Modulation of P2X4 receptor activity by ivermectin and 5-BDBD has no effect on the development of ARPKD in PCK rats.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is an inherited pathology caused mainly by mutations of the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 (PKHD1) gene, which usually leads to end-stage renal disease. Previous studies suggested that the P2X purinoreceptor 4 (P2X4 R) may play an important role in the progression of ARPKD. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the chronic effects of ivermectin (P2X4 R allosteric modulator) and 5-BDBD (P2X4 R antagonist) on the development of ARPKD in PCK/CrljCrl-Pkhd1pck/CRL (PCK) rats. Our data indicated that activation of ATP-mediated P2X4 R signaling with ivermectin for 6 weeks in high dose (50 mg/L; water supplementation) decreased the total body weight of PCK rats while the heart and kidney weight remained unaffected. Smaller doses of ivermectin (0.5 or 5 mg/L, 6 weeks) or the inhibition of P2X4 R signaling with 5-BDBD (18 mg/kg/day, food supplement for 8 weeks) showed no effect on electrolyte balance or the basic physiological parameters. Furthermore, cystic index analysis for kidneys and liver revealed no effect of smaller doses of ivermectin (0.5 or 5 mg/L) and 5-BDBD on the cyst development of PCK rats. We observed a slight increase in the cystic liver index on high ivermectin dose, possibly due to the cytotoxicity of the drug. In conclusion, this study revealed that pharmacological modulation of P2X4 R by ivermectin or 5-BDBD does not affect the development of ARPKD in PCK rats, which may provide insights for future studies on investigating the therapeutic potential of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-P2 signaling in PKD diseases.

Oral bacteria, oral health, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The link between oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been suggested by numerous epidemiological studies. More recent studies indicate the relationship between severity of periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Two virulence mechanisms are proposed: direct invasion of oral microorganisms or their components into the fetal-placenta unit and inflammatory mediators produced in the oral cavity affecting the fetal-placenta unit. While interventional periodontal therapy still yielded contradictory results, animal studies suggest that maternal supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids protects the fetus by suppressing inflammation as well as bacteria proliferation in the placenta. This article reviews the recent epidemiological, mechanistic, interventional, and therapeutic studies of oral health and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Description of Alvaniawangi Xu, Qi & Kong, sp. nov. (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Littorinimorpha, Rissoidae) from the East China Sea.

Alvaniawangi Xu, Qi & Kong, sp. nov. (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Littorinimorpha, Rissoidae) was discovered within the intertidal zone in the Nanji Islands and Zhoushan Islands, Zhejiang Province, China. It has a radula characteristic of Alvania Risso, 1826, a protoconch sculptured with micro pits and lamellae between spiral lirae, and a teleoconch with growth lines and subobsolete cords. Specimens were examined using an integrative taxonomic approach incorporating morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of concatenated mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear 28S rRNA gene sequences. The findings suggest that the new species is sister to Alvaniacircinata A. Adams, 1861 and is probably endemic to the shallow waters of the East China Sea.