Relationships between dietary diversity and gut microbial diversity in the elderly

Diet is considered as a major driver of gut microbiota composition. However, little is known about the relationship between overall dietary balance and gut microbiota, especially in the elderly. Here, using the Quantitative Index for Dietary Diversity (QUANTIDD), we analysed the relationships between dietary diversity and gut microbiota diversity in 445 Japanese subjects aged 65-90 years. We also examined the effect of age by comparing the young-old group aged 65 to 74 years (<75 years group; n=246) and the old-old group aged 75 years and older (≥75 years group; n=199). QUANTIDD showed significant positive relationships with Pielou's evenness and Shannon indices, two α-diversity indices related to the uniformity of species distribution. This suggests that a more diverse diet is associated with a more uniform abundance of various bacterial groups, rather than a greater variety of gut bacteria. QUANTIDD also showed significant positive associations with the abundance of Anaerostipes, Eubacterium eligens group, and Eubacterium ventriosum group, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and are beneficial to health. Negative association was found with the abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus group, which produces inflammatory polysaccharides. Positive associations between QUANTIDD and α-diversity indices or the abundance of specific bacterial groups were identified among all subjects and in the <75 years group, but not in the ≥75 years group. Our results suggest that dietary diversity contributes to the diversity of the gut microbiota and increases the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria, but only up to a certain age. These findings help to understand the complex relationship between diet and gut microbiota, and provide hints for specific dietary interventions to promote beneficial gut microbiota in the elderly.

152 An effective method of inducing oestrus in superovulation-treated Japanese Black donor cows after egg collection

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inducing oestrus in superovulation-treated Japanese Black donor cows after egg collection using a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device and prostaglandin F2α treatments. The test animals were 50 biparous or triparous Japanese Black cows that had been treated for superovulation during the period of 75-110 days post-calving and from each of which 10 or more ova or embryos had been recovered using a uterine reflux method. In the 25 cows of the control group that received the conventional treatment, a CIDR was not introduced into the vagina, the number of days from egg harvesting to standing oestrus was recorded, and AI was performed using frozen semen. At the time of AI, 50µg of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH; Consultan, Aska Animal Health) was administered intramuscularly. The cows that did not conceive in the first AI attempt were again given the same AI and GnRH treatments in the next oestrus cycle. In the 25 cows of the treatment group, a CIDR (CIDR 1900, Zoetis) device was inserted in the vagina after egg harvesting and was kept there for 12 days. At the time of insertion and removal of the CIDR, 150µg of d-cloprostenol formulation (Dalmazin, Kyoritsu Seiyaku) was administered intramuscularly. The number of days from egg harvest to standing oestrus was recorded, and GnRH was administered at the time of AI. The cows that did not conceive in the first AI attempt were given the same AI and GnRH treatments in the next oestrus cycle. The control and treatment groups were compared for the number of days from egg harvesting to oestrus (t-test) and the conception rate after AI (chi-square test). The mean number of days from egg collection to standing oestrus in the control group was 38.6±11.9, and the conception rate was 60% (15/25). Among the animals that failed to conceive in the first AI attempt, the second standing oestrus occurred 60.7±13.1 days after egg collection, and 70% (7/10) of the cows conceived after the second AI. In the treatment group, on the other hand, the mean number of days from egg collection to standing oestrus was 15.8±3.9, and 72% (18/25) of the cows conceived after the first AI. Among the cows that failed to conceive, the second standing oestrus occurred 37.4±4.7 days after egg harvest, and 71% (5/7) of the cow conceived after the second AI. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the number of days from egg collection to the first standing oestrus (P&lt;0.05). The results described above suggest that keeping a CIDR in the vagina for 12 days and intramuscularly administering prostaglandin F2α at the time of insertion and removal of the CIDR in superovulated cows are effective for early onset of standing oestrus after egg collection and thus can reduce the number of days to conception.

195 Effect of feeding a licorice extract to Japanese Black cows on embryo production performance after superovulation treatment

The objective was to determine the effect of feeding a licorice extract that contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is known to have a liver function-enhancing effect, on embryo production performance after superovulation treatment in Japanese Black cows. Japanese Black breed cows (n=136) that had calved 1 to 4 times and had normal uteri as seen by ultrasonography after at least 40 days from the last calving were used as test animals. Animals in the treatment group (n=90) were continuously fed 20g head−1 d−1 of a licorice extract (Kanzou, Fabric Onishi Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan), with at least 13% glycyrrhizic acid content) once a day, mixed with the formula feed, for 60 to 90 days starting from around the day of calving until ova/embryos were collected. The control group (n=46) received no Kanzou from the day of the last calving until ova/embryo collection. A total of 20 Armour units (AU) of FSH (Antorin R, Kyoritsu Seiyaku Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan) from porcine pituitary was given intramuscularly (IM) twice a day, morning and evening, for 3 consecutive days (decreasing dose schedule: 5 AU×2, 3 AU×2, and 2AU×2) as the superovulation treatment to the cows at 8 to 11 days post-oestrus in both groups. Prostaglandin F2α 25mg and 15mg (IM) were administered in the morning and evening, respectively, on the third day of FSH administration. Artificial insemination was done at 12 and 24h after the start of oestrus, and ova/embryos were collected using a uterine reflux method on Day 7 post-oestrus. The mean numbers of ova/embryos and transferable embryos collected and the mean embryo quality scores (according to the IETS guidelines) in the treatment and control groups were compared by t-test. A chi-squared test was used to compare the proportion of transferable embryos in the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the mean number of ova/embryos retrieved between the treatment group (21.7±11.8) and the control group (15.8±11.3), although the former tended (P=0.07) to yield more ova/embryos. There was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in the mean number of transferable embryos collected in the treatment group (13.1±8.3) than in the control group (8.1±5.3). The mean embryo quality score was significantly greater (P&lt;0.01) in the treatment group (1.6±0.4) than in the control group (2.2±0.6). The proportion of transferable embryos in the treatment group (60.3±26.4%) was also significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than in the control group (51.2±26.0%). In conclusion, feeding a licorice extract to Japanese Black cows for 60 days or longer improves the quality of embryos obtained after superovulation treatment and leads to an increase in the mean number of transferable embryos per cow.

Development of an oesophageal stimulation method to elicit swallowing reflex in humans

Swallowing reflex is known to be evoked by gastroesophageal regurgitation or oesophageal stimulation in animal studies. However, details regarding the stimulating material, bolus size and stimulation area remain unclear for the stimulation-induced type of swallowing reflex in humans. Here, we evaluated the effects of different kinds of stimulation via water and air injection of the oesophagus on the initiation of the swallowing reflex. Nine healthy individuals participated in this study. A fibre-optic endoscope was passed transnasally, and a thin catheter for injection was passed through the other side. The tip of the catheter was placed at the upper, upper middle, lower middle or lower region of the oesophagus, and the rate of injection was controlled at 0.2 mL/s. Swallowing reflex latency was calculated as the time from injection via air or thin/thick fluid until the onset of white-out in endoscopic images. Reflex latency was significantly shorter when injection occurred at the upper region of the oesophagus than at the lower region, for both thin and thick fluids (P < .01). At the upper region of the oesophagus, the latency was significantly shorter after injection of thin fluid than with thick fluid (P < .05). Injection of air did not induce the swallowing reflex at all sites. These findings suggest that while the swallowing reflex is evoked by stimulation via fluid injection of the oesophagus in humans, sensitivity is greatest in the upper region of the oesophagus compared with the lower region and can vary depending on the injecting material.

The effect of bolus volume on laryngeal closure and UES opening in swallowing: Kinematic analysis using 320-row area detector CT study

This study investigated the effects of three different volumes of honey-thick liquid on the temporal characteristics of swallowing. Twenty-six healthy subjects (15 males, 11 females) underwent 320-row area detector CT scan while swallowing 3, 10 and 20 mL of honey-thick liquid barium. Three-dimensional images were created at 10 images/s. Kinematic events involving six structures (velopharynx, hyoid bone, epiglottis, laryngeal vestibule (LV), true vocal cords (TVC), upper esophageal sphincter (UES)) and timing of bolus movement were timed using frame by frame analysis. The overall sequence of events did not differ across three volumes; however, increasing bolus volume significantly changed the onset and termination of events. The bolus head reached to pharynx and esophagus earlier and the duration of bolus passing through UES was significantly longer in 10 and 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). Consequently, the onset of UES opening was significantly earlier with increased volume (P < .05). LV and TVC closure occurred later in 20 mL compared to 3 mL (P < .05). These changes in motion of pharynx and larynx appeared to promote swallow safety by preventing aspiration, suggesting that anatomical structure movements adapt in response to bolus volume. Our findings also suggest that the pharyngeal swallow behaviours may be modified by afferents in the oral cavity. The three-dimensional visualization and quantitative measurements provided by 320-ADCT provide essential benchmarks for understanding swallowing, both normal and abnormal.

Habitual intake of fermented milk products containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota and a reduced risk of hypertension in older people

This study investigated relationships between the frequent intake of fermented milk products containing Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) and the onset of hypertension (resting systemic pressure ≥140 mmHg [systolic]/≥90 mmHg [diastolic], a doctor’s diagnosis and/or antihypertensive medicine use) during a 5-year period in 352 communityliving Japanese aged 65 to 93 years (125 men and 227 women). Initially normotensive subjects were divided into two groups (n=254 and n=98) on the basis of their intake of fermented milk products (<3 or ≥3 times/week, respectively), as estimated during an interview by a certified nutritionist. The incidence of hypertension over the 5-year interval was significantly lower in those who took fermented milk products ≥3 rather than <3 times/week (6.1 vs 14.2%, P=0.037). A multivariate-adjusted proportional hazards model predicted that blood pressures were significantly more likely to remain normal over 5 years in subjects who took ≥3 fermented milk products rather than <3 times/ week (relative risk 0.398 [95% confidence interval 0.167-0.948], P=0.037). These results suggest that after adjustment for potential confounders, the risk of developing hypertension is substantially lower in elderly people who take fermented milk products containing LcS at least 3 times a week.

A transcriptional cofactor YAP regulates IFNT expression via transcription factor TEAD in bovine conceptuses

Interferon tau (IFNT) is the pregnancy recognition protein in all ruminants, and its expression is restricted to trophoblast cells. Interferon tau production increases as the conceptus elongates; however, its expression is downregulated soon after the initiation of conceptus attachment to the uterine epithelium. Our previous study identified that among 8 bovine IFNT genes, only 2 forms of IFNTs, IFNT2 and IFN-tau-c1, were expressed by the conceptuses during the periattachment period. To characterize whether Hippo signaling including a transcription cofactor yes-associated protein (YAP) was involved in the IFNT regulation, we examined the expression and effects of YAP and/or TEAD in human choriocarcinoma JEG3 and bovine trophoblast CT-1 cells, and in bovine conceptuses obtained from day 17, 20 or 22 pregnant animals (pregnant day 19.5 = day of conceptus attachment to the endometrium). YAP was expressed in bovine conceptuses and transfection of YAP or TEAD4, a transcription factor partner of YAP, expression plasmid increased the luciferase activity of IFNT2 and IFN-tau-c1 reporter plasmids in JEG3 cells. In the presence of YAP expression plasmid, TEAD2 or TEAD4 expression plasmid further upregulated transcriptional activity of IFNT2 or IFN-tau-c1 constructs, which were substantially reduced in the absence of the TEAD-binding site on IFNT2 or IFN-tau-c1 promoter region in JEG3 cells. In CT-1 cells, treatment with TEAD2, TEAD4, or YAP small-interfering RNA downregulated endogenous IFNT expression. It should be noted that TEAD2 and TEAD4 were predominantly localized in the nuclei of trophectoderm of Day 17 conceptuses, but nuclear localization appeared to be lower in those cells of conceptuses on days 20 and 22 of pregnancy. Moreover, the binding of TEAD4 to the TEAD-binding site of the IFN-tau-c1 promoter region in day 17 conceptuses was less in day 20 and 22 conceptuses. Furthermore, the level of YAP phosphorylation increased in day 20 and 22 conceptuses. These results indicated that although YAP/TEAD had the ability to up-regulate IFNT gene transcription on day 17, IFNT2 or IFN-tau-c1 was down-regulated following changes in the localization of TEAD2 and TEAD4 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and increases in phosphorylation and degradation of YAP. These data suggest that TEAD relocation and/or YAP degradation following its phosphorylation down-regulates IFNT gene transcription after conceptus attachment to the uterine endometrium.

235 ADMINISTRATION OF LEVOTHYROXINE IMPROVES THE PROPORTION OF TRANSFERABLE EMBRYOS FOLLOWING SUPEROVULATION IN JAPANESE BLACK CATTLE

The thyroid gland has a major impact on the human female reproductive system. However, its influence on reproductive competence in livestock is unclear. In cattle, superovulatory treatments often lead to high numbers of ova/embryos but low numbers of transferable embryos. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is chemically identical to thyroxine (T4), and binds to T4 receptors found in follicle cells. We aimed to determine whether levothyroxine treatment (LT) could improve the proportion of transferable embryos after superovulation in Japanese black cattle (Wagyu). First, we observed associations between the concentrations of T4, free triiodothyronine and thyroxine, and superovulatory responses (n = 95). Blood was collected before superovulatory treatment by jugular venipuncture, and serum was separated and stored at –20°C until being assayed for thyroid hormones. Second, Wagyu cattle showing a low proportion of transferable embryos (<30%) were assigned randomly to an LT group (n = 10) or a control group (no LT, n = 15); the LT was administered by 3 i.m. injections of 2000 mg of levothyroxine given 3 days apart; Controls received no injection. On the last day of LT, hormonal stimulation for superovulation was started as described (Ideta et al. 2007 Cloning Stem Cells 9, 571–580). The proportion of transferable embryos was compared with the same individual before/after LT. Data were analysed using Student’s t-tests. There were no significant associations between the concentrations of thyroid hormones and the superovulatory responses (no. collected oocytes/embryos, or the proportions of transferable embryos or unfertilized oocytes). However, LT dramatically increased the proportion of transferable embryos in these low-responding Wagyu cattle (Table 1). In conclusion, administration of levothyroxine improved the proportion of transferable embryos following superovulatory treatment. Further studies will be needed to investigate how LT improves the quality of bovine embryos. Table 1.Effect of levothyroxine treatment on the proportion of transferable embryos after superovulation in Wagyu cattle (means ± SE)

Enhanced miR-210 expression promotes the pathogenesis of endometriosis through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

STUDY QUESTION

What are the roles of the microRNA miR-210-an miRNA that is up-regulated in endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs)-in the pathogenesis of endometriosis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Up-regulated miR-210 expression in ECSCs is involved in their proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and angiogenesis through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

In the pathogenesis of endometriosis, a number of roles for microRNAs (miRNAs) are becoming apparent.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

ECSCs and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were isolated from ovarian endometriotic tissues (patients aged 24-40 years undergoing salpingo-oophorectomy or evisceration for the treatment of ovarian endometriotic cysts, n = 10) and the eutopic endometrial tissues without endometriosis (premenopausal patients aged 35-45 years undergoing hysterectomies for subserousal leiomyoma, n = 13), respectively.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We used a global gene expression microarray technique to identify downstream targets of miR-210, and we assessed the functions of miR-210 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by using the miR-210-transfected NESCs.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Gene expression microarray analysis revealed that one of the key target molecules of miR-210 is STAT3. In the NESCs, in comparison to the control, miR-210 transfection resulted in the induction of cell proliferation (P < 0.0005), the production of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) (P < 0.0005) and the inhibition of apoptosis (P < 0.05) through STAT3 activation [increased levels of mRNA (P < 0.0005), and protein (P < 0.005)]. In the ECSCs, inhibitors of STAT3 inhibited the cell proliferation and VEGF production (P < 0.05), and induced the apoptosis of these cells (P < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The roles of aberrant miR-210 expression were investigated only in the stromal component of ectopic and eutopic endometrium. Control endometrial tissues were obtained from premenopausal patients who had subserosal leiomyoma and NESC gene expression patterns may be altered in these women. Furthermore, the effects of STAT3 inhibitors were evaluated only in ECSCs and not in NESCs.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The present findings indicate that miR-210 induces NESCs to differentiate into the endometriotic phenotype and we speculate that up-regulated miR-210 expression in ECSCs is involved in the creation of the endometriosis-specific cellular dysfunctions through epigenetic mechanisms. The data indicate that STAT3 inhibitors may be promising candidates for the treatment of endometriosis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was supported in part by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (no. 13237327 to K.N., no. 25861500 to Y.K. and no. 23592407 to H.N.). There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

46 HYPOTHERMIC STORAGE FOR 10 DAYS OF BOVINE EMBRYOS USING TYPE III ANTIFREEZE PROTEIN

Recently, we developed a medium that enabled bovine embryos to be held for up to 7 days at 4°C (Tsuchiya et al. 2014 IETS meeting). To be of practical value, mammalian embryo preservation at hypothermic temperatures must be able to maintain viability for periods longer than 7 days. Antifreeze proteins (AFP) were discovered in various organisms (such as fish, insects, plants, and bacteria) living in cold regions. They show a unique ability to protect cold-sensitive cells from hypothermic damage. Here, we found that a biomolecule known as type III AFP solubilised into an optimized solvent can keep alive bovine embryos for a maximum of 10 days at hypothermic temperatures. First, human hepatoma (HepG2) and rat insulinoma (RIN-5F) cells were stored at 4°C in Euro-Collins solution (Kobayashi Seiyaku, Osaka, Japan) supplemented with or without 10 mg mL–1 of type III AFP for 24 h. The viability rate of the cells was assessed by trypan blue (Dojindo, Kumamoto, Japan) dissolved in PBS. Second, high-quality blastocysts produced in vivo were stored at 4°C in a plastic ministraw in 25 mM HEPES medium 199 plus 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplemented with or without 10 mg mL–1 of type III AFP for 10 days. Following hypothermic preservation, the chilled embryos were squeezed out of the straw into PBS and washed 3 times in the same medium. Subsequently, the embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% FBS for 48 h at 38.5°C under 5% CO2 in air with high humidity. The viability and hatching rate of the embryos were assessed at the end of the culture period. Finally, 4 embryos stored for 10 days with type III AFP were reloaded into plastic straws with the washing medium and transferred into recipient heifers (1 embryo per recipient). Pregnancy was determined by real-time B-mode ultrasonography (Convex scanner HS-1500, Honda Electronics Co. Ltd., Toyohashi, Japan) on Day 60 of gestation. Data were analysed using chi-squared and Student's t-tests. In the absence of type III AFP, the cell viability values of HepG2 and RIN-5F after hypothermic storage for 24 h were only 5 and 22%, respectively. However, in the presence of type III AFP, the cell viability values were dramatically increased (HepG2: 71%; RIN-5F: 59%) than those measured without type III AFP. To examine the effect of type III AFP for hypothermic preservation of bovine embryos, we used 80 high-quality embryos produced in vivo and assigned them randomly to 2 experimental groups. The viability and hatching rates of the chilled embryos stored with type III AFP for 10 days were significantly higher (58 and 30%, respectively) than those of without type III AFP (28 and 0%, respectively). The pregnancy rate of the chilled embryos stored with type III AFP was 50%: 2 pregnancies continue until now. In conclusion, prolongation of short-term preservation period with AFP-containing fluid will realise LN2-free storage of bovine embryos for a 10-day period. This work was supported by the Program for Promotion of Basic and Applied Research for Innovations in Bio-Oriented Industry.

51 ARTIFICIAL DORMANCY OF BOVINE EMBRYOS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS USING A SIMPLE MEDIUM

The worldwide pregnancy rate using cryopreserved mammalian embryos has not improved over the past 2 decades, probably because the freeze-thawing processes cause significant damage. Therefore, it is now relevant to examine the feasibility of short-term non-freezing preservation, and whether this could be applied to embryos that have high vitality and are to be transferred into recipients within several days. We introduce here an artificial dormancy fluid that can extend the hypothermic storage period of bovine embryos for a maximum of 7 days. First, to examine the effect of different basal media and the optimal concentration of fetal bovine serum (FBS) for hypothermic preservation, bovine blastocysts produced in vitro were stored at 4°C in a plastic ministraw in 1 of the following 3 media: PBS, medium 199, or Leibovitz L15 with various amount of FBS (0, 5, 20, 50, or 100%) for 3 days. Second, to examine the effect of Good's buffers, bovine embryos produced in vivo (morula to blastocyst stages) were stored at 4°C in a plastic ministraw in medium 199 plus 50% FBS supplemented with various Good's buffers [HEPES, TES, piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) (PIPES), MOPS, and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (EPPS)] for 7 days. Following hypothermic preservation, the chilled embryos were squeezed out of the straw into PBS and washed 3 times in the same medium. Subsequently, the embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% FBS for 48 h at 38.5°C under 5% CO2 in air with high humidity. The viability rate of the embryos was assessed at the end of the culture period. Finally, to observe the pregnancy rate of chilled embryos, 32 embryos produced in vivo were stored at 4°C for 7 days in medium 199 plus 50% FBS supplemented with HEPES. Following hypothermic preservation, the chilled embryos were transferred into recipient heifers (1 embryo per recipient). Pregnancy was determined by real-time B-mode ultrasonography (Convex scanner HS-1500, Honda electronics Co. Ltd, Toyohashi, Japan) on Day 60 of gestation. Data were analysed using the chi-squared test. The viability rate of the embryos after hypothermic storage for 3 days was significantly increased for medium 199 plus 50% FBS [27/30 (90%)] compared with PBS [18/30 (60%)] or Leibovitz L15 [15/30 (50%)] plus 50% FBS (P < 0.05). Chilled embryos stored for 7 days in medium 199 plus 50% FBS supplemented with HEPES had much higher survival than embryos stored in the same medium with other Good's buffers. The pregnancy rate of the chilled embryos stored for 7 days was extremely high [24/32 (75%)] and normal live calves were delivered at term. In conclusion, maintaining artificial dormancy of bovine embryos for 7 days using a simple medium appears to be feasible. This is the first documented success of storing chilled mammalian embryos in a viable state for 7 days. To be of practical value, bovine embryo preservation at hypothermic temperatures must be able to maintain viability for periods longer than 7 days. This work was supported by the Program for Promotion of Basic and Applied Research for Innovations in Bio-Oriented Industry.

Novel electric power-driven hydrodynamic injection system for gene delivery: safety and efficacy of human factor IX delivery in rats

The development of a safe and reproducible gene delivery system is an essential step toward the clinical application of the hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD) method. For this purpose, we have developed a novel electric power-driven injection system called the HydroJector-EM, which can replicate various time-pressure curves preloaded into the computer program before injection. The assessment of the reproducibility and safety of gene delivery system in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the precise replication of intravascular time-pressure curves and the reproducibility of gene delivery efficiency. The highest level of luciferase expression (272 pg luciferase per mg of proteins) was achieved safely using the time-pressure curve, which reaches 30 mm Hg in 10 s among various curves tested. Using this curve, the sustained expression of a therapeutic level of human factor IX protein (>500 ng ml(-1)) was maintained for 2 months after the HGD of the pBS-HCRHP-FIXIA plasmid. Other than a transient increase in liver enzymes that recovered in a few days, no adverse events were seen in rats. These results confirm the effectiveness of the HydroJector-EM for reproducible gene delivery and demonstrate that long-term therapeutic gene expression can be achieved by automatic computer-controlled hydrodynamic injection that can be performed by anyone.

156 THE USE OF THE DG29™ ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY KIT TO PREDICT PREGNANCY PRIOR TO EMBRYO TRANSFER IN LACTATING HOLSTEIN COWS

Evaluation of postpartum fertility in cows is important for the efficient management of reproduction. DG29™ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Conception, Animal Reproduction Technologies, Canada) measures the level of pregnancy–related glycoproteins in blood that are linked to pregnancy in the bovine species. The proteins are known to persist in the postpartum period. Here, we investigated whether the postpartum fertility in Holstein dairy cows can be evaluated through the use of the DG29 kit. We confirmed that genital organs of lactating Holstein cows (n = 119, from Days 56 to 688 postpartum) were normal by a 5.0/7.5-MHz linear array transducer (Tringa, Pie Medical Equipment B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands), then a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (PRID; CEVA Sante Animale, Libourne, France) was inserted (Day 0) and maintained for 9 days. On Day 7, PGF2α was administered (2 mL Dalmazine, Kyoritsu Seiyaku, Tokyo, Japan). Blood samples were collected from the tail vein or artery into vacuum tubes at the time of PRID insertion. Serum was separated and stored at –30°C until the ELISA was performed. Oestrus (Day 0) was detected by visual observation. Fresh embryos recovered from Japanese Black cows were transferred to 119 recipient cows in various parities (primiparous = 70, biparous = 27, and multiparous = 22) on Days 6 to 8 of oestrous cycle. Pregnancy was diagnosed between Days 40 to 60 by transrectal ultrasonography. The statistical significance of any differences between various parities was assessed by chi-squared and Student’s t-tests. The pregnancy rate was higher for primiparous cows than for biparous and multiparous cows (64.3, 55.6, and 54.5%, respectively), while concentrations of the pregnancy-related glycoproteins in primiparous cows (135.0 ± 29.8 pg mL–1) were significantly lower than those of biparous (389.4 ± 175.9 pg mL–1) and multiparous cows (399.2 ± 203.1 pg mL–1, mean ± SEM; P < 0.05). In primiparous and multiparous cows, the concentrations of pregnancy-related glycoproteins were significantly lower in pregnant cows compared with nonpregnant cows (primiparous: 81.1 ± 29.9 v. 232.6 ± 59.8 pg mL–1; P < 0.05; multiparous: 20.8 ± 16.2 v. 853.4 ± 411.5 pg mL–1; P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between pregnant and nonpregnant biparous cows. In conclusion, the DG29 kit may be useful for the prediction of postpartum fertility in lactating Holstein cows. Further studies are needed to test the validity of this observation by using a greater number of various parties’ cows.

Molecular discrimination between alpha-fetoprotein from patients with hepatocellular-carcinoma and nonneoplastic liver-diseases by their carbohydrate structures (review)

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a good marker of HCC. However, this protein also increases moderately in non-neoplastic liver diseases. The serum concentration of AFP in HCC at the time of initial diagnosis has become lower thanks to the advancement of imaging modalities. These clinical circumstances have lead to the need of molecular discrimination of AFP between HCC and benign liver diseases. This has been attained by taking advantage of the reactivity of AFP with various lectins. The relative amount of the Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA)-reactive species of AFP is significantly greater in HCC than in benign liver diseases. Molecular basis of this variation is the fucosylation of sugar chain at innermost N-acetyl-glucosamine. On the other hand, the concanavalin A (Con A)-nonreactive species of AFP increases in AFP-producing gastrointestinal carcinoma as compared with HCC and benign liver diseases. Molecular basis of Con A-nonreactive variants is the N-acetylglucosaminylation of the mannose residue at the trimannosyl core, although the position to be modified can be different. Therefore, the terms 'fucosylation and glucosaminylation indices' have been introduced to express the percentages of LCA-reactive and Con A-nonreactive species of AFP, respectively. The reactivity of AFP to erythroagglutinating phytohemagglutinin of Phaseolus vulgaris (E-PHA) also provides useful information for discrimination between HCC and benign liver diseases. These indices together with the measurement of E-PHA molecular variants are useful to detect HCC even if the disease is at an early stage. Furthermore, they seem to serve the prediction of HCC in the follow-up course of chronic liver diseases. Thus, not only qualitative but also quantitative measurements of lectin-based molecular variants of AFP provide us valuable information for the differential diagnosis of various liver diseases.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for bile duct stenosis after donor left hepatectomy: a case report

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) provides a minimally invasive treatment creating a nonsurgical, sutureless enteric anastomosis in conjunction with an interventional radiologic technique by using 2 high-power magnets. Recently, the MCA technique has been applied to bile duct strictures after living donor liver transplantation or major hepatectomy. Herein we described use of MCA for bile duct stenosis 5 months after donor left hepatectomy in a 24-year-old man who presented with a stricture at the porta hepatis and intrahepatic bile duct dilatation. Unsuccessful transpapillary biliary drainage and balloon dilatation through a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) route led to the MCA. A 4-mm-diameter cylindrical samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) daughter magnet with a long nylon wire was placed at the superior site of the obstruction through the PTBD route. A 5-mm-diameter Sm-Co parent magnet with an attached nylon handle was endoscopically inserted into the common bile duct and placed at the inferior site of obstruction. The 2 magnets were attracted, sandwiching the stricture and establishing a reanastomosis. In conclusion, the MCA technique was a unique procedure for choledochocholedochostomy in a patient with bile duct stenosis after donor hepatectomy.

109 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ULTRASONIC MORPHOLOGY OF CORPUS LUTEUM IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS AND PREGNANCY RATE AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER

Recipient animals for bovine embryo transfer (ET) are routinely selected according to the morphology of the corpus luteum (CL) estimated by rectal palpation. However, rectal palpation is not a precise method of diagnosing the functional status of a CL. Ovarian ultrasonography (US) may be used to improve such diagnoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ultrasonographic images of CL and pregnancy rates after ET in Holstein heifers to determine whether US can be used to select recipients for ET. Recipient heifers (n = 285) were selected by detection of natural oestrus or following oestrus synchronization using a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID; ASKA Pharmaceutical, Tokyo, Japan). Transrectal US was performed immediately before ET, on Days 6 to 8 of the oestrous cycle (oestrus = Day 0), using a B-mode scanner (HS1500V; Honda Electronics Co. LTD, Aichi, Japan) equipped with a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer designed for intrarectal placement. A cross-sectional image of the maximal area of the CL and luteal cavity was obtained. The areas of the CL and luteal cavity were each calculated using the formula for the area of an ellipse (height/2 × width/2 × π). (1) Ultrasonic morphology of CL was classified into 3 types: without cavity (n = 128), with cavity (n = 145) and with blood clot (n = 12). (2) The luteal cavity was categorized into 3 groups: small (<100 mm2, n = 93), medium (100 ≤ x < 200 mm2, n = 32) and large (≥200 mm2, n = 20). (3) Luteinized tissue area (total area of CL minus the area of the luteal cavity) was categorized into 3 groups: small (<250 mm2, n = 61), medium (250 ≤ x < 350 mm2, n = 128) and large (≥350 mm2, n = 84). In vivo–produced embryos were transferred nonsurgically into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal US on Days 30 to 40 of gestation. The pregnancy rates of each experimental group were analysed by logistic regression. In this study, the pregnancy rate did not differ significantly in each experimental group: (1) without cavity: 77.3% (99/128), with cavity: 75.2% (109/145) and blood clot: 75.0% (9/12); (2) small cavity: 73.1% (68/93), medium: 75.0% (24/32) and large: 85.0% (17/20). The mean area of the cavity was 100.8 ± 110.3 mm2 (mean ± standard deviation) and recipients with 0 to 539.7 mm2 sized cavities had successful pregnancies (observational range was 0 to 539.7 mm2). (3) The pregnancy rates of recipients that had small, medium and large luteinized tissue were 77.0% (47/61), 75.0% (96/128) and 77.4% (65/84), respectively. The mean area of luteinized tissue was 318.9 ± 90.3 mm2 and 155.0 to 620.0 mm2 sized luteinized tissue had pregnancy success (observational range was 132.8 to 620.0 mm2). In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that the presence of a luteal cavity or blood clot has no detrimental effect on pregnancy success after ET in Holstein heifers. Furthermore, no relationship was found between luteinized tissue area at the time of ET and pregnancy rate.

75 COMPARISON OF THE DG29TM ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY KIT COMPARED WITH TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR EARLY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF JAPANESE BLACK CATTLE EMBRYOS

In commercial embryo transfer industry, accurate early detection of pregnant and nonpregnant cows plays a key role in achieving an optimum calving-to-conception interval. The DG29TM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Conception, Animal Reproduction Technologies, Beaumont, Canada) measures the level of pregnancy-related glycoproteins in blood that are linked to pregnancy. Here, we compared the DG29 kit with transrectal ultrasonography (TU) to evaluate the possibility of the clinical application of the ELISA kit for early pregnancy diagnosis. Embryos recovered from superovulated Japanese Black cows were transferred to 110 recipient Holstein heifers on Day 6 to 8 of the oestrous cycle (oestrus = Day 0). Pregnancy was diagnosed between Day 29 and Day 40 by TU with a 5.0/7.5-MHz linear array transducer (Tringa, Pie Medical Equipment B.V., Maastricht, the Netherlands). Blood samples were collected from the tail vein or artery into vacuum serum tubes after TU and serum was separated and stored at –30°C until the ELISA was performed. The ELISA results were interpreted as positive (pregnant, >1000 pg mL–1) or negative (nonpregnant, <300 pg mL–1). Ninety-nine of the 110 heifers were judged as pregnant or nonpregnant by TU. Seventy-six of the 99 heifers were judged as pregnant, in which fetuses were visualised clearly in the uterine horn. The following measures, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and accuracy of pregnancy outcomes based on the ELISA results, were assessed by comparing with those based on the definite TU results. The values for sensitivity and specificity were 100% (76/76) and 91.3% (21/23), the positive and negative predictive value were 97.4% (76/78) and 100% (21/21), respectively and accuracy was 98.0% (97/99). On the other hand, chorioallantoic fluids in 11 of the 110 heifers were detected by TU around Day 30 of gestation, but fetuses were not identified or were unclearly visualised, which suggests that the embryos died during the peri-implantation period after transfer. Ten of the 11 heifers were classified as pregnant by the ELISA, but only 3 heifers were identified as pregnant with reexamination by later TU, which indicates that the pregnancy-related glycoproteins residue from embryo mortality was detected by the DG29 kit. However, the negative predictive value of the DG29 kit was 100% in this study. In conclusion, except for early embryonic death, the DG29 kit was highly accurate and suitable for clinical application in early pregnancy determination following transfer of Japanese Black cattle embryos.

Association of a polymorphism of BTN2A1 with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese individuals

AIMS

We previously showed that the C→T polymorphism (rs6929846) of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals by a genome-wide association study. Given that diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for myocardial infarction, the association of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 with myocardial infarction might be attributable, at least in part, to its effect on susceptibility to diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 to Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A total of 8650 Japanese individuals from two independent subject panels were examined: Panel A comprised 1141 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 3161 control subjects and panel B comprised 1664 individuals with Type 2 diabetes and 2684 control subjects.

RESULTS

The chi-square test revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly related to the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in subject panel A (P = 0.0002) and subject panel B (P=0.006). Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and smoking status revealed that rs6929846 was significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes (P = 0.0006; odds ratio 1.25) in all individuals, with the T allele representing a risk factor for this condition. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and body mass index revealed that rs6929846 was significantly (P=0.04) related to blood glycosylated haemoglobin content in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

BTN2A1 may be a susceptibility gene for Type 2 diabetes in Japanese individuals.

Association of a polymorphism of BTN2A1 with hypertension in Japanese individuals

BACKGROUND

We previously showed that the C→T polymorphism (rs6929846) in butyrophilin, subfamily 2, member A1 gene (BTN2A1) was associated with myocardial infarction in Japanese individuals. Given that hypertension is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction, the association of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 with myocardial infarction might be attributable, at least in part, to its effect on susceptibility to hypertension. We have thus examined the relation of rs6929846 of BTN2A1 to hypertension in Japanese individuals.

METHODS

A total of 8,567 Japanese individuals from two independent subject panels were examined: Subject panels A and B comprised 2,317 hypertensive individuals and 1,933 controls, and 2,911 hypertensive individuals and 1,406 controls, respectively. The genotype of rs6929846 was determined by a method that combines the PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes with suspension array technology.

RESULTS

Multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates revealed that rs6929846 of BTN2A1 was significantly associated with hypertension in subject panel A (P = 2.6 × 10(-6); odds ratio, 1.69) and in subject panel B (P = 0.0284; odds ratio, 1.24), with the T allele representing a risk factor for hypertension. The rs6929846 was associated with systolic blood pressure (BP) in subject panels A (P = 0.0063) and B (P = 0.0115) and with diastolic BP in subject panel B (P = 0.0323), with the T allele being related to high BP.

CONCLUSIONS

BTN2A1 may be a susceptibility gene for hypertension in Japanese individuals. Determination of genotype for this polymorphism may prove informative for assessment of the genetic risk for hypertension.

Expression profiles of genes associated with viral entry in HCV-infected human liver

Recent studies have demonstrated that several cellular factors are involved in entry of hepatitis C virus (HCV) into host cells. Detailed gene expression profiles of these factors in HCV-infected livers have not been reported for humans. Transcriptional levels of LDL receptor (LDLR), CD81, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), claudin-1, and occludin genes in liver samples from patients with chronic hepatitis C were investigated. Serum levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HCV core antigen were also evaluated, and expression of claudin-1 and occludin were immunohistochemically analyzed. Compared with normal liver, transcription of LDLR and claudin-1 genes was significantly suppressed (P < 0.0001) and occludin transcription was significantly up-regulated in HCV-infected livers (P < 0.0001). Significant positive correlations were found for LDLR versus occludin, LDLR versus claudin-1, occludin versus claudin-1, and CD81 versus SR-BI in HCV-infected (P = 0.0012, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0004, and P < 0.0001, respectively) and normal livers (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0051, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). Positive correlation was observed between serum levels of HCV core antigen and LDL-C (P = 0.0147), with their levels negatively correlated to LDLR (P = 0.0270 and P = 0.0021, respectively). Immunohistochemically, hepatocellular expression of claudin-1 and occludin was increased in HCV-infected livers. Different levels of expression were demonstrated at the mRNA and protein levels for occludin and claudin-1 in HCV-infected and normal livers. Correlation of elements associated with viral entry was comparable in HCV-infected and normal livers.

High Efficiency UV-Emission at 345 nm from InAlGaN Light-Emitting Diodes

Optical and electrical properties of 340 nm-band bright UV-light emitting diodes (LEDs) were compared between In0.03Al0.20Ga0.77N and other active regions. Single peaked and high efficiency ultraviolet (UV) emission at 345 nm from In0.03Al0.20Ga0.77N LEDs is achieved under continuous current injection conditions. Any significant broadening and peak shift of the electroluminescence (EL) spectrum were not observed. We attribute such a good properties to using of high quality InAlGaN-quaternary active layer. The EL intensity of the InAlGaN quaternary-based LED showed more one order of magnitude higher intensity than that of AlGaN and GaN based LEDs. Additionally, The I-L characteristics of the InAlGaN quaternary-based LED showed a linearly increasing of intensity with increasing of injection current density, that is also observed for InGaN based LEDs. This shows the recombination efficiency of the InAlGaN-based LED is as much as that of InGaN based LEDs. From these results InAlGaN quaternary is expected to be a promising material for UV LEDs and LDs.

Fabrication of p-n junction with Mg-doped wide bandgap InAlGaN for application to UV emitters

Mg-doped quaternary InAlGaN is very attractive for use as p-side layers of 300-nm band ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs), because high hole conductivity is expected to obtain for wide bandgap (~4 eV) InAlGaN with Mg-doping. We fabricated p-n junction diode consisting of Mg-doped In0.02Al0.28Ga0.70N and Si-doped Al0.25Ga0.75N, and demonstrated intense UV emission under CW current injection at room temperature. The rising voltage in I-V curve was around 3.8 V and the breakdown voltage was as high as 10 V. Single peaked intense emission was observed at 340 nm from around InAlGaN/AlGaN p-n junction area without any deep level emission. Also we found that Ni/Au electrode directly fabricated on Mg-doped InAlGaN is useful. From these results, Mg-doped InAlGaN is considered to be very attractive for use as p-side layer of UV-LEDs or LDs.

114 BOVINE EMBRYO-MATERNAL RECOGNITION MAY OCCUR EARLIER IN AI THAN IN EMBRYO TRANSFER (ET)

Embryo-maternal recognition is known to be mediated by the trophoblast and/or its secretory product during the preimplantation period. However, it was recently proposed that embryo-maternal recognition (along with the maternal immune system) could be activated by zona pellucida-degradation products including oligosaccharide chains from very early stage embryos (Fujiwara et al. 2009 J. Reprod. Immunol. 81, 1–8). If this is true, we predict that mammalian mothers recognise the presence of an embryo immediately after fertilization in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to compare the expressions of immune tolerance genes in bovine endometrial-luminal lymphoid (ELL) cells collected from animals after AI or embryo transfer (ET). ELL cells were collected from recipient cows inseminated with frozen–thawed semen on Day 0 (=oestrus, n = 8) and from cows that received a transferred embryo on Day 7 (n = 8) of the oestrous cycle. On Days 9 and 11, ELL cells ipsilateral to the corpus luteum were flushed non-surgically from four cows of each group using Ringer's solution (500 mL). To eliminate large cell clusters of endometrium and the embryo (blastocyst), the flushing medium was passed through an embryo collection filter (EmCon filter, 75 μm stainless steel screen). A single viable blastocyst was collected from each recipient cow. The recovered flushing medium containing ELL cells was centrifuged. The ELL cells were suspended in PBS and separated by Lympholyte-H (Cedarlane, Ontario, Canada) gradient centrifugation. Using RT-real-time PCR, transcripts for four immune tolerance genes in ELL cells from AI or ET examined were transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3). Data were normalized to that of an endogenous control (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and analysed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe′s test. Transcripts for TGF-β, M-CSF, IL-10, and Foxp3 were detected in all RT-samples derived from ELL cells on Days 9 and 11 of the oestrous cycle. Transcript levels of TGF-β, M-CSF and IL-10 in the AI group were the same as those of the ET group (P > 0.05), although the transcript level of Foxp3, a master regulator of the function of regulatory T-cells, in the AI group was significantly higher than that of the ET group on Days 9 and 11 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the transcript level of Foxp3 in the ET group on Day 11 was significantly higher than that of the ET group on Day 9 (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the embryo-maternal recognition in AI occurs earlier than in ET, and suggest that cows recognise an embryo earlier than those generally believed.

A case of fulminant amebic colitis with multiple large intestinal perforations

Amebic colitis normally causes mucous and bloody diarrhea stool as predominant symptoms, thus leading to a course of chronic colitis. However, though rare, there exists a fulminating type that causes intestinal perforations due to wide necrosis of the large intestine. We encountered a case of fulminant amebic colitis that lead to death due to multiple large intestinal perforations. The patient was a 72-year-old female. The patient was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. She continued to have a fever of over 38 degrees C and increased left abdominal pain. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed free gas on the abdominal side of the kidney. Therefore, gastrointestinal perforations were diagnosed and surgery was performed. In surgery, many perforated parts were observed from the appendix to the descending colon, and subtotal colectomy was performed. However, sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation occurred, and the patient died on the eighth postoperative day.

226 EFFECT OF AMMONIA IN BOVINE FOLLICULAR FLUID AND OOCYTE MORPHOLOGY DERIVED FROM ABATTOIR OVARIES

In cattle, high intake of crude protein elevates rumen ammonia and blood urea nitrogen and has been associated with decreased fertility. The aim of this study was to analyze the concentration of ammonia in bovine follicular fluid derived from abattoir ovaries and to examine the relation between ammonium concentration and morphology of oocytes from antral follicles. In the first experiment, follicular fluid was collected within 1 h of slaughter from 3919 small (2-5 mm in diameter), 366 medium (6-9 mm), and 159 large (10-20 mm) follicles from 203 ovaries. Ammonium concentration was analyzed in 6 batches pooled from follicular fluids of each size (derived from 15, 39, 7, 36, 81, and 25 ovaries, respectively). Ammonium concentration was measured by the microdiffusion method using an Ami Check Meter kit (Kyoto Daiichi Kagaku Co., Ltd., Japan). In the second experiment, follicular fluids were aspirated from small (2-5 mm) follicles of 38 cows to evaluate the relationship between ammonium concentration and oocyte morphology. Oocytes were classified into 4 morphological categories according to the surrounding cumulus cells (Konishi M et al. 1996 Theriogenology 45, 573-581): grade 1 (≥5 layers); grade 2 (3-4 layers); grade 3 (1-2 layers); and grade 4 (denuded, degenerated cumulus cell mass or ooplasm). The oocyte morphology for the low-ammonium group (<330 μmol, 239 oocytes from 19 cows) and high-ammonia group (≥330 μmol, 255 oocytes from 19 cows) was compared. Statistical significance was tested by chi-square test or t-test Ammonium con- centrations of small (281.8 ± 20.0 μM), medium (175.4 ± 15.8 μM), and large (96.3 ± 9.3 μM) follicles were significantly different (P < 0.0001). Ammonium concentrations in follicular fluid of the 38 cows ranged from 180.6 to 802.4 μM. In a comparison of oocyte morphology between the low- (263.8 ± 41.6 μM) and high-ammonium (423.0 ± 108.9 μM) groups, the number of grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 oocytes in the former (80, 68, 18, and 73, respectively) were not significantly different from the numbers in the latter (96, 61, 27, and 71, respectively; P = 0.30-0.99). These results indicate that, in follicles of different sizes derived from abattoir ovaries, the ammonium concentration was higher in small follicles than in the other sizes of follicles. However, there was no evidence that in vivo exposure of bovine oocytes to ammonium badly influenced oocyte morphology. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between ammonium concentration and the developmental potential of oocytes.

277 EFFECTS OF ERYTHROCYTE AND ERYTHROCYTE HEMOLYSATE ON BOVINE PREIMPLANTATION EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO UNDER REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES CONDITION

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage preimplantation embryos by increasing DNA fragmentation, leading to early embryonic death. Erythrocytes have been shown to protect other cells and tissues against ROS. In mice, erythrocytes were recently found to improve the early development of embryos by their antioxidant effect. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of erythrocytes on the in vitro development of bovine IVF embryos in medium supplemented with ROS. COCs were aspirated from ovaries collected from a local slaughterhouse and were cultured for 22 h in TCM-199 containing 5% fetal bovine serum. IVF was performed using an IVF100 (Research Institute for the Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In experiment 1, IVF embryos were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with an oxidizing agent, 0.5 mM hypoxanthine and 0.01 U mL-1 xanthine oxidase (HX/XOD), in the presence and absence of erythrocytes (5 × 104, 5× 105, 5×106, and 5 × 107 erythrocytes mL-1). In experiments 2 and 3, the development of embryos under the condition without ROS was assessed in the presence and absence of erythrocytes (5 × 106 erythrocytes mL-1) or erythrocyte hemolysate (hemoglobin concentration of 1.9 g L-1), respectively. At 7 days after in vitro culture, the development to the blastocyst stage of IVF embryos was examined using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s PLSD test and Student’s t-test In experiment 1, the presence of HX/XOD significantly inhibited embryo development to the blastocyst stage in vitro (P < 0.05). The addition of erythrocytes to medium supplemented with HX/XOD markedly improved preimplantation development (Table 1). In experiments 2 and 3, supplementation of erythrocytes or erythrocyte hemolysate promoted the development of embryos to the blastocyst stage (experiment 2: erythrocyte 42.4 ± 3.1%, control 28.5 ± 5.7%, P < 0.1; experiment 3: erythrocyte hemolysate 39.1 ± 3.3%, control 30.2 ± 1.0%, P < 0.1). In conclusion, we suggest that the addition of erythrocytes to culture medium can counteract the negative effects of ROS on embryo development and blastocyst formation. Table 1.Effect of HX/XOD and erythrocyte supplementation on embryo development to blastocyst stage

34 COMPARISON OF IN VIVO DEVELOPMENT DURING EARLY PREGNANCY OF CLONED FETUSES DERIVED FROM BOVINE FETAL FIBROBLASTS AT THE EARLY G1 AND G0 PHASES

Enhanced development of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) embryos to full term has been achieved using fibroblasts at the early G1 (eG1) phase instead of cells at the quiescent (G0) phase (Urakawa et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714–728). The high abortion rate and abnormal placental development of NT embryos using G0 phase cells is related to the low formation rate of embryonic disks and the aberrant development of the trophectoderm in utero until Day 14 of gestation (Ideta et al. 2007 Cloning Stem Cells 9, 571–580). The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological development of conceptuses such as fetuses and fetal membranes in the early pregnancy of NT embryos using eG1 phase cells (eG1-NT embryos) and G0 phase cells (G0-NT embryos). Blastocysts derived from eG1-NT and G0-NT embryos were transferred to recipient heifers, and the conceptuses at Day 50 of gestation were retrieved nonsurgically using prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and oxytocin (Lavoir and Betteridge 1996 J. Reprod. Fertil. 106, 95–100). In vitro-fertilized (IVF), parthenogenetic and artificially inseminated (AI) embryos were used as controls. Data were analyzed using chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Pregnancy rates at Day 30 of recipient heifers carrying eG1-NT, G0-NT, IVF, parthenogenetic, and AI embryos were similar (57 to 100%; 4/7 to 8/8). Two recipient heifers carrying parthenogenetic embryos returned to estrus between Day 30 and 50 of gestation, whereas all other pregnancies remained viable. Most fetuses at Day 50 of gestation of all experiment groups (20/24) were recovered nonsurgically by several PGF2α and oxytocin treatments. The recovery rates of normal fetuses derived from eG1-NT embryos (83%, 5/6), IVF embryos (80%, 4/5), and AI embryos (88%, 7/8) were greater than those of G0-NT embryos (33%, 2/6) and parthenogenetic embryos (0%, 0/7). The amniotic fluid volume of G0-NT embryos was significantly greater than that of AI embryos (P < 0.05). But the amniotic fluid volume of eG1-NT embryos was the same as that of AI embryos (P > 0.05). The fetal weights of eG1-NT and IVF embryos were significantly greater than the fetal weight of AI embryos (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that efficient production of cloned offspring is possible by NT using donor cells that are in the early G1 phase.

294 EFFECT OF SPERMATOZOA MOTILITY ON TRANSFERABLE EMBRYO RATE OF SUPEROVULATED JAPANESE BLACK CATTLE

Sperm motility is known to affect fertilization; however, little is known about the relationship between frozen–thawed sperm motility and in vivo fertilization following superovulatory treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate a sperm function test as potential predictors of embryo production following superovulatory treatment in cattle. Two to five batches of semen (Japanese black bull, n = 4, A to D) were diluted with egg york-citrate-glycerol in 0.5 mL plastic straws, and they were stored in liquid nitrogen until analyzed. Frozen–thawed spermatozoa were evaluated for motility {motile sperm concentration (MSC, million mL–1), progressive MSC (PMSC, million mL–1) and velocity (μm s–1)} using a sperm quality analyzer for bulls (SQA-Vb, Medical Electronic Systems, Caesarea, Israel). Each sample of 20 μL aspirated into the disposable capillary, was inserted into SQA-Vb. Measurements were displayed within 75 s. Intra-assay CVs of MSC, PMSC, and velocity were 14.2, 7.3 and 7.5%, respectively. Inter-assey CVs of them were 13.5, 3.9 and 4.3% respectively. Superstimulated donors (Japanese black cows, n = 161) were artificially inseminated with one dose of frozen–thawed semen (bull A = 74, B = 46, C = 21 and D = 20). The proportion of transferable embryo (IETS grade 1 to 3) was examined on day 7 (day 0 = estrus). Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Scheffe multiple comparison test, and Fisher’s z-transformation. MSC, PMSC and velocity values differed significantly among each bull. The values of bull A were much lower than those of the other bulls. The proportion of transferable embryos produced by bull A was significantly lower than that of other bulls (P < 0.05, Table 1). Correlations showed significant association between MSC and proportion of transferable embryos (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). We conclude that bovine sperm motility using a SQA-Vb is a useful predictor of embryo production following superovulatory treatment. Table 1.Relationship between sperm motility and proportion of transferable embryo

309 PRODUCTION OF CATTLE BY NUCLEAR TRANSFER FROM CELLS IN WHICH A GENE IS DISRUPTED

Gene-targeted animals provide a powerful model to examine gene functionality. In this study, we examined the effect of gene targeting of donor cells for nuclear transfer (NT) on the pregnancy rate and on viability of the offspring after embryo transfer. Gene-targeted (tg; targeting of both alleles of the gene encoding bovine prion protein) or non-manipulated (control) bovine fetal fibroblasts were used for NT. A promoterless positive selection vector (pPrP5.2) containing an internal ribosome entry site-antibiotic resistance gene (neo) cassette and loxP sequences was used to disrupt the bovine prion protein gene. The cells (tg) in which homologous recombination was occurred were used for NT. The tg and control cells were cultured in DMEM with 10% FCS and were prepared in the early G1 phase to our previous report (Urakawa M et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 714–728). Each donor cell was inserted into an enucleated in vitro-matured (19 h) oocyte. Cell fusion (DC, 200 V mm–1, 10 μs) and activation (DC, 100 V mm–1 , 60 μs) were done in 0.3 m mannitol solution. The NT embryos were then activated with 5 μm Ca-ionophore and 10 μg of mL–1 cycloheximide and were cultured with bovine oviduct epithelial cells in CR1aa with 5% CS. The blastocyst rates were judged at 6 days after NT. The blastocysts were non-surgically transferred to recipient heifers. The recipients were monitored daily for heat behavior, examined by ultrasound at Day 30 and 60, and then observed monthly to confirm pregnancy. The offspring born in the tg group were confirmed by PCR to be transgenic. Statically significance was tested using a chi-square test or t-test. Developmental rate to the blastocyst stage, pregnancy rate at Day 30 and 60, and calving rate did not differ significantly between tg and the control group (Table 1). Gestation length (tg; 290.0 ± 2.2 days v. control; 290.5 ± 3.9 days) and birth weight (tg; 39.6 ± 8.0 kg v. control; 40.2 ± 4.1 kg) were not significantly different. These results indicate that gene targeting of donor cells used for NT does not significantly affect the development of embryos, pregnancy rate, or the viability of the offspring. Table 1.Development of NT embryos with tg or control cells

147 A PROSTAGLANDIN F2Alpha RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST MAY INHIBIT BAX EXPRESSION IN BOVINE PRE-IMPLANTATION EMBRYOS DURING EMBRYO FLUSHING

Several in vivo studies have shown negative effects of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on embryonic survival in cows. The PGF2α receptor (FPr) was detected in bovine embryos (Scenna FN et al. 2006 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 180). Recently, it was reported that addition of a FPr antagonist (AL-8810) to the embryo flushing medium prevented the detrimental action of PGF2α on pregnancy (Scenna FN et al. 2008 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 154). In the present study, we examined the morphological development in utero and gene expression of bovine pre-implantation embryos collected using flushing medium containing AL-8810. Embryos were collected from superovulated donors on Day 7 after artificial insemination with medium containing 1000 nm AL-8810 (n = 4, Sigma-Aldrich, St, Louis, MO, AL embryos) or with vehicle (n = 4, DMSO, Sigma-Aldrich, CON embryos). Following collection, the embryos were classified by quality and stage, and then 2 to 5 grade-1, stage 4 and 5 embryos (IETS classification) were transferred to recipient heifers (AL-embryos: n = 4, CON embryos: n = 4) for transient development in utero up to Day 15 of gestation. Embryos at Day 15 occasionally collapsed after uterine flushing due to breaches in trophectoderm (TE) tissue caused by the collection procedures. Only whole embryos were used and evaluated in this study. Using real-time PCR, the TE cells were examined to quantify the mRNA levels for 3 genes, interferon-τ (maternal recognition of pregnancy, INF-τ), connexin 43 (cell communication, CX 43) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (apoptosis, Bax). Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and chi-square test. The average number of ova/embryos recovered at Day 7 was 12.0 ± 4.1 (AL embryos) and 8.8 ± 5.8 (CON embryos). There was no significance in the percentages of transferable embryos (AL-embryos; 67.0 ± 14.4%, 35/48 and CON-embryos; 79.6 ± 7.1%, 27/35; P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. The whole-embryo recovery rate on Day 15 for AL embryos (73.3%, 11/15) was >30 percentage points greater than that for CON embryos (41.2%, 7/17). The length of major axis of embryos and the diameter of embryonic disks were the same between AL embryos (59.6 ± 12.3 mm, 0.44 ± 0.03 mm, respectively) and CON embryos (49.3 ± 24.6 mm, 0.43 ± 0.05 mm, respectively). Transcripts of INF-τ and CX 43 in TE cells did not differ significantly between AL embryos and CON embryos (P > 0.05). However, the abundance of Bax transcripts in TE cells tended to be lower in AL embryos than in CON embryos (P = 0.07). These results suggest that addition of an FPr antagonist to the embryo flushing medium may promote the developmental capacity of pre-implantation embryos in utero.

Economic impact of extended treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin for slow hepatitis C virologic responders

It is difficult to achieve a sustained virologic response from antiviral therapy for genotype 1 hepatitis C virus-infected patients without a sufficient virologic response in the early weeks after treatment. However, a recent study has reported on the effectiveness of an extended course of treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin for slow virologic responders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of an extended course of treatment. A Markov cohort model of hepatitis C was designed in order to demonstrate the clinical states, based on the assigned transition probabilities over 30 years. The slow virologic responders treated with an extended 72-week course of therapy could increase by 0.55 the quality-adjusted life years (=15.35-14.80) and reduce the lifetime cost by $2762 (=71 559-69 438) in comparison with those treated by the standard 48-week course. One-way sensitivity analyses did not change the cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the extended 72 weeks of treatment with peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin for slow virologic responders could be cost-effective in comparison with the standard 48 weeks of treatment.

150 EXAMINATION OF ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION USING A PRID® + PROSTAGLANDIN F2α AND PREGNANCY RATE AFTER ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF IN VITRO-PRODUCED EMBRYOS IN REPEAT-BREEDING COWS

Repeat-breeding Holstein cows (RBCs), i.e. cows that have undergone three or more AIs, have reduced pregnancy rates. The present study aimed to determine whether application of a combination of a PRID� (ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., Tokyo, Japan) + prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) for estrus synchronization and AI + embryo transfer (ET) would improve pregnancy rates in RBCs. All RBCs selected showed a normal interval between the previous insemination and estrus, and were free of clinical disorders. The RBCs (n = 107) received a PRID for 9 days with a capsule containing 10 mg of estradiol benzoate, 0.5 mg IM of cloprostenol (PGF2α, Resipron�-C; ASKA, Japan) at 2 days before PRID removal. The cows were inseminated with frozen–thawed semen from a bull at 0 to 12 h after onset of estrus. Seven days after AI, single in vitro-produced embryos were transferred to the same RBCs. Pregnancy was diagnosed by palpation per rectum at e60 days post-insemination. Exp. 1 estimated the response to estrus synchronization treatment (n = 107). The factors examined were lactation number (mean � SD: 2.3 � 1.5, range: 1–6), insemination number (5.2 � 2.2, range: 3–13), and the interval from calving to next AI (275.9 � 97.6 days, range: 93–650 days). Exp. 2 compared the pregnancy rate in control RBCs (n = 161) and PRID-treated RBCs (n = 100). The factors examined included lactation number (2.5 � 1.6, range: 1–12), insemination number (6.0 � 2.5, range: 3–19), the interval from calving to next AI (288.0 � 102.1 days, range: 102–797 days), and whether the ET was into the uterine horn ipsilateral or contralateral to the CL in a total of 261 RBCs. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. The results for Exp. 1: 103 cows (96.3%) were confirmed to be in estrus (2.0 � 0.3 days after PRID removal). Although the frequency of estrus was affected by the lactation number (P = 0.014) and the interval from calving to the first AI (P = 0.005), the AI number did not have an affect (P = 0.624). Exp. 2: PRID synchronization had no effect on pregnancy rate (control: 37.3%, 60/161; and PRID-treated: 40.0%, 40/100). For the RBCs, the pregnancy rate was not affected by lactation number (P = 0.093), AI number (P = 0.694), or the interval from calving to next AI (P = 0.762). No significant difference (P = 0.428) in pregnancy rate was observed in cows when the embryos were transferred into the uterine horn contralateral to the CL (43.5%, 20/46), compared to those embryos transferred into the uterus horn ipsilateral to the CL (37.2%, 80/215). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the pregnancy rate may be improved by considering lactation number and the interval from calving to the next AI of RBCs in estrus synchronization using a combination of PRID + PGF2α and AI + ET.

296 FREQUENT RECTAL PALPATIONS FOLLOWING SUPEROVULATORY TREATMENT AFFECT SEX RATIO OF EMBRYOS RECOVERED FROM HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

Skewing the sex ratio of offspring towards males or females is very important for the livestock industry. Many factors, such as maternal stress, have been suggested to affect the sex ratio (Pratt NC et al. 1989 J. Reprod. Fertil. 87, 763–769). In a recent study (Ideta A et al. 2007 J. Reprod. Dev. doi:10.1262/JRD.19035), the proportion of female embryos recovered from superovulated heifers in which ovulation patterns were observed by repeated transrectal ultrasonography tended to be higher than the expected ratio of 50:50 (66.7%, 26/39). To investigate this phenomenon, we repeated the experiment using a larger number of Holstein heifers. The superovulatory treatment began in the midluteal phase of the estrous cycle (days 8 to 10) and consisted of eight decreasing doses of FSH i.m. (total of 28 Armour units, Antrin R-10, Kawasaki-Mitaka, Kanagawa, Japan) for 4 days with treatment twice daily. Doses of 5 mL and 3 mL of a PGF2α analogue (Veterinary Pronalgon F Injection containing 5 mg mL–1 Dinoprost, Pfizer Animal Health, Tokyo, Japan) were administered i.m. to the animals along with the seventh and eighth FSH treatment, respectively. The heifers were divided into two groups. One group, the rectal palpation (RP) group (n = 9), received transrectal ultrasonography with rectal palpation at 4-h intervals from 36 to 76 h after the first PGF2α treatment. The other group, the Control group (n = 8) received no treatment. The heifers were artificially inseminated at 56 and 72 h after the first PGF2α treatment using frozen–thawed semen from one bull. Seven-day embryos were recovered nonsurgically. Grade 1 to 3 embryos (IETS classification) were selected for this study. Male and female embryos were separated using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification procedure (Hirayama H et al. 2004 Theriogenology 62, 887–896). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square test. The mean number of recovered ova and embryos was 15.7 � 3.8 (RP) and 14.4 � 2.2 (Control). There was no significant difference in the percentages of unfertilized ova (RP; 14.9 %, 21/141 and Control; 11.3% 13/115, P > 0.05), grade 1 embryos (RP; 51.1%, 72/141 and Control; 54.8%, 63/115, P > 0.05) and grade 1 to 3 embryos (RP; 65.2%, 92/141 and Control; 69.6%, 80/115, P > 0.05) between the two groups. The proportion of female grade 1 embryos in the RP group (66.7%, 48/72) was significantly higher than the expected ratio of 50:50 (P < 0.01). The female ratio of grade 1 embryos in the Control group was 50.8% (32/63). Furthermore, the proportion of female grade 1 to 3 embryos in the RP groups (66.3%, 61/92) was significantly higher than the expected ratio of 50:50 (P < 0.005). The female ratio of grade 1 to 3 embryos in the Control group was 51.3% (41/80). Results indicate that frequent ultrasound examinations and rectal palpations following superovulatory treatment may skew the sex ratio of embryos towards females in Holstein heifers.

Genetic risk for metabolic syndrome: examination of candidate gene polymorphisms related to lipid metabolism in Japanese people

BACKGROUND

The aetiology of metabolic syndrome is complex, being determined by the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to identify genetic polymorphisms that confer susceptibility to metabolic syndrome, to allow prediction of genetic risk for this condition.

METHODS

The study population comprised 2417 unrelated Japanese subjects (1522 with metabolic syndrome and 895 controls). The genotypes for 44 polymorphisms of 31 candidate genes related to lipid metabolism were determined using a combination of PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes with suspension array technology.

RESULTS

The chi(2) test and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age, sex and smoking status found that the-3A-->G and 553G-->T (Gly185Cys) polymorphisms of APOA5, the 2052T-->C (Val653Val) and 1866C-->T (Asn591Asn) polymorphisms of LDLR, the 13989A-->G (Ile118Val) polymorphism of CYP3A4 and the 1014T-->A polymorphism of C1QTNF5 were significantly (false discovery rate <0.05) associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, with the variant alleles of APOA5 and C1QTNF5 representing risk factors for and those of LDLR and CYP3A4 being protective against this condition. Serum levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol differed significantly (p<0.05) among APOA5 genotypes; the serum level of HDL cholesterol differed among LDLR genotypes; and the fasting plasma glucose level and body mass index differed between CYP3A4 and C1QTNF5 genotypes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

APOA5, LDLR, CYP3A4 and C1QTNF5 are susceptibility loci for metabolic syndrome in Japanese people. Genotypes for these polymorphisms may prove informative for prediction of genetic risk for metabolic syndrome.

Superovulation of Holstein heifers by a single subcutaneous injection of FSH dissolved in polyvinylpyrrolidone

This study was undertaken to determine whether a single injection of porcine FSH (pFSH) would induce a superovulatory response in cattle. Holstein heifers were given a single injection of pFSH (30 mg, s.c.) dissolved in saline (Group 1, n = 5); 50% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; Group 2, n = 5); or 25% PVP (Group 3, n = 4). Group-4 heifers (n = 5) were given multiple intramuscular injections of pFSH every 12 h for 3 d at decreasing doses, for a total of 30 mg. All animals received a single injection of 750 microg PGF2 alpha 48 h after the initiation of pFSH treatment. Animals exhibiting estrus were artificially inseminated twice throughout estrus. Ova and embryos were recovered nonsurgically. Ovaries were examined by transrectal ultrasonography or by palpation per rectum on Day 7 or 8 of estrus. Plasma concentrations of pFSH, bovine FSH progesterone, estradiol-17 beta and inhibin were determined by specific radioimmunoassays. The number of corpora lutea (CL) and the numbers of total and transferable embryos which were detected and recovered in Groups 2 and 3 were equivalent to the numbers detected and recovered in Group 4. In Group 1, however, only 1 of 5 animals ovulated even a single oocyte. The present study demonstrated that only a single injection of pFSH dissolved in PVP was capable of inducing a superovulatory response by maintaining a high plasma FSH concentration to allow for the recovery of a sufficient number of embryos for transplantation.