An International Registry of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Appendiceal Goblet Cell Carcinoma Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal goblet cell carcinoma (A-GCC) is a rare and aggressive form of appendiceal tumor. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was reported as an interesting alternative regarding survival compared to surgery without HIPEC and/or systemic chemotherapy. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of CRS and HIPEC for patients presenting A-GCC through an international registry.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter international database was retrospectively searched to identify all patients with A-GCC tumor and peritoneal metastases who underwent CRS and HIPEC through the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI). The post-operative complications, long-term results, and principal prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

The analysis included 83 patients. After a median follow-up of 47 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 34.6 months. The 3- and 5-year OS was 48.5% and 35.7%, respectively. Patients who underwent complete macroscopic CRS had a significantly better survival than those treated with incomplete CRS. The 5-year OS was 44% and 0% for patients who underwent complete, and incomplete CRS, respectively (HR 9.65, p < 0.001). Lymph node involvement and preoperative chemotherapy were also predictive of a worse prognosis. There were 3 postoperative deaths, and 30% of the patients had major complications.

CONCLUSION

CRS and HIPEC may increase long-term survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases of A-GCC origin, especially when complete CRS is achieved. Ideally, randomized control trials or more retrospective data are needed to confirm CRS and HIPEC as the gold standard in this pathology.

Mask-induced dermatoses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a questionnaire-based study in 12 Korean hospitals

BACKGROUND

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, various adverse skin reactions to long-term mask wearing have been reported.

AIM

To assess the clinical features of mask-induced dermatoses and to recommend prevention and treatment options.

METHODS

From April to August 2020, questionnaires including topics such as demographic information, pre-existing skin disorders, reported mask-related symptoms, daily mask-wearing duration and frequency, types of masks used and whether the participant was a healthcare worker, were distributed to patients in 12 hospitals. Dermatologists assessed skin lesions, confirmed diagnosis and recorded treatments.

RESULTS

Itchiness was the most frequent symptom, mostly affecting the cheeks. The most common skin disease was new-onset contact dermatitis (33.94%), followed by new-onset acne (16.97%) and worsening of pre-existing acne (16.97%). Daily wearing of masks was significantly (P = 0.02) associated with new-onset contact dermatitis. More than half of patients with pre-existing skin problems experienced disease worsening while wearing masks. Longer duration of wearing (> 6 h/day, P = 0.04) and use of cotton masks (P < 0.001) significantly increased acne flare-up. Healthcare workers had a higher incidence of skin disease. Skin lesions were generally mild and well tolerated with topical treatment. The study had some limitations: the effect of seasonal characteristics and other risk factors were not assessed, and the patients were visiting dermatological clinics and had interest in their skin status, thus, there may have been selection bias.

CONCLUSION

Mask-induced/-triggered dermatoses contribute to increase the dermatological burden during the pandemic.

Association of blood pressure classification using the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines with the progression of coronary artery calcification

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Aims

The recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines reinforced the criteria for diagnosis of hypertension. We assessed the association of this reinforced criteria with coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression in asymptomatic adults according to different age groups.

Methods and results

We included 10,839 asymptomatic Korean adults (23.4% aged ≤45 years) who underwent at least two coronary artery calcium score (CACS) evaluations between 2012 and 2016. All participants were categorised into normal blood pressure (BP) (untreated systolic/diastolic &lt;120/&lt;80 mmHg), elevated BP (untreated systolic/diastolic 120–129/&lt;80 mmHg), stage 1 hypertension (untreated systolic/diastolic BP 130–139/80–89 mmHg), or stage 2 hypertension (systolic/diastolic BP ≥140/≥90 mmHg or taking anti-hypertensive medication) groups. CAC progression was defined as a difference ≥2.5 between the square roots (√) of the baseline and follow-up CACSs (Δ√transformed CACS). During a mean 3.3-year follow-up, the incidence of CAC progression was 13.5% and 36.3% in groups with ≤45 and &gt;45 years, respectively. After multivariable adjustment for sex, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, current smoking, and baseline CACS, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for CAC progression versus normal BP in elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension were 1.39 (0.93–2.07)(P = 0.107), 1.59 (1.17–2.17)(P = 0.003), and 2.38 (1.82–3.12)(P &lt;0.001) in the ≤45 years group and 1.13 (0.97–1.32)(P = 0.111), 1.20 (1.06–1.34)(P = 0.003), and 1.72 (1.57–1.87)(P &lt;0.001) in the &gt;45 years group.

Conclusion

Newly defined stage 1 hypertension is independently associated with CAC progression in asymptomatic Korean adults irrespective of different age groups.

Investigation of photodarkening in tandem-pumped Yb-doped fibers

Investigation of photodarkening (PD) in Yb-doped fibers tandem-pumped at 1018 nm is reported. For a homemade Yb-doped aluminosilicate double-clad fiber (YADF), the transmitted power of a 633 nm probe beam is reduced by 2.4% over 2 hours for the tandem pumping configuration at 1018 nm, which is significantly smaller than 33.3% for a laser diode (LD) pumping at 976 nm. A tandem-pumped Yb fiber amplifier also shows a much smaller decrease in the amplified output power over time than a LD-pumped Yb fiber amplifier. Based on fluorescence spectra of the YADF, we can not only associate PD of the YADF to intrinsic oxygen deficiency centers or Tm³⁺ impurities but also confirm the impact of the excited Yb³⁺ ion density on PD. The benefits of the tandem pumping in a high-power Yb fiber laser system will be discussed.

P4339Reference values for cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy Koreans: compared to western nations and nomogram

Introduction

Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF), defined as the integrated ability to properly oxygenate skeletal muscles during physical activity, is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The reference range for CRF may differ among nations, with Asians under-represented in previous data.

Purpose

In this study, we sought to establish reference values of CRF for Asians using a recent Korean cohort.

Methods

We analyzed 2646 healthy Korean adults recently enrolled in the Korea Institute of Sports Science Fitness Standards (KISS FitS) project with estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values during treadmill test. Patients with cardiovascular or renal disease, systemic infection, pregnant women and those with orthopedic injuries unable to measure physical fitness were excluded. Age-specific mean VO2max values were compared with those from recent American, Norwegian, Danish cohorts and old Korean data.

Results

Age-specific reference values for healthy Korean adults in this cohort were as shown (Table). We were able to draw a nomogram to predict exercise capacity for a given age and MET value (Figure). When compared to other countries, less CRF reduction by aging was seen in Asians than in other Westerners. When compared to old Korean data from the 1980s, values were similar after adjustment for difference in methods, except for those under 30 years old which were decreased.

Exercise capacity of healthy Korean Men Women Age VO2max (ml/kg/min) N P-value for trend Age VO2max (ml/kg/min) N P-value for trend 19–29 42.3±6.3± 209 <0.01 19–29 34.3±4.3± 110 <0.01 30–39 42.0±5.0± 170 39–39 32.2±4.5± 211 40–49 41.4±5.6± 238 40–49 30.8±4.6± 284 50–59 38.0±5.7± 274 50–59 28.3±4.6± 367 60–69 32.4±6.2± 134 60–69 26.0±5.7± 336 70–79 27.2±5.6± 83 70–79 23.9±4.4± 195 >80 24.1±4.0± 11 >80 21.0±3.7± 24 Total 38.6±7.4± 1119 Total 28.5±5.8 1527 Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. VO2max, maximal oxygen uptake; N, number.

Nomogram of exercise capacity in Koreans

Conclusions

While there was no significant change in CRF over time in the same ethnic group, there was a clear inter-ethnic difference. CRF should be assessed according to ethnic or national standards, and it is necessary to establish a reference for each nation or ethnicity with periodic updates.

Acknowledgement/Funding

National Sports Promotion Fund of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation in 2015

P2501Validation of FRIEND and ACSM equations for cardiorespiratory fitness: comparison to direct measurement in male CAD patients

Introduction

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. The regression equation of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) was a preferred method for estimating maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). It is well-known that CRF is overestimated in ACSM equation. Recently, Kokkinos reported more precise equation from the Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise National Database (FRIEND). Both equations were made from western healthy people.

Purpose

In this study, we compared VO2max estimated by ACSM and FRIEND equations to VO2max directly measured in male coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Methods

We analyzed 103 male CAD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and who participated in cardiac rehabilitation between June 2015 and December 2018. VO2max was directly measured by the gas exchange analysis during treadmill test with modified Bruce protocol. Exclusive criteria were pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, malignancy, peripheral artery disease, insufficient cardiopulmonary exercise test and orthopedic injuries. Directly measured VO2max were compared to ACSM and FRIEND equations.

Results

Age-specific VO2max values, which were directly measured from male CAD patients, were shown in Table. Smaller CRF difference was shown in FRIEND equation than ACSM equation. Compared to the measured value, CRF estimated by ACSM equation was overestimated by 22%, but the one estimated by FRIEND equation had only 2% gap. Figure presents Bland-Altman plots. ACSM equation had the higher bias (5.52ml/kg/min) compared with FRIEND equation (0.200ml/kg/min).

Comparison table of VO2max estimated by ACSM and FRIEND equations with directly measured VO2max in male CAD patients Age Number VO2max (ml/kg/min) Measured ACSM % predicted FRIEND % predicted 30–39 4 29.5 ± (6.6) 35.7 ± (6.1) 122.3 ± (8.5) 29.1 ± (4.3) 100.1 ± (8.7) 40–49 20 29.1 ± (5.1) 35.7 ± (5.4) 123.6 ± (11.1) 29.1 ± (3.8) 101.2 ± (9.5) 50–59 32 25.6 ± (4.3) 31.5 ± (5.1) 123.8 ± (10.1) 26.2 ± (3.6) 103.2 ± (8.5) 60–69 27 26.0 ± (5.1) 31.1 ± (2.6) 120.5 ± (12.6) 25.9 ± (4.0) 100.8 ± (10.5) 70–79 18 21.2 ± (6.0) 26.8 ± (5.4) 123.2 ± (14.8) 22.8 ± (3.9) 105.2 ± (12.0) >80 2 25.0 ± (10.1) 22.8 ± (2.6) 97 ± (28.9) 19.9 ± (1.9) 85.1 ± (27.0) Total 103 25.7 ± (5.6) 31.4 ± (6.0) 122.2 ± (12.4) 26.1 ± (4.3) 102.1 ± (10.4) Data are presented as mean ± (standard deviation).

Bland-Altman plots

Conclusions

FRIEND equation can estimate CRF more accurately than ACSM equation, even in Asian patients with CAD.

Therapeutic effects of kefir grain Lactobacillus-derived extracellular vesicles in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease

Kefir is a fermented product from yeast and lactic acid bacteria, and has been associated with various health benefits including relieving inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, it has been shown that gram-positive bacteria produce extracellular vesicles (EV). The EV could be appearing as potentially important mediators of cell to cell interaction. In this study, we explored the role of kefir grain Lactobacillus-derived EV in modulating inflammation responses via alleviating the production of inflammatory cytokines in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced inflammation in Caco-2 cells and the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease mouse model. Kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV were isolated by ultracentrifugation of the culture medium of 3 different kefir-derived strains (i.e., Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, and Lactobacillus kefirgranum). Nanoparticle tracking analysis showed that the size of isolated kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV was within 80 to 400 nm, and kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV uptake into recipient Caco-2 cells was confirmed by fluorescence labeling. Treatment of each kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV onto TNF-α-stimulated Caco-2 cells significantly reduced the level of both mRNA expression and secretion of IL-8, and Western blot analysis revealed that such an effect was related to inhibition of TNF-α signaling mediated by reducing the phosphorylation of p65, a subunit of NF-kB. Subsequent administration of kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV into inflammatory bowel disease-induced mice significantly alleviated the body weight loss and rectal bleeding, and enhanced stool consistency. Histological examination showed that kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV substantially reduced the infiltration of transmural leukocytes and loss of goblet cells within the colon, and the serum level of myeloperoxidase was significantly lower in the EV-treated group than control group. Our study demonstrates that kefir-derived Lactobacillus EV can be potentially used for developing innovative strategies for alleviating inflammatory bowel disease.

Development of immune and microbial environments is independently regulated in the mammary gland

Breastfeeding is important for mammals, providing immunological and microbiological advantages to neonates, together with the nutritional supply from the mother. However, the mechanisms of this functional diversity in the mammary gland remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that, similar to the gastrointestinal tract, the mammary gland develops immune and microbial environments consisting of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and the microflora, respectively, both of which are important for protecting neonates and the mother from infectious diseases. The IgA production and microflora development are coordinated in the gastrointestinal tract but seem to be independently regulated in the mammary gland. In particular, the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 and poly-Ig receptor, crucial molecules for the IgA production in milk, were expressed normally in germ-free lactating mice but were almost undetectable in postweaning mothers, regardless of the microflora presence. Our findings offer insights into potentially improving the quality of breastfeeding, using both immunological and microbiological approaches.

Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) links hypoxia to altered mechanical properties in cancer cells as measured by an optical tweezer

Hypoxia modulates actin organization via multiple pathways. Analyzing the effect of hypoxia on the biophysical properties of cancer cells is beneficial for studying modulatory signalling pathways by quantifying cytoskeleton rearrangements. We have characterized the biophysical properties of human LNCaP prostate cancer cells that occur in response to loss of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) under hypoxic stress using an oscillating optical tweezer. Hypoxia and Rb-loss increased cell stiffness in a fashion that was dependent on activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the protein kinase B (AKT)- mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR) pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK1/2, AKT or MTOR impeded hypoxia-inducible changes in the actin cytoskeleton and inhibited cell migration in Rb-deficient cells conditioned with hypoxia. These results suggest that loss of Rb in transformed hypoxic cancer cells affects MEK1/2-ERK/AKT-MTOR signalling and promotes motility. Thus, the mechanical characterization of cancer cells using an optical tweezer provides an additional technique for cancer diagnosis/prognosis and evaluating therapeutic performance.

A cascaded two-step Kalman filter for estimation of human body segment orientation using MEMS-IMU

Orientation of human body segments is an important quantity in many biomechanical analyses. To get robust and drift-free 3-D orientation, raw data from miniature body worn MEMS-based inertial measurement units (IMU) should be blended in a Kalman filter. Aiming at less computational cost, this work presents a novel cascaded two-step Kalman filter orientation estimation algorithm. Tilt angles are estimated in the first step of the proposed cascaded Kalman filter. The estimated tilt angles are passed to the second step of the filter for yaw angle calculation. The orientation results are benchmarked against the ones from a highly accurate tactical grade IMU. Experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm provides robust orientation estimation in both kinematically and magnetically disturbed conditions.

134 SERIAL TREATMENT OF RESVERATROL-TROLOX IMPROVED EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT OF PORCINE PARTHENOTES

Antioxidants are widely used for in vitro production of embryos due to their activity as reactive oxygen species scavengers. Among various antioxidants, resveratrol supplementation in in vitro-maturation (IVM) media and trolox supplementation in in vitro-culture (IVC) media improves oocyte maturation and embryonic development in other species, such as cattle and sheep. Limited information is available, however, on the effect of resveratrol and/or trolox on porcine embryos produced in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the effect of resveratrol supplemented to the media of IVM and trolox treatment during IVC on porcine parthenotes. We used TCM-199 as IVM media and porcine zygote medium (PZM)-5 as IVC media. For activation, matured oocytes after 44 h of IVM were electrically activated with 280 mM mannitol and cultured in IVC medium (PZM-5). Statistical analyses of all data were carried out using SPSS 17.0 (one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan's multiple range test). In the experiment 1, a total of 618 oocytes were used in 4 independent replicates to evaluate the effect of 4 different concentrations (0, 1, 2, or 4 μM) of resveratrol during IVM on parthenotes. Oocytes treated with 2 μM resveratrol during IVM had significantly higher cleavage rates and blastocyst formation rates (73.0 and 34.4% v. 64.0 and 18.3%, respectively) than the control group. Experiment 2 involved supplementation with trolox (0 μM, 100 μM, 200 μM, 400 μM) to 957 parthenotes during IVC for 7 days (4 replicates). Cleavage rates significantly increased in the 100 μM group (75.6 v. 69.1%), and blastocyst formation rates in the 200 μM group were significantly higher compared to the control group (33.7 v. 23.8%). To determine the combined effects of resveratrol treatment during IVM and trolox treatment during IVC, in the experiment 3 we selected an optimized concentration (2 μM of resveratrol and 200 μM of trolox) from each experiment and evaluated the combined effects (3 times replicated). We designed 4 groups: (1) control, (2) resveratrol only (R), (3) trolox only (T), and (4) resveratrol-trolox (R-T). The R group and R-T group showed significantly higher cleavage rates than the control group (81.8 and 83.1% v. 72.3%). All treatment groups showed significantly increased blastocyst formation rates compared with the control group (39.2, 37.8, and 38.4% v. 23.7%). There is no significant difference in total cell numbers of blastocyst among the control, R, and T groups (47.8 v. 54.2 v. 54.7). However, the R-T group had significantly more cells than the control group (67.1 v. 47.8). Our results suggest that 2 μM resveratrol treatment during IVM, followed by 200 μM trolox treatment during IVC, improves developmental potential of the parthenotes. For a further study, we will apply this condition to somatic cell nuclear transfer, and we also will verify quantitative PCR analysis of apoptosis-related mRNA expression of PA and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. This study was supported by the MOTIE (#10033839), IPET (#311011-05-3-SB010), Research Institute for Veterinary Science, TS Corporation, and the BK21 plus program.

Relative adrenal insufficiency in chronic liver disease: its prevalence and effects on long-term mortality

BACKGROUND

The relationship between relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) and chronic liver disease is unclear.

AIM

To determine the frequency with which RAI is observed in noncritically ill patients at various stages of chronic liver disease, and the correlation between RAI and disease severity and long-term mortality.

METHODS

In total, 71 non-critically ill patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 54) and chronic hepatitis (n = 17) were evaluated prospectively. A short stimulation test (SST) with 250 μg of corticotrophin was performed to detect RAI. RAI was defined as an increase in serum cortisol of <9 μg/dL in patients with a basal total cortisol of <35 μg/dL.

RESULTS

RAI was observed in only 13 (24.1%) of 54 patients with cirrhosis. Compared to those without RAI, cirrhotic patients with RAI had significantly higher Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (10.3 ± 1.7 vs. 7.1 ± 1.8, mean ± s.d., P < 0.001) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (14.5 ± 6.6 vs. 9.4 ± 3.7, P = 0.017). The cortisol response to corticotropin was negatively correlated with the severity of cirrhosis (P < 0.05). In addition, the mortality rate was higher in cirrhotic patients with RAI (69.2%) than in those without RAI (4.9%; P < 0.001) during the follow-up period of 20.1 ± 13.5 months (range, 5.8-51.1 months). The cumulative 1-year survival rates in cirrhotic patients with and without RAI were 69.2% and 95.0%, respectively (P = 0.05), while the corresponding cumulative 3-year survival rates were 0% and 95.0% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative adrenal insufficiency is more commonly observed in those with severe cirrhosis, and is clearly associated with more advanced liver disease and a shortened long-term survival. This suggests that relative adrenal insufficiency is an independent prognostic factor in non-critically ill patients with cirrhosis.

β-Lapachone induces programmed necrosis through the RIP1-PARP-AIF-dependent pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma SK-Hep1 cells

β-Lapachone activates multiple cell death mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy and necrotic cell death in cancer cells. In this study, we investigated β-lapachone-induced cell death and the underlying mechanisms in human hepatocellular carcinoma SK-Hep1 cells. β-Lapachone markedly induced cell death without caspase activation. β-Lapachone increased PI uptake and HMGB-1 release to extracellular space, which are markers of necrotic cell death. Necrostatin-1 (a RIP1 kinase inhibitor) markedly inhibited β-lapachone-induced cell death and HMGB-1 release. In addition, β-lapachone activated poly (ADP-ribosyl) polymerase-1(PARP-1) and promoted AIF release, and DPQ (a PARP-1 specific inhibitor) or AIF siRNA blocked β-lapachone-induced cell death. Furthermore, necrostatin-1 blocked PARP-1 activation and cytosolic AIF translocation. We also found that β-lapachone-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has an important role in the activation of the RIP1-PARP1-AIF pathway. Finally, β-lapachone-induced cell death was inhibited by dicoumarol (a NQO-1 inhibitor), and NQO1 expression was correlated with sensitivity to β-lapachone. Taken together, our results demonstrate that β-lapachone induces programmed necrosis through the NQO1-dependent ROS-mediated RIP1-PARP1-AIF pathway.

91 EFFECT OF LEUKEMIA INHIBITORY FACTOR (LIF) ON MATURATION OF PORCINE OOCYTES IN VITRO MATURATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PARTHENOGENETIC EMBRYOS

Cytokines have been suggested to have an important role for successful implantation. Among the cytokines, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine of the interlukin-6 family that has been confirmed for its significance in implantation in human and animal studies. Furthermore, it has been reported that LIF enhanced in vitro maturation (IVM) in cattle and sheep, blastocyst formation and hatching rate of embryos and pregnancy rate in mouse, human, cattle and sheep. However, to our knowledge, there has been no report on the effects of human LIF (hLIF) on pig oocytes IVM and embryos development. Therefore, we designed and performed this study to examine the effect of hLIF treatment on pig IVM and oocyte developmental competence. We investigated the effect of hLIF treatment during pig oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) on parthenogenetic embryos. Three groups of different hLIF concentrations were used: 0, 0.5, and 1.0 ng mL–1. In experiment 1, hLIF was contained on IVM media, in experiment 2, hLIF was contained on IVC media for 7 days, and experiment 3, hLIF was contained on IVM and IVC media. In experiment 1, hLIF in IVM media significantly increased cleavage rate in 0.5 ng mL–1 group [hLIF 0 ng mL–1; 46.56 ± 3.1 (%), 0.5 ng mL–1; 58.43 ± 3.6 (%), 1.0 ng mL–1; 52.05 ± 2.7 (%)] and total cell number of blastocysts in hLIF 1.0 ng mL–1 group (hLIF 0 ng mL–1; 35.00 ± 2.3, 0.5 ng mL–1; 40.71 ± 3.1, 1.0 ng mL–1; 51.06 ± 3.7) but no significant differences were found in oocyte maturation rate or blastocyst formation rate. In experiment 2, total cell number of blastocysts showed significant difference in hLIF 1.0 ng mL–1 in IVC media (hLIF 0 ng mL–1; 43.81 ± 1.6, hLIF 0.5 ng mL–1; 45.97 ± 2.0, hLIF 1.0 ng mL–1; 52.10 ± 2.9). Finally, total cell number of blastocysts increased in hLIF 0.5 ng mL–1 in IVM and IVC media [hLIF 0 ng mL–1; 46.50 ± 2.3 (%), 0.5 ng mL–1; 55.11 ± 2.9 (%)]. In conclusion, hLIF supplementation to IVM and IVC medium improved porcine embryo development in terms of increasing total cell number of blastocysts. This study was supported by Korean MKE (#10033839), the Research Institute for Veterinary Science.

25 PORCINE OOCYTES SELECTION USING BRILLIANT CRESYL BLUE AND EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT AFTER SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

The efficiency of animal cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology is affected by numerous factors such as oocyte quality and donor cell type. Among the factors, oocyte quality can be enhanced by identification and selection of developmentally competent oocytes before in vitro maturation (IVM). Morphological criteria following homogeneous ooplasm, more than 3 layers of cumulus cells, and oocyte diameter have been used. However, the criteria vary between examiners and even within individual. In contrast, use of Brilliant cresyl blue (BCB), a marker of oocyte growing status related to activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), can be a more objective selection method for the detection of fully grown oocytes in bovine, equine and porcine. To our knowledge, BCB has been used to select oocytes in parthenogenesis, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and IVF, excluding SCNT in porcine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oocytes selected by BCB have better ability to develop into blastocysts than oocytes selected by morphological criteria. After aspirated cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) from porcine ovaries were washed in HEPES-buffered TCM-199 2 times, the COC were selected through morphological criteria and divided randomly into 2 groups. Group 1 (control; 304 COC) was directly transferred into IVM medium and Group 2 was incubated in TALP supplemented with 26 μM BCB for 90 min at 38.5°C in air. Then, COC of the second group were washed twice in TALP, and COC displaying a blue-coloured ooplasm (BCB+) were selected. The 342 BCB+ COC also were transferred into IVM medium and cultured with 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C, with hormonal supplementation for 22 h and without the hormones for another 22 h. After denudation, the rate of degenerated oocytes and maturation rate were determined. The matured oocytes were used for SCNT and the development and total cell number of blastocysts were observed. Each experiment was repeated at least 3 times. Data were analysed by unpaired Student's t-test using Graphpad Prism (GraphPad, San Diego, CA, USA). No difference was observed between Groups 1 and 2 in the rate of degenerated oocytes (9.13 ± 0.47% and 10.68 ± 2.73%, respectively), metaphase II rate (94.60 ± 2.30% and 89.26 ± 3.76%, respectively), cleavage rate (77.02 ± 1.56% and 80.05 ± 2.31%, respectively), or blastocyst formation rate (9.74 ± 1.91% and 10.74 ± 1.30%, respectively). However, total cell number of blastocyst showed significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 (57.67 ± 1.76 and 77.50 ± 1.50, respectively; P < 0.01). In conclusion, selection of oocytes through BCB staining does not improve their developmental ability with respect to cleavage and blastocyst formation rate, but enhances embryo quality by means of increased total cell number per blastocyst in porcine SCNT. This study was supported by IPET (#311011-05-2-SB010), MKE (#10033839-2012-21) and TS Corporation.

Species-specific challenges in dog cloning

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is now an established procedure used in cloning of several species. SCNT in dogs involves multiple steps including the removal of the nuclear material, injection of a donor cell, fusion, activation of the reconstructed oocytes and finally transfer to a synchronized female recipient. There are therefore many factors that contribute to cloning efficiency. By performing a retrospective analysis of 2005-2012 published papers regarding dog cloning, we define the optimum procedure and summarize the specific feature for dog cloning.

33 PROPAGATION OF ELITE LIFESAVER DOGS BY SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Canine somatic cell nuclear transfer (cSCNT) has been used as a useful tool for propagation of elite working dogs. In 2009, 7 cloned dogs were successfully produced using somatic cells derived from the excellent drug-sniffing dog of Korea Customs Service. All cloned dogs perfectly performed drug detection in Incheon International Airport. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficiency of the 2 activation culture media to clone the retired Baekdu, a veteran rescue dog that performed lifesaving activities worldwide for 6 years in Korea National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Ear tissue was collected from a 10-year-old male German Shepherd and fibroblasts were cultured for cSCNT. The cells were injected into the perivitelline space of enucleated in vivo-matured dog oocytes, fused with electric stimulation using an electro cell fusion apparatus (Nepa Gene Co. Ltd.), and activated chemically. In the activation protocol, 2 different types of media were tested to investigate the effect of proteins with undefined functions. The first medium was a modified synthetic oviduct fluid (mSOF), which is a complex culture medium with BSA that includes undefined functions. The second medium was the porcine zygote medium (PZM-5), which is a chemically defined medium with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The fused couplets were activated by mSOF medium supplemented with 1.9 nM DMAP (SOF-DMAP), and PZM-5 supplemented with 1.9 nM DMAP (PZM-DMAP) for 4 h, followed by 4 min of calcium ionophore treatment. Then, reconstructed oocytes were transferred into the uterine tube of naturally estrus-synchronized surrogate dogs. In the PZM-DMAP group, a total of 56 activated cloned embryos were transferred into 3 female recipient dogs, and a total of 64 activated cloned embryos from the SOF-DMAP group were transferred into 4 female recipients. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed using a SONOACE 9900 (Medison, Seoul, Korea) ultrasound scanner with 7.0-MHz linear-array probe between 30 and 35 days after embryo transfer. As a result, pregnancy was detected in 1 out of 3 surrogate mothers that received cloned embryos from the PZM-DMAP group (33.3%), and 1 pregnancy (25%) was detected in 4 surrogate mothers receiving cloned embryos from the SOF-DMAP group. Two pregnant dogs each gave birth to 1 healthy cloned puppy by cesarean section. This study shows that existence of proteins with undefined functions in activation medium did not affect the dog cloning. In addition, the number of elite working dogs in diverse fields can be increased by the NT technique using donor cells derived from small tissue of elite working dogs. This study was supported by RDA (no. PJ0089752012), RNL Bio (no. 550-20120006), IPET (no. 311062-04-1-SB010), Research Institute for Veterinary Science, and TS Corporation.

Association between urine cotinine levels, continuous performance test variables, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disability symptoms in school-aged children

BACKGROUND

We examined the cross-sectional relationship between environmental tobacco smoke exposure, continuous performance test (CPT) measures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disability symptoms in school-aged children.

METHOD

In total, 989 children (526 boys, mean age 9.1 ± 0.7 years), recruited from five South Korean cities participated in this study. We used urine cotinine as a biomarker for environmental tobacco smoke exposure, and obtained the children's scores on a CPT. Parents completed the Korean versions of the ADHD rating scale-IV (ADHD-RS) and learning disability evaluation scale (LDES). Using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), we assessed the associations between urine cotinine concentrations, neuropsychological variables, and symptoms of ADHD and learning disabilities. Additionally, we conducted structural equation models to explore the effects' pathways.

RESULTS

After adjusting for a range of relevant covariates, GLMM showed urinary cotinine levels were significantly and positively associated with CPT scores on omission errors, commission errors, response time, and response time variability, and with parent- and teacher-rated ADHD-RS scores. In addition, urine cotinine levels were negatively associated with LDES scores on spelling and mathematical calculations. The structural equation model revealed that CPT variables mediated the association between urine cotinine levels and parental reports of symptoms of ADHD and learning disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that environmental exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with ADHD and learning disabilities in children, and that impairments in attention and inhibitory control probably mediate the effect.

143 EFFECTS OF BOAR SEMINAL PLASMA IN IN VITRO CULTURE OF PORCINE EMBRYOS

Seminal plasma consisting of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids not only serves as a nutritive and protective medium for sperm cells but also play a pivotal role in inducing the tolerance to pre-existing immune cells as well as improving the intra-uterine conditions for implantation of fertilized embryos (Guerin et al. 2009 Hum. Reprod. Update 15, 517–535). However, the effects of seminal plasma in in vitro culture of fertilized embryos are unknown. In the present study, the seminal plasma was separated from the second fraction of a normal farm boar (n = 1) by centrifugation and filtered seminal plasma was stored at –30°C until use. In a preliminary experiment, the optimal activity of seminal plasma was evaluated by incubating the embryos for different time intervals. To investigate the developmental rates, electrically (EA) (triplicates, n = 490) or chemically (CA) (quintuplicates, n = 599) activated 2-day-old porcine embryos were incubated for 3 h in PZM-5 medium (Funakoshi Co., Tokyo, Japan, Catalog no. IFP0410P) containing 0% (EA: n = 122 and CA: n = 152), 0.1% (EA: n = 123 and CA: n = 148), 0.5% (EA: n = 122 and CA: n = 150), or 1% (EA: n = 123 and CA: n = 149) seminal plasma. Similarly, the developmental rate of chemically activated 2-day-old somatic cell nuclear transferred porcine embryos (quadruplicates, n = 239) was studied after incubation with 0% (n = 119) or 0.1% (n = 120) seminal plasma for 3 h. A significant difference was noticed only in the rate of blastocyst formation in the chemically activated embryos treated with 0.1% seminal plasma (31.7 v. 24.8% in the 0% group, ANOVA; P < 0.05; Prism5, GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). None of the treatments showed a significant effect on the cleavage rate and cell numbers of blastocysts. In conclusion, the seminal plasma did not show any harmful effect on early embryos development. Furthermore, the seminal plasma (0.1%) improved the rate of blastocyst formation among the chemically activated nuclear transferred embryos. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the addition of seminal plasma during embryo transfer could increase the rate of pregnancy in pig. This study was supported by MKE (#10033839-2012-21), IPET (#311011-05-1-SB010), the Research Institute for Veterinary Science, and TS Corporation.

32 CLONING OF ELITE QUARANTINE SNIFFING DOG BY SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in assisted reproductive technologies has been considered for the conservation of valuable or endangered animals. Dogs that were originally bred for hunting, such as beagles, have an exceptional ability to detect a particular smell from many others. For that reason, the beagles have been used to detect quarantine risk items from a wide range of goods in assorted luggage without scaring or disrupting the passengers. Though very useful and highly in need, elite quarantine sniffing beagles with excellent abilities are rare; much time, effort, and money are required in producing them. Here, we have applied SCNT for propagation of elite quarantine sniffing dogs to save time and economic burden. Ear fibroblasts from a 10-year-old adult male elite quarantine sniffing beagle were isolated and cultured in vitro as donor cells. For SCNT, in vivo-matured oocytes, obtained by flushing the uterine tubes of oocyte donors (mixed breed), were used. The oocytes were enucleated, microinjected with donor cells, fused by electrical stimulation, and activated chemically. Reconstructed oocytes were surgically transferred into the uterine tube of naturally synchronous recipient females. A total of 212 activated cloned embryos were transferred into 12 female recipient dogs and 4 recipients became pregnant. The 4 pregnant recipients delivered 4 pups through caesarean section or natural delivery, but 1 died right after birth and did not show an abnormality. Other live puppies exhibited normal phenotypes; their appearance was similar to that of the donor dog. All cloned pups were genetically identical to the donor dog and their mitochondrial DNA was from their oocyte donor dogs. When the cloned pups were 16 weeks old, we conducted a Volhard test, which is commonly used to describe the following puppy aptitudes: social attraction, following, restraint, social dominance, elevation dominance, retrieving, touch sensitivity, sound sensitivity, and sight sensitivity. Dog behavior data on differences in transcript abundance were analyzed by a general linear mixed model. The 3 cloned pups showed similar behavioral tendencies. The present study demonstrates that NT technique using donor cell derived from 1 elite quarantine sniffing dog is useful to produce a large number of quarantine sniffing dogs. This study was supported by RDA (no. PJ0089752012), RNL Bio (no. 550-20120006), IPET (no. 311062-04-1-SB010), Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Nestlé Purina Korea, and TS Corporation.

267 EFFECT OF FOLLICULAR FLUID CONCENTRATION ON IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF PORCINE OOCYTES AND THE EXPRESSION OF GENES RELATED TO CUMULUS EXPANSION AND EMBRYO QUALITY

It is well known that the presence of porcine follicular fluid (PFF) in in vitro maturation media enhances the developmental competence of porcine oocytes. However, it is also suggested that the action of PFF can be modulated positively or negatively by its components. In this study, we investigated the effects of PFF concentration (10 v. 1%) and protein-free media (PFF 0%) on the maturation of porcine oocytes in vitro, and analysed the difference in gene expression in the resulting cumulus cells and blastocysts after parthenogenetic activation. Three groups were tested: 1) 10% PFF: TCM-199 + 10% PFF (n = 638); 2) 1% PFF: TCM-199 + 3.05 mM d-glucose + 1% PFF (n = 418); and 3) 0.1% polyvinyl alcohol: TCM-199 + 3.05 mM d-glucose + 0.1% polyvinyl alcohol (n = 693). Cumulus–oocyte complexes were cultured for 20 to 22 h in the respective media that contained gonadotrophin (1 µg mL–1), epidermal growth factor (10 ng mL–1), cysteine (0.57 mM), sodium pyruvate (0.91 mM), insulin (5 µg mL–1), and 9-cis retinoic acid (5 nM). They were then cultured for an additional 20 to 22 h without hormonal supplements. Data was analysed by one-way ANOVA using the SAS program (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). No significant difference in oocyte maturation rate was observed. However, significantly higher (P < 0.05) proportions of embryos developed in the blastocyst stage when the oocytes were matured in 10% PFF group (45%) than in the 1% PFF group (31.1%). The total cell numbers were not significantly different among groups (52 ± 1.3 v. 54.6 ± 3.1 v. 54.4 ± 2.5, respectively). In addition, the expression of matrix molecule (HAS2, GREM1), steroidogenesis (HSD3B), epidermal growth factor signalling (AREG, BTC), and cell cycle regulator (CCND2) genes were upregulated in the cumulus that was obtained from oocytes that matured in 10% PFF. The expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (BclxL) was upregulated, and the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene (Bax) and metabolism-related genes (GLUT1, LDHA) were downregulated in blastocysts that developed from the 10% PFF group. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of 10% PFF during in vitro maturation improves embryo development by increasing matrix molecules and maturation-enabling factors in the cumulus and by reducing apoptosis. This study was supported by IPET (No. 311011-05-1-SB010), MKE (No. 10033839-2012-21), the Research Institute for Veterinary Science, the BK21 Program, and the TS Corporation.

40 PIG CLONING AND GENE EXPRESSION PATTERNS IN MINIPIG ADIPOSE TISSUE-DERIVED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS

In several laboratory animals and humans, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) are very interesting; they are easy to harvest and can expand to generate millions of cells from a small quantity of fat. The ASC are known as useful materials for clinical applications in human cell therapy and as a donor cell in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of several genes (Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, Dnmt1, and Dnmt3b) in minipig ASC, and whether ASC can be a suitable donor cell type for producing cloned pigs. For the study, we respectively isolated ASC, adult skin fibroblast (ASF) and fetal fibroblast (FF) from a 6-year-old female minipig. The ASC were attached to a plastic dish with a fibroblast-like morphology, expressed cell-surface marker characteristics of stem cells, and underwent osteogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic differentiation when exposed to specific differentiation-inducing conditions. To observe gene expression, total RNA was extracted from ASC, FF, and ASF, respectively, and was used for reverse transcription (RT). After RT, real-time PCR was performed to investigate the expression of Oct-4, Sox2, Nanog, Dnmt1, and Dnmt3b. The expression of β-actin was measured and used as an endogenous control. In the following experiment, we carried out SCNT using ASC, ASF, and FF. The ratio of blastocysts to 2-cell embryos and total cell number of blastocysts were monitored as experimental parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (GraphPad Prism version 5). As a result, the relative abundance of DNMT1 in ASC (1.9 ± 0.9) was significantly higher than that in FF and ASF (0.1 ± 0.2 and 1.0 ± 0.5, respectively; P < 0.05), but no significant difference in expression of the DNMT3b gene was observed. Interestingly, the quantity of Oct-4 was significantly higher in FF and ASC than in ASF (2.8 ± 0.4 and 2.9 ± 0.5 v. 1.0 ± 0.1, respectively; P < 0.05), and Sox2 showed significantly higher expression in ASC (3.7 ± 0.5) than in ASF and FF (1.0 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.6, respectively; P < 0.05). Nanog expression was similar in ASF, FF, and ASC. After SCNT, the developmental competence to blastocysts did not differ among the 3 groups (ASF: 7.0 ± 0.2%, FF: 16.15 ± 6.1%, and ASC: 11.1 ± 0.7%). However, total cell numbers of blastocysts derived from ASC and FF were significantly higher in ASF (89.0 ± 7.9 and 105.0 ± 5.5 v. 57.5 ± 5.2, respectively). In conclusion, the present study revealed that minipig ASC and minipig FF possess slightly different gene expression patterns and ASC have potential in terms of in vitro development and blastocyst formation ability similar to ASF and FF. This study was supported by IPET (no. 311011-05-1-SB010), RDA (no. PJ0089752012), RNL Bio (no. 550-20120006), Institute for Veterinary Science, and the BK21 program.

158 EFFECTS OF AMINO ACIDS IN EMBRYO TRANSPORT MEDIA ON PORCINE EMBRYOS

Due to the distance from the laboratory to the recipient farm, several laboratories, including ours, carry somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived porcine embryos to the farm using a portable incubator for a few hours. If the embryos are nourished well during the transport, viability of embryos might be increased and cloning efficiency can be improved. TALP, which is widely used as a porcine embryo transport medium, lacks amino acids (AA). Proper supply of AA in the uterus is important for the development of pre-implantation embryos because AA have functions as osmolytes, metabolic regulators, or substrates and buffers of intracellular pH. Thus, supplementation of AA could affect the embryonic viability during the transport of SCNT-derived porcine embryos. The aim of this study is to determine whether the transport medium containing AAs affects the in vitro development of parthenogenetic embryos compared to TALP. Porcine zygote medium-5 (PZM-5) was chosen as transport medium containing AA due to its similarity in constituents with TALP except for the AA. Because PZM-5 contains sodium bicarbonate as a buffer system which can not cover wide variation of pH, 10 mM HEPES was added into PZM-5 (PZM+H) as it was normally done with TALP. Porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were collected from ovaries of slaughtered pigs and cultured for 44 h using a two-step culture protocol. After denuded, matured oocytes were activated by thimerosal for 10 min followed by dithiothreitol for 30 min. The parthenogenetic embryos were cultured in PZM-5 for 2 days, monitored for cleavage, and loaded in a straw with TALP or PZM+H, respectively. Embryos were stored in a portable incubator (MTG, Bruckberg, Germany; no CO2) at 37°C for three hours and moved to PZM-5 drop for additional 5 days culture. The development was monitored on Day 7 after activation and blastocysts (BL) were collected for total cell number counts and RNA extraction. Ten BL from the TALP group and 11 BL from the PZM+H group were stained with 10 µg mL–1 bisbenzimide (Hoechst 33342) and were visualized for cell counting under fluorescence microscopy. Messenger RNA was extracted from 7 BL of the TALP and PZM+H groups and cDNA were synthesized. Quantitative real-time PCR were done to detect expression levels of apoptosis-related genes using the cDNA. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio was investigated as expression level of apoptosis-related genes and GAPDH was used as control. Each experiment was repeated at least 3 times. Data were analyzed by paired Student’s t-test using Graphpad Prism (version 5, Graphpad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA). No difference was observed between the TALP and PZM+H groups with respect to blastocyst formation rate (22.46 ± 1.47% and 23.17 ± 2.13%, respectively) and total cell number (32.9 ± 2.22 and 37.09 ± 2.18, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. The use of PZM-5 media, which contains AA, did not affect the development and apoptosis of parthenogenetic embryos. This study was supported by MKE (#10033839-2012-21), IPET (#311011-05-1-SB010), the Research Institute for Veterinary Science, and TS Corporation.

Comparison of cell proliferation and epigenetic modification of gene expression patterns in canine foetal fibroblasts and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

OBJECTIVES

This study compared rate of cell proliferation, viability, cell size, expression patterns of genes related to pluripotency and epigenetic modification between canine foetal fibroblasts (cFF) and canine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAd-MSC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Proliferation pattern, cell viability as well as cell size at each passage of cFF and cAd-MSC were measured when cultures reached confluence. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to investigate expression of Dnmt1, HDAC1, OCT4, SOX2, BAX, BCL2 genes with reference to β-actin gene expression as an endogenous control in both cell lines.

RESULTS

cFF and cAd-MSC differed in number of generations, but not in doubling times, at all passages. Mean cell size of cAd-MSC was significantly smaller than that of cFF. Cell viability was significantly lower in cFFs and apoptotic level was significantly lower in cAd-MSC compared to passage-matched cFF. In the expression of genes related to pluripotency and epigenetic modification, level of HDAC1 in cAd-MSC was significantly higher than in cFF, but expression of Dnmt1 did not differ between the two groups. OCT4 and SOX2 were significantly more highly expressed in cAd-MSC compared to cFF.

CONCLUSIONS

cAd-MSC have higher stem-cell potential than cFF in terms of proliferation patterns, epigenetic modification and pluripotency, thus cAd-MSC could be more appropriate than cFF as donors of nuclei in somatic cell nuclear transfer for transgenesis.

Anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase of phenolic substance from Areca catechu as a new anti-ageing agent

We have previously screened 150 medicinal plants for the inhibition of elastase and found significant inhibitory effects of the extracts of Areca catechu L. on the ageing and inflammation of skin tissues. To isolate and identify the compounds having biological activity, they were further purified by each fraction of solvents, silica gel column chromatography, preparative TLC and reversed-phase HPLC. The peak in HPLC, which coincided with the inhibitory activity against elastase, was identified as a phenolic substance by using various colorimetric methods, UV and IR. IC(50) values of this phenolic substance were 26.9 mug mL(-1) for porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and 60.8 mug mL(-1) for human neutrophil elastase (HNE). This phenolic substance showed more potent activity than that of reference compounds, oleanolic acid (76.5 mug mL(-1) for PPE, 219.2 mug mL(-1) for HNE) and ursolic acid (31.0 mug mL(-1) for PPE, 118.6 mug mL(-1) for HNE). According to the Lineweaver-Burk plots, the inhibition against both PPE and HNE by this phenolic substance was competitive inhibition with the substrate. The phenolic substance from A. catechu effectively inhibited hyaluronidase activity (IC(50) : 210 mug mL(-1) ). These results suggest that the phenolic substance purified from A. catechu has an anti-ageing effect by protecting connective tissue proteins.

32 NEURON-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF THE RED FLUORESCENCE PROTEIN IN CLONED DOGS

The pathogenesis of neuronal degenerative disease as Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been a subject of intensive research for the last few decades worldwide. But despite such effort, treatment or preventive measures for AD have so far made no breakthrough. One of the contributing factors that hindered the progress of research is the lack of appropriate AD models. Mouse models have limitations for AD research because the irreconcilable species gap between the rodent and human has impeded the research itself as well as the application of the findings from the rodent studies to human cases. As an alternative, here we performed a preliminary study to develop novel neuronal degenerative disease models using a canine transgenic somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology. The aim of this study is to produce a transgenic dog that expresses neuron-specific transgene in the brain by SCNT. In this study, we chose human synapsin 1 promoter as primarily neuron selective, driving the red fluorescent protein transgene. For SCNT, synapsin 1-red fluorescence protein (SYN1-RFP) was introduced into female beagle adipose-derived stem cell via lentiviral vector infection. The SYN1-RFP cells were injected into enucleated in vivo-matured dog oocytes and fused by electric stimulation. The fused couplets (80/94, 85.1%) were chemically activated and transferred into the uterine tube of 5 naturally oestrus-synchronized surrogates. Three of them (60%) maintained pregnancy and subsequently gave birth to 3 cloned pups (SYN1-RFP A, SYN1-RFP B, SYN1-RFP C) by natural delivery or cesarean section. Birth weights of the offspring ranged from 120 to 280 g and SYN1-RFP C is still alive, healthy and does not show any abnormalities. The microsatellite analysis shows that all SYN1-RFP puppies originated from the SYN1-RFP cells used in SCNT and mitochondrial DNA analysis shows that the puppies had been derived from the oocyte donors. In order to investigate the result in multiple transgene insertions, SYN-RFP puppies were screened by Southern blot analysis using DNA extracted from skin biopsies. Transgene copy number was estimated by Southern blot analysis. The SYN-RFP A and B that died at 3 days after birth had approximately 5 and 2 copies of the transgene integrated, respectively, whereas the alive SYN-RFP C has 1 copy. SYN-RFP B was particular in that it did not express RFP in the entire body, but samples collected postmortem showed expression of the RFP transgene under the human synapsin 1 promoter in neural cells in the brain of SYN-RFP B. In conclusion, we report here that (1) the human synapsin promoter is functional in neural cells of dog brain and (2) a neural-specific-transgene-expressed dog was generated for the first time by transgenic SCNT technique. Furthermore, the SYN-RFP dog has great potential to understand the function of a neuronal degenerative disease model dog. This study was supported by MKE (Grant # 10033839-2011-13), RNL Bio, IPET and TS Corporation.

33 IN VITRO IMMUNOGENICITY OF SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER-DERIVED TRANSGENIC CLONED DOGS

Histocompatible tissue has been generated by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and the resultant tissues were not rejected by the immune system of the nucleus donors. In addition, many transgenic animals combined with SCNT have been produced. However, in vitro immunogenicity of transgenic cloned animals originated from the same donor cell with nontransgenic cloned animals has not been assessed until now. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro immunogenicity of cloned dogs with each other, between cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs and between transgenic cloned dogs with each other by mixed lymphocyte reaction. In this study, we used cloned beagles (BG1, 2) derived from SCNT using fetal fibroblasts (BF3). Serially, 4 transgenic cloned beagles (Ruppy 1–3, 5) were also genetically engineered from the same donor cell, BF3, with red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene inserted into their genome. We used 2 age-matched healthy female beagle dogs as control dogs. They have different 3 DLA types with all cloned dogs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 2 cloned beagles and 4 transgenic cloned beagles were isolated from whole bloods using Ficoll gradient solution. PBMC from each dog were mixed to auto PBMC, other transgenic cloned dogs and non-related control dogs under the experimental designs. All the mixtures were incubated at 37°C for 4 days, adding BrdU labeling reagent and re-incubated for 24 h. Results are expressed in absorbance mean value ± standard deviation of 450-nm wavelength read by microplate reader. Each cell combination was assayed in 8 replicates. In Experiment 1, PBMC of cloned beagles were combined with equal concentrations of another cloned beagle's PBMC. In Experiment 2, PBMC suspension of Ruppy 1–3, 5 were mixed with equal concentrations of another transgenic cloned beagle's PBMC suspension. In Experiment 3, PBMC suspensions of cloned beagles were mixed with PBMC suspensions of transgenic cloned beagles and reverse reaction was performed. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney U test. In Experiment 1, whereas the absorbance value of mixture of cloned dogs and control dogs shows apparent proliferation, auto mixture of each dog and allo-mixture of BG1 and BG2 show no proliferation (Table 1), indicating immunological factors exposed to PBMC in 2 cloned dogs were compatible. In Experiment 2 among transgenic cloned dogs, no evidence of proliferations in mixed allo-PBMC was shown (Table 1), suggesting in vitro immunogenicity between transgenic cloned dogs was also not shown. In Experiment 3 among cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs, no significant difference was found (Table 1). In conclusion, cloned dogs derived from SCNT shared immunological phenotype. Next, immunogenicity among transgenic cloned beagle dogs was not shown despite random insertion of a foreign gene. Lastly, cloned beagles and transgenic cloned beagles show lymphocyte antigen compatibility irrespective of having a foreign gene or not. Table 1.The absorbance values of mixed lymphocytes of 4 transgenic cloned dogs and 2 cloned dogs This study was supported by RNL BIO (#0468-20110001), IPET, MKE (#10033839-2011-13) and Natural Balance Korea.

331 BLOOD ANTIGEN-COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN CLONED BEAGLES AND TRANSGENIC CLONED BEAGLES

It is known that cloned animals produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using the same donor cells show immunological compatibility for tissue transplantation. However, immunological compatibility for tissue transplantation or blood transfusion between cloned animals and transgenic cloned animals originating from the same donor cell has not been assessed until now. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of blood group antigens in cloned dogs with each other, in cloned dogs and transgenic cloned dogs, and in transgenic cloned dogs with each other by a crossmatching test. In Lee’s group, 2 cloned beagles (BG1, 2) were produced from fetal fibroblasts (BF3) using SCNT. Serially, 4 transgenic cloned beagles (Ruppy 1–3, 5) were also genetically engineered from the same donor cell, BF3, although with the transfection of the red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene. All 6 beagles shared the same genetic background except for RFP gene insertion in their genome. Canine blood antigen is labelled as dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA), a critical factor for determining blood antigen compatibility during a crossmatching test. Blood samples were collected from all tested dogs. Serum and red blood cells (RBC) were separated; RBC of all dogs were washed 3 times with 0.9% saline, and a 4% RBC suspension was made from the washed cells. They were mixed in the following experimental designs. In experiment 1, an RBC suspension of cloned beagles was combined with equal volumes of another cloned beagle’s serum. In experiment 2, an RBC suspension of Ruppy 1–3, 5 was mixed with an equal volume of another transgenic cloned beagle’s serum; the reverse reaction was also performed. In experiment 3, an RBC suspension of cloned beagles was mixed with the serum of transgenic cloned beagles and the reverse reaction was performed. All the mixtures were incubated at 37°C for 20 min, centrifuged, and then assessed for hemolysis or agglutination. In experiments 1 and 2, no samples showed any evidence of hemolysis. However, in contrast to the other experiments, experiment 3 showed a different pattern. Although the RBC of transgenic cloned dogs showed hemolysis when mixed with the serum of cloned dogs, the RBC of cloned dogs did not react with the serum of transgenic cloned dogs. From the results, we see that the 4 transgenic cloned beagles could not be donors for blood transfusion, but the 2 cloned dogs could be universal donors for all. In conclusion, cloned beagles and transgenic cloned beagles show blood antigen compatibility within themselves. However, the 4 transgenic cloned beagles showed blood antigen incompatibility with the 2 cloned beagles. This study was supported by Korean MEST, through NRF (grant #M10625030005-10N250300510), and BK21 program, SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO) and Natural Balance Korea.

56 ESTABLISHMENT OF TRANSGENIC RED FLUORESCENCE PROTEIN (RFP) CLONE DOGS THROUGH A STABLE TRANSMISSION OF RFP GENE TO NEXT GENERATION

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology has been spotlighted not only for its advantage in producing unlimited numbers of genetically identical animals, but also the possibility of producing complex genetic modifications in animals. However, a few reports showed that mosaic expression of transgene in transgenic animals produced by SCNT (Park et al. 2002) and down-regulated gene expression is sometimes irreversible in their offspring (Bordignon et al. 2003). Therefore, we investigated reproductive ability by a breeding between female transgenic beagles and wild-type beagles. When female transgenic beagles (R1, R2, R3, and R5) expressing red fluorescence protein (RFP) gene reached puberty at 373, 353, 283, and 354 days after birth, serum progesterone concentration was monitored for detecting timing of ovulation. Approximately 72 to 79 h after ovulation, the beagles were naturally mated or artificially inseminated. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at Day 30 after insemination. The transgenic bitches (R1, R2, R3, and R5) were then bred with wild-type male dogs, became pregnant, and successfully delivered 13 puppies (9 female and 4 male). In order to prove integration of RFP gene in all offspring, DNA was extracted from the blood of pups on Day 7 after birth. For PCR analysis, a primer pair for the RFP gene, forward primer (5′CGTGAAGCTGAAGGTGA-3′) and reverse primer (5′-CTCGTACTGCTCCACGA-3′), were used to amplify a 517-bp DNA fragment. The initial denaturation was performed at 94°C for 5 min, followed by 30 cycles at 94°C for 40 s (denaturation), 58°C for 40 s (annealing), and 72°C for 40 s (extension), and a final incubation at 72°C for 10 min to ensure complete strand extension. Presence of the RFP transgene in 7 of the puppies was confirmed by PCR and the puppies expressed RFP upon UV illumination. It was not different from the 53.8% expected Mendelian ratio. The present result demonstrated a stable transmission of the RFP gene into 5 female and 2 male offspring in the second generation. Among the second generation, 2 female puppies integrated with the RFP gene were in heat at ∼1-year-old. They were then bred with the semen of a wild-type beagle and bore 6 puppies. In the third generation, 3 puppies carried the RFP gene and results showed the expected Mendelian ratio. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that female transgenic beagles have normal reproductive ability and a stable insertion of the transgene to the next generation. This study was financially supported by NRF (#M10625030005-508-10N25), SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO), BK 21 for Veterinary Science, and Purina Korea.

105 IN VIVO DEVELOPMENT OF CANINE PARTHENOTES AND THE EXPRESSION PATTERN OF Igf2/Igf2r GENES

Parthenogenesis is the process by which an oocyte develops without fertilization, resulting in parthenogenetic embryos carrying only maternal chromosomes. Until now, little information has been available on the post-activation development of parthenogenetic embryos, and there are no reports about canine post-implantation development of parthenogenetically activated oocytes. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the development of parthenogenetic canine embryos when implanted in vivo, and the subsequent post-implantation development of such canine parthenogenetic fetuses. Also, we examined expression patterns of Igf2 and its receptor (Igf2r), which are reciprocally imprinted and expressed from the paternal and maternal genomes, respectively, in other mammalians, to gain insight into the role of genomic imprinting during uniparental development. In vivo matured dog oocytes were obtained by flushing oviducts of mixed breed bitches ∼72 h after ovulation. The denuded oocytes (n = 48; 5 replicates) were subjected to chemical activation by incubation in a culture medium containing 10 μM calcium ionophore (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) for 4 min and then in a culture medium supplemented with 1.9 mM of 6- dimethylaminopurine (Sigma) for 4 h at 39°C. Parthenogenetic embryos were surgically transferred to synchronized recipient female dogs. The implantation rate of parthenogenetic embryos was compared with that of artificially inseminated controls. Normal and parthenogenetic fetuses, obtained from recipients on Day 28, 30, and 32 of pregnancy, were analysed for gross external morphology and Igf2/Igf2r gene expression examined. Data were analysed using SAS and means compared by Student’s t-test. The in vivo development of canine parthenogenetic fetuses was observed after embryo transfer and the implantation rate of parthenotes was 56.3%, which was significantly lower than those of the control (79.5%; P < 0.05). The weight of parthenogenetic fetuses and placentae recovered from uteri at 28, 30, and 32 day of pregnancy were significantly lighter than those of the control (P < 0.05), whereas the appearance of recovered parthenogenetic fetuses were comparable to those of in vivo fertilized fetuses. We found that both Igf2 and Igf2r were expressed in canine parthenotes but the expression level of Igf2 in the parthenotes was significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05). The expression level of Igf2r in the parthenotes was comparable with the control. These results confirmed that the protocols used in our present study were suitable for activating the canine oocyte artificially and to support the viability and developmental potential of canine embryos up to the mid-gestation stage. It will provide an opportunity to determine the reason for developmental differences between parthenogenetic and fertilized embryos, and will be a useful model system for elucidating the roles of parental genomes in mammalian postimplantation development. This study was financially supported by NRF (#M10625030005-508-10N25), SNU foundation (Benefactor; RNL BIO), Institute for Veterinary Science, and Nature Balance Korea.

Secular trends in adult male smoking from 1992 to 2006 in South Korea: age-specific changes with evolving tobacco-control policies

OBJECTIVES

For years, South Korea has had one of the highest levels of tobacco use among males in the world, but a steady decline has been observed recently. This study examined how the smoking behaviour of male adults changed with age after the implementation of national tobacco control policies in 1995.

STUDY DESIGN

Repeated cross-sectional study using a national survey.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the 1992, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2006 results of a repeated cross-sectional survey, the Social Statistics Survey. The smoking status of adult men was compared before (1992 and 1995 surveys) and after (1999, 2003 and 2006 surveys) the implementation of government-directed tobacco control policies using graphical methods and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

After the implementation of tobacco control policies, the percentage of current male smokers decreased while the percentage of former smokers increased markedly. Smoking prevalence among older men (aged 50 years or more) reduced initially, and this decline was more pronounced after the tobacco control policies were implemented. Smoking prevalence in younger men (aged 30-49 years) declined in 2003 when more comprehensive tobacco control policies were implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that comprehensive tobacco control policies in South Korea reduced smoking prevalence among males, initially among older men and later among both older men and younger men.

Development of a magnetic Single Cell Micro Array

Experiments using single cells are valuable for revealing individual cell behaviour, which is of interest to many biomedical researchers. In such experiments, various types of devices capable of aligning cells into organized arrays are often used. In this paper, we present a novel Single Cell Micro Array device that makes use of magnetic forces. Prototypes of this device have been fabricated, and successfully tested using Jurkat cells that have been labelled with nano-magnetic particles. Experimental results show that the prototypes are effective on capturing and placing the labelled cells in an array.

Design of a continuous passive and active motion device for hand rehabilitation

This paper presents the design of a novel, portable device for hand rehabilitation. The device provides for CPM (continuous passive motion) and CAM (continuous active motion) hand rehabilitation for patients recovering from damage such as flexor tendon repair and strokes. The device is capable of flexing/extending the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) and PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joints through a range of motion of 0 degrees to 90 degrees for both the joints independently. In this way, typical hand rehabilitation motions such as intrinsic plus, intrinsic minus, and a fist can be achieved without the need of any splints or attachments. The CPM mode is broken into two subgroups. The first mode is the use of preset waypoints for the device to cycle through. The second mode involves motion from a starting position to a final position, but senses the torque from the user during the cycle. Therefore the user can control the ROM by resisting when they are at the end of the desired motion. During the CPM modes the device utilizes a minimum jerk trajectory model under PD control, moving smoothly and accurately between preselected positions. CAM is the final mode where the device will actively resist the movement of the user. The user moves from a start to end position while the device produces a torque to resist the motion. This active resistance motion is a unique ability designed to mimic the benefits of a human therapist. Another unique feature of the device is its ability to independently act on both the MCP and PIP joints. The feedback sensing built into the device makes it capable of offering a wide and flexible range of rehabilitation programs for the hand.

A feasibility study for measuring accurate tendon displacements using an audio-based Fourier analysis of pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound signals

The accuracy of Pulsed-Wave Doppler Ultrasound displacement measurements of a slow moving "tendon-like" string was investigated in this study. This was accomplished by estimating string displacements using an audio-based Fourier analysis of a Pulsed-Wave Doppler signal from a commercial ultrasound scanner. Our feasibility study showed that the proposed technique is much more accurate at estimating the actual string displacement in comparison to the scanner's onboard software. Furthermore, this study also shows that a real-time Doppler data acquisition from an ultrasound scanner is possible for the ultimate purpose of real-time biological tendon displacement monitoring.

In vitrometabolism of eupatilin by multiple cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase enzymes

Eupatilin, a pharmacologically active flavone derived from Artemisia plants, is extensively metabolized to eupatilin glucuronide, 4-O-desmethyleupatilin and 4-O-desmethyleupatilin glucuronide in human liver microsomes. This study characterized the human liver cytochrome P450 (CYP) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes responsible for the metabolism of eupatilin. The specific CYPs responsible for O-demethylation of eupatilin to the major metabolite, 4-O-desmethyleupatilin were identified using a combination of correlation analysis, immuno-inhibition, chemical inhibition in human liver microsomes and metabolism by human cDNA-expressed CYP enzymes. UGT enzymes involved in the eupatilin glucuronidation were identified using pooled human liver microsomes and human cDNA-expressed UGT enzymes. Eupatilin was predominantly metabolized by CYP1A2 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2C8 mediated O-demethylation of eupatilin to 4-O-desmethyleupatilin. Eupatilin glucuronidation was catalysed by UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10.

Effect of electrolyzed water for reduction of foodborne pathogens on lettuce and spinach

The ability of electrolyzed water (EW) to inactivate foodborne pathogens on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach was investigated. Lettuce and spinach leaves were inoculated with a cocktail of 3 strains each of Escherichia col O157:H7, Salmnonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes and treated with acidic electrolyzed water (AC-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water (AK-EW), alkaline electrolyzed water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, AK-EW + AC-EW), deionized water followed by acidic electrolyzed water (sequential treatment, DW + AC-EW), and deionized water (control, DW) for 15, 30 s, and 1, 3, and 5 min at room temperature (22 +/- 2 degrees C). For all 3 pathogens, the same pattern of microbial reduction on lettuce and spinach were apparent. The relative efficacy of reduction was AC-EW > DW + AC-EW approximately = AK-EW + AC-EW > AK-EW > control. After a 3-min treatment of AC-EW, the 3 tested pathogens were reduced below the detection limit (0.7 log). DW + AC-EW and AK-EW + AC-EW produced the same levels of reduction after 5 min when compared to the control. AK-EW did not reduce levels of pathogens even after a 5-min treatment on lettuce and spinach. Results suggest that AC-EW treatment was able to significantly reduce populations of the 3 tested pathogens from the surfaces of lettuce and spinach with increasing time of exposure.

Ultrasound mediated transdermal insulin delivery in pigs using a lightweight transducer

PURPOSE

In previous studies, ultrasound mediated transdermal drug delivery has shown a promising potential as a method for noninvasive drug administration. For prospective future human application, this study was designed to determine the feasibility of lightweight cymbal transducer array as a practical device for noninvasive transdermal insulin delivery in large pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six Yorkshire pigs (100-140 lbs) were divided into two groups. As the control (n = 3), the first group did not receive any ultrasound exposure with the insulin. The second group (n = 3) was treated with ultrasound and insulin at 20 kHz with an I(sptp) = 100 mW/cm(2) at a 20% duty cycle for 60 min. With the pigs in lateral recumbency after anesthesia, the ultrasound transducer with insulin was placed on the axillary area of the pig. At the beginning and every 15 min up to 90 min, the blood glucose level was determined using a glucose monitoring system. To compare the results of individual animals, the change of blood glucose level was normalized to each animal's initial glucose value at the start of the experiment.

RESULTS

Although each animal had a different initial glucose level, the mean and standard error for the six animals was 146 +/- 13 mg/dl. For the control group, the blood glucose level increased to 31 +/- 21 mg/dl compared to the initial baseline over the 90 min experiment. However for the ultrasound with insulin treated group, the glucose level decreased to -72 +/- 5 mg/dl at 60 min (p < 0.05) and continued to decrease to -91 +/- 23 mg/dl in 90 min (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the feasibility of ultrasound mediated transdermal insulin delivery using the cymbal transducer array in animal with a similar size and weight to a human. Based on these result, the cymbal array has potential as a practical ultrasound system for noninvasive transdermal insulin delivery for diabetes management.

Antibacterial and antifungal activity of pinosylvin, a constituent of pine

The antibacterial and antifungal activities of pinosylvin (3,5-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a constituent of pine, were studied and compared with those of resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene). Pinosylvin exhibited more potent growth inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Naringin supplementation lowers plasma lipids and enhances erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in hypercholesterolemic subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Preliminary studies have shown that naringin has a potent lipid-lowering effect and antioxidant capacity in high-cholesterol diet fed animals. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of naringin on hypercholesterolemic subjects.

METHODS

A hypercholesterolemic group (n=30) and healthy control group (n=30) were established based on the plasma cholesterol levels in the subjects, then all subjects received naringin (400mg/capsule/day) with regular meals for a period of 8 weeks.

RESULTS

In the hypercholesterolemic subjects, naringin supplementation was found to lower the plasma total cholesterol by 14% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations by 17%, while the plasma triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations remained unaffected. The apolipoprotein B levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects were significantly lowered after naringin treatment, yet no change was observed in the apolipoprotein A-1 levels. The erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the hypercholesterolemic group were significantly increased, whereas the glutathione peroxidase activity and plasma TBARS levels were not different from the baseline measurements. Meanwhile, naringin supplementation had no affect on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and TBARS levels or antioxidant enzyme activities in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, these data suggest that naringin may play an important role in lowering plasma cholesterol and regulating the antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolemic subjects.