌生物膜形成的影响及结构定量化分析

目的利用激光共聚焦显微镜（Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, CLSM）观察大蒜素对铜绿假单胞菌PA01菌株生物膜（biofilms,BF）形成过程的影响,并用ISA（Image Structure Analyzer）软件对BF结构进行定量化分析。方法体外建立1d．3d和7d组PA01菌株BF模型,每组分3小组,分别用生理盐水、大蒜素128μg／mL、大蒜素10μg／mL作用6h。通过荧光探针SYT09／PI标记,利用CLSM进行动态观察,并用ISA软件对其BF结构进行定量分析。结果（1）生理盐水对照组铜绿假单胞菌生物膜厚度随时间的增加而增加,但在后3d增加的速度减慢;同时区域孔率（Areal Porosity,AP）呈下降趋势,平均扩散距离（Average Diffusion Distance,ADD）有逐渐增加趋势,结构熵（Textural Entropy,TE）有增加的趋势。（2）7d组模型中,大蒜素128μg／mL作用后,BF厚度由（28．83±0．67）μm减低到（16．50±0．69）μm;AP由0．76±0．10增加到0．92±0．02;TE由6．78±0．93减低到5．61±0．55。10μg／mL大蒜素干预后,有同样趋势,但效应不如高浓度明显。（3）1d、3d模型组,大蒜素作用后同对照组相比,厚度、AP、TE的差异均有统计学意义,趋势同7d组。结论通过ISA软件对干预前后的BF进行结构定量分析,大蒜素对各个时间段BF的形成均有影响,高浓度效果更显著。     

胃饥饿素对小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用及其机制研究

目的 探讨胃饥饿素对小鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用和机制.方法 将60只小鼠采用随机数字表法分为6组:对照组、模型组、胃饥饿素低、中、高剂量组和地塞米松组.对照组和模型组腹腔注射0.2 mL生理盐水,胃饥饿素各组分别注射400、200、100 μg/kg溶液,地塞米松组注射2 mg/kg.给药后1h,对照组滴注等体积生理盐水...     

硒的抗癌机制研究——亚硒酸钠对环磷鸟苷的作用

 AFB_1和NDEA与正常小鼠肝切片培养5min即可使cGMP分别升高一倍及一倍半(p<0.001);当有Na_2SeO_3(1μg/mL培养液)存在时,此作用可被消除,单独加入Na_2SeO_3对cGMP无影响。培养介质中存在磷酸二酯酶抑制剂茶碱时,除cGMP基础水平提高外,上述作用均相同。荷腹水型肝癌(HepA)小鼠腹水细胞中cGMP比正常肝中cGMP水平高三倍,连续4天腹腔给硒(Na_2SeO_3、1mg/kg体重)可使癌细胞中cGMP下降一倍。此剂量对正常小鼠肝中cGMP无影响;Na_2SeO_3(1μg/mL)与腹水细胞在体外短时间培养时,对细胞存活无影响,却可使cGMP含量下降。     

人脐带间充质干细胞对脂多糖活化的小胶质细胞BV-2表型的影响

目的探讨人脐带间充质干细胞（hUCMSCs）对脂多糖（LPS）活化的小胶质细胞功能表型的影响。 方法实验设未诱导对照组（加入PBS无LPS诱导的BV-2细胞），LPS诱导组（加入1.0 μg/mL的LPS诱导BV-2细胞向M1型分化），按比例加入不同浓度hUCMSCs进行干预（LPS+低、中、高浓度hUCMSCs干预组hUCMSCs与BV-2细胞比例分别为：1:100、1:10、1:1），分别于24、48、72 h观察BV-2形态变化，Griess法检测细胞培养上清中M1表型产物一氧化氮（NO）的浓度；将hUCMSCs与BV-2细胞在不同条件下（LPS+/LPS-）共培养，qRT-PCR检测BV-2细胞M2表型标记物精氨酸酶1表达变化。数据分析采用重复测量资料的方差分析，组间比较采用Tukey分析。 结果BV-2细胞经LPS诱导后活化，细胞变大，呈"煎饼状"、"阿米巴状"变化，呈经典的M1表型分化；与未诱导对照组相比，LPS诱导组48、72 h BV-2细胞NO含量升高[48 h：（0.507±0.012）μg/mL比（5.183±0.171）μg/ mL；72 h：（0.934±0.024）μg/ mL比（12.498±0.168） μg/mL，P均< 0.01]，与LPS诱导组比较，LPS+低、中、高浓度hUCMSCs干预组72 h [（12.498±0.168）μg/mL比（11.852±0.149）μg/ mL、（9.796±0.048）μg/mL、（1.876±0.063） μg/mL]及LPS+中、高浓度hUCMSCs干预组48 h NO含量[（5.183±0.171） μg/ mL比（3.921±0.066）μg/mL、（1.202±0.012）μg/ mL]降低，且呈干预浓度依赖性NO含量下降，差异均有统计学意义（P均< 0.01）。精氨酸酶1 qRT-PCR结果显示：与未诱导组比较，单纯高浓度hUCMSCs干预组3个时间点精氨酸酶1的相对表达量均升高（1.046±0.057比19.266±0.641，1.114±0.093比16.977±0.749，1.139±0.118比16.959±0.625），与LPS诱导对照组（0.000）比较，未诱导对照组（1.046±0.057，1.114±0.093，1.139±0.118）及LPS+高浓度hUCMSCs干预组精氨酸酶1表达（0.879±0.077，1.023±0.081，1.121±0.078）升高，差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.01）。 结论LPS可诱导小胶质细胞BV-2炎症反应，而hUCMSCs可抑制活化小胶质细胞的炎症反应，抵消LPS对BV-2的诱导效应，促进小胶质细胞由促炎的M1型向抗炎的M2型转变。     

应用底栖动物完整性指数B-IBI评价溪流健康

B-IBI指数是溪流生态系统健康评价常用指标之一。据安徽黄山地区溪流的33个底栖动物样点数据(11个参照点,22个受损点),对21个生物参数进行分布范围、Pearson相关性和判别能力分析,确定B-IBI指数由总分类单元数、EPT分类单元数、前3位优势分类单元%、粘附者%、敏感类群%和BI指数构成。分别用3分制、4分制和比值法统一各参数量纲,B-IBI指数值即为累加各构成指数的分值或比值。B-IBI箱线图分析表明,上述3种方法计算出的B-IBI值有较高判别能力(IQ=3),能很好地判别参照水体和受损水体,且3者之间具高相关性(r>0.90)。分别依据参照样点和所有样点B-IBI值建立健康评价标准,比较3分制、4分制和比值法对评价结果的准确性,表明用比值法统一各参数量纲并依据所有样点的B-IBI值建立的健康评价标准的准确性优于3分制和4分制法。建立了适合祁门县溪流生态系统健康评价B-IBI标准B-IBI>3.59健康,2.7～3.59亚健康,1.8～2.69一般,0.9～1.79差,B-IBI<0.9极差。祁门县21个样点的水体,14个健康,6个亚健康,1个一般。B-IBI与电导率(r=-0.62,p<0.01)和生境质量(r=0.65,p<0.01)显著相关。     

SPARC mediates early extracellular matrix remodeling following myocardial infarction

Secreted protein, acidic, and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein that functions in the extracellular processing of newly synthesized collagen. Collagen deposition to form a scar is a key event following a myocardial infarction (MI). Because the roles of SPARC in the early post-MI setting have not been defined, we examined age-matched wild-type (WT; n=22) and SPARC-deficient (null; n=25) mice at day 3 post-MI. Day 0 WT (n=28) and null (n=20) mice served as controls. Infarct size was 52 ± 2% for WT and 47 ± 2% for SPARC null (P=NS), indicating that the MI injury was comparable in the two groups. By echocardiography, WT mice increased end-diastolic volumes from 45 ± 2 to 83 ± 5 μl (P < 0.05). SPARC null mice also increased end-diastolic volumes but to a lesser extent than WT (39 ± 3 to 63 ± 5 μl; P < 0.05 vs. day 0 controls and vs. WT day 3 MI). Ejection fraction fell post-MI in WT mice from 57 ± 2 to 19 ± 1%. The decrease in ejection fraction was attenuated in the absence of SPARC (65 ± 2 to 28 ± 2%). Fibroblasts isolated from SPARC null left ventricle (LV) showed differences in the expression of 22 genes encoding extracellular matrix and adhesion molecule genes, including fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; CCN2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). The change in fibroblast gene expression levels was mirrored in tissue protein extracts for fibronectin, CTGF, and MMP-3 but not TIMP-2. Combined, the results of this study indicate that SPARC deletion preserves LV function at day 3 post-MI but may be detrimental for the long-term response due to impaired fibroblast activation.     

Chronic anemia and effects of iron supplementation in a research colony of adult Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

A cohort of rhesus macaques used in neuroscience research was found at routine examinations to have chronic anemia (spun Hct less than 30%). Four anemic (Hct, 24.8% ± 3.4%) and 10 control (39.6% ± 2.9%) macaques were assessed to characterize the anemia and determine probable cause(s); some animals in both groups had cephalic implants. Diagnostic tests included CBC, bone marrow evaluations, iron panels, and serum erythropoietin and hepcidin concentrations. Serum iron and ferritin were 15.8 ± 11.1 μg/dL and 103.8 ± 53.1 ng/mL, respectively, for the anemic group compared with 109.8 ± 23.8 μL/dL and 88.5 ± 41.9 ng/mL, respectively, for the control group. Erythropoietin levels were 16.2 to over 100 mU/mL for the anemic macaques compared with 0 to 1.3 mU/mL for the control group. Hepcidin results were similar in both groups. Because the findings of low iron, high erythropoietin, and normal hepcidin in the anemic macaques supported iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease combined with iron-deficiency anemia, a regimen of 4 doses of iron dextran was provided. In treated macaques, Hct rose to 36.3% ± 6.8%, serum iron levels increased to 94.0 ± 41.9 μg/dL, and erythropoietin levels fell to 0.15 to 0.55 mU/mL. Maintenance of normal Hct was variable between macaques and reflected individual ongoing clinical events.     

Overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase has a protective role against hyperoxia-induced brain injury in neonatal mice

There is increasing evidence that hyperoxia, particularly at the time of birth, may result in neurological injury, in particular to the susceptible vasculature of these tissues. This study was aimed at determining whether overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is protective against brain injury induced by hyperoxia. Transgenic (TG) mice (with an extra copy of the human extracellular superoxide dismutase gene) and wild-type (WT) neonate mice were exposed to hyperoxia (95% of F(i) o(2) ) for 7 days after birth versus the control group in room air. Brain positron emission tomography (PET) scanning with fludeoxyglucose (FDG) isotope uptake was performed after exposure. To assess apoptosis induced by hyperoxia exposure, caspase 3 ELISA and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed. Quantitative western blot for the following inflammatory markers was performed: glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, macrophage-inhibiting factor, and phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase. PET scanning with FDG isotope uptake showed significantly higher uptake in the WT hyperoxia neonate brain group (0.14 ± 0.03) than in both the TG group (0.09 ± 0.01) and the control group (0.08 ± 0.02) (P< 0.05). Histopathological investigation showed more apoptosis and dead neurons in hippocampus and cerebellum brain sections of WT neonate mice after exposure to hyperoxia than in TG mice; this finding was also confirmed by TUNEL staining. The caspase 3 assay confirmed the finding of more apoptosis in WT hyperoxia neonates (0.814 ± 0.112) than in the TG hyperoxic group (0.579 ± 0.144) (P < 0.05); this finding was also confirmed by TUNEL staining. Quantitative western blotting for the inflammatory and metabolic markers showed significantly higher expression in the WT group than in the TG and control groups. Thus, overexpression of EC-SOD in the neonate brain offers significant protection against hyperoxia-induced brain damage.     

Bt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on transgenic oilseed rape in laboratory conditions

The potential non-target effects of genetically modified crops are some of the more debated topics within applied biotechnologies in agriculture and environmental risk assessment. The objective of the present research was to study the potential Bt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus cv. 'Westar' lines GT 2-4) expressing the Cry1Ac endotoxin. A specific aim was to replicate our previous experiment in controlled laboratory conditions to avoid or minimize the risk of contamination leading to potential false positive results. The toxin levels in vernalized (V) and not-vernalized (not-V) transgenic oilseed rape plants was also monitored to better clarify the role of physiological processes on Bt-toxin expression. Cry1Ac expression in not-V plants (mean concentration±SE=167.8±5.7 μg kg-1 FW) showed a pattern of large variability, in comparison with V plants whose expression (mean concentration±SE=227.7±1.9 μg kg-1 FW) was significantly more stable. Cry1Ac toxin was detected in three aphid samples reared on V plants with a mean toxin concentration±SE of 4.8±0.6 μg Kg-1 FW and in three out of six samples of aphids reared on not-V plants (mean toxin concentration±SE=7.1±1.2 μg kg-1 FW). The mean Bt-toxin concentration of all the positive aphid samples was 5.9±1.0 μg kg-1 FW. Our results confirmed the findings of our previous experiment and highlighted the potential for Cry1Ac toxin uptake by aphids feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants.     

Increased energy expenditure and leptin sensitivity account for low fat mass in myostatin-deficient mice

Myostatin deficiency causes dramatically increased skeletal muscle mass and reduced fat mass. Previously, myostatin-deficient mice were reported to have unexpectedly low total energy expenditure (EE) after normalizing to body mass, and thus, a metabolic cause for low fat mass was discounted. To clarify how myostatin deficiency affects the control of body fat mass and energy balance, we compared rates of oxygen consumption, body composition, and food intake in young myostatin-deficient mice relative to wild-type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) controls. We report that after adjusting for total body mass using regression analysis, young myostatin-deficient mice display significantly increased EE relative to both WT (+0.81 ± 0.28 kcal/day, P = 0.004) and HET controls (+0.92 ± 0.31 kcal/day, P = 0.005). Since food intake was not different between groups, increased EE likely accounts for the reduced body fat mass (KO: 8.8 ± 1.1% vs. WT: 14.5 ± 1.3%, P = 0.003) and circulating leptin levels (KO: 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml vs. WT: 1.9 ± 0.3 ng/ml, P = 0.008). Interestingly, the observed increase in adjusted EE in myostatin-deficient mice occurred despite dramatically reduced ambulatory activity levels (-50% vs. WT, P < 0.05). The absence of hyperphagia together with increased EE in myostatin-deficient mice suggests that increased leptin sensitivity may contribute to their lean phenotype. Indeed, leptin-induced anorexia (KO: -17 ± 1.2% vs. WT: -5 ± 0.3%) and weight loss (KO: -2.2 ± 0.2 g vs. WT: -1.6 ± 0.1, P < 0.05) were increased in myostatin-deficient mice compared with WT controls. We conclude that increased EE, together with increased leptin sensitivity, contributes to low fat mass in mice lacking myostatin.