Low miR-498 expression levels are associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Decreased expression levels of microRNA (miR)-498 were reported in several human cancers. However, the prognostic value of the miR-498 expression in ovarian cancer has not been assessed. In this study, we addressed this knowledge gap by evaluating an association of miR-498 expression levels with ovarian cancer prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

qPCR was used to detect expression levels of miR-498 in cancer specimens and matched adjacent normal tissue specimens. The log-rank test was used to analyze survival rate, whereas the Cox regression model was used fir multivariate analysis of potential prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Expression levels of miR-498 were significantly lower in ovarian cancer tissue specimens compared with matched normal adjacent tissue (p < 0.001). Decreased miR-498 expression levels correlated well with FIGO stage, tumour grade and lymph node metastases (respective p = 0.001, 0.015, and 0.017). Furthermore, patients with lower miR-498 expression had shorter overall and progression-free survival (both p < 0.01 vs. those with high miR-498 expression).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased expression levels of miR-498 are associated with worse overall survival and poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer, highlighting potential usefulness of this miR for prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer.

Comparative analysis of molecular mechanism of spinal cord injury with time based on bioinformatics data

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms of spinal cord injury (SCI) with time.

METHODS

The gene expression profile (GSE45006) including four non-injured spinal cord samples as sham-control group and 20 thoracic transected spinal cords samples as experimental group at different times was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The time-course changes of the SCI-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. In addition, time-series expression profile clusters of DEGs were obtained, followed by gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs. Moreover, the transcriptional regulatory network was constructed.

RESULTS

There were 1420, 492, 743, 568 and 533 DEGs respectively at d1, d3, w1, w2 and w8 compared with that of sham group. Importantly, 101 overlapped regulated DEGs were identified at five time points and 370 collaboratively regulated genes were identified in cluster 6. Significant functions of overlapped regulated DEGs were obtained including response to wounding and developmental process. In addition, the DEGs, such as CD14 molecule (CD14) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), were enriched mostly in the pathways related to tuberculosis, phagosome and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. From the transcriptional regulatory network, we identified some transription factors (TFs), including member of E26 transformation-specific (ETS) oncogene family (ELK1) and zinc finger and BTB domain containing 7A (Zbtb7a).

CONCLUSION

The DEGs related to immune response during SCI may provide underlying targets for treatment of SCI. Moreover, the TFs ZBTB7A and ELK1 and their target gene (dual specificity phosphatase 18 (DUSP18)) might be therapeutic targets for the treatment of SCI.

Efficacy and Safety of Bromocriptine-QR in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bromocriptine-QR (quick release) is a novel treatment for type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of bromocriptine-QR in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals or as abstracts. We performed a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to May 2015. Randomized controlled trials of bromocriptine-QR therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus were eligible. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of trials based on predefined inclusion criteria. Information was collected concerning basic study data, patient characteristics, efficacy and safety outcomes, and methodological quality. Bromocriptine-QR add-on therapy lowered hemoglobin A1c compared with placebo (weighted mean difference, - 6.52 mmol/mol; 95% CI, - 8.07 to - 4.97 mmol/mol). Bromocriptine-QR exhibited an increase in achieving an HbA1c level ≤ 53 mmol/mol (≤ 7.0%) (32.0 vs. 9.5%; odds ratio, 4.57; 95% CI, 2.42-8.62). Fasting plasma glucose was reduced with bromocriptine-QR compared with placebo (weighted mean difference,-1.04 mmol/l; 95% CI,-1.49 to-0.59 mmol/l). Moreover, bromocriptine-QR had neutral effects on postprandial glycemia, Body Mass Index (BMI), and lipid profile. Bromocriptine-QR had more gastrointestinal side effects of nausea and vomiting. Bromocriptine-QR had no increased risk of hypoglycemia, hypotension, or cardiovascular effects. Bromocriptine-QR therapy offers an alternative option to currently available antidiabetic agents for type 2 diabetes mellitus adults. Neither hypoglycemia nor other metabolic changes occur with this drug. More data for long-term efficacy and safety are needed for further observation.

Combined supercontinuum source with >200 W power using a 3 × 1 broadband fiber power combiner

We report an incoherently combined near-infrared supercontinuum (SC) source with >200  W output power using a 3×1 broadband fiber power combiner. A broadband fiber power combiner is designed and theoretically investigated. The power transmission efficiencies of light at different wavelengths of the combiner are calculated, and the combiner is verified to be capable of combining broadband sources efficiently. Then a combiner is fabricated. Three ∼70  W near-infrared SC sources are constructed and then, using the combiner, a >200  W near-infrared SC source is obtained. Conclusively, using incoherently combining method we can obtain a high-power SC source, and the thermo-management can be realized easily. We believe that this is a suitable method to obtain a higher-power SC source.

Isosmotic points and their ecological significance for juvenile Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis

Serum osmolality and ion concentrations were measured in juvenile Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis at different salinities to determine the isosmotic point. Isosmotic and isoionic concentrations were calculated from the regressions for serum and ambient osmolality, with Na(+) , Cl(-) and K(+) as salinities 9·19, 8·17, 7·89 and 9·70, respectively. These values were consistent with the salinity of the habitat where juvenile A. sinensis occur in the Yangtze Estuary, suggesting that an isosmotic salinity is an important factor driving their habitat choice.

Increased human epididymis protein 4 in benign gynecological diseases complicated with chronic renal insufficiency patients

We examined the serum concentration of human epididymis protein (HE4) in patients with benign gynecological diseases complicated with chronic renal deficiency and its significance in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant gynecological diseases. Serum HE4 and cancer antigen 125 concentrations were detected by chemiluminescence. Clinically or pathologically confirmed gynecological diseases were grouped and retrospectively analyzed, including 50 cases of gynecological benign diseases, 35 cases of non-mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinoma, 36 cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma, 15 cases of gynecological benign diseases patients complicated with chronic renal deficiency, 15 cases of gynecological diseases without chronic renal deficiency, and 30 normal controls. Serum HE4 values in the ovarian cancer group, endometrial cancer group, gynecological benign diseases with chronic renal deficiency group, and chronic renal deficiency group were significantly increased compared with the benign gynecological diseases and normal control groups, showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). A comparison of 4 groups with high HE4 showed that the HE4 level in the 2 groups with renal deficiency were higher than those in the ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer groups, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05); there was no significant difference between 2 groups with renal deficiency (P > 0.05). Serum concentration of HE4 was high in patients with chronic renal deficiency, which should be distinguished during differential diagnosis of gynecological benign and malignant tumors in patients with chronic renal deficiency to avoid misdiagnosis.

Investigation on formaldehyde release from preservatives in cosmetics

OBJECTIVE

To understand formaldehyde residue in cosmetics, an investigation on formaldehyde release from eight preservatives (methenamine - MA, paraformaldehyde - PF, poly(p-toluenesulfonamide-co-formaldehyde) -PTSAF, quaternium-15 - QU, imidazolidinyl urea - IU, diazolidinyl urea - DU, dimethyloldimethyl hydantoin - DMDM and bronopol - BP) under various conditions was performed.

METHODS

The concentration of released formaldehyde was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection after derivatization with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.

RESULTS

The amounts of formaldehyde release were in the order of PF > DU > DMDM ≈ QU ≈ IU > MA > BP > PTSAF. The releasing amounts of formaldehyde were the highest in the presence of aqueous matrices for the releasers except QU and IU, and the releasing effect was also relative to pH. More formaldehyde was released with longer storage time and higher temperature. Furthermore, all preservatives in cosmetic matrices released fewer amounts of formaldehyde than in pure aqueous or organic matrices, and the formaldehyde-releasing amounts were also cosmetic specific.

CONCLUSION

Formaldehyde release was dependent on the matrix, pH, time and mainly temperature, and the releasing effect was also cosmetic specific.

Platelet-activating factor receptor-mediated PI3K/AKT activation contributes to the malignant development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and occurs at a relatively high frequency in China, yet the mechanisms underlying its devastating outcome remain unclear. Here we report that platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR), a type of G-protein-coupled receptor, was upregulated in ESCC tumors and cell lines, compared with controls; PAFR levels were positively correlated with ESCC clinical stages and survival time. Overexpression of PAFR promoted the malignant development of ESCC in vitro and in vivo, whereas depletion of PAFR suppressed these effects. Interestingly, PAFR was observed to activate PI3K/AKT (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT) through the upregulation of FAK kinase activity. AKT-triggered nuclear factor-κB transcriptionally activated PAFR expression. This mutual positive regulation between PAFR and AKT was required for the aggressiveness of ESCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, treating mice bearing ESCC tumors with cholesterol-conjugated PAFR small interfering RNA effectively inhibited tumor progression and the expression of AKT-mediated oncogenic proteins. Taken together, we made the first demonstration that dysregulation of PAFR and the positive regulatory loop between PAFR and pAKT contribute to malignant progression of ESCC.

Erythropoietin promotes bone formation through EphrinB2/EphB4 signaling

Recent studies have demonstrated that erythropoietin (EPO) has extensive nonhematopoietic biological functions. However, little is known about how EPO regulates bone formation, although several studies suggested that EPO can affect bone homeostasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of EPO on the communication between osteoclasts and osteoblasts through the ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling pathway. We found that EPO slightly promotes osteoblastic differentiation with the increased expression of EphB4 in ST2 cells. However, EPO increased the expression of Nfatc1 and ephrinB2 but decreased the expression of Mmp9 in RAW264.7 cells, resulting in an increase of ephrinB2-expressing osteoclasts and a decrease in resorption activity. The stimulation of ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling via ephrinB2-Fc significantly promoted EPO-mediated osteoblastic differentiation in ST2 cells. EphB4 knockdown through EphB4 shRNA inhibited EPO-mediated osteoblastic phenotypes. Furthermore, in vivo assays clearly demonstrated that EPO efficiently induces new bone formation in the alveolar bone regeneration model. Taken together, these results suggest that ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling may play an important role in EPO-mediated bone formation.

Engineering poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/hydroxyapatite microspheres with diverse macropores patterns and the cellular responses

Design macroporous topography on spherical substrates via a straightforward approach and investigate the corresponding cell responses.

Effects of the histone methyltransferase inhibitor UNC0638 on histone H3K9 dimethylation of cultured ovine somatic cells and development of resulting early cloned embryos

Aberrant hypermethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) may be involved in the developmental failure of cloned embryos. UNC0638 is a type of small molecule that can specifically inhibit the enzyme activity of histone methyltransferase EHMT2 and reduce the H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) levels in cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of UNC0638 in regulating H3K9me2 and development of cloned embryos. Results showed that UNC0638 could efficiently reduce H3K9me2 levels of cultured sheep foetal fibroblast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cloned embryos were subsequently produced from UNC0638-treated donor cells with down-regulated H3K9me2, but their in vitro development was not improved when compared with the control. Our study suggested that revision of the single histone H3K9me2 modification may be not sufficient for rescuing the development of cloned embryos. However, because of its low cellular toxicity, UNC0638 may still be a potential chemical that could be used in regulating epigenetic modification of cloned embryos.

Mice immunogenicity after vaccination by DNA vaccines containing individual genes of a new type of reovirus

In this study, we investigated humoral and cellular immune responses in mice to DNA vaccines containing individual S or M genes of a new type of reovirus (nRV) isolate from a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patient in Beijing, China. Mice were immunized intramuscularly (i.m.) with 100 μg of S1, S2, S3, S4, M1, M2, and M3 DNA vaccine each 4 times in 2-week intervals and assayed for humoral IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG2b antibodies by ELISA and for cellular immune response, particularly IFN-γ induction by ELISpot assay. Moreover, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed by flow cytometry. We found that all DNA vaccines induced IgG antibodies, predominantly of the IgG2a class and S3 DNA vaccine was the strongest inducer. M2 and S3 DNA vaccines elicited Th1- and Th2-based immune responses, respectively, while S1 and M3 DNA vaccines induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response. M1, S2, and S4 DNA vaccines were poorly immunogenic. To our knowledge, this is the first report characterizing mammalian reovirus DNA vaccines applied to a mouse model.

Diode-pumped continuous wave tunable and graphene Q-switched Tm:LSO lasers

We have investigated the lasing characteristics of Tm:LSO crystal in three operation regimes: continuous wave (CW), wavelength tunable and passive Q-switching based on graphene. In CW regime, a maximum output power of 0.65 W at 2054.9 nm with a slope efficiency of 21% was achieved. With a quartz plate, a broad wavelength tunable range of 145 nm was obtained, corresponding to a FWHM of 100 nm. By using a graphene saturable absorber mirror, the passively Q-switched Tm:LSO laser produced pulses with duration of 7.8 μs at 2030.8 nm under a repetition rate of 7.6 kHz, corresponding to pulse energy of 14.0 μJ.

Atorvastatin overcomes gefitinib resistance in KRAS mutant human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells

The exact influence of statins on gefitinib resistance in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with KRAS mutation alone or KRAS/PIK3CA and KRAS/PTEN comutations remains unclear. This work found that transfection of mutant KRAS plasmids significantly suppressed the gefitinib cytotoxicity in Calu3 cells (wild-type KRAS). Gefitinib disrupted the Kras/PI3K and Kras/Raf complexes in Calu3 cells, whereas not in Calu3 KRAS mutant cells. These trends were corresponding to the expression of pAKT and pERK in gefitinib treatment. Atorvastatin (1 μM) plus gefitinib treatment inhibited proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced the AKT activity in KRAS mutant NSCLC cells compared with gefitinib alone. Atorvastatin (5 μM) further enhanced the gefitinib cytotoxicity through concomitant inhibition of AKT and ERK activity. Atorvastatin could interrupt Kras/PI3K and Kras/Raf complexes, leading to suppression of AKT and ERK activity. Similar results were also obtained in comutant KRAS/PTEN or KRAS/PIK3CA NSCLC cells. Furthermore, mevalonate administration reversed the effects of atorvastatin on the Kras/Raf and Kras/PI3K complexes, as well as AKT and ERK activity in both A549 and Calu1 cells. The in vivo results were similar to those obtained in vitro. Therefore, mutant KRAS-mediated gefitinib insensitivity is mainly derived from failure to disrupt the Kras/Raf and Kras/PI3K complexes in KRAS mutant NSCLC cells. Atorvastatin overcomes gefitinib resistance in KRAS mutant NSCLC cells irrespective of PIK3CA and PTEN statuses through inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase-dependent disruption of the Kras/Raf and Kras/PI3K complexes.

Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen and E antigen: correlation between Elecsys and architect assays

Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and their change model during treatment are emerging as a useful tool for assessing the outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and predicting the efficacy of antiviral therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Elecsys and Architect assays for HBsAg and HBeAg quantification. Quantification of HBsAg and HBeAg, determined by these two assays, were assessed in 1292 sera from patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). HBeAg quantification in serum was performed by calibrating the results through HBeAg Paul-Ehrlich international (PEI) reference standard. The HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Of 1292 samples, the distribution of genotype was 514 (39.78%) genotype B, 776 (60.06%) genotype C, 2 (0.16%) genotype D. The results of HBsAg and HBeAg quantification between the Architect and Elecsys assays were significantly correlated (HBsAg: r = 0.939; HBeAg: r = 0.987), independent of HBV genotype and treatment phase. The mean differences between the two methods (the log10 [Elecsys] - the log10 [Architect]) were 0.075 log10  IU/mL and -0.149 log10 PE IU/mL in quantifying HBsAg and HBeAg, respectively. This study demonstrates a high correlation between the Elecsys and the Architect assays in quantifying HBsAg and HBeAg, regardless of HBV genotype. Both the two assays can be used to monitor the HBsAg and HBeAg levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Iron plays a key role in the cytodifferentiation of human periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is vital to maintaining the homeostasis of the tooth and periodontal tissue. The influence of iron levels on the cytodifferentiation of PDL cells has not been studied, despite evidence that iron overload or deficiency can have adverse effects on alveolar bone density. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of altered iron levels on cytodifferentiation in human PDL cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human PDL cells were incubated with culture media supplemented with 10-50 μm ammonium ferric citrate or 5 μm deferoxamine (an iron chelator) during differentiation. Intracellular iron status was assessed by measuring changes in the expression of ferritin RNA and protein. PDL cell differentiation and function were evaluated by measuring osteoblast differentiation gene markers and the capacity of cultures to form mineralized nodules.

RESULTS

Iron accumulation resulted in upregulation of light and heavy chain ferritin proteins. Concurrently, osteoblast differentiation gene markers and mineralized nodule formation were suppressed. Iron deficiency resulted in downregulation of light and heavy chain ferritin proteins, suppression of alkaline phosphatase activity and formation of mineralized nodules during PDL cell differentiation.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that iron is critical for normal cell differentiation of human PDL cells.

High b-value diffusion tensor imaging of the remote white matter and white matter of obstructive unilateral cerebral arterial regions

AIM

To assess diffusion changes in the remote white matter and areas of white matter with cerebral artery obstruction without magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of brain parenchymal abnormalities using high b-value diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 34 patients with severe unilateral stenosis (≥75%) or occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) without abnormal brain parenchymal signals at MRI underwent DTI with a b value of 2200 s/mm(2) at 3 T. Fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), axial diffusivity (eigenvalue λ₁) and radial diffusivity (eigenvalue λ₂₃) were measured at the bilateral corona radiata, anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule, cerebral peduncle, and pons.

RESULTS

The mean FA was significantly lower at the ipsilateral corona radiata and anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule than at the contralateral corona radiata and anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule (p < 0.05). The mean ADC, λ₁ and λ₂₃ were significantly higher at the ipsilateral corona radiata than at the contralateral corona radiata (p < 0.01). The mean λ₂₃ were significantly higher at the ipsilateral anterior and posterior limb of the internal capsule than at the contralateral anterior and posterior limb of the internal capsule (p < 0.05). The mean ADC, λ₁ and λ₂ ₃were not significantly different between the ipsilateral cerebral peduncle and pons.

CONCLUSIONS

High b-value DTI could sensitively reveal diffusion changes in white matter in regions of cerebral artery obstruction without abnormal anisotropy and diffusivity of the remote white matter of patients with severe MCA stenosis or occlusion without MRI evidence of brain parenchymal abnormalities.

Recombinant PTD-Cu/Zn SOD attenuates hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Increasing the protein expression of intracellular Cu/Zn SOD, which is the major endogenous antioxidant enzyme, may attenuate or prevent hypoxia-reoxygenation injury (HRI) in cultured cardiomyocytes. However, ectogenic Cu/Zn-SOD can hardly be transferred into cells to exert biological effects. In this study, we constructed PTD-Cu/Zn SOD plasmid with a kind of translocation structure-Protein transduction domain (PTD) and detected its transmembrane ability and antioxidant effects in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (HRI).

METHODS

We constructed the pET-PTD-Cu/Zn SOD (CDs) prokaryotic expression vectors in plasmid that were inserted into E. coli BL21 to induce the protein expression of PTD-Cu/Zn SOD. H9c2 cardiomyocyte HRI was achieved by exposing cardiomyocytes to 12 h hypoxia followed by 2 h reoxygenation. Protein expression of PTD-Cu/Zn SOD in cardiomyocytes was assayed by Western blot and their enzyme activities were investigated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In cultured cardiomyocytes hypoxia-reoxygenation injury model, exogenous PTD-Cu/Zn SOD could penetrate cell membrane to clear superoxide anion and decrease hydrogen peroxide level in H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to HRI. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was restored to normal, and the cell apoptosis was reduced in cardiomyocytes with PTD-Cu/Zn SOD treatment during HRI.

CONCLUSION

Recombinant PTD-Cu/Zn SOD could scavenge intracellular-free superoxide anion, protect mitochondria from damages, and attenuate the hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cultured cardiomyocytes.

Efficacy and safety of continuous 4-year telbivudine treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B

In the phase-III GLOBE/015 studies, telbivudine demonstrated superior efficacy vs lamivudine during 2-year treatment in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). After completion, 847 patients had an option to continue telbivudine treatment for further 2 years. A total of 596 (70%) of telbivudine-treated patients, who were serum HBV DNA positive or negative and without genotypic resistance to telbivudine at the end of the GLOBE/015 trials, were enrolled into a further 2-year extension study. A group of 502 patients completed 4 years of continuous telbivudine treatment and were included in the telbivudine per-protocol population. Amongst 293 HBeAg-positive patients, 76.2% had undetectable serum HBV DNA and 86.0% had normal serum ALT at the end of 4 years. Notably, the cumulative rate of HBeAg seroconversion was 53.2%. Amongst 209 HBeAg-negative patients, 86.4% had undetectable HBV DNA and 89.6% had normal serum ALT. In patients who had discontinued telbivudine treatment due to HBeAg seroconversion, the HBeAg response was durable in 82% of patients (median 111 weeks of off-treatment follow-up). The cumulative 4-year resistance rate was 10.6% for HBeAg-positive and 10.0% for HBeAg-negative patients. Most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and transient. Renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased by 14.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (16.6%) from baseline to 4 years (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, in HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative CHB patients without resistance after 2 years, two additional years of telbivudine treatment continued to provide effective viral suppression with a favourable safety profile. Moreover, telbivudine achieved 53% of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients.

Horizontal gene transfer does not occur between sFat-1 transgenic pigs and nontransgenic pigs

We previously generated and characterized synthesized fatty acid desaturase-1 (sFat-1) transgenic pigs that had increased concentrations of ω-3 unsaturated fatty acid in their meat. The objective was to assess whether the inserted foreign gene in sFat-1 transgenic pigs was able to transfer and integrate into the genome of nontransgenic pigs by suckling or mating. Tests for suckling-mediated horizontal gene transfer (HGT) included sFat-1 transgenic sows nursing nontransgenic piglets and sFat-1 transgenic piglets suckling nontransgenic sows. Tests for mating-mediated HGT were performed by male sFat-1 transgenic pigs mated with nontransgenic females and female sFat-1 transgenic pigs mated with nontransgenic males. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the sFat-1 gene fragment in various tissues sampled from nontransgenic pigs. The foreign target gene sFat-1 was not detected in the genomic DNA of various tissues and organs sampled from nontransgenic pigs. Therefore, we concluded that HGT from transgenic pigs to wild type pigs via suckling or mating was unlikely.

Polymorphism identification in the goat <i>THRSP</i> gene and association analysis with growth traits

Abstract. cIn this study, we reported the analysis of THRSP gene polymorphisms in 610 goats of three breeds: Xinong Saanen (SN), Guanzhong (GZ) and Boer (BG). We identified new allelic variant: P2-G39294A (GenBank acc. no. JN618075) in the three goat breeds. At P2 locus, GG, GA and AA genotypes were found in the three goat breeds. The frequencies of G allele were 0.54–0.55 and frequencies of A allele were 0.46–0.45, and the PIC was 0.37. The SNP locus was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in Boer goat breed (P<0.05). Association of polymorphisms with growth traits was done at P2 locus in Boer goat breed. The result showed that AA genotype had remarkable growth traits at P2 locus (P<0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that THRSP gene is a strong candidate gene that affects growth traits in goat.