[Genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis for two Chinese pedigrees affected with Alport syndrome due to variants of COL4A5 gene]

OBJECTIVE

To analysis variants of COL4A5 gene in two Chinese pedigrees affected with Alport syndrome (AS) and provide prenatal diagnosis for them.

METHODS

Two unrelated ethnic Han Chinese pedigrees who had visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University respectively in September 2018 and January 2020 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood and amniotic fluid samples for genetic testing. Following next generation sequencing, candidate variants of the COL4A5 gene were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The gender of the fetuses was determined by the presence of sex-determining region on Y (SRY).

RESULTS

Genetic testing revealed that the proband and a fetus from pedigree 1 had both harbored a c.2723G>A (p.Gly908Glu) variant in exon 32 of the COL4A5 gene, whilst the proband and a fetus from pedigree 2 had both harbored a c.3817G>A (p.Gly1273Asp) variant in exon 44 of the COL4A5 gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were classified as likely pathogenic (PP2+PM2_Supporting). Following exclusion of maternal contamination, PCR amplification of the SRY region indicated that both fetuses were males.

CONCLUSION

The c.2723G>A (p.Gly908Glu) and c.3817G>A (p.Gly1273Asp) variants of the COL4A5 gene probably underlay the AS in the two pedigrees. Detection of the SRY region can reliably identify the fetal sex, which is conducive to the prenatal diagnosis. Above results have also enriched the mutational spectrum of the COL4A5 gene and provided a reference for correlating the genotype and phenotype of the AS.

Identification of five novel variants of ADAR1 in dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria by next-generation sequencing

Background

Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited pigmentary dermatosis characterized by a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented freckles on the dorsal aspect of the distal extremities. To date, pathogenic mutations causing DSH have been identified in the adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1 gene (ADAR1), which is mapped to chromosome 1q21.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the underlying pathological mechanism in 14 patients with DSH from five unrelated Chinese families. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and direct sequencing were performed on a proband with DSH to identify causative mutations. All coding, adjacent intronic, and 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions of ADAR1 were screened, and variants were identified.

Result

These mutations consisted of three missense mutations (NM_001025107: c.716G>A, NM_001111.5: c.3384G>C, and NM_001111.5: c.3385T>G), one nonsense mutation (NM_001111.5:c.511G>T), and one splice-site mutation (NM_001111.5: c.2080-1G>T) located in exon 2, exon 14, and the adjacent intronic region according to recommended Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) nomenclature. Moreover, using polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing, we identified five novel ADAR1 variants, which can be predicted to be pathogenic by in silico genome sequence analysis. Among the mutations, the missense mutations had no significant effect on the spatial structure of the protein, while the stop codon introduced by the nonsense mutation truncated the protein.

Conclusion

Our results highlighted that the advent of NGS has facilitated high-throughput screening for the identification of disease-causing mutations with high accuracy, stability, and specificity. Five novel genetic mutations were found in five unrelated families, thereby extending the pathogenic mutational spectrum of ADAR1 in DSH and providing new insights into this complex genetic disorder.

Leucyl and Cystinyl Aminopeptidase as a Prognostic-Related Biomarker in OV Correlating with Immune Infiltrates

Background

It was indicated that tumor intrinsic heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer (OV) influence immunotherapy efficacy and patient outcomes. Leucyl and cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP) encodes a zinc-dependent aminopeptidase, which has been proved to participant in the vesicle-mediated transport and class I MHC mediated antigen processing and presentation. However, the function of LNPEP in TME of OV and its potential molecular mechanisms have not been determined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate a prognostic biomarker which may be helpful in identifying TME heterogeneity of ovarian cancer.

Methods

In this study, bioinformatics databases were used to explore the expression profile and immune infiltration of LNPEP. Bioinformatics analyses of survival data and interactors of LNPEP were conducted to predict the prognostic value of LNPEP in OV. The protein levels of LNPEP were validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Based on the TCGA data, our data displayed that the mRNA expression of LNPEP was markedly down-regulated in ovarian cancer than that in para-cancer tissues, contrary to the protein level. Importantly, high LNPEP expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with OV. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that LNPEP was an independent prognostic factor in OV. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated the co-expressed genes of LNPEP were mainly related to a variety of immune-related pathways, including Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, Th17 cell differentiation, and immunoregulatory interaction. Our data also demonstrated that the expression of LNPEP was strongly correlated with immune infiltration levels, immunomodulators, chemokines and chemokine receptors.

Conclusion

In our study, we identified and established a prognostic signature of immune-related LNPEP in OV, which will be of great value in predicting the prognosis of clinical trials and may become a new therapeutic target for immunological research and potential prognostic biomarker in OV.

High Expression of PLAGL2 is Associated With Poor Prognosis in High-Grade Glioma

Pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) has been implicated in the development and progression of diverse malignancies, including glioblastoma. An increasing number of studies have reported that dysregulated expression of PLAGL2 is a common phenomenon in different malignancies. However, the mechanism and biological functions of PLAGL2 in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) remain unclear. In addition, the expression and clinical significance of PLAGL2 in HGG have not yet been reported. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns and prognostic values of PLAGL2 in patients with HGG by using various databases, including Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0), GENT2, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between PLAGL2 mRNA expression and clinical parameters in 184 HGG cases and found that PLAGL2 presented positively high expression and was relevant to poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the overexpression of PLAGL2 protein, which is mainly expressed in the nucleus of glioma. Additionally, a high level of expression of the PLAGL2 gene was associated with lower survival in progression-free survival and overall survival in GBM patients. The correlation analysis between PLAGL2 and immune infiltration related to the abundance of B cells, CD8⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T cells, macrophages, DCs, and neutrophils was also performed using TIMER2.0. GSEA results showed that high PLAGL2 expression was associated with cell migration, proliferation, actin cytoskeletal, and angiogenesis. To sum up, our findings indicated that PLAGL2 could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target for HGG, which should be further investigated.

[Genetic and clinical analysis of a pedigree affected with X-linked dominant Alport syndrome due to a novel variant of COL4A5 gene]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with X-linked hereditary Alport syndrome.

METHODS

Next generation sequencing was carried out for the pedigree. Candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Pathological changes of renal basement membrane and expression of COL4A5 protein were analyzed by renal biopsy and immunofluorescence assay, respectively.

RESULTS

All patients from the pedigree manifested progressive renal damage, gross hematuria, proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy of the proband revealed thickening of the basement membrane. No expression of the COL4A5 gene was detected by immunofluorescence. High-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband has carried a c.3706delC (p.1236Pfs*69) variant in exon 41 of the COL4A5 gene. The same variant was also found in his mother and two brothers whom were similarly affected.

CONCLUSION

The novel c.3706delC (p.1236Pfs*69) variant of the COL4A5 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of X-linked hereditary Alport syndrome in this pedigree. Above findings have enriched the spectrum of COL4A5 gene variants and provided a basis for the diagnosis and genetic counseling for the pedigree.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with pumpkin seed cake and dried distillers grains with solubles on milk performance and antioxidant functions in dairy cows

Pumpkin seed cake (PSC), a byproduct of pumpkin seed oil processing, is used in ruminant feed as a beneficial protein source. Experiments were conducted to evaluate PSC as a substitute for soybean meal in the diets of lactating cows based on performance, rumen fermentation, antioxidant function and nitrogen partitioning. Six multiparous lactating cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square experiment with 27-day periods. The cows were randomly divided into three treatment groups: group (1) was fed a diet containing no PSC (0PSC), and groups (2) and (3) were fed diets in which soybean meal was replaced with PSC and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) at levels of 50% (50PSC) and 100% (100PSC), respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous and contained identical roughage but different proportions of PSC and DDGS. Replacement of soybean meal with PSC and DDGS did not influence rumen degradation, milk performance, rumen fermentation, DM intake or apparent total tract digestibility, and nitrogen partitioning between milk, feces and urine did not differ in the animals fed the three diets. However, compared with a diet containing no PSC, the total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzymes (total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) activities (P < 0.05) were increased in the animals that received the 50PSC and 100PSC diets. In contrast, addition of PSC significantly reduced concentrations of aspartate transaminase (P < 0.05), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) in the plasma. These results demonstrate that PSC can be completely substituted for soybean meal in the diet of dairy cows without any negative impact on milk performance, rumen fermentation or apparent digestibility and that this dietary change improves antioxidant functions and blood parameters in dairy cows, indicating that PSC has the potential for use as a feed source for dairy cows.

[Identification of pathological variants of SLC12A3 gene in a pedigree affected with Gitelman syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To detect pathological variants of the SLC12A3 gene in a Chinese pedigree affected with Gitelman syndrome (GS).

METHODS

Clinical data and peripheral blood samples of the proband and his family members were collected. All exons of the SLC12A3 gene were amplified by PCR and subjected to Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

Sanger sequencing has revealed that the proband has carried a c.486_489 delTACG (p.Ile162Met fs*8) deletion and a heterozygous c.2890C>T (p.Arg964Trp) missense variant in the SLC12A3 gene. Neither variant was reported previously and was not found among healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The c.486_489delTACG (p.Ile162Met fs*8) and c.2890C>T (p.Arg964Trp) variants of the SLC12A3 gene probably underlay the GS in the proband. Above discovery has enriched the variant spectrum of GS.

Dietary supplementation with tributyrin prevented weaned pigs from growth retardation and lethal infection via modulation of inflammatory cytokines production, ileal expression, and intestinal acetate fermentation

Weanling pigs, with an underdeveloped intestine and immature immune system, are usually subjected to depressed feed intake, growth retardation, and postweaning diarrhea. The aim of this study was to determine 1) the growth response of weaned pigs to supplemental tributyrin (TB) and 2) the potential effects and mechanisms of TB in modulating immune responses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged piglets. A total of 240 piglets (Duroc × Large White × Landrace) were weaned at 21 d of age to a control (basal diet), supplemented with antibiotics (AB; +AB), supplemented with TB (+TB), or with supplemental AB and TB (+AB+TB) diets, with 10 replicate pens (6 piglets/pen) per diet. At 49 d of age, male pigs from the control and +TB groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (25 μg/kg BW) or saline ( = 6) and sacrificed at 4 h after injection to collect blood, intestine, and digesta samples for biochemical analysis. There were higher ( < 0.05) feed intake and lower ( < 0.05) percentage of negative growth piglets in the +TB groups than in the control group during the first week after weaning. For piglets without LPS challenge, there were higher ( < 0.05) ileal fibroblast growth factor 19 () mRNA abundance and total bile acid concentrations in the +TB groups than in the control group, whereas downregulated ( < 0.05) expression was observed in the +TB groups after LPS challenge. Lipopolysaccharide challenge in the control group increased ( < 0.05) plasma tumor necrosis factor α and IL-6 concentrations and colonic amount and decreased ( < 0.05) colonic goblet cells and colonic and cecal acetate concentrations, with no differences ( > 0.05) observed between +TB groups following LPS challenge. Taken together, dietary supplementation with TB prevented growth retardation through stimulating the appetite of weaned pigs and protected piglets against lethal infection via modulation of inflammatory cytokines production, ileal expression, and intestinal acetate fermentation.

The clinical research of Thinprep Cytology Test (TCT) combined with HPV-DNA detection in screening cervical cancer

Our objective is to explore the clinical value of thinprep cytologic test (TCT) combined with HPV-DNA detection in screening cervical cancer. 420 cervical cancer patients admitted in our hospital between April, 2011-April, 2014 were selected. All patients received TCT and HPV-DNA detection, and cervical tissue biopsy was used to confirm the diagnosis. TCT screening results showed that there were 175 patients were &gt;ASCUS and the positive rate was 41.7%, histopathological screening showed that there were 199 patients were ≥cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I and the positive rate was 47.4%. HPV-DNA detection showed 180 patients were positive which was 42.9%, and the positive rate of HPV-DNA detection was increased as the disease severity increased. The sensitivity of TCT combined with HPV-DNA detection was higher than single TCT or HPV-DNA, however the specificity was relatively low, and the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were higher which were similar to pathological results. TCT combined with HPV-DNA detection has high sensitivity and accuracy in screening cervical cancer, which is worthy of clinical application.

Jagged 1 is a major Notch ligand along cholangiocarcinoma development in mice and humans

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare yet deadly malignancy with limited treatment options. Activation of the Notch signalling cascade has been implicated in cholangiocarcinogenesis. However, while several studies focused on the Notch receptors required for ICC development, little is known about the upstream inducers responsible for their activation. Here, we show that the Jagged 1 (Jag1) ligand is almost ubiquitously upregulated in human ICC samples when compared with corresponding non-tumorous counterparts. Furthermore, we found that while overexpression of Jag1 alone does not lead to liver tumour development, overexpression of Jag1 synergizes with activated AKT signalling to promote liver carcinogenesis in AKT/Jag1 mice. Histologically, tumours consisted exclusively of ICC, with hepatocellular tumours not occurring in AKT/Jag1 mice. Furthermore, tumours from AKT/Jag1 mice exhibited extensive desmoplastic reaction, an important feature of human ICC. At the molecular level, we found that both AKT/mTOR and Notch cascades are activated in AKT/Jag1 ICC tissues, and that the Notch signalling is necessary for ICC development in AKT/Jag1 mice. In human ICC cell lines, silencing of Jag1 via specific small interfering RNA reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis. Finally, combined inhibition of AKT and Notch pathways is highly detrimental for the in vitro growth of ICC cell lines. In summary, our study demonstrates that Jag1 is an important upstream inducer of the Notch signalling in human and mouse ICC. Targeting Jag1 might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this deadly disease.

The necessity of strength evaluation in assessment of clinical outcome after shoulder surgery : follow-up data from patients with complex proximal humerus fractures treated by locking plate fixation

In order to minimize the bias of Constant score we modified the allocation of strength subscore. One hundred and two patients with 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures were treated using locking plate fixation and followed up for > 1 year. The clinical outcomes were assessed by DASH score abbreviated Constant score (AbbCS strength item excluded) modified Constant score (ModCS with 12-pound strength) and original Constant score (CS with 25-pound strength). The satisfaction rate was determined for each scoring instrument. Compared to CS the satisfaction rate was significantly higher in DASH score AbbCS and ModCS (all p < 0.001) but the latter 3 groups did not show significant difference. ROC analysis showed that a > 7-pound shoulder strength was present in patients with satisfied outcome assessed by DASH score. In conclusion strength evaluation is necessary for the assessment of shoulder function but the over-allocated strength should be modified in Constant score.

Oral administration of Lactococcus lactis-expressed recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor stimulates the development and promotes the health of small intestines in early-weaned piglets

AIMS

We previously generated Lactococcus lactis-expressed recombinant porcine epidermal growth factor (LL-pEGF), and demonstrated improved growth performance in early-weaned piglets. This study investigates the effect of LL-pEGF on the development and expression of genes that maintain the structural integrity and function of the small intestine in early-weaned piglets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The mitogenic effect of porcine epidermal growth factor (pEGF) was tested in vitro with the 5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay in fibroblast cells. In the in vivo study, 40 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to control, antibiotic control, Lc. lactis-expressing empty vector (LL-EV) and LL-pEGF treatment groups. Cells treated with LL-pEGF had higher BrdU-positive stained cells than those in the control and the LL-EV treatments (P < 0·05). Scanning electron microscope and histological examination demonstrated that the small intestinal villi treated with LL-pEGF were higher (P < 0·05) than in the other treatments. LL-pEGF increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of the intestinal structural integrity proteins trefoil factor 3, claudin 1 (CLDN1), occludin and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), the digestive enzymes sucrose, aminopeptidase A, and aminopeptidase N, and the nutrient transporters sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2, and peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) as compared with the control (P < 0·05) in the small intestine. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of CLDN1 in the jejunum and ZO-1 in the ileum were higher in the LL-EV group than in the control group (P < 0·05). LL-EV and the antibiotic control increased SGLT1 mRNA in the jejunum and PEPT1 mRNA in the ileum compared with the control (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant pEGF promotes cell mitosis. Oral administration of Lc. lactis-expressing pEGF stimulated intestinal development by upregulating the gene expression of the intestinal structural integrity proteins, the digestive enzymes and the nutrient transporters.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The combination of epidermal growth factor and genetically modified micro-organisms may be used as dietary supplements to reduce intestinal stress in animals and even humans.

Nutritional interventions to prevent and rear low-birthweight piglets

Selection for hyperprolific sows, as a means of increasing litter size and profit, has resulted in an increased number of low-birthweight (LBW) piglets. These LBW piglets might suffer from increased morbidity and mortality during the early neonatal period. In addition, they show reduced growth performance, meat and carcass quality, which leads to an important economic loss for the farmer in the post-natal period. Therefore, nutritional interventions can be undertaken to prevent and rear LBW piglets. In the first part of this review, the preventive strategies at the sow level will be discussed. Approaches in preventing LBW piglets are to optimize the intrauterine environment via supplementing the sow during gestation. In the second part of this review, the interventions at the piglet level will be described. To increase the survival and growth rates of LBW piglets, one must focus on ensuring adequate colostrum and milk intake. Interventions include supplementing piglets, split nursing, split weaning and cross-fostering. Additional interventions increasing the probability of optimal post-natal food intake will be discussed.

Synergistic effect of porcine follicular fluid and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate on development of parthenogenetically activated oocytes from pre-pubertal gilts

This study investigated the effect of porcine follicular fluid (PFF) and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes on meiotic maturation, fertilization and embryo development, and compared the effect of supplementing the embryo culture media with PFF or foetal bovine serum (FBS) on embryo development. Oocytes from pre-pubertal gilts were IVM for 44 h, and parthenogenetically activated or in vitro-fertilized. Embryos were cultured in porcine zygote medium (PZM3) for 7 days. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated at 48 h and 7 days of culture. The supplementation of the IVM medium with 25% PFF and 1 mm dbcAMP for the first 22 h resulted in more (p < 0.05) embryos developing to the blastocyst stage as compared with the inclusion of dbcAMP alone. The dbcAMP + PFF combination increased (p < 0.05) the average number of nuclei per blastocyst as compared with either of these components alone or in its absence. A synergistic effect of dbcAMP + PFF during IVM was also reflected in the capacity of oocytes to regulate sperm penetration and prevent polyspermy, as twice as many oocytes from the control group were penetrated by more than one sperm as compared with those matured in the presence of both dbcAMP and PFF. The supplementation of PZM3 with 10% FBS from days 5 to 7 of culture significantly improved the total cell quantity in embryos derived either from control or dbcAMP + PFF matured oocytes. There was no effect on the total cell quantity when FBS was replaced by the same concentration of PFF. These studies showed that dbcAMP, PFF and FBS can improve both the quantity (57.3% vs 41.5%) and quality (74.8 vs 33.3 nuclei) of porcine blastocysts derived from oocytes recovered of pre-pubertal gilts.

Effect of dietary fibre on reproductive performance of sows during the first two parities

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary fibre on reproductive performance during the first two parities. Gilts were randomly allocated to receive three fibrous diets from days 1-90 of gestation, including low fibre [low fiber (LF), 10.8% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), n=132], middle fibre [middle fiber (MF), 15.8% NDF, n=132] and high fibre diet (HF, 20.8% NDF, n=135), until completion of the second parity. Response criteria included backfat measurements, litter size and pig weight at parturition and day 22 of lactation, weaning-oestrus-interval, oestrus rate, sow farrowing and culling rate, uniformity of newborns and relative organ weights. The results showed sows fed LF diet in parity 1 gained more backfat (p<0.05) during gestation but lost more (p<0.05) during lactation than sows fed HF diet. Furthermore, sows fed LF diet farrowed more pigs (+0.7-1.1 pigs, p<0.05) and pigs born alive (+1.0 pigs, p<0.05) relative to sows fed HF diet. Likewise, sows fed LF and MF diets had greater litter weights at parturition (both p=0.06) and day 22 after lactation (both p<0.05). In parity 2, yet, it was MF diet to increase both total pigs born and pigs born alive (+0.9-1.1 pigs, p<0.05) and litter weight (p=0.05) relative to other diets. After 22 d of lactation, intriguingly, sows fed HF diet had most pigs alive (p<0.01-0.07) and heavier litter weight (p=0.07 or 0.2). Feeding HF diet also increased internal organs weight of newborns (p<0.05). Collectively, feeding LF and MF diets had beneficial effects on litter weight at parturition and day 22 of lactation in parity 1, and feeding MF diet until parity 2 was able to improve litter size and weight at parturition, but this positive effect disappeared after 22 days of lactation, instead feeding HF diet showed the optimal litter performance.

Expression of Notch1, Jagged1 and beta-catenin and their clinicopathological significance in hepatocellular carcinoma

The Notch/Jagged signaling pathway is important for cellular differentiation and proliferation. Notch1/Jagged1 can either suppress or promote tumors depending on the cell type and context. beta-catenin, one of the mediators of the Wnt signalling pathway, represents a key element in one of the most important pathways of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of Notch1/Jagged1 and beta-catenin in hepatocellular carcinoma and to assign clinicopathological correlations. Immunohistochemical detection of Notch1/Jagged1 and beta-catenin was performed in tissue microarrays including 339 Hepatocellular carcinomas, 174 adjacent non-tumor livers and 94 normal livers. The results showed that the rate of expression was 66%, 98% and 97% for Notch1 and 36%, 85% and 92% for Jagged1 respectively in hepatocellular carcinoma, adjacent non-tumor liver and normal liver. Decreased expression of Notch1/Jagged1 was correlated significantly with Edmondson-Steiner grade. However, nuclear beta-catenin was expressed in 37% of hepatocellular carcinoma tissue, which was significantly higher than its non-tumor counterparts. Increased nuclear beta-catenin expression was correlated with HBs-Ag status and Edmondson-Steiner grade. Moreover, The positive expression of Notch1 was parallel with Jagged1 expression (r =0.235, p=0.000) and reduced Notch1 expression was associated with increased beta-catenin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (r =-0.125, p =0.023). In conclusion, Notch1/Jagged1 were frequently low expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and correlated with the high expression of beta-catenin suggesting that downregulation of Notch1/Jagged1 signaling may sustain tumor progression.

Chemical activation of parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer porcine oocytes using ionomycin and strontium chloride

Effective protocols for oocyte activation are crucial for study of parthenogenetic development and to produce nuclear transfer reconstructed embryos. This study investigated the use of ionomycin (ION) and strontium chloride (Sr(2+)) in the activation of parthenogenetic and nuclear transfer porcine oocytes. In-vitro-matured oocytes with a polar body were treated with varying concentrations of ION, Sr(2+) or its combinations, and then fixed or cultured to assess activation and development rates, respectively. Ionomycin concentrations of 10 and 15 microM resulted in more frequent oocyte activation and the 15 microM in advanced development compared to 5 microM (71.8 and 70%vs. 47.5%; P=0.04, and 43.7%vs. 19.3%; P=0.008, respectively). Oocytes treated with 10, 20 or 30 mM of Sr(2+) for 2 or 4h displayed a pronuclear formation rate ranging from 46.7 to 70%. When employed after a 5 min treatment with 10 or 15 microM ION, exposure to 10 mM Sr(2+) for 4 h resulted in higher pronuclear formation than did the 20 mM concentration (82 and 88.6%vs. 63.3 and 73.2%; P=0.03). Nuclear transfer reconstructed oocytes treated with 15 microM/5 min ION followed by 10 mM/4 h Sr(2+) resulted in a higher development to blastocyst stage compared to those treated with 15 microM ION alone (17.7 vs. 11.3%; P=0.06). In conclusion, we inferred that the inclusion of Sr(2+) in the activation protocol can benefit the development of nuclear transfer reconstructed porcine oocytes.

306 IN VITRO PENETRATION OF SWINE OOCYTES MATURED IN TCM-199 WITH ADDED DIBUTYRYL CYCLIC ADENOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE AND FOLLICULAR FLUID

During the in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes, a large variation in the nuclear morphology of the germinal vesicle stage is observed. Thus, some oocytes can start meiosis earlier than others. A reversible alternative to inhibit meiotic resumption is the use of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) in the early period of IVM, which may synchronize the oocytes to a specific germinal vesicle stage and improve early embryonic development. This study investigated the effects of additional dbcAMP and porcine follicular fluid (PFF) on monospermic and polyspermic penetration rates after IVF. Oocytes from prepuberal females were selected under a stereomicroscope, and those with uniform ooplasm and surrounded by several layers of compact cumulus cells were divided into 2 groups: T1 (control) group: TCM-199 supplemented with polyvinyl alcohol (0.1%), FSH (0.5 �g mL-1), LH (0.5 �g mL-1), epidermal growth factor (10 ng mL-1), pyruvate (0.9 mM), d-glucose (3.05 mM), cysteine (0.1 mg mL-1), and gentamycin (50 �g mL-1); and T2 group: T1 with the addition of 25% PFF and 1 mM dbcAMP. Both the T1 and T2 groups were IVM for 42 to 46 h, with FSH, LH, and dbcAMP used only in the first 22 h. At the end of the maturation period, cumulus cells were chemically removed; the oocytes were washed 3 times in IVF medium (modified Tyrode&apos;s buffered medium, mTBM) and placed in petri dishes containing 50 &micro;L of the same medium. The sperm-rich fraction was collected from 2 boars by digital pressure with a gloved hand, extended in Beltsville thawing solution, and incubated for 24 h at 17&deg;C. It was then centrifuged at 1200g for 3 min and standardized for 1 &times; 105 spermatozoa mL&minus;1. Oocytes were co-incubated with the sperm for 6 h in mTBM at 38.5&deg;C and 5&percnt; CO2. After insemination, oocytes were cultured in porcine zygote medium-3 (80 &micro;L), covered with paraffin oil, for 18 h. The presumptive zygotes were fixed and stained with 1&percnt; orcein in 45&percnt; acetic acid and evaluated under phase-contrast microscopy at a 400&times; magnification. Differences among groups were determined by one-way ANOVA. In the T1 group, the penetration rate was 39.3 &plusmn; 9.6&percnt; (162/412), and no difference was observed in comparison with the T2 group, 29.5 &plusmn; 4.9&percnt; (113/383). The monospermic penetration rate was 31.5 &plusmn; 6&percnt; (51/162) in the T1 group and differed from that in the T2 group, 71.7 &plusmn; 3.3&percnt; (81/113). Moreover, the polyspermic penetration was significantly higher in the T1 group, 68.5 &plusmn; 6&percnt; (111/162), compared with the T2 group, 28.3 &plusmn; 3.3&percnt; (32/113). These data suggest that the IVM with TCM-199 with added dbcAMP &plus; PFF can improve in vitro production of swine embryos and decrease polyspermic penetration.

27 SODIUM CHLORIDE TREATMENT OF CELL MEMBRANE-PERMEABILIZED NUCLEAR DONOR CELLS FACILITATES THE DISPLACEMENT OF THE SOMATIC HISTONE H1 AND HMG-17 PROTEINS IN RECONSTRUCTED PORCINE EMBRYOS

Developmental efficiency of somatic cell-reconstructed embryos depends on extensive remodeling of chromatin structural components. Due to their importance for maintaining the high-order chromatin structure and controlling DNA functions, including replication, transcription, repair, and recombination, histones and other chromatin-binding proteins represent leading choice markers to investigate nuclear remodeling in reconstructed embryos. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether or not the exposure of cell membrane permeabilized nuclear donor cells to sodium chloride (salt-extraction) would facilitate the displacement of chromatin-binding proteins in reconstructed porcine embryos. Both linker histone H1 (H1) and high-mobility group (HMG) proteins are known to affect gene expression through the modulation of the high-order chromatin structure. Standard methods of oocyte enucleation and electrofusion were applied for embryo reconstruction using in vitro-matured oocytes and control or salt-extracted fetal fibroblast cells. For salt-extraction, confluent cell cultures were washed with Ca2+/Mg2+-free Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS); cells were permeabilized by incubation with 1 µg/mL of streptolysin O at 37°C for 30 min in HBSS, and then maintained in Tris-NaCl buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl, 0.5 mM MgCl2, 0.7 M NaCl, 1 M sucrose) for 5 min. After salt-extraction, cells were rinsed and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 2 mM CaCl2 for 1 h at 37.5°C for membrane resealing prior to nuclear transfer. Reconstructed embryos were activated using ionomycin (15 µM/5 min) and strontium chloride (Sr2+; 10 mM/4 h), and then cultured in PZM-3 medium. Immunostaining for H1 and HMG-17 was performed in nuclear donor cells and embryos at different stages after reconstruction. The time required for H1 displacement in transplanted nuclei was reduced by the salt-extraction treatment (Table 1). Salt-extracted cells showed a stronger HMG-17 cytoplasmic signal compared to control cells. The proportion of HMG-17-positive reconstructed embryos at 1, 3, and 6 h was 54 vs. 19, 57 vs. 44, and 75 vs. 62, for control and salt-extracted cells, respectively. These data suggest that salt-extraction prior to nuclear transplantation enhances the remodeling of chromatin structure in embryos reconstructed with somatic cell nuclei. Table 1. Proportion (n) of H1-positive stained embryos after different times from parthenogenetic activation (PA) and nuclear transfer using control (NT-control) or salt-extracted (NT-extracted) cells This work was supported by a NSERC Discovery Grant to VB.

[Observation on efficacy of artemether compound against vivax malaria]

AIM

To observe the efficacy of artemether compound against vivax malaria.

METHODS

Each artemether compound tablet contains 120 mg benflumetolum and 20 mg artemether. 132 patients with vivax malaria were divided into 3 groups. Group A, 36 patients received 8 tablets as an initial dose, followed by 4 tablets daily for 2 days; group B, 41 patients received 8 tablets as an initial dose, followed by 3 tablets daily for 4 days; group C, 55 patients receiving chloroguine-primaquine served as control. Two patients of group A were voluntarily to be bitten by Anopheles dirus before and after medication to observe the influence of artemether compound on the sporogony.

RESULTS

The average defervescence times for groups A, B and C were 22.3 h, 23.2 h and 25.0 h (P > 0.05), respectively, the average parasite clearance times were 33.5 h, 30.5 h and 44.9 h, respectively, the average parasite clearance times of groups A and B were all significantly shorter than that of group C (P < 0.01). The replase rates of groups A, B and C were 84.9%, 78.8% and 22.9%, respectively, followed-up at nine months, the relapse rates of groups A and B were higher than that of group C(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Two regimens of artemether compound have the advantage of high efficacy against vivax malaria.

[The historical personages pushing two acu-moxibustion tides in France]

By textural investigation and on-the-spot visits, this author introduces the main facts of the historical personages who twice applied the art of acu-moxibustion in France in 17th century. The materials presented were exact, clear and comprehensive, thus, offering valuable first-hand materials for the study of spreading of TCM and acu-moxibustion in France as well as Europe in modern age.

[The influences of genetic and environmental factors on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in patients with essential hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of a 4G/5G polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene promoter and environmental factors on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) levels in subjects with essential hypertension.

METHODS

A total of 240 patients with essential hypertension(males 120, females 120, aged 33-89 years, mean 65 years) were randomly enrolled in this study. Plasma PAI-1 antigen was measured by ELISA. The 4G/5G polymorphism was analyzed by the allele specific oligonucleotide hybridization method.

RESULTS

Plasma PAI-1 levels were significantly associated with 4G/5G polymorphism with the highest levels occurring in subjects with 4G/4G genotype, the intermediate levels in 4G/5G subjects and the lowest levels in 5G/5G subjects. 4G/5G polymorphism, diabetes mellitus and triglyceride(TG) were three independent predictors of plasma PAI-1 levels in a stepwise multiple regression model. Furthermore, the relationship between plasma PAI-1 levels and TG was genotype dependent.

CONCLUSION

Plasma PAI-1 levels are not only under genetic control, but also influenced by several environmental factors. There is an interaction between genetic and environmental factors.

[Measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8 in children with low respiratory tract infection (LRTI) caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immunopathological mechanism of LRTI caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia.

METHODS

Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) from 30 patients with LRTI caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, were measured with sequence saturated solution competitive radioimmunoassay and sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

The level of serum TNF-alpha and IL-8 of patients suffering from LRTI caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia were magnificantly higher than that of healthy children. Meanwhile, a positive relationship between serum TNF-alpha and IL-8 was noticed.

CONCLUSION

TNF-alpha plays an important role in LRTI caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, and serves the key factor to the elevation of IL-8.

Docosahexaenoic acid, a constituent of fetal and neonatal serum, inhibits nitric oxide production by murine macrophages stimulated by IFN gamma plus LPS, or by IFN gamma plus Listeria monocytogenes

Murine macrophage activation is deficient in the fetus and the neonate, and in areas of the placenta perfused by the fetal circulation. Fetal and neonatal serum concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are 150 microM, or approximately 50-fold higher than in the adult. We previously showed that DHA inhibits activation of the gene for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in murine macrophages stimulated in vitro with interferon gamma (IFN gamma) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We have now pursued these observations in greater depth. An assay system was developed which separated the stimulation of macrophages by IFN gamma plus LPS, and the actual production of nitric oxide (NO). It was found that macrophages do not produce NO until they have been stimulated by IFN gamma plus LPS for a period of 10 h. NO is produced during the subsequent 10 h, even though IFN gamma plus LPS are not longer present. DHA, if present, inhibited only during the initial 10 h stimulation; DHA did not inhibit the production of NO by macrophages which had previously been stimulated by IFN gamma plus LPS, and were already producing NO. It was also found that DHA was less inhibitory if given prior to the IFN gamma plus LPS stimulation. In a dose-responsive manner, DHA inhibited the increased abundance of iNOS mRNA by macrophages stimulated by IFN gamma plus LPS. NO contributes to the host defense against Listeria monocytogenes and other intracellular pathogens. We therefore investigated the ability of DHA to inhibit NO production by macrophages stimulated by IFN gamma plus Listeria monocytogenes in vitro; DHA inhibited transcription of the iNOS gene and also the listeriocidal activity of activated macrophages. Inhibition of NO production by DHA may contribute to the increased susceptibility of the fetoplacental unit and neonate to intracellular infections.

Mutation spectra of M13 vectors containing site-specific Cis-Syn, Trans-Syn-I, (6-4), and Dewar pyrimidone photoproducts of thymidylyl-(3'-->5')-thymidine in Escherichia coli under SOS conditions

The mutations spectra of cis-syn, trans-syn-I, (6-4), and Dewar pyrimidone photoproducts of the TT site of AATTAA and TATTAT in the (-) strand of a heteroduplex M13 vector were obtained in an excision and photoreversal repair deficient Escherichia coli host under SOS conditions. Oligonucleotides containing site-specific photoproducts were annealed to a complementary uracil-containing (+) strand that contained one or more unique pairs of nucleotide mismatches and used to prime (-) strand synthesis with a DNA polymerase and dNTPs. Following DNA synthesis, the reaction mixtures were incubated with T4 DNA ligase and ATP and then used to transfect SOS-induced competent CSRO6F' cells (uvrA6 and phr-1). The transfectants were plated, gridded, and probed by oligonucleotides specific for progeny of the (-) and (+) strands. Individual progeny of the photoproduct-containing (-) strands were plaque purified and sequenced by the dideoxy method. The cis-syn and trans-syn-I dimers were found not to be very mutagenic (<9%), the Dewar product more so (<33%), and the (6-4) product the most mutagenic (<73%). The mutation spectra were similar to those previously reported for the same photoproducts of the TT site of AGTTGG in the (+) strand of an M13 vector [Lawrence, C. W., et al. (1990) Mol. Gen Genet. 222, 166-168; LeClerc, J. E., et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 9685-9689] except that -1 deletion mutations were not observed for the trans-syn-I photoproducts, and a lower frequency of 3'-T-->C mutations was observed for the (6-4) photoproduct. Evidence that a small percentage of (+) strand repair of a double mismatch to the 3'-side of the photoproduct. Evidence that a small percentage of (+) strand repair of a double mismatch to the 3'-side was obtained from transfection experiments in which a second double mismatch was introduced opposite or flanking the photoproduct. Analysis of the minor tandem mutations induced by the (6-4) and Dewar products suggests that the SOS polymerase complex is able to elongate what amounts to double mismatches opposite these photoproducts and is consistent with the action of a highly processive polymerase that lacks proofreading ability.