Curcumin exerts its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects against aluminum-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in male albino rats

Aluminum is a neurotoxicant and one of the most harmful metals in the environment; it is producing tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Curcumin is an effective antioxidant and neuroprotective compound with medicinal potential. Curcumin's effect on AL toxicity was investigated in this study. Two groups of 70 mature adult albino rats were used, each of which was subdivided into five groups: Control, Vehicle, Curcumin, Aluminum, and Curcumin + Aluminum group. For two periods of 20 and 40 days, animal models were administered orally AlCl3 (20 mg kg-1 bw) and/or Curcumin (100 mg kg-1 bw). In the cerebral cortex, aluminum caused a significant rise (p < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, as well as a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. In the brain hippocampus, aluminum caused a major reduction (p < 0.05) in neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin), while Acetylcholine esterase activity increased sharply (p < 0.05). Aluminum also triggered histological analyses in the hippocampus of the brain. Curcumin co-administration considerably reduced the increase in lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, but also enhanced the depletion of antioxidant enzymes. Curcumin also reversed the decline in neurotransmitters, the increase in Acetylcholine esterase, and the distortion in the brain hippocampus.(AU)

Mitigation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by casticin in male albino rats / Mitigação da nefrotoxicidade induzida pela cisplatina pela casticina em ratos albinos machos

Cisplatin (CP) is a commonly used, powerful antineoplastic drug, having numerous side effects. Casticin (CAS) is considered as a free radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant. The present research was planned to assess the curative potential of CAS on CP persuaded renal injury in male albino rats. Twenty four male albino rats were distributed into four equal groups. Group-1 was considered as a control group. Animals of Group-2 were injected with 5mg/kg of CP intraperitoneally. Group-3 was co-treated with CAS (50mg/kg) orally and injection of CP (5mg/kg). Group-4 was treated with CAS (50mg/kg) orally throughout the experiment. CP administration substantially reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione (GSH) content while increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Urea, urinary creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, albumin and creatinine clearance was significantly reduced in CP treated group. The results demonstrated that CP significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and histopathological damages. However, the administration of CAS displayed a palliative effect against CP-generated renal toxicity and recovered all parameters by bringing them to a normal level. These results revealed that the CAS is an effective compound having the curative potential to counter the CP-induced renal damage.

A cisplatina (CP) é uma droga antineoplásica poderosa, comumente usada, com vários efeitos colaterais. Casticin (CAS) é considerado um eliminador de radicais livres e um potente antioxidante. A presente pesquisa foi planejada para avaliar o potencial curativo da CAS em lesão renal induzida por PC em ratos albinos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos iguais. O Grupo 1 foi considerado grupo controle. Os animais do Grupo 2 foram injetados com 5 mg / kg de PB por via intraperitoneal. O Grupo 3 foi cotratado com CAS (50 mg / kg) por via oral e injeção de CP (5 mg / kg). O Grupo 4 foi tratado com CAS (50 mg / kg) por via oral durante todo o experimento. A administração de CP reduziu substancialmente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa S-transferase (GST), glutationa redutase (GSR), glutationa (GSH), enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e níveis de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2). Os níveis de ureia, creatinina urinária, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula 1 de lesão renal (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina e a depuração da creatinina foram significativamente reduzidas no grupo tratado com PC. Os resultados demonstraram que a CP aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappa-B (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), interleucina-6 (IL-6) níveis e atividade da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) e danos histopatológicos. No entanto, a administração de CAS apresentou um efeito paliativo contra a toxicidade renal gerada por CP e recuperou todos os parâmetros, trazendo-os a um nível normal. Estes resultados revelaram que o CAS é um composto eficaz com potencial curativo para combater o dano renal induzido por CP.

Mitigation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by casticin in male albino rats / Mitigação da nefrotoxicidade induzida pela cisplatina pela casticina em ratos albinos machos

Cisplatin (CP) is a commonly used, powerful antineoplastic drug, having numerous side effects. Casticin (CAS) is considered as a free radical scavenger and a potent antioxidant. The present research was planned to assess the curative potential of CAS on CP persuaded renal injury in male albino rats. Twenty four male albino rats were distributed into four equal groups. Group-1 was considered as a control group. Animals of Group-2 were injected with 5mg/kg of CP intraperitoneally. Group-3 was co-treated with CAS (50mg/kg) orally and injection of CP (5mg/kg). Group-4 was treated with CAS (50mg/kg) orally throughout the experiment. CP administration substantially reduced the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione (GSH) content while increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Urea, urinary creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, albumin and creatinine clearance was significantly reduced in CP treated group. The results demonstrated that CP significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and histopathological damages. However, the administration of CAS displayed a palliative effect against CP-generated renal toxicity and recovered all parameters by bringing them to a normal level. These results revealed that the CAS is an effective compound having the curative potential to counter the CP-induced renal damage.(AU)

A cisplatina (CP) é uma droga antineoplásica poderosa, comumente usada, com vários efeitos colaterais. Casticin (CAS) é considerado um eliminador de radicais livres e um potente antioxidante. A presente pesquisa foi planejada para avaliar o potencial curativo da CAS em lesão renal induzida por PC em ratos albinos machos. Vinte e quatro ratos albinos machos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos iguais. O Grupo 1 foi considerado grupo controle. Os animais do Grupo 2 foram injetados com 5 mg / kg de PB por via intraperitoneal. O Grupo 3 foi cotratado com CAS (50 mg / kg) por via oral e injeção de CP (5 mg / kg). O Grupo 4 foi tratado com CAS (50 mg / kg) por via oral durante todo o experimento. A administração de CP reduziu substancialmente as atividades de catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutationa S-transferase (GST), glutationa redutase (GSR), glutationa (GSH), enquanto aumentou as substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) e níveis de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2). Os níveis de ureia, creatinina urinária, urobilinogênio, proteínas urinárias, molécula 1 de lesão renal (KIM-1) e lipocalina associada à gelatinase de neutrófilos (NGAL) aumentaram substancialmente. Em contraste, a albumina e a depuração da creatinina foram significativamente reduzidas no grupo tratado com PC. Os resultados demonstraram que a CP aumentou significativamente os indicadores de inflamação, incluindo fator nuclear kappa-B (NF-κB), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β), interleucina-6 (IL-6) níveis e atividade da ciclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) e danos histopatológicos. No entanto, a administração de CAS apresentou um efeito paliativo contra a toxicidade renal gerada por CP e recuperou todos os parâmetros, trazendo-os a um nível normal. Estes resultados revelaram que o CAS é um composto eficaz com potencial curativo para combater o dano renal induzido por CP.(AU)

Eugenol and its liposome-based nano carrier reduce anxiety by inhibiting glyoxylase-1 expression in mice / Eugenol e seu nanocarreador à base de lipossoma reduzem a ansiedade ao inibir a expressão de glioxalase 1 em camundongos

Abstract The most common form of psycho-social dysfunction is anxiety with depression being related closely without any age bar. They are present with combined state of sadness, confusion, stress, fear etc. Glyoxalase system contains enzyme named glyoxalase 1 (GLO1).It is a metabolic pathway which detoxifies alpha-oxo-aldehydes, particularly methylglyoxal (MG). Methylglyoxal is mainly made by the breakdown of the glycolytic intermediates, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphates and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. Glyoxylase-1 expression is also related with anxiety behavior. A casual role or GLO-1 in anxiety behavior by using viral vectors for over expression in the anterior cingulate cortex was found and it was found that local GLO-1 over expression increased anxiety behavior. The present study deals with the molecular mechanism of protective activity of eugenol against anxiolytic disorder. A pre-clinical animal study was performed on 42 BALB/c mice. Animals were given stress through conventional restrain model. The mRNA expression of GLO-1 was analyzed by real time RT-PCR. Moreover, the GLO-1 protein expression was also examined by immunohistochemistry in whole brain and mean density was calculated. The mRNA and protein expressions were found to be increased in animals given anxiety as compared to the normal control. Whereas, the expressions were decreased in the animals treated with eugenol and its liposome-based nanocarriers in a dose dependent manner. However, the results were better in animals treated with nanocarriers as compared to the compound alone. It is concluded that the eugenol and its liposome-based nanocarriers exert anxiolytic activity by down-regulating GLO-1 protein expression in mice.

Resumo A forma mais comum de disfunção psicossocial é a ansiedade intimamente relacionada com a depressão, sem qualquer barreira de idade. Elas estão presentes em um estado combinado de tristeza, confusão, estresse, medo etc. O sistema de glioxalase contém uma enzima chamada glioxalase 1 (GLO1). É uma via metabólica que desintoxica alfa-oxo-aldeídos, particularmente metilglioxal (MG). O metilglioxal é produzido principalmente pela quebra dos intermediários glicolíticos, gliceraldeído-3-fosfatos e fosfato de diidroxiacetona. A expressão da glioxalase 1 também está relacionada ao comportamento de ansiedade. Um papel casual ou GLO1 no comportamento de ansiedade usando vetores virais para superexpressão no córtex cingulado anterior foi encontrado e descobriu-se que a superexpressão local de GLO1 aumentava o comportamento de ansiedade. O presente estudo trata do mecanismo molecular da atividade protetora do eugenol contra o transtorno ansiolítico. Um estudo pré-clínico em animais foi realizado em 42 camundongos BALB / c. Os animais foram submetidos ao estresse por meio do modelo de contenção convencional. A expressão de mRNA de GLO1 foi analisada por RT-PCR em tempo real. Além disso, a expressão da proteína GLO1 também foi examinada por imuno-histoquímica em todo o cérebro e a densidade média foi calculada. Verificou-se que as expressões de mRNA e proteínas estavam aumentadas em animais que receberam ansiedade em comparação com o controle normal. Considerando que as expressões foram diminuídas nos animais tratados com eugenol e seus nanocarreadores baseados em lipossomas de forma dependente da dose. No entanto, os resultados foram melhores em animais tratados com nanocarreadores em comparação com o composto sozinho. Conclui-se que o eugenol e seus nanocarreadores baseados em lipossomas exercem atividade ansiolítica por regulação negativa da expressão da proteína GLO1 em camundongos.

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in mice using synthetic gut microbiota from diabetic humans / Disbiose intestinal, inflamação e diabetes tipo 2 em camundongos usando microbiota intestinal sintética de humanos diabéticos

Abstract The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P<0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice treated with GM+modified diet (HFD/CD) compared to strains Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629) which were isolated from mice receiving CD/HFD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that constitution of GM and diet plays significant role in inflammation leading to onset or/and possibly progression of T2D. .

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da dieta rica em gordura (HFD) e da microbiota intestinal humana sintética (GM) combinada com HFD e dieta alimentar (CD) na indução de diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) usando modelo de camundongos. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo usando transplante de GM humano selecionado através do método baseado em cultura acoplada à modulação dietética em camundongos para o estabelecimento in vivo de inflamação que leva a T2D e disbiose intestinal. Vinte bactérias (T2D1-T2D20) de amostras de fezes de indivíduos T2D confirmados verificaram ser morfologicamente diferentes e foram submetidas à purificação em meios diferentes aerobicamente e anaerobicamente, o que revelou sete bactérias mais comuns entre 20 isolados com base na caracterização bioquímica. Com base no sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA, esses sete isolados foram identificados como Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenides (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). Esses sete isolados foram, posteriormente, usados ​​como microbioma intestinal sintético (GM) por seu papel na indução de T2D em camundongos. Linhagens consanguíneas de camundongos albinos foram divididas em quatro grupos e foram alimentadas com CD, HFD, GM + HFD e GM + CD. Camundongos que receberam a dieta modificada com HFD e GM + (CD / HFD) mostraram um aumento altamente significativo (P < 0,05) no peso e na concentração de glicose no sangue, bem como um nível elevado de citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-α, IL-6 e MCP-1) em comparação com os ratos que receberam apenas CD. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA de 11 bactérias fecais obtidas de três animais selecionados aleatoriamente de cada grupo revelou disbiose intestinal em animais que receberam GM. Cepas bacterianas, incluindo Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) e Lactobacillus Gasseri (MT152635D), foram tratadas com dieta modificada / CD) em comparação com as linhagens Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629), que foram isoladas de camundongos recebendo CD / HFD. Em conclusão, esses resultados sugerem que a constituição de GM e dieta desempenham papel significativo na inflamação levando ao início ou/e possivelmente à progressão de T2D.

Molecular characteristics and transcriptional regulatory of spermatogenesis-related gene RFX2 in adult Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI)

RFX2 plays critical roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and cilium maturation. Here, the testes of 12-month-old adult boars of Banna mini-pig inbred line (BMI) were subjected to whole-transcriptome sequencing. The results indicated that the average expression (raw count) of RFX2 gene in BMI testes was 16138.25, and the average expression value of the corresponding transcript ENSSSCT00000043271.2 was 123.1898. The CDS of RFX2 obtained from BMI testes was 2,817 bp (GenBank accession number: OL362242). Gene structure analysis showed that RFX2 was located on chromosome 2 of the pig genome with 19 exons. Protein structure analysis indicated that RFX2 contains 728 amino acids with two conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that RFX2 was highly conserved with evolutionary homologies among mammalian species. Other analyses, including PPI networks, KEGG, and GO, indicated that BMI RFX2 had interactions with 43 proteins involving various functions, such as in cell cycle, spermatid development, spermatid differentiation, cilium assembly, and cilium organization, etc. Correlation analysis between these proteins and the transcriptome data implied that RFX2 was significantly associated with FOXJ1, DNAH9, TMEM138, E2F7, and ATR, and particularly showed the highest correlation with ATR, demonstrating the importance of RFX2 and ART in spermatogenesis. Functional annotation implied that RFX2 was involved in 17 GO terms, including three cellular components (CC), six molecular functions (MF), and eight biological processes (BP). The analysis of miRNA-gene targeting indicated that BMI RFX2 was mainly regulated by two miRNAs, among which four lncRNAs and five lncRNAs competitively bound ssc-miR-365-5p and ssc-miR-744 with RFX2, respectively. Further, the dual-luciferase report assay indicated that the ssc-miR-365-5p and ssc-miR-744 significantly reduced luciferase activity of RFX2 3'UTR in the 293T cells, suggesting that these two miRNAs regulated the expression of RFX2. Our results revealed the important role of RFX2 in BMI spermatogenesis, making it an intriguing candidate for follow-up studies.(AU)

Genetic structure and inbreeding in Romney Marsh sheep in Brazil / Estrutura genética e consanguinidade de ovinos Romney Marsh no Brasil

According to the last livestock census, Brazil has 17,976,367 head of sheep. Approximately 23.69% of this herd is located in the south region, where wool or wool and meat-producing breeds are predominately farmed. Inbreeding, or consanguinity, is defined as the mating of related individuals, which tends to occur when herds are small or originate from few parents. This study proposes to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of the Romney Marsh sheep herd in Brazil. The pedigree data used were obtained from the Brazilian Association of Sheep Breeders (ARCO), which keeps the sheep register database. For a more complete analysis, data from the Purebred Register Books were used. The population herein referred to as "total" comprised 22,833 individuals, whereas the population termed "reference" consisted of 17,053 records. Individual and average inbreeding coefficients, as well as overall frequencies, were calculated using SAS software. Demographic indicators were determined using ENDOG software. The average inbreeding coefficient found was 2.90% in the total population and 3.55% in the reference population. The minimum inbreeding value found in the studied population was 0.01% and the maximum was 43.47%. Inbred animals in the complete reference population were 10.31%. In 2018, inbred animals represented 82.55% of the registered population. The average generation interval was 4.0488 years. Due to the intensive use of few breeding lines and the high degree of genetic uniformity in the population, the Romney Marsh breed has narrow pedigree bottlenecks. The current population of the Romney Marsh breed has only two genetic origins, warranting the introduction of new genes to avoid genetic erosion and severe losses due to inbreeding.(AU)

O último censo pecuário informa que o Brasil possui 17.976.367 cabeças de ovinos. Aproximadamente 23,69% desse efetivo está localizado na região sul do país, onde predomina a criação de raças produtoras de lã, ou lã e carne. Endogamia ou consanguinidade é definida como o acasalamento de indivíduos relacionados, e tende a ocorrer quando os rebanhos são pequenos ou provenientes de poucos genitores. Este estudo teve como objetivo estudar a estrutura e a diversidade genética do rebanho ovino da raça Romney Marsh no Brasil. Os dados de pedigree utilizados foram obtidos na Associação Brasileira de Criadores de Ovinos (ARCO), que é a mantenedora do banco de dados de registro de ovinos. Para uma análise mais completa foram utilizados dados dos Livros de Registro Puro de Origem (PO). A população referida como "total" foi composta por 22.833 indivíduos, e a população referida como "referência" composta por 17.053 registros. Os coeficientes de consanguinidade individual e médio, bem como as frequências gerais, foram calculados usando o software SAS. Os indicadores demográficos foram determinados a partir do software ENDOG. O coeficiente de consanguinidade médio encontrado na população total foi de 2,90%, e na população de referência foi de 3,55%. O valor mínimo de consanguinidade encontrado na população estudada foi de 0,01% e o máximo, foi de 43,47%. Animais consanguíneos na população de referência completa foi de 10,31%. Em 2018 os animais consanguíneos representavam 82,55% da população cadastrada. Intervalo médio de gerações 4,0488 anos. Devido ao uso intensivo de poucas linhas de reprodutores e ao alto grau de uniformidade genética da população, a raça Romney Marsh apresenta estreitos gargalos nos pedigrees. A população atual da raça Romney Marsh provém de apenas duas origens genéticas, sendo necessário introduzir genes novos para evitar a erosão genética e perdas por consanguinidade acentuada.(AU)

Biological activity of cinnamaldehyde, citronellal, geraniol and anacardic acid on Haemonchus contortus isolates susceptible and resistant to synthetic anthelmintics / Atividade biológica dos compostos cinamaldeído, citronelal, geraniol e ácido anacárdico em isolados de Haemonchus contortus susceptíveis e resistentes a anti-helmínticos sintéticos

Parasitism by gastrointestinal nematodes is a challenge for small ruminant farming worldwide. It causes productive and economic losses, especially due to parasite resistance to conventional anthelmintics. Natural compounds with antiparasitic activity are a potential alternative for controlling these parasites especially when considering the widespread occurrence of anthelmintic resistance. Our objective was to evaluate the activity of anacardic acid, geraniol, cinnamaldehyde and citronellal on Haemonchus contortus isolates with different levels of anthelmintic resistance profiles. These compounds were tested using egg hatch assays (EHAs), larval development tests (LDTs) as well as LDTs on mini-fecal cultures, on the Haemonchus contortus isolates Kokstad (KOK-resistant to all anthelmintics), Inbred-Strain-Edinburgh (ISE-susceptible to all anthelmintics) and Echevarria (ECH-susceptible to all anthelmintics). Effective concentrations to inhibit 50% (EC50) and 95% (EC95) of egg hatching and larval development were calculated. Results for EHA and LDT for all tested compounds, considering EC50 and EC95 values, showed low variation among the studied isolates with most RF values below 2x. All studied compounds showed efficacy against egg hatching and larval development of H. contortus isolates regardless of anthelmintic resistance profiles. The compounds with the smallest EC50 and EC95 values were cinnamaldehyde and anacardic acid making them promising candidates for future in vivo studies.(AU)

A infecção por nematoides gastrintestinais é um dos principais desafios na produção de pequenos ruminantes e ocasiona perdas produtivas, principalmente, devido à resistência anti-helmíntica. Bioativos com atividade anti-helmíntica são potencial alternativa para o controle desses parasitos em especial, considerando-se a ampla incidência de resistência anti-helmíntica nos rebanhos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade biológica do ácido anacárdico, geraniol, cinamaldeído e citronelal em isolados de Haemonchus contortus com diferentes perfis de resistência anti-helmíntica. Foram realizados testes de eclosão de ovos (TEO), testes de desenvolvimento larvar (TDL) e TDLs em minicoproculturas, utilizando-se o isolado Kokstad (resistente a todos os anti-helmínticos), o isolado Inbred-Strain-Edinburgh (suscetível) e o isolado Echevarria (suscetível). Foram calculadas as concentrações efetivas para inibir 50% (CE50) e 95% (CE95) da eclodibilidade dos ovos e do desenvolvimento larvar. Resultados de TEO e TDL apresentaram baixa variação entre os diferentes isolados para um mesmo composto testado com fatores de resistência geralmente abaixo de 2x. Todos os compostos estudados mostraram eficácia contra a eclosão de ovos e desenvolvimento larvar de isolados de H. contortus independente do perfil de resistência anti-helmíntica dos mesmos. Os compostos que apresentaram atividade nas menores concentrações foram cinamaldeído e ácido anacárdico, sendo estes os componentes mais promissores para futuros estudos in vivo.(AU)

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in mice using synthetic gut microbiota from diabetic humans

Abstract The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P 0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice treated with GM+modified diet (HFD/CD) compared to strains Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629) which were isolated from mice receiving CD/HFD. In conclusion, these findings suggest that constitution of GM and diet plays significant role in inflammation leading to onset or/and possibly progression of T2D. .

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da dieta rica em gordura (HFD) e da microbiota intestinal humana sintética (GM) combinada com HFD e dieta alimentar (CD) na indução de diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) usando modelo de camundongos. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo usando transplante de GM humano selecionado através do método baseado em cultura acoplada à modulação dietética em camundongos para o estabelecimento in vivo de inflamação que leva a T2D e disbiose intestinal. Vinte bactérias (T2D1-T2D20) de amostras de fezes de indivíduos T2D confirmados verificaram ser morfologicamente diferentes e foram submetidas à purificação em meios diferentes aerobicamente e anaerobicamente, o que revelou sete bactérias mais comuns entre 20 isolados com base na caracterização bioquímica. Com base no sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA, esses sete isolados foram identificados como Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenides (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). Esses sete isolados foram, posteriormente, usados como microbioma intestinal sintético (GM) por seu papel na indução de T2D em camundongos. Linhagens consanguíneas de camundongos albinos foram divididas em quatro grupos e foram alimentadas com CD, HFD, GM + HFD e GM + CD. Camundongos que receberam a dieta modificada com HFD e GM + (CD / HFD) mostraram um aumento altamente significativo (P 0,05) no peso e na concentração de glicose no sangue, bem como um nível elevado de citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-, IL-6 e MCP-1) em comparação com os ratos que receberam apenas CD. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA de 11 bactérias fecais obtidas de três animais selecionados aleatoriamente de cada grupo revelou disbiose intestinal em animais que receberam GM. Cepas bacterianas, incluindo Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) e Lactobacillus Gasseri (MT152635D), foram tratadas com dieta modificada / CD) em comparação com as linhagens Akkermansia muciniphila (MT152625), Bacteriodes sp. (MT152626), Bacteroides faecis (MT152627), Bacteroides vulgatus (MT152628), Lactobacillus plantarum (MT152629), que foram isoladas de camundongos recebendo CD / HFD. Em conclusão, esses resultados sugerem que a constituição de GM e dieta desempenham papel significativo na inflamação levando ao início ou/e possivelmente à progressão de T2D.

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in mice using synthetic gut microbiota from diabetic humans / Disbiose intestinal, inflamação e diabetes tipo 2 em camundongos usando microbiota intestinal sintética de humanos diabéticos

The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P<0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice [...].

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da dieta rica em gordura (HFD) e da microbiota intestinal humana sintética (GM) combinada com HFD e dieta alimentar (CD) na indução de diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) usando modelo de camundongos. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo usando transplante de GM humano selecionado através do método baseado em cultura acoplada à modulação dietética em camundongos para o estabelecimento in vivo de inflamação que leva a T2D e disbiose intestinal. Vinte bactérias (T2D1-T2D20) de amostras de fezes de indivíduos T2D confirmados verificaram ser morfologicamente diferentes e foram submetidas à purificação em meios diferentes aerobicamente e anaerobicamente, o que revelou sete bactérias mais comuns entre 20 isolados com base na caracterização bioquímica. Com base no sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA, esses sete isolados foram identificados como Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenides (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). Esses sete isolados foram, posteriormente, usados como microbioma intestinal sintético (GM) por seu papel na indução de T2D em camundongos. Linhagens consanguíneas de camundongos albinos foram divididas em quatro grupos e foram alimentadas com CD, HFD, GM + HFD e GM + CD. Camundongos que receberam a dieta modificada com HFD e GM + (CD / HFD) mostraram um aumento altamente significativo (P < 0,05) no peso e na concentração de glicose no sangue, bem como um nível elevado de citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-α, IL-6 e MCP-1) em comparação com os ratos que receberam apenas CD. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA de 11 bactérias fecais obtidas de três animais selecionados aleatoriamente de cada grupo revelou disbiose intestinal em animais que receberam GM. Cepas bacterianas, incluindo Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus [...].

Gut dysbiosis, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in mice using synthetic gut microbiota from diabetic humans / Disbiose intestinal, inflamação e diabetes tipo 2 em camundongos usando microbiota intestinal sintética de humanos diabéticos

The study was aimed to assess impact of high fat diet (HFD) and synthetic human gut microbiota (GM) combined with HFD and chow diet (CD) in inducing type-2 diabetes (T2D) using mice model. To our knowledge, this is the first study using selected human GM transplantation via culture based method coupled dietary modulation in mice for in vivo establishment of inflammation leading to T2D and gut dysbiosis. Twenty bacteria (T2D1-T2D20) from stool samples of confirmed T2D subjects were found to be morphologically different and subjected to purification on different media both aerobically and anerobically, which revealed seven bacteria more common among 20 isolates on the basis of biochemical characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, these seven isolates were identified as Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenes (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). The seven isolates were subsequently used as synthetic gut microbiome (GM) for their role in inducing T2D in mice. Inbred strains of albino mice were divided into four groups and were fed with CD, HFD, GM+HFD and GM+CD. Mice receiving HFD and GM+modified diet (CD/HFD) showed highly significant (P<0.05) increase in weight and blood glucose concentration as well as elevated level of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) compared to mice receiving CD only. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 11 fecal bacteria obtained from three randomly selected animals from each group revealed gut dysbiosis in animals receiving GM. Bacterial strains including Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152631), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152632), Parabacteroides gordonii (MT152633), Prevotella copri (MT152634) and Lactobacillus gasseri (MT152635) were isolated from mice [...].(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o impacto da dieta rica em gordura (HFD) e da microbiota intestinal humana sintética (GM) combinada com HFD e dieta alimentar (CD) na indução de diabetes tipo 2 (T2D) usando modelo de camundongos. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo usando transplante de GM humano selecionado através do método baseado em cultura acoplada à modulação dietética em camundongos para o estabelecimento in vivo de inflamação que leva a T2D e disbiose intestinal. Vinte bactérias (T2D1-T2D20) de amostras de fezes de indivíduos T2D confirmados verificaram ser morfologicamente diferentes e foram submetidas à purificação em meios diferentes aerobicamente e anaerobicamente, o que revelou sete bactérias mais comuns entre 20 isolados com base na caracterização bioquímica. Com base no sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA, esses sete isolados foram identificados como Bacteroides stercoris (MT152636), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT152637), Lactobacillus salivarius (MT152638), Ruminococcus bromii (MT152639), Klebsiella aerogenides (MT152640), Bacteroides fragilis (MT152909), Clostridium botulinum (MT152910). Esses sete isolados foram, posteriormente, usados como microbioma intestinal sintético (GM) por seu papel na indução de T2D em camundongos. Linhagens consanguíneas de camundongos albinos foram divididas em quatro grupos e foram alimentadas com CD, HFD, GM + HFD e GM + CD. Camundongos que receberam a dieta modificada com HFD e GM + (CD / HFD) mostraram um aumento altamente significativo (P < 0,05) no peso e na concentração de glicose no sangue, bem como um nível elevado de citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-α, IL-6 e MCP-1) em comparação com os ratos que receberam apenas CD. O sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA de 11 bactérias fecais obtidas de três animais selecionados aleatoriamente de cada grupo revelou disbiose intestinal em animais que receberam GM. Cepas bacterianas, incluindo Bacteroides gallinarum (MT152630), Ruminococcus [...].(AU)

Structure and genetic variability of the mexican Sardo Negro breed / Análise da estrutura e variabilidade genética da raça Sardo Negro do México

This study analyzed the Sardo Negro breed pedigree (41,521 animals registered from 1958 to 2019) to determine its structure, evolution, and genetic variability (GV). The population genetic parameters evaluated were effective number of founders (fe) and ancestors (fa), pedigree integrity, additive genetic relationship (AGR); number of complete generations (NCG), maximum generations traced (NMGT), and equivalent complete generations (NECG); effective population size (Ne), inbreeding coefficient (F), and generation interval (GI). The average GI was 7.45 years. A total of 7,804 founders and 4,856 ancestors were identified for a fe of 185 and a fa of 97. The average and maximum values of NCG, NECG, and NMGT were 1.6 and 5.0, 2.5 and 6.5, 4.3 and 12, with Ne estimates of 15.9, 25.9, and 69.0, respectively. The increase in F, linked to Ne, ranged from 0.72% to 3.1% per generation. The average values for F and AGR were 3.6% and 1.0%, respectively. The proportion of inbred individuals was 32.0%, with F values ranging from 0.01 to 62.2% and an average of 11.3%. The rate of inbred population was 1.3% per year. The annual rate of AGR was 0.04%. For the continuity and projection of the breed, the evolution of F as a function of Ne and the possible implications of the selection schemes must be considered. The genetic variability sustained over time results from the Ne.

Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar o pedigree (41.521 registros de 1958 a 2019) da raça Sardo Negro para avaliar a estrutura, evolução e variabilidade genética (VG) da população. Os parâmetros genéticos populacionais utilizados foram: número efetivo de fundadores (fe) e ancestrais (fa); integridade do pedigree; relação genética aditiva (RGA); número de gerações completas (NGC), máximo plotado (NGT) e equivalentes (NGE); tamanho efetivo (Ne); consanguinidade (F); intervalo geracional (IG). O IG médio foi de 7,45 anos. Foram identificados 7.804 fundadores e 4.856 ancestrais, para fe 185 e 97 na fa. As médias e máximas para NGC, NGE e NGT foram 1,6 e 5,0, 2,5 e 6,5, 4,3 e 12, com estimativas de Ne 15,9, 25,9 e 69,0, respectivamente. O aumento de F, vinculado ao Ne, ficou na faixa de 0,72% a 3,1% por geração. A média para F 3,6% e 1,0% em RGA; a proporção de consanguíneos foi de 32,0%, com F na faixa de 0,01 a 62,2% e média de 11,3%. A taxa da população consanguínea foi de 1,3% ao ano. No RGA, a taxa ao ano era de 0,04%. Para a continuidade e projeção da raça, deve-se considerar a evolução de F em função de Ne e as possíveis implicações dos esquemas de seleção. A variabilidade genética sustentada ao longo do tempo resulta do Ne.

Maize topcrosses for yield performance by additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis / Seleção de topcrosses de milho para rendimento de grãos por meio da análise de efeitos principais aditivos e interação multiplicativa

The analysis of main additive effects and multiplicative interaction is commonly used in the evaluation of the genotype x environment interaction, however, its application can be used for other purposes, as it is performed in the presentresearch, which uses this technique in the selection of inbred lines, testers and hybrids in maize topcrosses. Thisresearch determined the effect of the inbred lines x testers interaction through the analysis of main additive effects and multiplicative interaction, verifying their efficiency in the selection of inbred lines, testers and hybrid combinations in topcrosses. The trials were carried out in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 crop seasons, with a complete block design, with three replications. Thirty S3 maize inbred lines were evaluated in crosses with the AG8025, P30B39, MLP102, 60.H23.1 and 70.H26.1 testers forming 150 hybrids topcrosses. The trait evaluated was grain yield. The adaptability and stability of testers and inbred lines were evaluated by the methodology of analysis of main additive effects and multiplicative interaction directed to the interaction of testers x inbred lines. The 96.3 inbred line has the most homogeneous performance and the highest grain yield, considering the crossing with all testers in both environments. The 70.H26.1 tester is considered the most stable and the most recommended for topcrosses. The best specific combinations were 96.3 x 70.H26.1 and 96.3 x 60.H23.1.

A análise dos principais efeitos aditivos e interação multiplicativa é comumente utilizada na avaliação da interação genótipo x ambiente, porém, sua aplicação pode ser estendida para outros propósitos assim como realizado no presente trabalho em que utiliza esta técnica na seleção de linhagens, testadores e híbridos em topcrosses de milho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o efeito da interação linhagens x testadores por meio da análise dos principais efeitos aditivos e da interação multiplicativa, verificando sua eficiência na seleção de linhagens, testadoras e combinações híbridas em topcrosses. Os ensaios foram realizados nas safras 2015/16 e 2016/17, com delineamento em blocos completos, com três repetições. Trinta linhagens de milho S3 foram avaliadas em cruzamentos com os testadores AG8025, P30B39, MLP102, 60.H23.1 e 70.H26.1 formando 150 topcrosses híbridos. A característica avaliada foi a produtividade de grãos. A adaptabilidade e estabilidade de testadores e linhagens foram avaliadas pela metodologia de análise de efeitos aditivos principais e interação multiplicativa direcionada à interação testadores x linhagens. A linhagem 96.3 apresentou o desempenho mais homogêneo e o maior rendimento de grãos, considerando o cruzamento com todos os testadores em ambos os ambientes. O testador 70.H26.1 é considerado o mais estável e o mais recomendado para topcrosses. As melhores combinações específicas foram 96.3 x 70.H26.1 e 96.3 x 60.H23.1.

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.(AU)

Combining disease resistance and postharvest quality traits by early marker-assisted backcrossing in carioca beans

ABSTRACT: Common bean is a worldwide important crop. The development of varieties with durable resistance to diseases is a major challenge in common bean breeding. The present study aimed at evaluating the phenotypic and molecular selection of anthracnose resistance in a population obtained by assisted backcrossing from IAC Formoso (resistant, donor parent) × BRS Pérola (susceptible, recurrent parent). Nine microsatellites (SSRs) and one Sequence Tagged Sites (STS) markers previously linked to ANT resistance were used to genotype this progeny, and the results showed that the selection of the genotypes closest to the donor parent in the BC1F1 population decreased the number of backcrossing cycles necessary to obtain advanced isogenic lines, potentiating the use of this tool for early selection of resistant cultivars. A total of 31 % of the BC1F1 progeny was selected and backcrossed again. The progeny derived from the second backcross (BC2F3) was selected for the Carioca grain ideotype, and 42 % of the genotypes showed high resistance to anthracnose under controlled conditions of infection for races 65 and 81. Superior resistant plants were selected and evaluated under natural conditions of infection to fusarium wilt and angular leaf spot, allowing the selection of two inbred lines with higher resistance to anthracnose, fusarium wilt, angular leaf spot and postharvest quality traits such as yield, 100 seed weight, L value at seed harvest grain darkening and cooking time. The approach outlined in this paper proved to be effective to simultaneously select for disease resistance without losing technological quality aspects of the bean.

Phytochemical characterization and biological activities of Plectranthus barbatus Andrews / Caracterização fitoquímica e atividades biológicas de Plectranthus barbatus Andrews

Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the world and has a range of popular therapeutic indications. This work aimed to evaluate the phytochemical characterization of two leaf extracts of P. barbatus, and their antimicrobial, antineoplastic and immunomodulatory potential. After collection, herborization and obtainment of the P. barbatus aqueous extract (PBA) and acetone:water 7:3 P. barbatus organic extract (PBO), the phytochemical characterization was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antimicrobial activity was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against eight bacterial strains using the microdilution test and the fungus Trichophyton rubrum by disc diffusion assay and microdilution test. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT and trypan blue methods in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at concentrations ranged between 0.1 to 100 µg.mL-1 and in neoplastic cell lines Toledo, K562, DU-145 and PANC-1 at 1, 10 and 100 µg.mL-1 . Immunomodulatory activity, was evaluated by sandwich ELISA of proinflammatory cytokines at BALB/c mice splenocytes cultures supernatant. Both extracts presented flavonoids, cinnamic derivatives, steroids and ellagic acid. PBO showed bacteriostatic activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 250 µg.mL-1) clinical isolate and PBA fungistatic activity against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC = 800 µg.mL-1). The extracts did not exhibit toxicity to PBMCs and neoplastic cells (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Additionally, PBO at 100 µg.mL-1 significantly inhibited IFN-γ and IL-17A cytokines (p = 0.03). Plectranthus barbatus is a potential candidate for therapeutic use due to its low toxicity in healthy human cells and exhibits biological activities of medical interest as bacteriostatic, fungistatic and immunomodulatory.

Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae) é amplamente distribuída no mundo e com uma série de indicações terapêuticas populares. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a caracterização fitoquímica de dois extratos da folha de P. barbatus e seu potencial antimicrobiano, antineoplásico e imunomodulador. Após coleta, herborização e obtenção do extrato aquoso (PBA) e acetona: água 7: 3 (orgânico) (PBO) de P. barbatus, a caracterização fitoquímica foi realizada por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) contra oito cepas bacterianas usando o teste de microdiluição e o fungo Trichophyton rubrum por ensaio de difusão em disco e teste de microdiluição. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada por métodos MTT e azul de tripan em células normais mononucleares do sangue periférico (CMSP) em concentrações variadas entre 0,1 a 100 µg.mL-1 e nas linhagens celulares neoplásicas Toledo, K562, DU-145 e PANC-1 em 1, 10 e 100 µg.mL-1 . A atividade imunomoduladora foi avaliada por ELISA sanduíche de citocinas pró-inflamatórias em sobrenadante de culturas de esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c. Ambos os extratos apresentaram flavonoides, derivados cinâmicos, esteróides e ácido elágico. O PBO mostrou atividade bacteriostática contra Acinetobacter baumannii (CIM = 250 µg.mL-1) e atividade fungistática do PBA contra Trichophyton rubrum (CIM = 800 µg.mL-1). Os extratos não apresentaram toxicidade para CMSP e células neoplásicas (IC50 > 100 µg.mL-1). Além disso, o PBO a 100 µg.mL-1 inibiu significativamente as citocinas IFN-γ e IL-17A (p = 0,03). Plectranthus barbatus é um candidato potencial para uso terapêutico devido à sua baixa toxicidade em células humanas saudáveis e exibe atividade de interesse médico como bacteriostática, fungistática e imunomoduladora.

Low fertilizer inputs do not adversely affect yield or performance of Indica hybrid rice

The enhancement of rice production numbers can be achieved by using quality rice cultivars and fertilizers. The double rice cropping model has given rise to an important rice production system in southern China. Exploring the possibility of whether hybrid vigor could make a substantial contribution to early and late season rice production, and how the heterosis expression of hybrid rice functions under different levels of fertilizer application is of great significance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grain yield and associated plant traits of popular hybrid and inbred rice varieties with large-scale promotion under conditions of customary (high) and combined (low) fertilization in the early and late seasons of 2017-18 in Changsha County, Hunan Province, China. We found that hybrid rice varieties displayed their respective advantages in the early and late rice seasons, but the advantages in their relative yield traits varied. The leading advantages of early season rice were effective panicle number per hill (EPN), 1000-grain weight (KGW), harvest index (HI), yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), whereas in late season rice, the foremost advantages were grain number per panicle (GNP), HI, yield, and NUE. The EPN was the prime advantage of early season hybrid rice with a short growth period, and the GNP was the main advantage of late season hybrid rice with a long growth period. Notably, the main yield advantage of hybrid rice was stronger under combined (low) fertilization than under customary (high) fertilization. Hence, high yield can be achieved by selecting the best hybrid rice varieties supported by combined fertilization (lower fertilizer use with higher efficiency).

Combining disease resistance and postharvest quality traits by early marker-assisted backcrossing in carioca beans

Common bean is a worldwide important crop. The development of varieties with durable resistance to diseases is a major challenge in common bean breeding. The present study aimed at evaluating the phenotypic and molecular selection of anthracnose resistance in a population obtained by assisted backcrossing from IAC Formoso (resistant, donor parent) × BRS Pérola (susceptible, recurrent parent). Nine microsatellites (SSRs) and one Sequence Tagged Sites (STS) markers previously linked to ANT resistance were used to genotype this progeny, and the results showed that the selection of the genotypes closest to the donor parent in the BC1F1 population decreased the number of backcrossing cycles necessary to obtain advanced isogenic lines, potentiating the use of this tool for early selection of resistant cultivars. A total of 31 % of the BC1F1 progeny was selected and backcrossed again. The progeny derived from the second backcross (BC2F3) was selected for the Carioca grain ideotype, and 42 % of the genotypes showed high resistance to anthracnose under controlled conditions of infection for races 65 and 81. Superior resistant plants were selected and evaluated under natural conditions of infection to fusarium wilt and angular leaf spot, allowing the selection of two inbred lines with higher resistance to anthracnose, fusarium wilt, angular leaf spot and postharvest quality traits such as yield, 100 seed weight, L value at seed harvest grain darkening and cooking time. The approach outlined in this paper proved to be effective to simultaneously select for disease resistance without losing technological quality aspects of the bean.

Combining disease resistance and postharvest quality traits by early marker-assisted backcrossing in carioca beans

Common bean is a worldwide important crop. The development of varieties with durable resistance to diseases is a major challenge in common bean breeding. The present study aimed at evaluating the phenotypic and molecular selection of anthracnose resistance in a population obtained by assisted backcrossing from IAC Formoso (resistant, donor parent) × BRS Pérola (susceptible, recurrent parent). Nine microsatellites (SSRs) and one Sequence Tagged Sites (STS) markers previously linked to ANT resistance were used to genotype this progeny, and the results showed that the selection of the genotypes closest to the donor parent in the BC1F1 population decreased the number of backcrossing cycles necessary to obtain advanced isogenic lines, potentiating the use of this tool for early selection of resistant cultivars. A total of 31 % of the BC1F1 progeny was selected and backcrossed again. The progeny derived from the second backcross (BC2F3) was selected for the Carioca grain ideotype, and 42 % of the genotypes showed high resistance to anthracnose under controlled conditions of infection for races 65 and 81. Superior resistant plants were selected and evaluated under natural conditions of infection to fusarium wilt and angular leaf spot, allowing the selection of two inbred lines with higher resistance to anthracnose, fusarium wilt, angular leaf spot and postharvest quality traits such as yield, 100 seed weight, L value at seed harvest grain darkening and cooking time. The approach outlined in this paper proved to be effective to simultaneously select for disease resistance without losing technological quality aspects of the bean.

Inbreeding on litter size of German Spitz dogs

The objective of the present study was to assess the association between the inbreeding coefficient (F) of German Spitz dogs (litter, sires, and dams) and number of live newborn dogs for this breed. Records of dams and sires of a breeding system were used to calculate the F of 105 litters and their sires and dams and the number of live newborn dogs. The analysis performed through the GLM procedure showed a negative influence of F of litter and mother on litter size. This influence was investigated through models that considered linear and quadratic influences. Although the model that considered quadratic effect of F of the litter achieved the best adjustment, only linear coefficients were significant in both analyses. According to these results, the studied sample of German Spitz dogs exhibits inbreeding depression for litter size, which is an important information for breeders and professionals that assist in dog breeding. In addition to all the known effects of inbreeding on canine health, the results indicate that monitoring inbreeding through F is important for the reproductive success of the breed.