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Furtado AP, Carvalho ITS, Lewis EL, Bleke CA, Pantoja DL, Colli GR, French SS, Paludo GR. Short-term impact of a wildfire on the homeostasis of Tropidurus oreadicus lizards. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:423-436. [PMID: 36773015 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires cause significant changes in natural habitats and can impact lizard populations. Through changes in the thermal environment, reduced prey availability, and increased exposure to parasite vectors, wildfires affect lizard physiology, immunity, and health. We sampled 56 Tropidurus oreadicus lizards from Cerrado savannas of Brazil living in two adjacent sites: one burned 14 days before the study, and the other unburned for 6 years. We logged the air temperatures of those sites throughout fieldwork. We assessed the short-term possible homeostatic imbalances caused by the fires via measuring body mass, circulating levels of corticosterone (CORT), leukocytes profile changes in heterophile-lymphocyte ratios (HLRs), innate immunity using the bacterial killing assay (BKA), and the diagnosis of hemoparasites using molecular techniques. The air temperature was significantly higher in the burned site. There was no difference in lizard body mass between the two sites, suggesting that prey availability was not affected by the wildfire. While parasite presence was seemingly not affected by fire, the timing of initial parasite infection for animals in the study was unknown, so we also evaluated parasitism as an independent variable relative to the other metrics. Our results showed that parasitic infections lead to reduced bactericidal capacity and body mass in lizards, suggesting clinical disease and depletion of innate immune resources. Moreover, we observed increased HLR with fire and parasitic infections and a strong negative correlation with BKA. These findings suggest that the increased environmental temperature following wildfires may lead to increased CORT and decreased BKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana P Furtado
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Izabelle T S Carvalho
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Erin L Lewis
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Cole A Bleke
- Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, USA
| | - Davi L Pantoja
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Guarino R Colli
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | - Giane R Paludo
- Departamento de Ciências Animais, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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Rivera-Ruiz DA, Flores-Martínez JJ, Rosales C, Herrera Montalvo LG. Constitutive Innate Immunity of Migrant and Resident Long-Nosed Bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) in the Drylands of Mexico. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to birds, the relationship between migration and immunity has been scarcely studied in bats. We examined how the expression of the humoral portion of the constitutive immunity varied in a bat with partial, sex-biased migration: the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Phyllostomidae)). The lesser long-nosed bat is a nectarivorous species distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of North and Central America. We evaluated the bacteria-killing abilities (BKAs) of the plasma of male and female lesser long-nosed bats on the Pacific coast in different periods of the year. Because adult males are resident, they were used to explore the effect of reproductive activity on BKA, and we predicted higher values in mating males (i.e., individuals presenting scrotal testicles and a fresh dorsal patch). In contrast to males, most females migrate to cactus deserts in northern Mexico during pregnancy and lactation, and then return to the dry forests of west-central Mexico to mate. We predicted that the combined effect of breeding and migration would have an adverse effect on BKA; therefore, migratory pregnant and lactating females were expected to exhibit a lower BKA than mating females in west-central Mexico. We compared the BKAs of females captured in October and December in central Mexico, and we predicted that migratory females that had recently arrived in October should exhibit a lower BKA than females captured two months later. In addition, we compared the BKAs between lactating females and young in northern Mexico and predicted lower values in recently born individuals. We found that the BKAs of males were higher in reproductive individuals than in non-reproductive individuals. We found a significant difference in the BKAs between females at the two extremes of their migratory range: the values of pregnant females in Sonora and females in December were higher than those of females captured in October. Finally, we found no difference in BKAs between lactating females and young individuals. Our findings indicate that the basal levels of the innate humoral component are heightened in mating males, that this response is reduced in females that recently returned to their mating grounds, and that the constitutive immunity of young individuals matures early, probably in anticipation of the potential to encounter pathogens during their migration to west-central Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Rivera-Ruiz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 21, San Patricio 48989, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Juan Flores-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos Rosales
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyacán 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Luis Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 21, San Patricio 48989, Jalisco, Mexico
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INNATE IMMUNE FUNCTION IN LAKE ERIE WATERSNAKES (NERODIA SIPEDON INSULARUM) WITH OPHIDIOMYCOSIS. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:279-289. [PMID: 35029682 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, poses a threat to the health of wild and managed snakes worldwide. Variation in snake innate immunity, the primary defense against infection in reptiles, may explain the observed variation in ophidiomycosis clinical disease severity among snakes. In this study, two components of the innate immune response were examined in snake plasma. We investigated whether complement activity, as measured by sheep red blood cell hemolysis, and chitotriosidase activity were associated with ophidiomycosis disease severity and time in captivity in Lake Erie watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum). There was no difference in complement-mediated hemolysis or chitotriosidase activities between snakes with varying levels of ophidiomycosis clinical severity sampled in the field. However, among snakes with skin lesions kept in captivity, chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in snakes with mild disease, compared with snakes with severe disease, and hemolysis activity increased with time in captivity. Overall, Lake Erie watersnakes had higher complement activity, but lower chitotriosidase activity, compared with other reptile species. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe chitotriosidase activity in a snake species. These results provide mixed evidence of associations between innate immune function and ophidiomycosis severity, and more work is needed to investigate differences among snake species.
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Siddiqui R, Maciver SK, Khan NA. Gut microbiome-immune system interaction in reptiles. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:2558-2571. [PMID: 34984778 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes in a world dominated by endotherms. Reptiles originated more than 300 million years ago and they often dwell in polluted environments which may expose them to pathogenic micro-organisms, radiation and/or heavy metals. Reptiles also possess greater longevity and may live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, for example, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles and tuatara are long-lived reptiles living up to 100 years or more. Many recent studies have emphasized the pivotal role of the gut microbiome on its host; thus, we postulated that reptilian gut microbiome and/or its metabolites and the interplay with their robust immune system may contribute to their longevity and overall hardiness. Herein, we discuss the composition of the reptilian gut microbiome, immune system-gut microbiome cross-talk, antimicrobial peptides, reptilian resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, ageing, as well the current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that microbial gut flora of reptiles such as crocodiles, tortoises, water monitor lizard and python exhibit remarkable anticancer and antibacterial properties, as well as comprise novel gut bacterial metabolites and antimicrobial peptides. The underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and the immune system may hold clues to developing new therapies overall for health, and possible extrapolation to exploit the ancient defence systems of reptiles for Homo sapiens benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Siddiqui R, Maciver S, Elmoselhi A, Soares NC, Khan NA. Longevity, cellular senescence and the gut microbiome: lessons to be learned from crocodiles. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08594. [PMID: 34977412 PMCID: PMC8688568 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocodiles are flourishing large-bodied ectotherms in a world dominated by endotherms. They survived the Cretaceous extinction event, that eradicated the dinosaurs who are thought to be their ancestral hosts. Crocodiles reside in polluted environments; and often inhabit water which contains heavy metals; frequent exposure to radiation; feed on rotten meat and considered as one of the hardy species that has successfully survived on this planet for millions of years. Another capability that crocodiles possess is their longevity. Crocodiles live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, sometimes living up to 100 years. But how do they withstand such harsh conditions that are detrimental to Homo sapiens? Given the importance of gut microbiome on its' host physiology, we postulate that the crocodile gut microbiome and/or its' metabolites produce substances contributing to their "hardiness" and longevity. Thus, we accomplished literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar and herein, we discuss the composition of the crocodile gut microbiome, longevity and cellular senescence in crocodiles, their resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, and our current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Furthermore, preliminary studies that demonstrate the remarkable properties of crocodile gut microbial flora are discussed. Given the profound role of the gut microbiome in the health of its' host, it is likely that the crocodile gut microbiome and its' metabolites may be contributing to their extended life expectancy and elucidating the underlying mechanisms and properties of these metabolites may hold clues to developing new treatments for age-related diseases for the benefit of Homo sapiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah 26666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adel Elmoselhi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson Cruz Soares
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Chook CYB, Chen FM, Leung FP, Chen ZY, Wong WT. Potential of crocodile blood as a medication and dietary supplement: A systemic review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1043-1058. [PMID: 33987869 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Crocodile blood has long been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian countries to treat diseases such as asthma, allergies, and many others. Yet, only recently has the safety and effectiveness of using crocodile blood as a medicine been examined using modern scientific methods; with both conserved and novel active components identified from crocodile blood. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations found that crocodile blood can have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumour effects, anti-anaemia, and enhancement of wound healing. A systematic research of literature published in English-language journals up to April 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Based on the biological and chemical knowledge of crocodile immunity and crocodile blood, this article aims to: provide a critical review on the proposed properties of crocodile blood, identify the knowledge gap and offer some insights for future investigations regarding the use of crocodile blood as a medication or dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chui Yiu Bamboo Chook
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francis M Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung Ping Leung
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Titon SCM, Assis VR. Introduction to the special issue: Ecoimmunology in ectotherms. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 333:697-705. [PMID: 33450144 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanny C M Titon
- Laboratório de Comportamento e Fisiologia Evolutiva, Rua do Matão, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vania R Assis
- Laboratório de Comportamento e Fisiologia Evolutiva, Rua do Matão, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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8
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LaVere AA, Hamlin HJ, Lowers RH, Parrott BB, Ezenwa VO. Associations between testosterone and immune activity in alligators depend on bacteria species and temperature. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Russell H. Lowers
- Herndon Solutions Group, LLC, NASA Environmental and Medical Contract Kennedy Space Center FL USA
| | - Benjamin B. Parrott
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia Aiken SC USA
| | - Vanessa O. Ezenwa
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia Athens GA USA
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9
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Siroski PA, María Soledad MB. Review of the Recent Knowledge on the Crocodilian Immune System. SOUTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-19-00093.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A. Siroski
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Moleón Barsani María Soledad
- Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Cambio Climático, Santa Fe, Argentina
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10
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Hernández-Arciga U, Herrera M LG, Königsberg M, Valdez RA, Flores-Martínez JJ, Romano MC. Synergetic effects of immune challenge and stress depress cortisol, inflammatory response and antioxidant activity in fish-eating Myotis. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb234914. [PMID: 33161382 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.234914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the most common tools in conservation physiology is the assessment of environmental stress via glucocorticoid measurement. However, little is known of its relationship with other stress-related biomarkers, and how the incidence of an immune challenge during long-term stress could affect an individual's overall stress response. We investigated here the relationship between basal and post-acute stress fecal cortisol metabolite (FC) with different antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage and immune parameters in the fish-eating bat, Myotis vivesi We found that in both basal and post-stress conditions, FC was highly related with a number of antioxidant enzymes and immune parameters, but not to oxidative damage. We also assessed changes of FC through the seasons. Basal FC samples and stress reactivity after short-duration stress displayed similar levels during summer, autumn and early winter, but lower concentrations in late winter. Stress reactivity after long-duration stress was greater in summer and early winter. Finally, we tested the effect of a simultaneous exposure to a long, strong stress stimulus with an immune response stimulation by administrating adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) after 42 h. Results showed that when both stimuli were administrated, FC concentrations, inflammation and some antioxidant activity were lowered in comparison with the control and individual administration of the challenges. Our findings support the idea that animals maintain constant basal glucocorticoid levels when living in challenging environments, but response to acute stress differs seasonally and immune defense mechanisms and stress responses might be compromised when confronted with multiple challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulalume Hernández-Arciga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 70-153, Ciudad de México, 04510 Mexico
- Laboratorio de Bioenergética y Envejecimiento Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, 09340 Mexico
| | - L Gerardo Herrera M
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 21, San Patricio, JAL, 48980 Mexico
| | - Mina Königsberg
- Laboratorio de Bioenergética y Envejecimiento Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, 09340 Mexico
| | - Ricardo A Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, 07360 Mexico
| | - José Juan Flores-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510 Mexico
| | - Marta C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México, 07360 Mexico
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Lima AS, Ferreira LDF, Silva DP, Gomes FR, Titon SCM. Thermal sensitivity of Bullfrog's immune response kept at different temperatures. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:767-778. [PMID: 33369285 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and emerging infectious diseases are often described as the main factors associated with the worldwide amphibian population decline. In this context, rising temperatures due to global warming might act as a chronic stressor for many amphibians, leading to immunosuppression. This study aimed to characterize the thermal sensitivity of the Bullfrog's (Lithobates catesbeianus) immune response and the effect of acclimation at different temperatures on it. Plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA) and phagocytosis activity of blood leukocytes were measured at different incubation temperatures (5-40°C) in individuals kept at 28°C and 34°C. First, all individuals were held under 28°C and sampled on the 16th day. Subsequently, one group was kept at 28°, and the other one was transferred to 34°C. Both groups were sampled at 83 and 106 days of maintenance. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) and testosterone (T) were assessed to evidence thermal stress and possible endocrine correlates of immune changes over time. The incubation temperature affected BKA both on animals kept at 28°C and 34°C, with maximum values at lower temperatures (5-20°C). Phagocytosis activity was constant over the range of assay temperatures. Immune and endocrine variables decreased over time in both thermal regimes, but frogs maintained at 34°C showed lower T and immunosuppression, evidencing stress response. Therefore, exposure to high temperatures might decrease immune function in bullfrogs due to chronic stress response and by exposition to temperatures of lower performance according to the thermal sensitivity curve, which might increase vulnerability to diseases in this anuran species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan S Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia de F Ferreira
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego P Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stefanny C M Titon
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Cummings CR, Khan NY, Murray MM, Ellison T, Welch CN, Hernandez SM, Navara KJ. Foraging in Urban Environments Increases Bactericidal Capacity in Plasma and Decreases Corticosterone Concentrations in White Ibises. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.575980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As humans continue to infringe on natural habitats, more animals are exposed to urbanization and its associated challenges. It is still unclear, however, whether the movement of animals into urban habitats negatively influences the health and/or survival of those animals, however those animals often experience shifts in resource availability, diet composition, and exposure to stimuli that are new and potentially stressful. Recently, white ibises (Eudocimus albus) have become increasingly common in urban habitats where they forage in close proximity to humans and even interact with them, collecting food handouts. We hypothesized that foraging in urban habitats would negatively impact measures of health, impair innate immunity, trigger elevated concentrations of corticosterone, and depress physiological responses to stressors in white ibises. We found that plasma from birds captured from urban sites had higher bactericidal capacity against Escherichia coli than those captured in natural sites. Additionally, adults captured in urban habitats had a significantly lower baseline corticosterone concentrations during the post-breeding season, and corticosterone responses to a handling challenge were lower for birds captured from urban sites during year 2 of the study. These results indicate that exposure to urban habitats impacts ibis health, though in the opposite direction of what was predicted.
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13
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Xu C, Palade J, Fisher RE, Smith CI, Clark AR, Sampson S, Bourgeois R, Rawls A, Elsey RM, Wilson-Rawls J, Kusumi K. Anatomical and histological analyses reveal that tail repair is coupled with regrowth in wild-caught, juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Sci Rep 2020; 10:20122. [PMID: 33208803 PMCID: PMC7674433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles are the only amniotes that maintain the capacity to regenerate appendages. This study presents the first anatomical and histological evidence of tail repair with regrowth in an archosaur, the American alligator. The regrown alligator tails constituted approximately 6–18% of the total body length and were morphologically distinct from original tail segments. Gross dissection, radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that caudal vertebrae were replaced by a ventrally-positioned, unsegmented endoskeleton. This contrasts with lepidosaurs, where the regenerated tail is radially organized around a central endoskeleton. Furthermore, the regrown alligator tail lacked skeletal muscle and instead consisted of fibrous connective tissue composed of type I and type III collagen fibers. The overproduction of connective tissue shares features with mammalian wound healing or fibrosis. The lack of skeletal muscle contrasts with lizards, but shares similarities with regenerated tails in the tuatara and regenerated limbs in Xenopus adult frogs, which have a cartilaginous endoskeleton surrounded by connective tissue, but lack skeletal muscle. Overall, this study of wild-caught, juvenile American alligator tails identifies a distinct pattern of wound repair in mammals while exhibiting features in common with regeneration in lepidosaurs and amphibia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Joanna Palade
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Rebecca E Fisher
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Cameron I Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Andrew R Clark
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Samuel Sampson
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | | | - Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, LA, 70643, USA
| | - Jeanne Wilson-Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Kenro Kusumi
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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Ghosh A, Johnson MG, Osmanski AB, Louha S, Bayona-Vásquez NJ, Glenn TC, Gongora J, Green RE, Isberg S, Stevens RD, Ray DA. A High-Quality Reference Genome Assembly of the Saltwater Crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, Reveals Patterns of Selection in Crocodylidae. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:3635-3646. [PMID: 31821505 PMCID: PMC6946029 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocodilians are an economically, culturally, and biologically important group. To improve researchers’ ability to study genome structure, evolution, and gene regulation in the clade, we generated a high-quality de novo genome assembly of the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, from Illumina short read data from genomic libraries and in vitro proximity-ligation libraries. The assembled genome is 2,123.5 Mb, with N50 scaffold size of 17.7 Mb and N90 scaffold size of 3.8 Mb. We then annotated this new assembly, increasing the number of annotated genes by 74%. In total, 96% of 23,242 annotated genes were associated with a functional protein domain. Furthermore, multiple noncoding functional regions and mappable genetic markers were identified. Upon analysis and overlapping the results of branch length estimation and site selection tests for detecting potential selection, we found 16 putative genes under positive selection in crocodilians, 10 in C. porosus and 6 in Alligator mississippiensis. The annotated C. porosus genome will serve as an important platform for osmoregulatory, physiological, and sex determination studies, as well as an important reference in investigating the phylogenetic relationships of crocodilians, birds, and other tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Ghosh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University
| | | | | | - Swarnali Louha
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Natalia J Bayona-Vásquez
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Travis C Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia
| | - Jaime Gongora
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard E Green
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz
| | - Sally Isberg
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Crocodile Research, University of Sydney and Charles Darwin University, Australia
| | | | - David A Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University
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15
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Cummings CR, Hernandez SM, Murray M, Ellison T, Adams HC, Cooper RE, Curry S, Navara KJ. Effects of an anthropogenic diet on indicators of physiological challenge and immunity of white ibis nestlings raised in captivity. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8416-8428. [PMID: 32788990 PMCID: PMC7417218 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
When wildlife forage and/or live in urban habitats, they often experience a shift in resource availability and dietary quality. Some species even use human handouts, such as bread, as well as human refuse, as a large part of their new diets; yet the influences of this nutritional shift on health and survival remain unclear. American white ibises are increasingly being seen in urban areas in Florida; they collect handouts, such as bread and other food items, from humans in parks, and are also found foraging on anthropogenic sources in trash heaps. We hypothesized that the consumption of these new anthropogenic food sources may trigger increases in indicators of physiological challenge and dampen immune responses. We tested this experimentally by raising 20 white ibis nestlings in captivity, and exposing 10 to a simulated anthropogenic diet (including the addition of white bread and a reduction in seafood content) while maintaining 10 on a diet similar to what ibises consume in more natural environments. We then tested two indicators of physiological challenge (corticosterone and heat shock protein 70), assessed innate immunity in these birds via bactericidal assays and an in vitro carbon clearance assay, and adaptive immunity using a phytohemagglutinin skin test. The anthropogenic diet depressed the development of the ability to kill Salmonella paratyphi in culture. Our results suggest that consuming an anthropogenic diet may be detrimental in terms of the ability to battle a pathogenic bacterial species, but there was little effect on indicators of physiological challenge and other immunological measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia M. Hernandez
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Maureen Murray
- Department of Poultry ScienceThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Taylor Ellison
- Department of Poultry ScienceThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Henry C. Adams
- Department of Poultry ScienceThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Robert E. Cooper
- Department of Poultry ScienceThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Shannon Curry
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural ResourcesThe University of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
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16
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Lind CM, Agugliaro J, Farrell TM. The metabolic response to an immune challenge in a viviparous snake, Sistrurus miliarius. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb225185. [PMID: 32321747 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Mounting an immune response may be energetically costly and require the diversion of resources away from other physiological processes. Yet, both the metabolic cost of immune responses and the factors that impact investment priorities remain poorly described in many vertebrate groups. For example, although viviparity has evolved many times in vertebrates, the relationship between immune function and pregnancy has been disproportionately studied in placental mammals. To examine the energetic costs of immune activation and the modulation of immune function during pregnancy in a non-mammalian vertebrate, we elicited an immune response in pregnant and non-pregnant pygmy rattlesnakes, Sistrurus miliarius, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using flow-through respirometry. Immune function was examined using bactericidal assays and leukocyte counts. The RMR of pygmy rattlesnakes increased significantly in response to LPS injection. There was no statistically significant difference in the metabolic response of non-reproductive and pregnant snakes to LPS. Mean metabolic increments for pregnant females, non-reproductive females, and males were 13%, 18% and 26%, respectively. The ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes was elevated in response to LPS across reproductive categories; however, LPS did not impact plasma bactericidal ability in non-reproductive snakes. Although pregnant females had significantly higher plasma bactericidal ability compared with non-reproductive snakes prior to manipulation, their bactericidal ability declined in response to LPS. LPS administration also significantly reduced several litter characteristics, particularly when administrated relatively early in pregnancy. Our results indicate that immune performance is energetically costly and is altered during pregnancy, and that immune activation during pregnancy may result in tradeoffs that affect offspring in a viviparous reptile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Lind
- School of Natural Science and Mathematics, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA
| | - Joseph Agugliaro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ 07940, USA
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17
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Criscitiello MF, Kraev I, Petersen LH, Lange S. Deimination Protein Profiles in Alligator mississippiensis Reveal Plasma and Extracellular Vesicle-Specific Signatures Relating to Immunity, Metabolic Function, and Gene Regulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:651. [PMID: 32411128 PMCID: PMC7198796 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alligators are crocodilians and among few species that endured the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. With long life spans, low metabolic rates, unusual immunological characteristics, including strong antibacterial and antiviral ability, and cancer resistance, crocodilians may hold information for molecular pathways underlying such physiological traits. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a group of calcium-activated enzymes that cause posttranslational protein deimination/citrullination in a range of target proteins contributing to protein moonlighting functions in health and disease. PADs are phylogenetically conserved and are also a key regulator of extracellular vesicle (EV) release, a critical part of cellular communication. As little is known about PAD-mediated mechanisms in reptile immunology, this study was aimed at profiling EVs and protein deimination in Alligator mississippiensis. Alligator plasma EVs were found to be polydispersed in a 50-400-nm size range. Key immune, metabolic, and gene regulatory proteins were identified to be posttranslationally deiminated in plasma and plasma EVs, with some overlapping hits, while some were unique to either plasma or plasma EVs. In whole plasma, 112 target proteins were identified to be deiminated, while 77 proteins were found as deiminated protein hits in plasma EVs, whereof 31 were specific for EVs only, including proteins specific for gene regulatory functions (e.g., histones). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed KEGG pathways specific to deiminated proteins in whole plasma related to adipocytokine signaling, while KEGG pathways of deiminated proteins specific to EVs included ribosome, biosynthesis of amino acids, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways as well as core histones. This highlights roles for EV-mediated export of deiminated protein cargo with roles in metabolism and gene regulation, also related to cancer. The identification of posttranslational deimination and EV-mediated communication in alligator plasma revealed here contributes to current understanding of protein moonlighting functions and EV-mediated communication in these ancient reptiles, providing novel insight into their unusual immune systems and physiological traits. In addition, our findings may shed light on pathways underlying cancer resistance, antibacterial and antiviral resistance, with translatable value to human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - Lene H. Petersen
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galvestone, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Hale A, Merchant M, White M. Detection and analysis of autophagy in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 334:192-207. [PMID: 32061056 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In response to environmental temperature depression in the fall and winter, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) brumate. Brumation is characterized by lethargy, fasting, decreased metabolism, and decreased body temperature. During brumation, alligators will periodically emerge for basking or other encounters when environmental conditions permit. This sporadic activity and lack of nutrient intake may place strain on nutrient reserves. Nutrient scarcity, at the cellular and/or organismal level, promotes autophagy, a well-conserved subcellular catabolic process used to maintain energy homeostasis during periods of metabolic or hypoxic stress. An analysis of the putative alligator autophagy-related proteins has been conducted, and the results will be used to investigate the physiological role of autophagy during the brumation period. Using published genomic data, we have determined that autophagy is highly conserved, and alligator amino acid sequences exhibit a high percentage of identity with human homologs. Transcriptome analysis conducted using liver tissue derived from alligators confirmed the expression of one or more isoforms of each of the 34 autophagy initiation and elongation genes assayed. Five autophagy-related proteins (ATG5, ATG9A, BECN1, ATG16L1, and MAP1-LC3B), with functions spanning the major stages of autophagy, have been detected in alligator liver tissue by western blot analysis. In addition, ATG5 was detected in alligator liver tissue by immunohistochemistry. This is the first characterization of autophagy in crocodylians, and the first description of autophagy-related protein expression in whole blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Hale
- Department of Biology, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
| | - Mary White
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana
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19
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Adamovicz L, Baker SJ, Merchant M, Allender MC. Plasma antibacterial activities in ornate (Terrapene ornata) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:295-305. [PMID: 32037741 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa and many species are increasingly threatened by disease, however, the immune response in this group is understudied. We quantified the innate immune response of eastern (Terrapene carolina; EBT) and ornate (Terrapene ornate; OBT) box turtles using plasma antibacterial activity assays. Plasma from both species abolished or significantly reduced the growth of all eight bacterial species evaluated, including Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Bactericidal capacity was greater in OBT compared to EBT, and OBT plasma retained high antibacterial activities at a broader temperature range (20-40°C) compared to EBT (30-40°C). Plasma antibacterial activity was abolished following treatment with heat, protease, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, indicating that complement is likely responsible for the observed effects. Further characterization of the box turtle immune response may provide insight into the importance of infectious diseases for species conservation, enabling the development of more efficient and effective population management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sarah J Baker
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois.,Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Mark Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois
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20
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Thermal sensitivity of innate immune response in three species of Rhinella toads. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 237:110542. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Aaghaz S, Gohel V, Kamal A. Peptides as Potential Anticancer Agents. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1491-1511. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190125161517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer consists of heterogeneous multiple cell subpopulation which at a later stage develop resistant phenotypes, which include resistance to pro-apoptotic stimuli and/or cytotoxic resistance to anticancer compounds. The property of cancerous cells to affect almost any part of the body categorizes cancer to many anatomic and molecular subtypes, each requiring a particular therapeutic intervention. As several modalities are hindered in a variety of cancers and as the cancer cells accrue varied types of oncogenic mutations during their progression the most likely benefit will be obtained by a combination of therapeutic agents that might address the diverse hallmarks of cancer. Natural compounds are the backbone of cancer therapeutics owing to their property of affecting the DNA impairment and restoration mechanisms and also the gene expression modulated via several epigenetic molecular mechanisms. Bioactive peptides isolated from flora and fauna have transformed the arena of antitumour therapy and prompt progress in preclinical studies is promising. The difficulties in creating ACP rest in improving its delivery to the tumour site and it also must maintain a low toxicity profile. The substantial production costs, low selectivity and proteolytic stability of some ACP are some of the factors hindering the progress of peptide drug development. Recently, several publications have tried to edify the field with the idea of using peptides as adjuvants with established drugs for antineoplastic use. This review focuses on peptides from natural sources that precisely target tumour cells and subsequently serve as anticancer agents that are less toxic to normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shams Aaghaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Vivek Gohel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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22
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van Hoek ML, Prickett MD, Settlage RE, Kang L, Michalak P, Vliet KA, Bishop BM. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) genome and identification of innate immunity genes and clusters. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:684. [PMID: 31470795 PMCID: PMC6716921 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We report the sequencing, assembly and analysis of the genome of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest extant lizard, with a focus on antimicrobial host-defense peptides. The Komodo dragon diet includes carrion, and a complex milieu of bacteria, including potentially pathogenic strains, has been detected in the saliva of wild dragons. They appear to be unaffected, suggesting that dragons have robust defenses against infection. While little information is available regarding the molecular biology of reptile immunity, it is believed that innate immunity, which employs antimicrobial host-defense peptides including defensins and cathelicidins, plays a more prominent role in reptile immunity than it does in mammals. . Results High molecular weight genomic DNA was extracted from Komodo dragon blood cells. Subsequent sequencing and assembly of the genome from the collected DNA yielded a genome size of 1.6 Gb with 45x coverage, and the identification of 17,213 predicted genes. Through further analyses of the genome, we identified genes and gene-clusters corresponding to antimicrobial host-defense peptide genes. Multiple β-defensin-related gene clusters were identified, as well as a cluster of potential Komodo dragon ovodefensin genes located in close proximity to a cluster of Komodo dragon β-defensin genes. In addition to these defensins, multiple cathelicidin-like genes were also identified in the genome. Overall, 66 β-defensin genes, six ovodefensin genes and three cathelicidin genes were identified in the Komodo dragon genome. Conclusions Genes with important roles in host-defense and innate immunity were identified in this newly sequenced Komodo dragon genome, suggesting that these organisms have a robust innate immune system. Specifically, multiple Komodo antimicrobial peptide genes were identified. Importantly, many of the antimicrobial peptide genes were found in gene clusters. We found that these innate immunity genes are conserved among reptiles, and the organization is similar to that seen in other avian and reptilian species. Having the genome of this important squamate will allow researchers to learn more about reptilian gene families and will be a valuable resource for researchers studying the evolution and biology of the endangered Komodo dragon. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - M Dennis Prickett
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita-Edif. C11, Università di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Robert E Settlage
- Advanced Research Computing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Barney M Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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23
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Neuman-Lee LA, Van Wettere AJ, French SS. Interrelations among Multiple Metrics of Immune and Physiological Function in a Squamate, the Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:12-23. [PMID: 30403915 DOI: 10.1086/700396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The field of ecoimmunology has made it clear that individual and ecological contexts are critical for interpreting an animal's immune response. In an effort to better understand the relevance of commonly used immunological assays, we tested how different metrics of immunity and physiological function were interrelated in naturally parasitized individuals of a well-studied reptile, the common gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Overall, we found that bactericidal ability, an integrative measure of innate immunity, was often correlated with more specific immunological and physiological tests (lysis and oxidative stress) but was not related to tissue-level inflammation that was determined by histopathology. The only hematological metric that correlated with tissue-level inflammation was the prevalence of monocytes in blood smears. Finally, using histological techniques, we describe natural parasitism throughout the organ systems in these individuals, finding that neither the presence nor the burden of parasite load affected the physiological and immune metrics that we measured. By performing comprehensive assessments of physiological and immune processes, we are better able to draw conclusions about how to interpret findings from specific assays in wild organisms.
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24
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Lind C, Moore IT, Akçay Ç, Vernasco BJ, Lorch JM, Farrell TM. Patterns of Circulating Corticosterone in a Population of Rattlesnakes Afflicted with Snake Fungal Disease: Stress Hormones as a Potential Mediator of Seasonal Cycles in Disease Severity and Outcomes. Physiol Biochem Zool 2018; 91:765-775. [PMID: 29286254 DOI: 10.1086/695747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging threat to snake populations in the United States. Fungal pathogens are often associated with a physiological stress response mediated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), and afflicted individuals may incur steep coping costs. The severity of SFD can vary seasonally; however, little is known regarding (1) how SFD infection relates to HPA activity and (2) how seasonal shifts in environment, life history, or HPA activity may interact to drive seasonal patterns of infection severity and outcomes. To test the hypothesis that SFD is associated with increased HPA activity and to identify potential environmental or physiological drivers of seasonal infection, we monitored baseline corticosterone, SFD infection severity, foraging success, body condition, and reproductive status in a field-active population of pigmy rattlesnakes. Both plasma corticosterone and the severity of clinical signs of SFD peaked in the winter. Corticosterone levels were also elevated in the fall before the seasonal rise in SFD severity. Severely symptomatic snakes were in low body condition and had elevated corticosterone levels compared to moderately infected and uninfected snakes. The monthly mean severity of SFD in the population was negatively related to population-wide estimates of body condition and temperature measured in the precedent month and positively correlated with corticosterone levels measured in the precedent month. Symptomatic females were less likely to enter reproductive bouts compared to asymptomatic females. We propose the hypothesis that the seasonal interplay among environment, host energetics, and HPA activity initiates trade-offs in the fall that drive the increase in SFD prevalence, symptom severity, and decline in condition observed in the population through winter.
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25
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Baker SJ, Kessler EJ, Merchant ME. Antibacterial activities of plasma from the common (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 331:85-92. [PMID: 30273972 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Innate immunity provides a fast-acting and nonspecific defense against microbial infection, and appears to have particular importance in the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates. Chelonians are a globally distributed and diverse group, yet little is known about their basic immune function. The chelonian family Chelydridae is made up of two genera (Chelydra and Macrochelys), represented in our study by the widespread common snapping turtle ( Chelydra serpentina; CST) and the southeast USA endemic alligator snapping turtle ( Macrochelys temminckii; AST). Our goal was to quantify the innate immune response of the family Chelydridae, using the antibacterial activity of plasma as a measure of immune function. Our results show that the plasma of both species has strong antibacterial properties, but CST plasma kills a higher percentage of bacteria than AST plasma. In addition, while both species showed the highest antibacterial activity at 25 to 30°C, CST plasma retained its antibacterial properties at lower and higher temperatures than AST plasma. Our results indicate that, like many ectotherms, Chelydridae have a relatively strong innate immune response. The stronger, more robust immune response of CSTs compared with ASTs is likely correlated to the differences in geographic ranges but may also have implications for each species' tolerance to anthropogenic habitat degradation and global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Baker
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Ethan J Kessler
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Mark E Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
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26
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Baker SJ, Merchant ME. Antibacterial properties of plasma from the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 84:273-278. [PMID: 29510163 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune system functions to quickly respond to pathogens and is likely the primary line of defense for ectothermic vertebrates. Snake populations appear to be in widespread decline globally, but despite the threats from emerging pathogens, very little work has been conducted to characterize their basic immune function. We used a wide-ranging snake species, the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), to measure effects of snake plasma on the growth of eight bacterial species. Additionally, we quantified bacterial killing ability and kinetics of the immune response. Our results show that Prairie Rattlesnakes have robust innate immune systems, and concentrations of 10% snake plasma inhibit growth of 6 of 8 bacteria tested. Undiluted snake plasma inhibited nearly all bacterial growth. The immune response was fairly rapid, inhibiting 73% of bacterial growth within 20 min of exposure. These results are encouraging for conservation of wild populations, as snakes appear to exhibit a strong innate immune response. However, further work needs to be directed toward the evaluation of immune system capabilities in individual populations of conservation concern, and against pathogens known to cause mortality in wild snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Baker
- Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 S Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, United States.
| | - Mark E Merchant
- Department of Chemistry, McNeese State University, Box 90455, Lake Charles, LA 70609, United States
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27
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Moretti EH, Ortega Chinchilla JE, Marques FS, Fernandes PAC, Gomes FR. Behavioral fever decreases metabolic response to lipopolysaccharide in yellow Cururu toads (Rhinella icterica). Physiol Behav 2018; 191:73-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Hernández-Arciga U, Herrera M. LG, Ibáñez-Contreras A, Miranda-Labra RU, Flores-Martínez JJ, Königsberg M. Baseline and post-stress seasonal changes in immunocompetence and redox state maintenance in the fishing bat Myotis vivesi. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190047. [PMID: 29293551 PMCID: PMC5749750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known of how the stress response varies when animals confront seasonal life-history processes. Antioxidant defenses and damage caused by oxidative stress and their link with immunocompetence are powerful biomarkers to assess animal´s physiological stress response. The aim of this study was A) to determine redox state and variation in basal (pre-acute stress) immune function during summer, autumn and winter (spring was not assessed due to restrictions in collecting permit) in the fish-eating Myotis (Myotis vivesi; Chiroptera), and B) to determine the effect of acute stress on immunocompetence and redox state during each season. Acute stress was stimulated by restricting animal movement for 6 and 12 h. The magnitude of the cellular immune response was higher during winter whilst that of the humoral response was at its highest during summer. Humoral response increased after 6 h of movement restriction stress and returned to baseline levels after 12 h. Basal redox state was maintained throughout the year, with no significant changes in protein damage, and antioxidant activity was modulated mainly in relation to variation to environment cues, increasing during high temperatures and decreasing during windy nights. Antioxidant activity increased after the 6 h of stressful stimuli especially during summer and autumn, and to a lesser extent in early winter, but redox state did not vary. However, protein damage increased after 12 h of stress during summer. Prolonged stress when the bat is engaged in activities of high energy demand overcame its capacity to maintain homeostasis resulting in oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulalume Hernández-Arciga
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio de Bioenergética y Envejecimiento Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Iztapalapa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - L. Gerardo Herrera M.
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, San Patricio, Jalisco, México
| | - Alejandra Ibáñez-Contreras
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Applied Research in Experimental Biomedicine S.A. de C.V. (APREXBIO), Ciudad de México, México
- Unidad de Experimentación Animal, Biología Integral para Vertebrados (BIOINVERT®), Estado de México, México
| | - Roxana U. Miranda-Labra
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Iztapalapa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Juan Flores-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mina Königsberg
- Laboratorio de Bioenergética y Envejecimiento Celular, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Iztapalapa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
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29
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Green-Barber JM, Ong OTW, Kanuri A, Stannard HJ, Old JM. Blood constituents of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/am17002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Baseline haematology, blood chemistry and acute phase protein parameters have not previously been published for free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Eight eastern grey kangaroos, including three adult males, three adult females and two subadult males from two different populations, were examined. Assays assessed the antibacterial activity of kangaroo serum against one Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. The kangaroo serum had a strong antibacterial response to Klebsiella pneumoniae, and moderate responses to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence and level of acute phase proteins, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in kangaroos was investigated. Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were present in kangaroo serum, but only haptoglobin was elevated in a kangaroo with capture myopathy and necrotic wounds. The findings of this study provide preliminary data on health parameters of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos. These parameters can be used to assist in assessing health in free-ranging populations.
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Devine M, Juba M, Russo P, Bishop B. Structurally stable N-t-butylacrylamide hydrogel particles for the capture of peptides. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 161:471-479. [PMID: 29128833 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel particles have proven to be powerful tools for the capture and concentration of low abundance, low molecular weight peptides and proteins from complex biofluids, such as plasma. The primary means of recovering and washing the particles following harvesting is through centrifugation, which can be a very time-consuming process depending on harvest conditions. To improve the process of particle recovery, washing, and elution we have developed new particle formulations: incorporating N-t-butylacrylamide (tBA) in the polymer backbone with monomers bearing more acidic functional groups and higher degrees of cross-linking. These particle formulations produce a stable architecture that does not significantly respond to changes in environmental conditions, such as pH and temperature. These two new formulations impart structural stability to the particle, control swelling, and improve pelleting through centrifugation, even at high pH values. These structurally stable microparticles yield improved particle recovery while maintaining the peptide capture properties of the particle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Devine
- George Mason University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - Melanie Juba
- George Mason University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- George Mason University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 10920 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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31
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Moleón MS, Parachú Marcó MV, Pietrobon EO, Jahn GA, Beldomenico PM, Siroski PA. Corticosterone levels and immunological indices in stressed juvenile broad-snouted caimans. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Moleón
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
| | - M. V. Parachú Marcó
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
| | - E. O. Pietrobon
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia CRICYT-CONICET; Mendoza Argentina
| | - G. A. Jahn
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia CRICYT-CONICET; Mendoza Argentina
| | - P. M. Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
| | - P. A. Siroski
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
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32
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Graham SP, Fielman KT, Mendonça MT. Thermal performance and acclimatization of a component of snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) innate immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2017; 327:351-357. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin T. Fielman
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
| | - Mary T. Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences; Auburn University; Auburn AL USA
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33
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Wang L, Dong C, Li X, Han W, Su X. Anticancer potential of bioactive peptides from animal sources (Review). Oncol Rep 2017; 38:637-651. [PMID: 28677775 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of human death worldwide. Conventional anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation, are associated with severe side effects and toxicities as well as low specificity. Peptides are rapidly being developed as potential anticancer agents that specifically target cancer cells and are less toxic to normal tissues, thus making them a better alternative for the prevention and management of cancer. Recent research has focused on anticancer peptides from natural animal sources, such as terrestrial mammals, marine animals, amphibians, and animal venoms. However, the mode of action by which bioactive peptides inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells remains unclear. In this review, we present the animal sources from which bioactive peptides with anticancer activity are derived and discuss multiple proposed mechanisms by which these peptides exert cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Chao Dong
- College of Basic Medicine of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xian Li
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Han
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Su
- Clinical Medicine Research Center of the Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huimin, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
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34
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Effects of Colour Morph and Temperature on Immunity in Males and Females of the Common Wall Lizard. Evol Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-017-9422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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35
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Barksdale SM, Hrifko EJ, van Hoek ML. Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide from Alligator mississippiensis has antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 70:135-144. [PMID: 28089718 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator), a member of order Crocodilia, lives in bacteria-laden environments but is not often known to succumb to bacterial infections. Their serum has been shown to have antibacterial activity beyond that of human serum, and it is believed that this activity is partially due to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). CAMPs are produced by many organisms as part of the innate immune system. CAMPs are attractive possible therapies against multi-drug resistant bacteria, such as those found in biofilm-infected war wounds, because they seldom cause genetic resistance in bacteria and are effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this work, we identified, synthesized, and characterized a cathelicidin and two shorter fragments from the American alligator. We discovered the cathelicidin using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) alignment and by comparing A. mississippiensis expressed sequence tags (ESTs) with propeptide cathelicidins of other reptiles. We analyzed the structure using bioinformatics tools and circular dichroism and predicted that the full-length cathelicidin peptide has a mixed structure, with an N-terminal α-helix and a center Pro hinge. In minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, it was determined that the cathelicidin and the two shorter fragments have strong activity against multiple Gram-negative bacteria, including clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Using the ethidium bromide uptake assay, it was found that these peptides permeabilize the bacterial membrane and are less sensitive to salt inhibition than many other known CAMPs. The alligator cathelicidin peptides were not hemolytic against sheep red blood cells at 300 μg/ml and were not significantly cytotoxic against A549 human lung epithelial cells after 24 h exposure in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. These alligator cathelicidin peptides have activity similar to other CAMPs from reptiles such as NA-CATH. It is possible that the alligator cathelicidins play an important role in the innate immune response of A. mississippiensis, similar to LL-37 in humans. In addition, due to their activities against MDR bacteria and lack of cytotoxicity, the AM-CATH peptides could be an attractive platform for further development as a potential therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evelyn J Hrifko
- College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; College of Science, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA.
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36
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Palackdharry S, Sadd BM, Vogel LA, Bowden RM. The effect of environmental temperature on reptilian peripheral blood B cell functions. Horm Behav 2017; 88:87-94. [PMID: 27816625 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified phagocytic B cells in a variety of species, yet little is understood about their function and how it is influenced by natural environmental variation, such as temperature. Phagocytic B-cells are present in red-eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta, and the wide range of temperatures experienced by these ectotherms may have an effect on immunity, including B cell antibody secretion and phagocytosis. We examined the impact of environmental temperature on B cell function in vitro using phagocytic and ELISpot assays conducted at biologically relevant temperatures. We found a significant effect of temperature on antibody secretion, with maximal antibody secretion occurring at intermediate temperatures (estimated maximum of 28.8°C). There was no effect of temperature on phagocytosis. We also noted a difference in the efficiency of phagocytosis in this assay between B cells and non-B cells. Interestingly, in our in vitro assay, phagocytic B cells engulfed more foreign fluorescent beads per cell than phagocytes lacking surface immunoglobulin. This work sheds light on our understanding of phagocytic B cells and the importance of environmental temperature on the behavior of reptilian immune cells, which may have relevance for organismal fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Palackdharry
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Ben M Sadd
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Laura A Vogel
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - Rachel M Bowden
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA.
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37
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Patathananone S, Thammasirirak S, Daduang J, Gung Chung J, Temsiripong Y, Daduang S. Inhibition of HeLa cells metastasis by bioactive compounds in crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) white blood cells extract. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:1329-1336. [PMID: 25855086 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in cancer progression, including cell invasion, metastasis, cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell adhesion. Thus, suppression of the MMPs activities is crucial for inhibiting cancer cells metastasis. Herein, bioactive agents from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) leukocyte extracts (WBCex) showed the anticancer activity with HeLa cells and inhibited the migration and invasion process by reducing gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) activity and their protein levels. This mechanism is regulated via interfering Ras and p38 signal transduction. Moreover, disrupting VEGF and integrin-signaling cascade by bioactive agents are the predictable mechanisms that cause the decreasing of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. Hence, bioactive substances in WBCex may play the mode of action similar with MMPs inhibitor due to HeLa cell metastasis being suppressed in vitro. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1329-1336, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supawadee Patathananone
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sompong Thammasirirak
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Jing Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | | | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
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38
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Patathananone S, Thammasirirak S, Daduang J, Chung JG, Temsiripong Y, Daduang S. Bioactive compounds from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) white blood cells induced apoptotic cell death in hela cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:986-997. [PMID: 25691005 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) white blood cell extracts (WBCex) were examined for anticancer activity in HeLa cell lines using the MTT assay. The percentage viability of HeLa cells significantly deceased after treatment with WBCex in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 dose was suggested to be approximately 225 μg/mL protein. Apoptotic cell death occurred in a time-dependent manner based on investigation by flow cytometry using annexin V-FITC and PI staining. DAPI nucleic acid staining indicated increased chromatin condensation. Caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities also increased, suggesting the induction of the caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) of HeLa cells was lost as a result of increasing levels of Bax and reduced levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bcl-Xs, and XIAP. The decreased ΔΨm led to the release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase-9 and -3. Apoptosis-inducing factor translocated into the nuclei, and endonuclease G (Endo G) was released from the mitochondria. These results suggest that anticancer agents in WBCex can induce apoptosis in HeLa cells via both caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 986-997, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supawadee Patathananone
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sompong Thammasirirak
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Jing Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yosapong Temsiripong
- Sriracha Moda Co., Ltd. 383 Moo 4, Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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39
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Sandmeier F, Horn K, Tracy C. Temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in immune function of the Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As long-lived reptiles, Mojave Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii (Cooper, 1861)) are expected to make substantial energetic investments in immune defense. This species also has many adaptations to living in an arid environment characterized by seasonal extremes in temperature and resource availability. By housing G. agassizii at a controlled, constant ambient temperature, we quantified predominantly temperature-independent, seasonal fluctuations in innate immune function and circulating leukocytes in a reptile. We found a decrease in bacteriocidal activity of the blood plasma in winter, with reduced function lasting into the spring. Lymphocyte numbers were elevated in fall and winter, whereas eosinophil numbers increased in summer. Thus, properties of the immune system were up- or down-regulated in different directions across the seasons. We found a much higher level of variation of leukocyte profiles among individuals than has previously been reported for other chelonians. Heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (indicative of chronic glucocorticoid levels) were not associated with any measure of immune function, and thus glucocorticoid does not seem to mediate the observed seasonal changes. We propose a new hypothesis to explain seasonal changes in immune function, based on seasonal resource limitation in the Mojave Desert, including the availability of dietary protein, energy, and opportunities for thermal regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.C. Sandmeier
- Department of Biology, Lindenwood University–Belleville, 2600 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62223, USA
| | - K.R. Horn
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Mailstop 314, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - C.R. Tracy
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Mailstop 314, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA
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40
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Savage AE, Terrell KA, Gratwicke B, Mattheus NM, Augustine L, Fleischer RC. Reduced immune function predicts disease susceptibility in frogs infected with a deadly fungal pathogen. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 4:cow011. [PMID: 27293759 PMCID: PMC4834730 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cow011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between amphibian immune function and disease susceptibility is of primary concern given current worldwide declines linked to the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We experimentally infected lowland leopard frogs (Lithobates yavapaiensis) with Bd to test the hypothesis that infection causes physiological stress and stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immune function in the blood. We measured body mass, the ratio of circulating neutrophils to lymphocytes (a known indicator of physiological stress) and plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA; a measure of innate immune function). In early exposure (1-15 days post-infection), stress was elevated in Bd-positive vs. Bd-negative frogs, whereas other metrics were similar between the groups. At later stages (29-55 days post-infection), stress was increased in Bd-positive frogs with signs of chytridiomycosis compared with both Bd-positive frogs without disease signs and uninfected control frogs, which were similar to each other. Infection decreased growth during the same period, demonstrating that sustained resistance to Bd is energetically costly. Importantly, BKA was lower in Bd-positive frogs with disease than in those without signs of chytridiomycosis. However, neither group differed from Bd-negative control frogs. The low BKA values in dying frogs compared with infected individuals without disease signs suggests that complement activity might signify different immunogenetic backgrounds or gene-by-environment interactions between the host, Bd and abiotic factors. We conclude that protein complement activity might be a useful predictor of Bd susceptibility and might help to explain differential disease outcomes in natural amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lauren Augustine
- Center for Animal Care Sciences, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
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41
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Riera Romo M, Pérez-Martínez D, Castillo Ferrer C. Innate immunity in vertebrates: an overview. Immunology 2016; 148:125-39. [PMID: 26878338 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is a semi-specific and widely distributed form of immunity, which represents the first line of defence against pathogens. This type of immunity is critical to maintain homeostasis and prevent microbe invasion, eliminating a great variety of pathogens and contributing with the activation of the adaptive immune response. The components of innate immunity include physical and chemical barriers, humoral and cell-mediated components, which are present in all jawed vertebrates. The understanding of innate defence mechanisms in non-mammalian vertebrates is the key to comprehend the general picture of vertebrate innate immunity and its evolutionary history. This is also essential for the identification of new molecules with applications in immunopharmacology and immunotherapy. In this review, we describe and discuss the main elements of vertebrate innate immunity, presenting core findings in this field and identifying areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Riera Romo
- Pharmacology Department, Centre of Marine Bioproducts, Havana, Cuba
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42
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Maijaroen S, Anwised P, Klaynongsruang S, Daduang S, Boonmee A. Comparison of recombinant α-hemoglobin from Crocodylus siamensis expressed in different cloning vectors and their biological properties. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 118:55-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Jiang ZY, Deng HY, Yu ZJ, Ni JY, Kang SH. The Effect of Ultrafine Process on the Dissolution, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity of Coptidis rhizoma. Pharmacognosy Res 2016; 8:71-7. [PMID: 26941540 PMCID: PMC4753764 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.171097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dosage of herb ultrafine particle (UFP) depended on the increased level of its dissolution, toxicity, and efficacy. OBJECTIVE The dissolution, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of Coptidis rhizoma (CR) UFP were compared with those of traditional decoction (TD). MATERIALS AND METHODS The dissolution of berberine (BBR) of CR TD and UFP was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial activity of CR extract was assayed by plate-hole diffusion and broth dilution method; the inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth was evaluated after orally given CR UFP or TD extract. The cytotoxicity of CR extract was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS The dissolution amount of BBR from CR UFP increased 6-8-folds in comparison to TD at 2 min, the accumulative amount of BBR in both UFP and TD group increased in a time-dependent manner. The minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of CR UFP extract decreased to 1/2~1/4 of those of TD extract. The inhibitory effect of rat serums against bacteria growth decreased time-dependently, and no statistical difference was observed between two groups at each time point. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations of UFP extract increased 1.66~1.97 fold than those of TD. CONCLUSIONS The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of CR UFP increased in a dissolution-effect manner in vitro, the increased level of cytotoxicity was lower than that of antibacterial activity, and the inhibitory effect of rat serums containing drugs of UFP group did not improve. SUMMARY Ultrafine grinding process caused a rapid increase of BBR dissolution from CR.The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of UFP extract in vitro increased in a dissolution-effect manner, but the cytotoxicity increased lower than the antibacterial activity.The antibacterial activity of rat serums of UFP group did not improve in comparison to that of TD group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu Jiang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Hai-Ying Deng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Yu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Jun-Yan Ni
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical School, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Si-He Kang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Control, Hubei Institute for Food and Drug Control, Wuhan 430064, China
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Benedict S, Shilton CM. Providencia rettgeri septicaemia in farmed crocodiles. MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/ma16039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial septicaemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the Northern Territory. Providencia rettgeri is the most common aetiological agent. Efficacy of antibiotic treatment is dubious and there are high levels of resistance to antibiotics commonly used by farms, underlining the need for exploration of new approaches to managing the disease.
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Pollock NB, Gawne E, Taylor EN. Effects of temperature on feeding duration, success, and efficiency of larval western black-legged ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on western fence lizards. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 67:299-307. [PMID: 26188858 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is a common tick species throughout the western USA and is the major vector for Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease causing bacterium. Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) are a major host for juvenile I. pacificus, but are incompetent hosts for B. burgdorferi, which makes this host-parasite relationship of particular interest. In order to shed further light on this complex host-parasite relationship, we investigated the effects of temperature on feeding duration (number of days to repletion), success (number feeding to repletion), and efficiency (replete tick mass) of larval I. pacificus. Western fence lizards were experimentally infested with larval ticks and exposed to three constant temperatures (21, 27, 33 °C). Larvae feeding at 21 °C took approximately twice as long as larvae at 27 and 33 °C. Effects of temperature on feeding duration are likely mediated through effects on host blood circulation and functionality of tick salivary proteins. Our results here suggest temperature is another important factor influencing the feeding dynamics of I. pacificus, and likely other tick species. Future research is needed to clarify the exact mechanisms behind temperature effects on tick feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Pollock
- Department of Biological Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407-0401, USA,
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Keenan SW, Elsey RM. The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown: Microbial Symbioses of the American Alligator. Integr Comp Biol 2015; 55:972-85. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icv006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Strobel S, Becker NI, Encarnação JA. No short-term effect of handling and capture stress on immune responses of bats assessed by bacterial killing assay. Mamm Biol 2015; 80:312-315. [PMID: 32218714 PMCID: PMC7091759 DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ecoimmunology of wild animals becomes increasingly important. However, there are methodical limitations, especially when working on small mammals, e.g. small sample volume and acute stress associated with capture, handling and sampling that can influence immune parameters. The plasma bacterial killing assay measures innate humoral immune responses, mainly complement activity. It is a powerful tool with many methodical advantages. To avoid investigation of artefacts in future ecoimmunological studies the influence of acute stress on the bacterial killing activity was assessed. Bats (Nyctalus noctula, n = 9) were repeatedly sampled in three time intervals up to 97 min after capture. Bacterial killing activity against Escherichia coli was measured using a microplate absorbance reader. Bacterial killing activity was not influenced by capture, handling and sampling. Hence, released stress hormones did not affect circulating complement activity. To conclude, the plasma bacterial killing assay is reliable and efficient ecoimmunological tool in wildlife studies even of small mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Strobel
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 641 99 35761; fax: +49 641 99 35709.
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Bioprospecting the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) host defense peptidome. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117394. [PMID: 25671663 PMCID: PMC4324634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides and their therapeutic potential have garnered growing interest because of the proliferation of bacterial resistance. However, the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides from animals has proven challenging due to the limitations associated with conventional biochemical purification and difficulties in predicting active peptides from genomic sequences, if known. As an example, no antimicrobial peptides have been identified from the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, although their serum is antimicrobial. We have developed a novel approach for the discovery of new antimicrobial peptides from these animals, one that capitalizes on their fundamental and conserved physico-chemical properties. This sample-agnostic process employs custom-made functionalized hydrogel microparticles to harvest cationic peptides from biological samples, followed by de novo sequencing of captured peptides, eliminating the need to isolate individual peptides. After evaluation of the peptide sequences using a combination of rational and web-based bioinformatic analyses, forty-five potential antimicrobial peptides were identified, and eight of these peptides were selected to be chemically synthesized and evaluated. The successful identification of multiple novel peptides, exhibiting antibacterial properties, from Alligator mississippiensis plasma demonstrates the potential of this innovative discovery process in identifying potential new host defense peptides.
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Finger JW, Thomson PC, Adams AL, Benedict S, Moran C, Isberg SR. Reference levels for corticosterone and immune function in farmed saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) hatchlings using current Code of Practice guidelines. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 212:63-72. [PMID: 25644211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To determine reference levels for on-farm stressors on immune responsiveness and growth rate, 253 hatchling crocodiles from 11 known breeding pairs were repeatedly measured and blood sampled during their first year. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) was used to quantify baseline stress levels in captive animals and were found to be lower (mean 1.83±SE 0.16 ng/mL) than previously reported in saltwater crocodile hatchlings. Two tests of immune function were also conducted. Innate constitutive immunity was assessed using bacterial killing assays (BKA) against two bacterial species: Escherichia coli and Providencia rettgeri, whereby the latter causes considerable economic loss to industry from septicaemic mortalities. Although the bactericidal capabilities were different at approximately 4 months old (32±3% for E. coli and 16±4% for P. rettgeri), the differences had disappeared by approximately 9 months old (58±2% and 68±6%, respectively). To assess immune responsiveness to a novel antigen, the inflammatory swelling response caused by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection was assessed but was only significantly different between Samplings 1 and 3 (5% LSD). There were no significant clutch effects for CORT or PHA but there were for both BKA traits. CORT was not significantly associated with growth (head length) or the immune parameters except for P. rettgeri BKA where higher CORT levels were associated with better bactericidal capability. As such, these results suggest that the crocodiles in this study are not stressed, therefore endorsing the management strategies adopted within the Australian industry Code of Practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finger
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, NT 0837 Australia
| | - Peter C Thomson
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Amanda L Adams
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Suresh Benedict
- Berrimah Veterinary Laboratories, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia
| | - Christopher Moran
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sally R Isberg
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Centre for Crocodile Research, PO Box 329, Noonamah, NT 0837 Australia.
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50
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Finger JW, Williams RJ, Hamilton MT, Elsey RM, Oppenheimer VA, Holladay SD, Gogal RM. Influence of Collection Time on Hematologic and Immune Markers in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). J Immunoassay Immunochem 2015; 36:496-509. [DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2014.1001030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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