Lipid content and apoptosis of in vitro-produced bovine embryos as determinants of susceptibility to vitrification

The objective was to evaluate supplementation of fetal calf serum (FCS) and phenazine ethosulfate (PES), a metabolic regulator that inhibits fatty acid synthesis, in culture media during in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos. Taking oocyte fertilization (n = 4,320) as Day 0, four concentrations of FCS (0, 2.5, 5, and 10%) and three periods of exposure to PES (without addition—Control; after 60 h—PES Day 2.5 of embryo culture; and after 96 h—PES Day 4) were evaluated. Increasing FCS concentration in the culture media enhanced lipid accumulation (P < 0.05), increased apoptosis in fresh (2.5%: 19.1 ± 1.8 vs 10%: 28.4 ± 2.3, P < 0.05; mean ± SEM) and vitrified (2.5%: 42.8 ± 2.7 vs 10%: 69.2 ± 3.4, P < 0.05) blastocysts, and reduced blastocoele re-expansion after vitrification (2.5%: 81.6 ± 2.5 vs 10%: 67.3 ± 3.5, P < 0.05). The addition of PES in culture media, either from Days 2.5 or 4, reduced lipid accumulation (P < 0.05) and increased blastocoele re-expansion after vitrification (Control: 72.0 ± 3.0 vs PES Day 2.5: 79.9 ± 2.8 or PES Day 4: 86.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.05). However, just the use of PES from D4 reduced apoptosis in vitrified blastocysts (Control: 52.0 ± 3.0 vs PES Day 4: 39.2 ± 2.4, P < 0.05). Independent of FCS withdrawal or PES addition to culture media, the in vivo control group had lesser lipid accumulation, a lower apoptosis rate, and greater cryotolerance (P < 0.05). The increased lipid content was moderately correlated with apoptosis in vitrified blastocysts (r = 0.64, P = 0.01). In contrast, the increased apoptosis in fresh blastocysts was strongly correlated with apoptosis in vitrified blastocysts (r = 0.94, P < 0.0001). Therefore, using only 2.5% FCS and the addition of PES from Day 4, increased the survival of IVP embryos after vitrification. Moreover, embryo quality, represented by the fresh apoptosis rate, was better than lipid content for predicting embryo survival after vitrification.     

Effect of Acute and Chronic Administration of Methylphenidate on Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain in the Brain of Young Rats

Methylphenidate is commonly used for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. There are still few works regarding the effects of methylphenidate on brain energy metabolism. Thus, in the present study we evaluated the effect of chronic administration of methylphenidate on the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I and III in the brain of young rats. The effect of acute administration of methylphenidate on mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, II, III and IV in the brain of young rats was also investigated. For acute administration, a single injection of methylphenidate was given to rats on postnatal day 25. For chronic administration, methylphenidate injections were given starting at postnatal day 25 once daily for 28 days. Our results showed that complexes I and III were not affected by chronic administration of methylphenidate. Moreover, the acute administration of methylphenidate decreased complex I activity in cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, whereas complexes II, III and IV were not altered.     

A huge intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma of the bile duct treated by right trisectionectomy with caudate lobectomy

Background

Leiomyomas of esophagus, although rare, are the most frequent benign tumors of esophagus. Aim of this study is the presentation of 7 patients with esophageal leiomyomas who underwent surgical treatment during a 9-year period.

Methods

Epidemiological data (sex, age), the presenting symptoms, diagnostic examinations, tumor location, histopathological findings and the safety and efficacy of surgical resection are analyzed and assessed.

Results

5 men and 2 women with mean age of 56.9 years were operated. In 3 cases the tumor was located at the lower esophagus, while in the other 4 cases, the leiomyoma was found at the median third of esophagus. 4 patients had severe symptoms related to the leiomyoma, such as dysphagia and epigastric pain. All patients underwent a right postolateral thoracotomy with enucleation of the lesion. None of them received resection of part of the esophagus. The mean diameter of the resected tumors was 4.3 cm. The dimensions of leiomyomas were immediately associated with the symptoms. In no case was detected malignancy or recurrence. All patients were relieved from their symptoms, while postoperative morbidity and mortality did not occur.

Conclusions

Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor, which causes symptoms only if its size becomes large. Surgical enucleation is considered to be safe and effective, without complications.     

A high-sensitivity method for detection and measurement of HMGB1 protein concentration by high-affinity binding to DNA hemicatenanes

Background

Protein HMGB1, an abundant nuclear non-histone protein that interacts with DNA and has an architectural function in chromatin, was strikingly shown some years ago to also possess an extracellular function as an alarmin and a mediator of inflammation. This extracellular function has since been actively studied, both from a fundamental point of view and in relation to the involvement of HMGB1 in inflammatory diseases. A prerequisite for such studies is the ability to detect HMGB1 in blood or other biological fluids and to accurately measure its concentration.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In addition to classical techniques (western blot, ELISA) that make use of specific anti-HMGB1 antibodies, we present here a new, extremely sensitive technique that is based on the fact that hemicatenated DNA loops (hcDNA) bind HMGB1 with extremely high affinity, higher than the affinity of specific antibodies, similar in that respect to DNA aptamers. DNA-protein complexes formed between HMGB1 and radiolabeled hcDNA are analyzed by electrophoresis on nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels using the band-shift assay method. In addition, using a simple and fast protocol to purify HMGB1 on the basis of its solubility in perchloric acid allowed us to increase the sensitivity by suppressing any nonspecific background. The technique can reliably detect HMGB1 at a concentration of 1 pg per microliter in complex fluids such as serum, and at much lower concentrations in less complex samples. It compares favorably with ELISA in terms of sensitivity and background, and is less prone to interference from masking proteins in serum.

Conclusion

The new technique, which illustrates the potential of DNA nanoobjects and aptamers to form high-affinity complexes with selected proteins, should provide a valuable tool to further investigate the extracellular functions of HMGB1 and its involvement in inflammatory pathologies.     

Identification of uterine ion transporters for mineralisation precursors of the avian eggshell

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: In Gallus gallus, eggshell formation takes place daily in the hen uterus and requires large amounts of the ionic precursors for calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Both elements (Ca2+, HCO3-) are supplied by the blood via trans-epithelial transport. Our aims were to identify genes coding for ion transporters that are upregulated in the uterine portion of the oviduct during eggshell calcification, compared to other tissues and other physiological states, and incorporate these proteins into a general model for mineral transfer across the tubular gland cells during eggshell formation. RESULTS: A total of 37 candidate ion transport genes were selected from our database of overexpressed uterine genes associated with eggshell calcification, and by analogy with mammalian transporters. Their uterine expression was compared by qRTPCR in the presence and absence of eggshell formation, and with relative expression levels in magnum (low Ca2+/HCO3- movement) and duodenum (high rates of Ca2+/HCO3- trans-epithelial transfer). We identified overexpression of eleven genes related to calcium movement: the TRPV6 Ca2+ channel (basolateral uptake of Ca2+), 28 kDa calbindin (intracellular Ca2+ buffering), the endoplasmic reticulum type 2 and 3 Ca2+ pumps (ER uptake), and the inositol trisphosphate receptors type 1, 2 and 3 (ER release). Ca2+ movement across the apical membrane likely involves membrane Ca2+ pumps and Ca2+/Na+ exchangers. Our data suggests that Na+ transport involved the SCNN1 channel and the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers SLC8A1, 3 for cell uptake, the Na+/K+ ATPase for cell output. K+ uptake resulted from the Na+/K+ ATPase, and its output from the K+ channels (KCNJ2, 15, 16 and KCNMA1).We propose that the HCO3- is mainly produced from CO2 by the carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) and that HCO3- is secreted through the HCO3-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9. HCO3- synthesis and precipitation with Ca2+ produce two H+. Protons are absorbed via the membrane's Ca2+ pumps ATP2B1, 2 in the apical membrane and the vacuolar (H+)-atpases at the basolateral level. Our model incorporate Cl- ions which are absorbed by the HCO3-/Cl- exchanger SLC26A9 and by Cl- channels (CLCN2, CFTR) and might be extruded by Cl-/H+ exchanger (CLCN5), but also by Na+ K+ 2 Cl- and K+ Cl- cotransporters. CONCLUSIONS: Our Gallus gallus uterine model proposes a large list of ion transfer proteins supplying Ca2+ and HCO3- and maintaining cellular ionic homeostasis. This avian model should contribute towards understanding the mechanisms and regulation for ionic precursors of CaCO3, and provide insight in other species where epithelia transport large amount of calcium or bicarbonate.     

Characterization of the molecular properties of KtrC,a second RCK domain that regulates a Ktr channel in Bacillus subtilis

RCK (regulating conductance of K⁺) domains are common regulatory domains that control the activity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic K⁺ channels and transporters. In bacteria these domains play roles in osmoregulation, regulation of turgor and membrane potential and in pH homeostasis. Whole-genome sequencing unveiled RCK gene redundancy, however the biological role of this redundancy is not well understood. In Bacillus subtilis, there are two closely related RCK domain proteins (KtrA and KtrC) that regulate the activity of the Ktr cation channels. KtrA has been well characterized but little is known about KtrC. We have characterized the structural and biochemical proprieties of KtrC and conclude that KtrC binds ATP and ADP, just like KtrA. However, in solution KtrC exist in a dynamic equilibrium between octamers and non-octameric species that is dependent on the bound ligand, with ATP destabilizing the octameric ring relative to ADP. Accordingly, KtrC-ADP crystal structures reveal closed octameric rings similar to those in KtrA, while KtrC-ATP adopts an open assembly with RCK domains forming a super-helix. In addition, both KtrC-ATP and -ADP octamers are stabilized by the signaling molecule cyclic-di-AMP, which binds to KtrC with high affinity. In contrast, c-di-AMP binds with 100-fold lower affinity to KtrA. Despite these differences we show with an E. coli complementation assay that KtrC and KtrA are interchangeable and able to form functional transporters with both KtrB and KtrD. The distinctive properties of KtrC, in particular ligand-dependent assembly/disassembly, suggest that this protein has a specific physiological role that is distinct from KtrA.     

Longer lifespan in male mice treated with a weakly estrogenic agonist,an antioxidant,an α‐glucosidase inhibitor or a Nrf2‐inducer

The National Institute on Aging Interventions Testing Program (ITP) evaluates agents hypothesized to increase healthy lifespan in genetically heterogeneous mice. Each compound is tested in parallel at three sites, and all results are published. We report the effects of lifelong treatment of mice with four agents not previously tested: Protandim, fish oil, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and metformin – the latter with and without rapamycin, and two drugs previously examined: 17‐α‐estradiol and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), at doses greater and less than used previously. 17‐α‐estradiol at a threefold higher dose robustly extended both median and maximal lifespan, but still only in males. The male‐specific extension of median lifespan by NDGA was replicated at the original dose, and using doses threefold lower and higher. The effects of NDGA were dose dependent and male specific but without an effect on maximal lifespan. Protandim, a mixture of botanical extracts that activate Nrf2, extended median lifespan in males only. Metformin alone, at a dose of 0.1% in the diet, did not significantly extend lifespan. Metformin (0.1%) combined with rapamycin (14 ppm) robustly extended lifespan, suggestive of an added benefit, based on historical comparison with earlier studies of rapamycin given alone. The α‐glucosidase inhibitor, acarbose, at a concentration previously tested (1000 ppm), significantly increased median longevity in males and 90th percentile lifespan in both sexes, even when treatment was started at 16 months. Neither fish oil nor UDCA extended lifespan. These results underscore the reproducibility of ITP longevity studies and illustrate the importance of identifying optimal doses in lifespan studies.