17β-Estradiol mediates TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling to attenuate the fibrosis of TGF-β1-induced bovine endometrial epithelial cells via GPER

Abnormal function and fibrosis of endometrium caused by cows' endometritis pose difficult implantation of embryos and uterine cavity adhesions. 17β-Estradiol (E2) serves as the most effective aromatized estrogen, and its synthetase and receptors have been detected in the endometrium. Studies have demonstrated the positive role of estrogen in combating pathological fibrosis in diverse diseases. However, it is still unknown whether E2 regulates endometrium fibrosis in bovine endometritis. Herein, we evaluated the expression patterns of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related proteins (α-SMA, vimentin N-cadherin and E-cadherin), cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in bovine healthy endometrium and Inflammatory endometrium. Our data showed that the inflamed endometrium presented low CYP19A1 and GPER expression, and significantly higher EMT process versus the normal tissue. Moreover, we established a TGF-β1-induced fibrosis model in BEND cells, and found that E2 inhibited the EMT process of BEND cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-fibrotic effect of E2 was blocked by the GPER inhibitor G15, but not the estrogen nuclear receptors (ERs) inhibitor ICI182780. Moreover, the GPER agonist G1 inhibited fibrosis and Smad2/3 phosphorylation but increased the expression of TGFBR3 in BEND cells. Transfection with TGFBR3 small interfering RNA blocked the effect of G1 on fibrosis of BEND cells and upregulated the expression of P-Smad2/3. Our in vivo data also showed that E2 and G1 affected uterus fibrosis in mice endometritis model caused by LPS, which was associated with the inhibition of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling. In conclusion, our data implied that E2 alleviates the fibrosis of TGF-β1-induced BEND cells, which is associated with the GPER mediation of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling.

S-adenosylmethionine attenuates angiotensin II-induced aortic dissection formation by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch and autophagy

It is well known that aortic dissection (AD) is a very aggressive class of vascular diseases. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is an autophagy inhibitor with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects; however, the role of SAM in AD is unknown. In this study, we constructed an animal model of AD using subcutaneous minipump continuous infusion of AngII-induced ApoE-/-mice and a cytopathic model using AngII-induced primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to investigate the possible role of SAM in AD. The results showed that mice in the AngII + SAM group had significantly lower AD incidence, significantly prolonged survival, and reduced vascular elastic fiber disruption compared with mice in the AngII group. In addition, SAM significantly inhibited autophagy in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, SAM also inhibited the cellular phenotypic switch, mainly by up regulating the expression levels of contractile marker proteins [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle 22α (SM22α)] and down regulating the expression levels of synthetic marker proteins [osteoblast protein (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9)]. Molecularly, SAM inhibited AD formation mainly by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Using a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) significantly reversed the protective effect of SAM in AngII-induced mice and VSMCs.Our study demonstrates the protective effect of SAM on mice under AngII-induced AD for the first time. SAM prevented AD formation mainly by inhibiting cellular phenotypic switch and autophagy, and activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is a possible molecular mechanism. Thus, SAM may be a novel strategy for the treatment of AD.

Mitochondrion-targeted carboxymethyl chitosan hybrid nanoparticles loaded with Coenzyme Q10 protect cardiac grafts against cold ischaemia‒reperfusion injury in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation (HT) has been approved as an optimal therapeutic regimen for patients with terminal-stage cardiac failure. However, cold ischaemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury remains an unavoidable and outstanding challenge, which is a major factor in early graft dysfunction and an obstacle to long-term survival in HT. Cold I/R injury induces cardiac graft injury by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and augmenting free radical production and inflammatory responses. We therefore designed a mitochondrion-targeted nanocarrier loaded with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (CoQ10@TNPs) for treatment of cold I/R injury after cardiac graft in a murine heterotopic cardiac transplantation model.

METHODS

Hybrid nanoparticles composed of CaCO3/CaP/biotinylated-carboxymethylchitosan (CaCO3/CaP/BCMC) were synthesized using the coprecipitation method, and the mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide SS31 was incorporated onto the surface of the hybrid nanoparticles through biotin-avidin interactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used for characterisation. In vitro, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model of H9c2 cells was employed to replicate in vivo cold I/R injury and treated with CoQ10@TNPs. The impact of CoQ10@TNPs on H9c2 cell injury was assessed by analysis of oxidative damage and apoptosis. In vivo, donor hearts (DHs) were perfused with preservation solution containing CoQ10@TNPs and stored in vitro at 4 °C for 12 h. The DHs were heterotopically transplanted and analysed for graft function, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers 1 day post-transplantation.

RESULTS

CoQ10@TNPs were successfully synthesized and delivered CoQ10 to the mitochondria of the cold ischaemic myocardium. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CoQ10@TNPs was taken up by H9c2 cells at 4 °C and localized within the mitochondria, thus ameliorating oxidative stress damage and mitochondrial injury in cold I/R injury. In vivo experiments showed that CoQ10@TNPs accumulated in DH tissue at 4 °C, localized within the mitochondria during cold storage and improved cardiac graft function by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative injury and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

CoQ10@TNPs can precisely deliver CoQ10 to the mitochondria of cold I/R-injured cardiomyocytes to effectively eliminate mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), thus reducing oxidative injury and inflammatory reactions in cold I/R-injured graft tissues and finally improving heart graft function. Thus, CoQ10@TNPs offer an effective approach for safeguarding cardiac grafts against extended periods of cold ischaemia, emphasizing the therapeutic potential in mitigating cold I/R injury during HT. These findings present an opportunity to enhance existing results following HT and broaden the range of viable grafts for transplantation.

Identification of key genes affecting sperm motility in chicken based on whole-transcriptome sequencing

Sperm motility is an important index for the evaluation of semen quality. Improving sperm motility is important to improve reproductive performance, promote breeding process, and reduce production cost. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm motility in chickens remain unclear. In this study, histological observation and whole-transcriptome analysis were performed on testicular tissue of chickens with high and low sperm motility. Histological observations showed that roosters with high sperm motility exhibited better semen quality than those with low sperm motility. In addition, the germinal epithelial cells of roosters with low sperm motility were loosely arranged and contained many vacuoles. RNA-seq results revealed the expression of 23,033 mRNAs, 2,893 lncRNAs, and 515 miRNAs in chicken testes. Among them, there were 417 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 106 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and 15 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between high and low sperm motility testes. These differentially expressed genes were involved in the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, cilia structure, Wnt signaling, MAPK signaling, GnRH signaling, and mTOR signaling. By integrating the competitive relationships between DEmRNAs, DElncRNAs, and DEmiRNAs, we identified the regulatory pathway of MSTRG.3077.3/MSTRG.9085.1-gga-miR-138-5p-CADM1 and MSTRG.2290.1-gga-miR-142-3p-GNAQ/PPP3CA as crucial in the modulation of chicken sperm motility. This study provides new insights into the function and mechanism of ceRNAs in regulating sperm motility in chicken testes.

Identification of key genes related to intramuscular fat deposition in Beijing-You chicken by mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analysis

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an important factor affecting chicken quality. However, the age-related mechanism of IMF deposition has not yet been elucidated. In this study, the IMF, phospholipids (PL), triglycerides (TG), and fatty acid (FA) content in the breast muscle of Beijing-You chicken (BJY) at 1, 56, 98, and 120 d of age was measured, and mRNA and miRNA sequencing was integrated to explore the regulatory genes of IMF deposition. The results showed that the IMF content of BJY at 1 d of age was significantly higher than that at later stage of birth (P < 0.05). The transcriptome sequencing results showed that 7, 225 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 243 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified. The cluster analysis showed that the expression of DEGs and DE-miRNAs at 1 d of age was significantly different from that at later stages of birth. Furthermore, a potential mRNA-miRNA regulatory network related to IMF deposition was established by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA); gga-miR-29c-3p-PIK3R1, gga-miR-6701-3p-PTEN, gga-miR-363-3p-PTEN, gga-miR-1563-WWP1, gga-miR-449c/d-5p-TRAF6, and gga-miR-6701-3p-BMPR1B were identified as key mRNA-miRNA pairs for the regulation of IMF deposition. These results will help elucidate the mechanism of IMF formation mediated by miRNAs in chickens, and provide a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of broiler meat quality.

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with BEZ235 prevent acute rejection in mouse heart transplantation

Acute rejection may manifest following heart transplantation, despite the implementation of relatively well-established immunosuppression protocols. The significance of the mTOR signaling pathway in rejection is widely acknowledged. BEZ235, a second-generation mTOR inhibitor with dual inhibitory effects on PI3K and mTOR, holds promise for clinical applications. This study developed a nanodelivery system, BEZ235@NP, to facilitate the intracellular delivery of BEZ235, which enhances efficacy and reduces adverse effects by improving the poor solubility of BEZ235. In the complete MHCII-mismatched model, BEZ235@NP significantly prolonged cardiac allografts survival compared to free BEZ235, which was attributed to more effective suppression of effector T cell activation and promotion of greater expansion of Tregs. These nanoparticles demonstrated excellent biosafety and exhibited no short-term biotoxicity upon investigation. To elucidate the mechanism, primary T cells were isolated from the spleen and it was observed that BEZ235@NP treatment resulted in the arrest of these cells in the G0/G1 phase. As indicated by Western blot analysis, BEZ235@NP substantially reduced mTOR phosphorylation. This, in turn, suppressed downstream pathways and ultimately exerted an anti-proliferative and anti-activating effect on cells. Furthermore, it was observed that inhibition of the mTOR pathway stimulated T-cell autophagy. In conclusion, the strategy of intracellular delivery of BEZ235 presents promising applications for the treatment of acute rejection.

α-Linolenic acid-regulated testosterone biosynthesis via activation of the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway in primary rooster Leydig cells

As a functional fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential in promoting animal testosterone biosynthesis. This study investigated the effects of ALA on testosterone biosynthesis and the possible mechanism underlying the signaling pathway in primary Leydig cells of the rooster.

METHODS

Primary rooster Leydig cells were treated with ALA (0, 20, 40, or 80 μmol/L) or pretreated with a p38 inhibitor (50 μmol/L), a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (20 μmol/L), or an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor (20 μmol/L) before ALA treatment. Testosterone content in the conditioned culture medium was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway factors was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

Supplementation with ALA significantly increased testosterone secretion within culture media (P < 0.05), and the optimized dose was 40 μmol/L. Compared with the control group, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) mRNA expression significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 40 μmol/L ALA group; 17-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase (P450c17) and p38 mRNA expressions were not significantly different in the 40 μmol/L ALA group; ERK and JNK mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in 40 μmol/L ALA group. In the inhibitor group, testosterone levels were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the 40 μmol/L ALA group, StAR, P450scc, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and 3β-HSD mRNA expression in the p38 inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and P450c17 mRNA expression in ERK inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in JNK inhibitor group. Additionally, the increased steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) gene expression levels induced by ALA were reversed when the cells were pre-incubated with JNK and ERK inhibitors. The levels in the JNK inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ALA may promote testosterone biosynthesis by activating the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway to upregulate StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, and P450c17 expression in primary rooster Leydig cells.

Glut10 restrains neointima formation by promoting SMCs mtDNA demethylation and improving mitochondrial function

Neointimal hyperplasia is a major clinical complication of coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a vital roles in neointimal hyperplasia development and undergo complex phenotype switching. Previous studies have linked glucose transporter member 10(Glut10) to the phenotypic transformation of SMCs. In this research, we reported that Glut10 helps maintain the contractile phenotype of SMCs. The Glut10-TET2/3 signaling axis can arrest neointimal hyperplasia progression by improving mitochondrial function via promotion of mtDNA demethylation in SMCs. Glut10 is significantly downregulated in both human and mouse restenotic arteries. Global Glut10 deletion or SMC-specific Glut10 ablation in the carotid artery of mice accelerated neointimal hyperplasia, while Glut10 overexpression in the carotid artery triggered the opposite effects. All of these changes were accompanied by a significant increase in vascular SMCs migration and proliferation. Mechanistically, Glut10 is expressed primarily in the mitochondria after platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment. Glut10 ablation induced a reduction in ascorbic acid (VitC) concentrations in mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) hypermethylation by decreasing the activity and expression of the Ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family. We also observed that Glut10 deficiency aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased the adenosinetriphosphate (ATP) content and the oxygen consumption rate, which also caused SMCs to switch their phenotype from contractile to synthetic phenotype. Furthermore, mitochondria-specific TET family inhibition partially reversed these effects. These results suggested that Glut10 helps maintain the contractile phenotype of SMCs. The Glut10-TET2/3 signaling axis can arrest neointimal hyperplasia progression by improving mitochondrial function via the promotion of mtDNA demethylation in SMCs.

The impact of green technology innovation on carbon dioxide emissions: The role of local environmental regulations

Environmental pollution has become a global issue attracting ever-increasing attention. Green technology innovation (GTI) is considered an effective strategy in countering this problem and helping achieve sustainability goals. However, the market failure suggests that intervention from the government is necessary to promote the effectiveness of technological innovation and hence, its positive social impacts on emissions reduction. This study investigates how the environmental regulation (ER) influences the relationship between green innovation and CO₂ emissions reduction in China. Employing data from 30 provinces from the period 2003 to 2019, the Panel Fixed-effect model, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), the System Generalised Method of Moments (SYS-GMM) and the Difference-In-Difference (DID) models are applied to take issues relating to endogeneity and spatial impact into consideration. The results indicate that environmental regulations positively moderate the impact of green knowledge innovation (GKI) on CO₂ emissions reduction but have a much weaker moderation effect when green process innovation (GPI) is considered. Among different types of regulatory instruments, investment-based regulation (IER) is the most effective in promoting the relationship between green innovation and emissions reduction, followed by command-and-control-based regulation (CER). Expenditure-based regulation (EER) is less effective and can encourage short-termism and opportunistic behaviour among firms, who can accept the paying of fines as a cheaper cost over the short-term than investment in green innovation. Moreover, the spatial spillover effect of green technological innovation on carbon emissions in neighbouring regions is confirmed, in particular when IER and CER are implemented. Lastly, the heterogeneity issue is further examined by considering differences in the economic development and the industrial structure across different regions, and the conclusions reached remain robust. This study identifies that the market-based regulatory instrument, IER, works best in promoting green innovation and emissions reduction among Chinese firms. It also encourages GKI which may assist firms in achieving long-term sustained growth. The study recommends further development of the green finance system to maximise the positive impact of this policy instrument.

Design, synthesis and anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of novel diphenyl vitamin D receptor agonists

Hepatic fibrosis poses a significant threat to human health due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition leading to liver function damage. Ligand-activated vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been identified as an effective target for hepatic fibrosis, reducing ECM by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Here, a series of novel diphenyl VDR agonists have been rationally designed and synthesized. Among these, compounds 15b, 16i, and 28m showed better transcriptional activity compared to sw-22, which was previously reported to be a potent non-secosteroidal VDR modulator. Moreover, these compounds exhibited outstanding efficacy to inhibit collagen deposition in vitro. In models of CCl₄-induced and bile duct ligation-induced hepatic fibrosis, compound 16i showed the most significant therapeutic effect by ultrasound imaging and histological examination. Moreover, 16i was able to repair liver tissue by reducing the expression levels of fibrosis genes and serum liver function indexes without causing hypercalcemia in mice. In conclusion, compound 16i is a potent VDR agonist with significant anti-hepatic fibrosis action both in vitro and in vivo.

A study on community older people's willingness to use smart home-an extended technology acceptance model with intergenerational relationships

Introduction

Despite the potential of smart home technology to promote sustainable lifestyles, the adoption rate among older adults remains relatively low. This study aims to investigate the influence of intergenerational relationships on the acceptance of smart home services among seniors.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 298 older adults in China, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Ten predictor variables were examined to assess their impact on the willingness to use smart home services.

Results

Intergenerational relationships significantly influenced the utilization of smart home services among older adults. Specifically, intergenerational instrumental support had a direct positive effect on the behavioral intention to use smart homes. Additionally, intergenerational emotional and financial support affected life satisfaction, which subsequently influenced the behavioral intention to use smart homes.

Discussion

The assistance and guidance provided by younger generations play a crucial role in shaping the willingness of older adults to adopt smart home technology. Intergenerational support can contribute positively to enabling aging individuals to age in place through the utilization of technology.

Circulating lipocalin-2 as a novel biomarker for early neurological deterioration and unfavorable prognosis after acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an acute-phase protein that could mediate neuroinflammation after brain injury. We aimed to evaluate if LCN2 level was associated with early neurological deterioration (END) in acute ischemic stroke patients, thus hindering clinical recovery.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of acute ischemic stroke patients between June 2021 and February 2022. Serum LCN2 concentration was measured after admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Outcomes included END and 90-day poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale increment ≥4 points within 72 h after admission was defined as END.

RESULTS

A total of 253 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age, 65.2 ± 13.4 years; 64.0% male) were recruited. In the multivariate adjustment, increased serum LCN2 levels (per 1-SD increase of LCN2) were associated with a higher risk of END (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-2.25; p = .002) and 90-day poor outcome (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.22-2.45; p = .002). Restricted cubic splines found a linear relationship between LCN2 level and 90-day unfavorable outcome (END, p = .001 for linearity; 90-day poor outcome, p = .013 for linearity). Subgroup analysis further confirmed the significant association of LCN2 with clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that higher circulating LCN2 level was associated with an increased risk of early clinical worsening and 90-day unfavorable outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.

Lymph-Node-Targeted Drug Delivery for Effective Immunomodulation to Prolong the Long-Term Survival After Heart Transplantation

The chronic rejection responses and side effects of the systematic administration of immunosuppressants are the main obstacles to heart allograft and patient survival. The development of xenotransplantation also urgently requires more efficient immune regulation strategies. Herein, it is demonstrated that lymph-node (LN)-targeted drug delivery can realize LN-specific immunomodulation with attenuated immune suppression on distant peripheral immune organs to effectively prolong long-term survival after heart transplantation in a chronic murine heart transplantation model. A chemokine C-C motif ligand 21 (CCL21) specific aptamer for LN targeting is decorated onto the surface of the hybrid nanoparticular delivery vector mainly composed of CaCO₃ /CaP/heparin. The targeting delivery system can dramatically enhance accumulation of the loaded immunosuppressant, fingolimod hydrochloride (FTY720), in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) for inducing powerful immune suppression. By promoting the generation of endogenous regulatory T cells (T_regs ) and decreasing the proportion of effector T cells (T_effs ) in dLNs after heart transplantation, the LN-targeting strategy can effectively regulate local immune responses instead of systemic immunity, which reduces the incidence of long-term complications. This study provides an efficient strategy to improve the survival rate after organ transplantation by precise and localized immunoregulation with minimized side effects of immunosuppression.

Competing endogenous RNA network construction based on long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and mRNAs related to fat deposition in Songliao black swine

China has a long history of pig breeding and a number of local breeds. The Songliao Black pig, bred in China in 2009, shows high variation in backfat thickness and therefore is well-suited to fat deposition research. Fat deposition is a complex trait, and the underlying regulatory factors are not fully characterized. In this study, the molecular basis of fat deposition traits was evaluated by comparisons between three individuals with extremely high-backfat thickness and three with extremely low-backfat thickness selected from 53 gilts. Subcutaneous adipose tissues of the back were collected for strand-specific library RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and small RNA-seq. We identified 13 184 mRNAs, 2046 long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, and 494 micro (mi)RNAs by high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, we detected 150 differentially expressed mRNAs, 66 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and eight differentially expressed miRNAs. A functional enrichment analysis indicated that these genes are involved in multiple fat metabolism-related pathways, including positive regulation of fat cell differentiation, and fat digestion and absorption. We used various algorithms (miRanda, TargetScan, and RNAhybrid) to predict targeting relationships and constructed a competing endogenous RNA network containing seven lncRNAs, three miRNAs, and six mRNAs. All these genes were differentially expressed between the extremely high and low backfat thickness groups or enriched in pathways related to fat metabolism. Our results provide insight into the regulatory mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs and their target genes influence backfat deposition in pigs. Furthermore, our newly constructed competing endogenous RNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) network provides a basis for further exploration of fat deposition traits and non-coding RNA functions.

Effect of exercise and antioxidant supplementation on cellular lipid peroxidation in elderly individuals: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background: The viewpoints of previous studies on the correlation between exercise and cellular lipid peroxidation are contradictory from many perspectives and lack evidence for elder individuals. A new systematic review with network meta-analysis is necessary and will have significant practical value to provide high-quality evidence in the development of exercise protocols and an evidence-based guide for antioxidant supplementation for the elderly. Aims: To identify the cellular lipid peroxidation induced by different types of exercise, with or without antioxidant supplementation, in elderly individuals. Methods: Randomized controlled trials that recruited elderly participants and reported cellular lipid peroxidation indicators and were published in peer-reviewed journals in English were searched by a Boolean logic search strategy and screened in the databases PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. The outcome measures were the biomarkers of oxidative stress in cell lipids in urine and blood, namely F2-isoprostanes, hydrogen peroxide (LOOH, PEROX, or LIPOX), malondialdehyde (MDA), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Result: 7 trials were included. A combination program of aerobic exercise (AE), low-intensity resistance training (LIRT), and a placebo intake (Placebo) and a combination program of aerobic exercise, low-intensity resistance training, and antioxidant supplementation (S) had the most and sub-most potential to dampen cellular lipid peroxidation (AE + LIRT + Placebo: 0.31 in Rank 1 and 0.2 in Rank 2; AE + LIRT + S: 0.19 in Rank 1 and 0.20 in Rank 2); A placebo intake (Placebo) and a blank intervention without exercise (NE) had the most and sub-most potential to induce an enhancement of cellular lipid peroxidation (Placebo: 0.51 in Rank 9 and 0.16 in Rank 8; NE: 0.16 in Rank 9 and 0.28 in Rank 8). All included studies had an unclear risk of selecting reporting. There were no high confidence ratings in all the direct and indirect comparisons, 4 comparisons in the direct evidence structure and 7 comparisons in the indirect evidence structure had moderate confidence. Conclusion: A combined protocol consisting of aerobic exercise and low-intensity resistance training is recommended to dampen cellular lipid peroxidation. Extra antioxidant supplementation might be unnecessary if an elderly individual has enough aerobic and resistance exercise. Systematic Review Registration: CRD42022367430.

Effects of dietary pretreated Chinese herbal medicine supplementation on production performance, egg quality, uterine histopathological changes, and antioxidant capacity in late-phase laying hens

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of pretreated Chinese herbal medicine (PCHM) on egg quality, production performance, histopathological changes in the uterus, antiox idant capacity, and antioxidant gene expression in late-phase layers. Methods: Jinghong No.1 layers (n = 360, 68 weeks old) were assigned randomly to one of f our dietary interventions. Each treatment was replicated six times. Repeat 15 chickens per g roup. All birds were fed a diet composed of a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8% PCHM for 6 weeks. Results: Dietary PCHM supplementation had no significant effects on laying rate, feed con sumption, yolk color, and shape index. With increasing PCHM level the Haugh unit linearly increased (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 0.8% PCHM increased egg weight, compared with the control (P < 0.05). PCHM can effectively alleviated the pathological changes caused by aging in the uterus including hemorrhage, and many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Supplementation of 0.4% PCHM increased glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in liver, magnum, and plasm considerably, compared with the control (P < 0.05). Supplementation of PCHM decr ease in the liver, magnum, and uterus on malondialdehyde (MDA) content, compared with the control (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), peroxidase 4 (GPX4), catalase (CAT), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the magnum, liver, and uterus were dramatically rose in the 0.4% PCHM supplementation group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation after PCHM increased egg weight and quality in late-phase laying hens. Conclusion: Dietary PCHM increased the antioxidative capacity of late-phase laying hens, which could be associated with increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and Nrf2. These findings provide potential for using PCHM to increase the production performance in late-phase laying hens.

Comprehensive Analysis of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network for Intramuscular Fat in Pigs

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is an essential trait closely related to meat quality. The IMF trait is a complex quantitative trait that is regulated by multiple genes. In order to better understand the process of IMF and explore the key factors affecting IMF deposition, we identified differentially expressed mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) between Songliao Black (SL) pigs and Landrace pigs. We obtained 606 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 55 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and 30 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) between the SL pig and Landrace pig. Enrichment results from GO and KEGG indicate that DEGs are involved in fatty acid metabolism and some pathways related to glycogen synthesis. We constructed an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network with 18 DELs, 11 DEMs, and 42 DEGs. Finally, the research suggests that ARID5B, CPT1B, ACSL1, LPIN1, HSP90AA1, IRS1, IRS2, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, and PLIN2 may be the key genes affecting IMF deposition. The LncRNAs MSTRG.19948.1, MSTRG.13120.1, MSTRG.20210.1, and MSTRG.10023.1, and the miRNAs ssc-miRNA-429 and ssc-miRNA-7-1, may play a regulatory role in IMF deposition through their respective target genes. Our research provides a reference for further understanding the regulatory mechanism of IMF.

Replication of standard bovine viral diarrhea strain OregonC24Va induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of bovine trophoblast cells

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a worldwide infectious disease caused by bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection, which invades the placenta, causes abortion, produces immune tolerance and continuously infects calves, and causes huge economic losses to the cattle industry. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important organelle in cells, which is prone to ER stress after being stimulated by pathogens, thus activating the ER stress-related apoptosis. Studies have confirmed that BVDV can utilize the ER of its host to complete its own proliferation and stimulate ER stress to a certain extent. However, the role of ER stress in BVDV infecting bovine placental trophoblast cells (BTCs) and inducing apoptosis is still unclear. We are using the cytopathic strain of BVDV (OregonC24Va), which can cause apoptosis of BTCs, as a model system to determine how ER stress induced by BVDV affects placental toxicity. We show that OregonC24Va can infect BTCs and proliferate in it. With the proliferation of BVDV in BTCs, ER stress-related apoptosis is triggered. The ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA was used to inhibit the ER stress of BTCs, which not only inhibited the proliferation of BVDV, but also reduced the apoptosis of BTCs. The ER stress activator Tg can activate ER stress-related apoptosis, but the proliferation of BVDV does not change in BTCs. Therefore, BVDV utilizes the UPR of activated ER stress to promote the proliferation of BVDV in the early stage of infection, and activates the ER stress-related apoptosis of BTCs in the later stage with the virus proliferation to promote the cell apoptosis and further spread of the virus. Our research provides a new theoretical basis for exploring the placental infection and vertical transmission of BVDV.

HPLC-QTRAP-MS-based metabolomics approach investigates the formation mechanisms of meat quality and flavor of Beijing You chicken

Chicken meat quality and flavor are determined by abundant metabolites. In this study, HPLC-QTRAP-MS-based metabolomic analysis was used to evaluate the characteristic metabolites in the breast muscle of Beijing You chickens aged 56, 98, and 120 days. A total of 544 metabolites in 32 categories were identified, among which amino acids and organic acids were the most abundant. 60 and 55 differential metabolites were identified between 56 and 98 days of age, 98 and 120 days of age, respectively. The content of l-carnitine, l-methionine and 3-hydroxybutyrate increased significantly at 98 or 120 days of age. Arginine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid metabolism were important metabolic pathways that affect chicken meat flavor. This study can help to elucidate the metabolic mechanism of breast muscle during Beijing You chicken development and provide a theoretical reference for the improvement of chicken meat quality and flavor.

Reticular Chemistry with Art: A Case Study of Olympic Rings-Inspired Metal-Organic Frameworks

Herein, we demonstrate the successful utilization of reticular chemistry as an excellent designing strategy for the deliberate construction of a zirconium-tetracarboxylate metal-organic framework (MOF) inspired by the Olympic rings. HIAM-4017, with an unprecedented (4,8)-c underlying net topology termed jcs, was developed via insightful reconstruction of the rings and judicious design of a nonsymmetric organic linker. HIAM-4017 exhibits high porosity and excellent chemical and thermal stability. Furthermore, excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) was achieved in an isoreticular MOF, HIAM-4018, with a large Stokes shift of 155 nm as a result of introducing the hydroxyl group to the linker skeleton to induce OH···N interactions. Such interactions were analyzed thoroughly by employing the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Because of their good thermal and chemical stability, and strong luminescence, nanosized HIAM-4017 and HIAM-4018 were fabricated and used for Cr₂O₇^2- detection. Both MOFs demonstrate excellent sensitivity and selectivity. This work represents a neat example of building structure- and property-specific MOFs guided by reticular chemistry.

Identification of circRNAs Associated with Adipogenesis Based on RNA-Seq Data in Pigs

Adipocytes or fat cells play a vital role in the storage and release of energy in pigs, and many circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in various tissues and cell types in pigs. However, the spatio-temporal expression pattern of circRNAs between different adipose deposition breeds remains elusive. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) produced transcriptome profiles of Western Landrace (lean-type) and Chinese Songliao black pigs (obese-type) with different thicknesses of subcutaneous fat tissues and were used to identify circRNAs involved in the regulation of adipogenesis. Gene expression analysis revealed 883 circRNAs, among which 26 and 11 circRNAs were differentially expressed between Landrace vs. Songliao pigs and high- vs. low-thickness groups, respectively. We also analyzed the interaction between circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) and constructed their interaction network in adipogenesis; gene ontology classification and pathway analysis revealed two vital circRNAs, with the majority of their target genes enriched in biological functions such as fatty acids biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and Wnt/TGF-β signaling pathways. These candidate circRNAs can be taken as potential targets for further experimental studies. Our results show that circRNAs are dynamically expressed and provide a valuable basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of circRNAs in pig adipose biology.

Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate Attenuates Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Induced Liver Injury by Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function and Inhibiting the LPS/TLRs/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice

Liver injury caused by first-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs accounts for a high proportion of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and gut microbiota and intestinal barrier integrity have been shown to be involved in the development of DILI. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) is the fourth-generation glycyrrhizic acid preparation, which is well documented to be effective against anti-TB DILI, but the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. In the present study, we established a BALB/c mice animal model of the HRZE regimen (39 mg/kg isoniazid (H), 77 mg/kg rifampicin (R), 195 mg/kg pyrazinamide (Z), and 156 mg/kg ethambutol (E))-induced liver injury to investigate the protective effect of MgIG against anti-TB DILI and underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that intraperitoneal injection of MgIG (40 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated HRZE-induced liver injury by reducing alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and improved liver pathological changes. Species composition analysis of gut microbiota showed that Lactobacillus was the only probiotic that was down-regulated by HRZE and recovered by MgIG. In addition, MgIG attenuated HRZE-induced intestinal pathology, significantly decreased HRZE-induced intestinal permeability by increasing the protein expression of tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin, decreased HRZE-induced high lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, and further markedly attenuated mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB. Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus JYLR-005 (>109 CFU/day/mouse) alleviated HRZE-induced liver injury and inflammation in mice. In summary, MgIG effectively ameliorated HRZE-induced liver injury by restoring the abundance of Lactobacillus, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and further inhibiting the activation of the LPS/TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway. Regulating gut microbiota and promoting the integrity of intestinal barrier function may become a new direction for the prevention and treatment of anti-TB DILI.

Using Machine Learning to Identify Biomarkers Affecting Fat Deposition in Pigs by Integrating Multisource Transcriptome Information

Fat deposition in pigs is not only closely related to pig production efficiency and pork quality but also an ideal model for human obesity. Transcriptome sequencing is widely used to study fat deposition. However, due to small sample sizes, high false positive rates, and poor consistency of results from different studies, new strategies are urgently needed. Machine learning, a new analysis method, can effectively fit complex data and accurately identify samples and genes. In this study, 36 samples of adipose tissue, muscle tissue, and liver tissue were collected from Songliao black pigs and Landrace pigs, and the mRNA of all the samples was sequenced. In addition, we collected transcriptome data for 64 samples in the GEO database from four different sources. After standardization and imputation of missing values in the data set comprising 100 samples, traditional differential expression analysis was carried out, and different numbers of expressed genes were selected as features for the training model of eight machine learning methods. In the 1000 replications of fourfold cross validation with 100 samples, AdaBoost performed best, with an average prediction accuracy greater than 93% and the highest mean area under the curve in predicting the high- and low-fat content groups among the eight ML methods. According to their performance-based ranks inferred by AdaBoost, 12 genes related to fat deposition were identified; among them, FASN and APOD were specifically expressed in adipose tissue, and APOA1 was specifically expressed in the liver, which could be important candidate biomarkers affecting fat deposition.

Dietary supplementation with selenomethionine enhances antioxidant capacity and selenoprotein gene expression in layer breeder roosters

This study's objective was to investigate the effects of dietary Se (in the form of selenomethionine) on the antioxidant activity and selenoprotein gene expressions in layer breeder roosters. One hundred and eighty, 36-wk-old Jingfen layer breeder roosters were randomly allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg Se) for 6 wk on a corn-soybean meal-based diet. Antioxidant parameters and selenoprotein gene expressions were assessed at the end of the experiment. The results showed that Se supplementation significantly increased the activity of T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and superoxide anion scavenging ability in plasma (P ≤ 0.05), and activities of T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, superoxide anion scavenging ability, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability in the liver, kidney, and testis (P < 0.05). Moreover, MDA levels were significantly reduced in plasma, liver, kidney, and testis (P < 0.01), compared to the control group. Furthermore, the dietary administration of Se significantly increased TrxR2 and GPx4 mRNA levels in kidney and testis, and ID1 mRNA levels in liver and kidney. Most of the antioxidant parameters and selenoprotein-related gene expressions significantly increased, and MDA significantly decreased at dietary supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg Se. Whereas a higher dose of Se level (1 or 2 mg/kg) inhibited the activities of some of the antioxidant enzymes and selenoprotein-related gene expressions in selected tissues. In conclusion, dietary Se supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg significantly improved roosters’ antioxidant status and selenoprotein-related gene expression in liver, kidney, and testis, while higher doses led to inhibit these; dietary Se might increase reproductive performance by enhancing their antioxidant status in roosters.

A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Sperm Parameters

Objective. Several studies examined the putative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on sperm parameters. However, the results remain controversial. In this study, we conducted the most up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on sperm quality in COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative male participants. Method. Seven databases were searched for literature released through June 10, 2022, containing estimates for the outcomes of interest. Using a random-effects model (REM) or a fixed-effects model (FEM), we analyzed the pooled results. The quality of all included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In addition, we performed a quantitative and subgroup analysis of semen data across all included studies. Results. Fourteen studies were extracted from 10 publications, involving a total of 1174 participates for meta-analysis. Sperm parameters of 521 COVID-19 male patients and 653 controls were analyzed. In 8 case-control studies, the pooled mean difference (MD) of total sperm motility was -5.37% (95% confidence interval (CI): -8.47 to -2.28; p<0.05), suggesting that total motility was significantly impaired in male COVID-19 cases. Subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total motility in 238 patients with a recovery time of less than 90 days. Moreover, in the other 6 included pre- to post-COVID-19 studies, the pooled MDs of sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, and normal morphology were −6.54×106/ml (95% CI: -10.27 to -2.81; p<0.05), −38.89×106 (95% CI: -59.20 to -18.58; p<0.05), -7.21% (95% CI: -14.36 to -0.07; p<0.05), -5.12% (95% CI: -8.71 to -1.53; p<0.05), and -1.52% (95% CI: -2.88 to -0.16; p<0.05), respectively, which indicate SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly affected these five sperm parameters. Conclusion. Our results revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly correlated with decreased sperm quality. Of six sperm parameters, total motility and sperm concentration were the most significantly decreased parameters. These results suggest a possible negative influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on testicular function and male fertility. Given the potential detrimental effect of SARS-CoV-2 on semen quality, male reproductive health should be monitored closely in patients with COVID-19. This trial is registered with CRD42021275823.

Iron deficiency exacerbates aortic medial degeneration by inducing excessive mitochondrial fission

Iron deficiency (ID) is a global nutritional deficiency that was shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) in our previous studies. Some studies suggested that mitochondrial dynamics was involved in the apoptosis and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, little is known about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in aortic medial degeneration (AMD) promoted by an iron deficient diet. The present study investigated the effect of ID on the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs, the progression of AMD, and the underlying mechanism. The expression of p-Drp1 (Ser616) and Fis1 was markedly upregulated in the aortic media of AAD patients and ApoE^-/- mice with subcutaneous AngII osmotic pumps. ID facilitated the formation of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs), which triggered excessive mitochondrial fission, induced the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs, and ultimately accelerated the progression of AMD. Furthermore, the present study indicated that an inhibitor of Drp1 could partially reverse this process. Maintaining iron balance in the human body may prevent the development of AAD.

[Current situation and the latest progress in the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum]

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare chronic inflammatory non-infectious skin dermatosis, and there is no clear treatment guideline for this disease at home and abroad. There are a variety of clinical treatment methods for PG, including local therapy and systemic application of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, intravenous immuno- globulin, and biologics. Glucocorticoids are the first-line drugs commonly used in clinical practice, and immunosuppressants can be used alone or in combination with glucocorticoids. In recent years, more and more evidence has shown that biologics are a new trend in the treatment of PG, mainly including tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors, interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, IL-12/23 inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, rituximab, and small molecular inhibitors. This article summarizes the current status and latest progress in the treatment of PG, hoping to provide clinicians with ideas for the treatment of PG.

Heat stress and hypoxia inhibit the secretion of androgens and induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition associated with activated TGF-β/Smad signalling in canine cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism, as a common congenital disease of canine testes, is mainly caused by factors leading to endocrine abnormalities in testes and infertility in a heat stress and hypoxia microenvironment. Moreover, heat stress and hypoxia, as critical microenvironmental factors, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which occurs during adult tissue remodelling responses including carcinogenesis and fibrosis and is the main cause of testicular tumours. In this study, we found by haematoxylin-eosin staining that the canine cryptorchid tissue produced a lot of collagen fibres. Also, the quantitative PCR and Western blot results showed that the mRNA and protein levels of the heat stress makers HSP70 and HO-1 and the hypoxia maker HIF-1α are significant higher compared with normal testes. Moreover, we found the expression levels of TGF-βs and its two receptors TGF-βRI and TGF-βRII increased in case of cryptorchidism. From the study in vitro, we found both heat stress and COCl₂ mimic hypoxia inhibited the secretion of testosterone (T) and androstenedione (A4) and promoted the expression of the EMT maker α-SMA and vimentin in Leydig cells, and also that heat stress and COCl₂ stimulated with the TGF-β signalling promoted the expression of TGF-βs and its two type receptors and also the active phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. The use of LY2109761, a receptor inhibitor of TGF-βs/Smad signalling pathway, was associated with heat stress and COCl₂ suppression of androgens' secretion and stimulated EMT in Leydig cells. These findings characterized a novel pathogenesis of cryptorchidism and provided a new idea for therapeutics.

Comparative effectiveness of glycyrrhizic acid preparations aimed at preventing and treating anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury: A network meta-analysis of 97 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Clinical guidelines and expert consensus do not yet recommend glycyrrhizic acid (GA) preparations, such as compound glycyrrhizin, diammonium glycyrrhizin, magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MGIG), et al., for the prevention of anti-tuberculosis(anti-TB) drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to insufficient evidence. Although these GA preparations are recommended for the treatment of anti-TB DILI, which one performs best is unclear. Previous conventional meta-analyses did not summarize the results of simultaneous comparisons of different glycyrrhizinate preparations. Therefore, we aimed to compare and rank different GA preparations on preventing and treating the anti-TB DILI by network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

A systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, Chongqing VIP and, the Wanfang Database was performed up to December 19, 2020. The literature was screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to extract important information. The outcomes were the incidence of liver injury (prevention section) and treatment response rate (treatment section). The NMA was conducted with a random-effects model under the Bayesian framework to calculate risk ratios (RRs) with 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) using R software (version 3.6.1).

RESULTS

From 1,411 publications, we included 97 relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) (10,923 participants). In terms of preventing anti-TB DILI (33 RCTs, comprising 5,762 patients), CGC, DGC, DGEC, and DGI, but not CGI, significantly reduced the incidence of liver injury than control group (RRs ranged from 0.26 to 0.58); CGC and DGEC were superior to DGC (RRs = 0.50 and 0.58, respectively). In terms of treating anti-TB DILI (64 RCTs, comprising 5,161 patients), MGIG was most effective among all regimens (RRs ranged from 1.15 to 1.72) while DGC ranked last (RRs ranged from 0.58 to 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

All GA preparations except for CGI were effective in preventing the incidence of anti-TB DILI and CGC was superior to DGC. MGIG seems to be the best choice among all GA preparations for the treatment of anti-TB DILI. Future clinical practice guidelines should factor in these novel findings to improve patient outcomes; however, further high-quality trials are needed to validate these results.

Research Note: Dietary supplementation with pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ.Na2) improves oxidative status and semen quality in aging layer breeder roosters

As the antioxidant capacity of sperm declines with age in roosters, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of different levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium (PQQ.Na₂) on antioxidative and sperm quality parameters of aging layer breeder roosters. A total of ninety-six 63-wk-old Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg PQQ.Na₂) for 6 wk. Antioxidant activity and semen parameters were assessed biweekly. The dietary administration of PQQ.Na₂ significantly increased semen quality (semen volume, sperm motility, straightness, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement) and antioxidant capacity (T-SOD, GSH-Px, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, and/or superoxide scavenging capacity) in seminal plasma in aging layer breeder roosters. Whereas, PQQ.Na₂ supplementations significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in seminal plasma in aging layer breeder roosters. Supplementation with 1 mg/kg dietary PQQ.Na₂ as an antioxidant supplement could increase sperm quality and antioxidant activity of aging layer breeder roosters, while a higher dose (2 mg/kg) did not result in further increment.

Identification of Potential Candidate Genes From Co-Expression Module Analysis During Preadipocyte Differentiation in Landrace Pig

Preadipocyte differentiation plays an important role in lipid deposition and affects fattening efficiency in pigs. In the present study, preadipocytes isolated from the subcutaneous adipose tissue of three Landrace piglets were induced into mature adipocytes in vitro. Gene clusters associated with fat deposition were investigated using RNA sequencing data at four time points during preadipocyte differentiation. Twenty-seven co-expression modules were subsequently constructed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed three modules (blue, magenta, and brown) as being the most critical during preadipocyte differentiation. Based on these data and our previous differentially expressed gene analysis, angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was identified as a key regulator of preadipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. After inhibition of ANGPTL4, the expression of adipogenesis-related genes was reduced, except for that of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which was negatively regulated by ANGPTL4 during preadipocyte differentiation. Our findings provide a new perspective to understand the mechanism of fat deposition.

Cathepsin L involved in the freezing resistance of murine normal hatching embryos and dormant embryos

The cryopreservation of mammalian embryos is an important technology in embryo engineering. The discovery and application of the embryo's own high freezing resistance factors are the main methods to improve the utilization of mammalian embryos in cryopreservation. Cathepsin L gene expression in the frozen and thawed dormant embryos displayed a significant difference from those normal hatched ones. The aim of the present study was to dig out the potential role of Cathepsin L in anti-freezing capacity of murine blastocysts by investigating the location and expression of Cathepsin L in frozen and thawed both activated and dormant hatching blastocysts. Different concentrations of Cathepsin L recombinant protein and E-64d were then respectively added into the embryo cryoprotectant and pre-cryo culture medium. Our results found that down-regulation of Cathepsin L improves the freezing resistance of murine normal hatching embryos by reducing apoptosis. Cathepsin L inhibitors can be used to improve the efficiency of cryopreservation and recovery of blastocysts in vitro. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the further development and application of Cathepsin L.

Dihydrotestosterone through blockade of TGF-β/Smad signaling mediates the anti-fibrosis effect under hypoxia in canine Sertoli cells

The hypoxic microenvironment of cryptorchidism is an important factor to induce the impairment of the structure and function of Sertoli cells and thus lead to spermatogenesis loss or tumorigenesis. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as a potent nonaromatizable 5α-reduced androgen, has both positive and negative effect on pathological fibrosis process. However, it is still unknown whether DHT can regulate hypoxia-induced fibrosis of Sertoli cells. Herein, in this study, we evaluate the DHT level, two 5α-reductase isoforms, 5α-red1 and 5α-red2, as well as HIF-1α expression pattern in canine cryptorchidism and contralateral normal testis. Results showed that the abdominal testes presented low DHT levels and 5α-red1 and 5α-red2 expression, while significantly higher HIF-1α expression and ECM production compared with the scrotum. Moreover, we established a hypoxia-induced fibrosis model in canine Sertoli cells induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), and found that DHT inhibited the fibrosis of Sertoli cells in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, DHT interfered with the TGF-β signaling by reducing the expression of TGF-βRI and TGF-βRII and inhibiting the expression and phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, while flutamide (androgen receptor inhibitor) inhibited these effects of DHT. Furthermore, use of LY2109761 (TGF-β receptor type I/II inhibitor) to interfere with the TGF-β/Smad pathway showed a similar effect with DHT suppression of the fibrosis in Sertoli cells. Our research data demonstrated that cryptorchidism is located in a hypoxic and DHT deficiency microenvironment. Moreover, supplementing DHT can alleviate the fibrosis process of Sertoli cells caused by hypoxia, which is associated with AR regulating the inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Pharmacomicrobiomics: Exploiting the Drug-Microbiota Interactions in Antihypertensive Treatment

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can reduce life expectancy. Owing to the widespread use of antihypertensive drugs, patients with hypertension have improved blood pressure control over the past few decades. However, for a considerable part of the population, these drugs still cannot significantly improve their symptoms. In order to explore the reasons behind, pharmacomicrobiomics provide unique insights into the drug treatment of hypertension by investigating the effect of bidirectional interaction between gut microbiota and antihypertensive drugs. This review discusses the relationship between antihypertensive drugs and the gut microbiome, including changes in drug pharmacokinetics and gut microbiota composition. In addition, we highlight how our current knowledge of antihypertensive drug-microbiota interactions to develop gut microbiota-based personalized ways for disease management, including antihypertensive response biomarker, microbial-targeted therapies, probiotics therapy. Ultimately, a better understanding of the impact of pharmacomicrobiomics in the treatment of hypertension will provide important information for guiding rational clinical use and individualized use.

Building an emission library of donor–acceptor–donor type linker-based luminescent metal–organic frameworks

An emission library was built for donor–acceptor–donor type linker-based LMOFs, which can be used to rationally design organic linkers to prepare LMOFs with emission from deep blue to near-infrared.

Epididymal mRNA and miRNA transcriptome analyses reveal important genes and miRNAs related to sperm motility in roosters

Sperm motility is a crucial trait in chicken production, and the epididymis is an essential organ in the reproductive system. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm motility in the epididymis are unclear. In this study, 8 cDNA libraries and eight miRNA libraries were constructed from roosters (4 chickens per group) with diverse sperm motility. After a comparative analysis of epididymal transcriptomes, we detected 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the edgeR package. Integrated interpretation of DEGs indicated that MMP9, SLN, WT1, PLIN1, and LRRIQ1 are the most promising candidate genes affecting sperm motility in the epididymis of roosters. MiR-146a, mir-135b, and mir-205 could play important regulatory roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, and motility. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the mRNA and miRNAs transcriptomes in silico identified a promising gene-miRNA pair miR-135b-HPS5, which may be a vital regulator of sperm motility in the epididymis. Our findings provide novel integrated information of miRNAs and genes that shed light on the regulatory mechanisms of fertility in roosters.

Achieving a blue-excitable yellow-emitting Ca-LMOF phosphor via water induced phase transformation

The first blue-excitable calcium-based LMOF yellow phosphor is achieved via water induced phase transformation. The compound with high luminescence quantum efficiency can be coated directly onto a commercial blue LED chip to fabricate a white LED.

GPER mediates the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway involved in VEGF expression in swine ovary GCs

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis in ovaries, particularly during follicular development and ovulation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the major pro-inflammatory factors that are involved in the angiogenesis process physiologically and pathologically. Previous studies have shown that 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulates VEGF expression by upregulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in many cell types, and the high level of E2 causes an inflammatory-like microenvironment before ovulation. However, whether IL-6 signaling is involved in E2-regulating VEGF expression in swine granulosa cells (GCs) is still unknown. In this study, we found the estrogen membrane receptor, G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER), was expressed in swine GCs, and the expression level of GPER, HIF-1α, and VEGF increased with follicular development. In vitro study showed that E2, ICI182780, and GPER agonist (G1) promoted the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in swine GCs, while GPER antagonist (G15) inhibited the stimulating effect of E2 and G1. Meanwhile, G15 inhibited the stimulating effect of E2 and G1 on IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion. Furthermore, IL-6 antibody and AG490 (JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor) attenuated G1-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expression. In conclusion, this study revealed how estrogen-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expressions in swine GCs are mediated through GPER-derived IL-6 secretion leading to JAK2/STAT3 activation.

Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters

Background

Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health. However, the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied. We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via anti-oxidation defense system.

Methods

In the present study, 96 53-week-old Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks.

Results

Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group, and antioxidant activities, the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, increased gradually with ASTA addition (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as the mRNA and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were markedly increased in the 50–100 mg/kg ASTA group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Collectively, these results demonstrate that dietary ASTA may improve semen quality by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, which may be related to upregulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Dihydrotestosterone regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in bovine endometrial epithelium cells by androgen receptor mediated EGFR/PI3K/Akt pathway

Uterine prostaglandins F2α (PGF2α) is essential for implantation, initiation of luteolysis and delivery. Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme limiting PGF2α rate, is regulated by steroid hormones, and also dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may be involved in regulating COX-2 expression both positively and negatively. However, it remains unclear how whether DHT regulates COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs). In this study, we evaluated the localization of the two isoforms of DHT synthetase 5α-reductase (5α-red1 and 5α-red2) and androgen receptor (AR) in bovine endometria by immunohistochemistry, and investigated 5α-red1, 5α-red2, AR, and DHT levels at the different stages of endometria (follicle, early-, mid-, and late-pregnancy phases). The results showed that 5α-red1, 5α-red2 and AR all were expressed in endometria, and their expressions and the level of DHT significantly increased in the late-pregnancy phase compared with the mid-pregnancy phase. Moreover, we cultured EECs from the mid-pregnancy phase and the in vitro study showed that DHT dose-dependently increased COX-2 expression and PGF2a release, but AR antagonist (flutamide) inhibited the stimulating effect via DHT. In addition, the DHT-induced COX-2 expression and PGF2α release were subjected to the regulation of both EGFR/PI3K/Akt/NFkB signaling as the inhibitors of EGFR (AG1478) and PI3K/Akt (LY294002) and NFkB (QNZ) attenuated the DHT mediated effect. Taken together, the results demonstrated that DHT-induced COX-2 expression and consequent PGF2α release in bovine EECs were mediated through AR-derived EGFR transactivation and PI3K/Akt cascade leading to NFkB activation.

Metagenomic Analysis of Saliva Reveals Disease-Associated Microbiotas in Patients With Periodontitis and Crohn's Disease-Associated Periodontitis

Patients with Crohn’s disease frequently develop oral health problems and show a higher prevalence of oral manifestations, such as dental caries and periodontitis, than healthy individuals do. In this study, a metagenomic analysis was carried out to characterize the salivary microbiota in patients with either periodontitis or Crohn’s disease-associated periodontitis. Saliva samples were collected from six patients with both Crohn’s disease and periodontitis (Cm group), six patients with periodontitis alone (Pm group), and six healthy individuals (Hm group). Genomic DNA was collected from these samples for high-throughput Illumina HiSeq metagenomic sequencing. The composition of the bacterial communities and their metabolic pathways and gene functions were characterized and compared among the three study groups. The salivary microbial communities were significantly different among the three groups, with Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes showing the most significant differences. The Cm and Pm groups had higher abundances of Bacteroides fragilis, Prevotella baroniae, Prevotella enoeca, and Prevotella dentasini than the Hm group. The Cm and Pm groups also showed differences in their salivary microbial communities, in that the Cm group had relatively high abundances of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, whereas the Pm group had relatively high abundances of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria. In total, 34 Pm-associated (e.g., Fusobacteria and Corynebacterium matruchotii), 18 Cm-associated (e.g., Capnocytophaga and Streptococcus oralis), and 18 Hm-associated (e.g., Streptococcus and Bacillales) predominant microbial species were identified. Most genes were involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, with those of the Cm and Pm groups showing more similarity to one another but significant differences from those of the Hm group. Most of the antibiotic resistance genes were found in the Pm group. In conclusion, the salivary microbial community structure and abundance were distinct among patients with Crohn’s disease-associated periodontitis, patients with periodontitis, and healthy individuals. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential value of these microbiota and microbiome differences in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

Identification of key genes affecting porcine fat deposition based on co-expression network analysis of weighted genes

BACKGROUND

Fat deposition is an important economic consideration in pig production. The amount of fat deposition in pigs seriously affects production efficiency, quality, and reproductive performance, while also affecting consumers' choice of pork. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is effective in pig genetic studies. Therefore, this study aimed to identify modules that co-express genes associated with fat deposition in pigs (Songliao black and Landrace breeds) with extreme levels of backfat (high and low) and to identify the core genes in each of these modules.

RESULTS

We used RNA sequences generated in different pig tissues to construct a gene expression matrix consisting of 12,862 genes from 36 samples. Eleven co-expression modules were identified using WGCNA and the number of genes in these modules ranged from 39 to 3,363. Four co-expression modules were significantly correlated with backfat thickness. A total of 16 genes (RAD9A, IGF2R, SCAP, TCAP, SMYD1, PFKM, DGAT1, GPS2, IGF1, MAPK8, FABP, FABP5, LEPR, UCP3, APOF, and FASN) were associated with fat deposition.

CONCLUSIONS

RAD9A, TCAP, SMYD1, PFKM, GPS2, and APOF were the key genes in the four modules based on the degree of gene connectivity. Combining these results with those from differential gene analysis, SMYD1 and PFKM were proposed as strong candidate genes for body size traits. This study explored the key genes that regulate porcine fat deposition and lays the foundation for further research into the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying porcine fat deposition.

Ultrastable Zirconium-Based Cationic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Perrhenate Removal from Wastewater

The effective removal of radioactive ⁹⁹TcO₄^- anion from nuclear wastewater remains a very difficult unsolved problem. Functional adsorbent materials with high stability, anion-exchange capacity, excellent selectivity, and recyclability are much needed to solve this problem. In this work, we designed two stable cationic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-Zr-tcbp-Me and Zr-tcpp-Me-for possible use as adsorbent materials to remove ⁹⁹TcO₄^-. Both compounds were synthesized by solvothermal reactions of the tetracarboxylate ligand with zirconium salt, followed by postsynthetic modification (N-methylation). The crystallinity of both zirconium-based MOFs can be well retained under harsh conditions, and they exhibit high adsorption capacity and selectivity toward ReO₄^- anion, a nonradioactive analogue of ⁹⁹TcO₄^-. Zr-tcbp-Me and Zr-tcpp-Me demonstrate the highest framework stability toward acidity among all previously reported cationic MOFs that have been tested for perrhenate removal from wastewater.

Novel DNA methylation markers of PRRSV-specific antibodies and their intergenerational transmission from pregnant sows to piglets

The main strategy for preventing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is vaccination. However, current commercial porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines have limited effectiveness and may even cause infections in pigs. The identification of stable molecular markers associated with immune responses to PRRSV vaccination in pigs provides a new approach for PRRS prevention. DNA methylation, the most stable epigenetic molecular marker related to PRRSV vaccination, has not been investigated. In the current research, we used whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) to investigate DNA methylation in pregnant sows that received PRRSV vaccination and their piglets with high and low PRRSV-specific antibody levels. By performing methylation data analysis and basing on our previous transcriptomic studies, we identified several differentially methylated genes (DMGs) that are involved in the pathways of inflammatory and immune responses. Among the DMGs, ISG15, MX1, SERPINE1, GNG11 and IFIT3 were common hub genes in the two generations. MX1 and GNG11 were located in quantitative trait loci related with PRRSV antibody titer and PRRSV susceptibility, respectively. These results suggest that PRRSV vaccination in sows induces DNA methylation changes in genes and DNA methylation changes occur through intergenerational transmission. The novel DNA methylation markers and target genes observed in our study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of immune responses to PRRSV vaccination across two pig generations.