New insights into resveratrol attenuates hepatotoxicity in emamectin benzoate-exposed grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) via NO system/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is extensively used as a crop protection agent. Overuse of EMB poses a serious threat to the quality of water and non-target organisms in the environment. Resveratrol (RES) is a natural phytoalexin with the function of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether EMB affects the expression of cytokines and induces autophagy, apoptosis, and necroptosis of hepatocytes (L8824 cell) in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and whether RES has an attenuate function in this process. Therefore, we established the L8824 cells model of EMB exposure and treated it with RES. The results showed that compared with the control (CON) group, EMB exposure significantly increased the nitric oxide (NO) content, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, and the expression of iNOS and phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-κB) (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with the CON group, the results of flow cytometry and dansylcadaverine (MDC) staining showed a significant increase in apoptosis and autophagy in the EMB-exposed group (P < 0.05) with the activation of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X (Bax)/cysteine-aspartic acid protease 3 (Caspase-3)/cysteine-aspartic acid protease 9 (Caspase-9) pathway and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)/sequestosome 1 (p62)/Beclin1 pathway. EMB exposure significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIPK1)/receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIPK3)/mixed the lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) pathway (P < 0.05). Moreover, EMB exposure significantly increased the expression of genes related to immunity (immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin D (IgD), and antimicrobial peptide-related genes expression including ß-defensin and hepcidin) (P < 0.05). The addition of RES significantly diminished autophagy, apoptosis, necroptosis, and immunity-related gene expression by inhibiting iNOS activity, NO content, and the protein expression of iNOS and p-NF-κB. In conclusion, RES attenuated autophagy, apoptosis, and necroptosis in EMB-exposed L8824 cells via suppression of the NO system/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Glyceryl triacetate promotes blood-brain barrier recovery after ischemic stroke through lipogenesis-mediated IL-33 in mice.

BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism has a crucial role in neural repair in neurodegenerative diseases. We recently revealed that lipogenesis-mediated interleukin-33 (IL-33) upregulation lead to blood-brain barrier (BBB) repair after ischemic stroke. However, manipulating the key enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN) to enhance lipogenesis was very challenging. Glyceryl triacetate (GTA) was used as a donor of acetate and precursor of acetyl coenzyme A, the key substrate for de novo lipogenesis catalyzed by FASN. Therefore, we hypothesized that GTA would promote lipogenesis the peri-infarct after ischemic stroke and contribute to the BBB repair through IL-33. METHODS: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed on C57BL mice and GTA was gavage administrated (4 g/kg) on day 2 and 4 after MCAO. Lipogenesis was evaluated by assessment of the protein level of FASN, lipid droplets, and fatty acid products through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the peri-infarct area on day 3 after MCAO, respectively. BBB permeability was determined by extravasation of Evans blue, IgG and dextran, and levels of tight junction proteins in the peri-infarct area on day 7 after MCAO, respectively. Infarct size and neurological defects were assessed on day 7 after MCAO. Brain atrophy on day 30 and long-term sensorimotor abilities after MCAO were analyzed as well. The inhibitor of FASN, C75 and the virus-delivered FASN shRNA were used to evaluate the role of FASN-driven lipogenesis in GTA-improved BBB repair. Finally, the therapeutic potential of recombinant IL-33 on BBB repair and neurological recovery was evaluated. RESULTS: We found that treatment with GTA increased the lipogenesis as evidenced by lipid droplets level and lauric acid content, but not the FASN protein level. Treatment with GTA increased the IL-33 level in the peri-infarct area and decreased the BBB permeability after MCAO. However, infarct size and neurological defect score were unchanged on day 7 after MCAO, while the long-term recovery of sensorimotor function and brain atrophy were improved by GTA. Inhibition of lipogenesis using C75 or FASN shRNA reversed the beneficial effect of GTA. Finally, exogenous IL-33 improved BBB repair and long-term functional recovery after stroke. CONCLUSION: Collectively, we concluded that treatment with GTA improved the BBB repair and functional recovery after ischemic stroke, probably by the enhancement of lipogenesis and IL-33 expression.

Adiponectin Promotes Neurogenesis After Transient Cerebral Ischemia Through STAT3 Mediated BDNF Upregulation in Astrocytes.

Newborn neurons from the subventricular zone (SVZ) are essential to functional recovery following ischemic stroke. However, the number of newly generated neurons after stroke is far from enough to support a potent recovery. Adiponectin could increase neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect of adiponectin on the neurogenesis from SVZ and the functional recovery after ischemic stroke was unknown, and the underlying mechanism was not specified either. The middle cerebral artery occlusion model of mice was adopted and adiponectin was administrated once a day from day 3 to 7 of reperfusion. The levels of BDNF and p-STAT3 were detected by western blotting on day 7 of reperfusion. The virus-encoded BDNF shRNA with GFAP promoter and a STAT3 inhibitor Stattic were used, respectively. Neurogenesis was evidenced by the expression of doublecortin and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling and brain atrophy was revealed by Nissl staining on day 28 of reperfusion. Neurological functional recovery was assessed by the adhesive removal test and the forepaw grip strength. We found that adiponectin increased both the doublecortin-positive cells and NeuN/BrdU double-positive cells around the injured area on day 28 of reperfusion, along with the improved long-term neurological recovery. Mechanistically, adiponectin increased the protein levels of p-STAT3 and BDNF in astrocytes on day 7 of reperfusion, while silencing BDNF diminished the adiponectin-induced neurogenesis and functional recovery. Moreover, inhibition of STAT3 not only prevented the increase of BDNF but also the improved neurogenesis and functional recovery after stroke. In conclusion, adiponectin enhances neurogenesis and functional recovery after ischemic stroke via STAT3/BDNF pathway in astrocytes.

Resveratrol improves emamectin benzoate-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of Ctenopharyngodon idellus hepatic cells by alleviating oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is the most widely used pesticide in the world and contributes to water pollution. Owing to the lack of a specific antidote, EMB has a severe negative impact on the health of aquatic organisms. Resveratrol (RES), a substance with antioxidant capacity, is secreted by the fruits of many plants. This study was to explore the protection of RES against EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory response in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) hepatic liver (L8824) cells by oxidative stress/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The results showed that compared to the CON group, EMB induced oxidative stress in L8824 cells with the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and the decrease of total superoxide dismutase (t-sod) and glutathione peroxidase (gsh-px) activities (P < 0.05). In addition, EMB triggered ERS, increasing the relative mRNA expression of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (perk), inositol requiring enzyme 1 alpha (ire1α), glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp78), activating transcription factor 4 (atf4), activating transcription factor 6 (atf6), and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (chop) and the protein expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eif2α), chop, atf6, and atf4. Meanwhile, EMB further induced pyroptosis by upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of nlrp3, aptamer protein (asc), caspase-1, gsdmd, interleukin-1ß (il-1ß), and interleukin-18 (il-18). EMB also induced inflammation in L8824 cells by increasing the mRNA expression of interleukin-2 (il-2), interleukin-6 (il-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and ifn-γ and decreasing the content of interleukin-10 (il-10). However, compared to the EMB group, the oxidant indices and expression of genes related to ER stress, pyroptosis, and pro-inflammatory factors were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), whereas the antioxidant indicators and anti-inflammatory factor were significantly up-regulated in the EMB + RES group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, EMB caused hepatocytes pyroptosis and inflammation in grass carp, and RES could alleviate EMB-induced pyroptosis and inflammation in L8824 cells by ameliorating oxidative stress/ER stress.

Metformin attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis damage and cognitive impairment: involvement of the Nrf2/G6PD pathway.

Anesthetics such as sevoflurane are commonly administered to infants and children. However, the possible neurotoxicity caused by prolonged or repetitive exposure to it should be a concern. The neuroprotective effects of metformin are observed in many models of neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated whether metformin could reduce the developmental neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane exposure in neonatal rats and the potential mechanism. Postnatal day 7 (PND 7) Sprague-Dawley rats and neural stem cells (NSCs) were treated with normal saline or metformin before sevoflurane exposure. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to observe spatial memory and learning at PND 35-42. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus at PND 14. MTT assays, immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL staining were used to assess the viability, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of NSCs. Western blotting and ELISA were used to assess the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) pathway-related molecules. Exposure to sevoflurane resulted in late cognitive defects, impaired neurogenesis in both the SVZ and SGZ, reduced NSC viability and proliferation, increased NSC apoptosis, and decreased protein expression of G6PD in vitro. Metformin pretreatment attenuated sevoflurane-induced cognitive functional decline and neurogenesis inhibition. Metformin pretreatment also increased the protein expression of Nrf2 and G6PD. However, treatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor, ML385 or the G6PD inhibitor, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) reversed the protective effect of metformin on sevoflurane-induced NSC damage in vitro. Our findings suggested that metformin could reduce sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis damage and neurocognitive defects in the developing rat brain by influencing the Nrf2/G6PD signaling pathways.

Cold stimulation causes oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis in broiler heart via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathway.

To investigate the effect of cold stimulation on heart, 300 1-day-old female broilers were divided into control (CON) and two cold stimulation (CS3 and CS9) groups. Birds in CON group were reared in normal ambient temperature during day 1-43; while birds in CS3 and CS9 groups were reared at 3 °C and 9 °C below CON group for 5 h at 1-day intervals from day 15 to day 35, respectively. Heart tissues were collected at day 22, 29, 36, and 43 to determine the indexes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The H&E staining displayed that inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial fiber break were obviously observed in CS9 group, and cardiac pathological score in CS9 group was higher than CON and CS3 groups (P < 0.05) at day 22, 36, and 43. Overall, compared to CON group, the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 were elevated, the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and T-AOC were reduced, and mRNA expression of CAT, GPx, SOD, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was downregulated in CS9 group at each time-point (P < 0.05). Compared to CON group, mRNA expression of NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, TNF-α, and IL-1ß, and mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bak, Cyt-c, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were increased, while Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were decreased in CS9 group (P < 0.05) at the most detected time-points. There were no significant differences in the levels of indexes associated with oxidative stress, Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant system, inflammation, and apoptosis between CON and CS3 groups at the most detected time-points (P > 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that severe cold stimulation at 9 °C below normal rearing temperature induces cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related oxidative stress in broilers, and mild cold stimulation of CS3 group can improve the adaptability of hearts to cold environment.

Contribution of WNT2B Genetic Variants to Ischemic Stroke Occurrence in a Chinese Han Population.

ABSTRACT: Wnt signaling pathway-related WNT2B gene was upregulated in ischemic brain damage. We aimed to assess the contribution of WNT2B genetic variant to ischemic stroke (IS) susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Five polymorphisms including rs3790606, rs351364, rs3790608, rs12037987, and rs10776752 in WNT2B were genotyped using Agena MassARRAY platform in 476 healthy controls and 501 patients with IS. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) adjusted for age and gender were estimated by logistic regression analysis. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the association between genotypes of WNT2B variants and blood lipid parameters. Rs12037987 (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.18-2.82, P = 0.007) and rs10776752 (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.13-2.68, P = 0.012) were related to the increased IS susceptibility. Interestingly, rs12037987 (OR = 2.01, P = 0.028) and rs10776752 (OR = 2.02, P = 0.028) had the higher IS risk in the subjects younger than or equal to 65 years. Rs12037987 (OR = 2.70, P = 0.013), rs10776752 (OR = 2.71, P = 0.012), and rs3790606 (OR = 1.89, P = 0.036) manifested an increasing-risk association with IS occurrence in women. Moreover, rs3790606 genotype was related to serum levels of triglyceride (P = 0.008) and total cholesterol (P = 0.001). Our study reported that rs12037987 and rs10776752 were associated with the increased risk for IS in the Chinese Han population. Our findings may be useful for insight into the contribution of WNT2B variants to the complex pathogenesis of IS.

Dexmedetomidine Inhibits Neuroinflammation by Altering Microglial M1/M2 Polarization Through MAPK/ERK Pathway.

Neuroinflammation is critical in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Microglial pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) status determines the outcome of neuroinflammation. Dexmedetomidine exerts anti-inflammatory effects in many neurological conditions. Whether dexmedetomidine functions via modulation of microglia M1/M2 polarization remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of dexmedetomidine on the neuroinflammatory cell model and explored the potential mechanism. BV2 cells were stimulated with LPS to establish a neuroinflammatory model. The cell viability was determined with MTT assay. NO levels were assessed using a NO detection kit. The protein levels of IL-10, TNF-α, iNOS, CD206, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 were quantified using Western blotting. LPS significantly increased pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and NO, and M1 phenotypic marker iNOS, and decreased anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and M2 phenotypic marker CD206 in BV2 cells. Furthermore, exposure of BV2 cells to LPS significantly raised pERK1/2 expression. Pretreatment with dexmedetomidine attenuated LPS-elicited changes in p-ERK, iNOS, TNF-α, NO, CD206 and IL-10 levels in BV2 cells. However, co-treatment with dexmedetomidine and LM22B-10, an agonist of ERK, reversed dexmedetomidine-elicited changes in p-ERK, iNOS, TNF-α, NO, CD206 and IL-10 levels in LPS-exposed BV2 cells. We, for the first time, showed that dexmedetomidine increases microglial M2 polarization by inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK1/2, by which it exerts anti-inflammatory effects in BV2 cells.

Pre-cold acclimation improves the immune function of trachea and resistance to cold stress in broilers.

Acclimation can alleviate the damage caused by adverse environmental factors. To investigate the effects of cold stimulation on immunity in tracheal of broilers, 360 one-day-old chicks were raised at normal temperatures during 1-7 days. From 8 day, G1 (control) continued to be raised at normal temperatures, whereas G2 and G3 (treatment groups) were cold-stimulated at 3°C and 12°C below the temperature of G1, respectively. At 42 day, all the groups were subjected to a 24-hr acute cold stress, designated as S1, S2, and S3. Tracheal tissues were collected to detect gene levels of immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, Hsps, and cytokines, and oxidative stress-related indicators at 14 day, 42 day, and 43 day, and protein levels of Hsps and proinflammatory cytokines as well as morphology changes at 42 day and 43 day. The results showed that, compared with 42G1, tracheal structure of 42G2 was basically intact, and gene levels of immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides increased (p < 0.05), whereas tracheal structure of 42G3 was destroyed, with decreased levels of immunoglobulins ( p < 0.05), and increased levels of Hsps and proinflammatory cytokines ( p < 0.05). At 43 day, tracheal damage was visible and gene levels of immunoglobulins and antimicrobial peptides decreased in S1 ( p < 0.05). Tracheal structure was relatively intact and gene levels of antimicrobial peptides increased in S2 ( p < 0.05). Compared with S1 and S3, immune-related gene levels in S2 were higher, and Hsps and proinflammatory cytokines levels were lower. The results demonstrate that cold stimulation of lower 3°C from 8 to 42 day led to cold acclimation, which improved immunity of tracheal mucosa and resistance to cold stress in broilers.

Electroacupuncture decreases cognitive impairment and promotes neurogenesis in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether repeated electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation would improve cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice. METHODS: Cognitive function of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test before and after EA treatment. Levels of amyloid ß-peptide (Aß) deposits in the hippocampus and cortex were evaluated by immunofluorescence, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also examined by immunofluorescence and western blot. The neurogenesis was labeled by the DNA marker bromodeoxyuridine. RESULTS: EA stimulation significantly ameliorated the learning and memory deficits of AD mice by shortening escape latency and increasing the time spent in the target zone during the probe test. Additionally, decreased Aß deposits and increased BDNF expression and neurogenesis in the hippocampus and cortex of EA-treated AD mice were detected. The same change was detected in wild-type mice after EA treatment compared with wild-type mice without EA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated EA stimulation may improve cognitive function, attenuate Aß deposits, up-regulate the expression of BDNF and promote neurogenesis in the APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. This suggests that EA may be a promising treatment for AD.

A review on SIRT3 and its natural small molecule activators as a potential Preventive and therapeutic target.

Sirtuins (SIRTs) were originally characterized by yeast Sir2 as a lifespan regulator that is conserved in all three structural domains of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes and belong to histone deacetylases consisting of seven members (SIRT1-SIRT7). Surprisingly, SIRTs have been shown to play important regulatory roles in almost all cellular functions, including mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell growth, energy metabolism, neural function, and stress resistance. Among the SIRT members, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is one of the most important deacetylases that regulates the mitochondrial acetylation and plays a role in pathological processes, such as metabolism, DNA repair, oxidative stress, apoptosis and ferroptosis. Therefore, SIRT3 is considered as a potential target for the treatment of a variety of pathological diseases, including metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, age-related diseases and others. Furthermore, the isolation, screening, and development of SIRT3 signaling agonists, especially from natural products, have become a widely investigated objective. This paper describes the structure of SIRT3 protein, discusses the pathological process of SIRT3-mediated acetylation modification, and reviews the role of SIRT3 in diseases, SIRT3 activators and its related disease studies.

Intermittent mild cold acclimation ameliorates intestinal inflammation and immune dysfunction in acute cold-stressed broilers by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

To investigate the potential protective effect of prior cold stimulation on broiler intestine induced by acute cold stress (ACS). A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were divided into control (CON), ACS, cold stimulation Ⅰ (CS3+ACS), and cold stimulation Ⅱ (CS9+ACS) groups. Broilers in CON and ACS groups were reared normally, and birds in CS3+ACS and CS9+ACS groups were reared at 3℃ and 9℃ below CON group for 5 h, respectively, on alternate days from d 15 to 35. Broilers in ACS, CS3+ACS, and CS9+ACS groups were subjected to 10℃ for 24 h on d 43. Eventually, small intestine tissues were collected for histopathological observation and indexes detection. The results showed that intestinal tissues in all ACS-broilers exhibited inflammatory cell infiltrates, microvilli disruption, reduced villus length in jejunum and increased crypt depth in jejunum and ileum. Whereas these phenomena were relatively light in CS3+ACS group. Compared to CON group, mRNA expression of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes (TLR4, MyD88, NF-κBp65, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, TNF-α), Th1/Th17-derived cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-17), and HSPs (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90) was upregulated (P < 0.05), and that of Th2-deviated cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) and IκBα was downregulated (P < 0.05) in small intestine in almost all ACS-broilers. Compared to ACS group, mRNA expression of most of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-related genes, Th1/Th17-derived cytokines, and HSPs was downregulated and that of Th2-derived cytokines was upregulated in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, IKK, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10, and HSPs were similar to their mRNA expression. The concentration of sIgA and activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-px were decreased and MDA and H2O2 were increased in ACS and CS9+ACS groups compared to CON group (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to gut immune dysfunction; while mild cold stimulation at 3℃ below normal rearing temperature alleviated cold stress-induced intestinal injure and dysfunction by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in broilers.

Intermittent cold stimulation affects energy metabolism and improves stress resistance in broiler heart.

To investigate the effect of intermittent cold stimulation on cardiac energy metabolism and cold resistance of broilers, 288 broilers were divided into 3 groups: control group (CC) and 2 cold stimulation groups (CS3 and CS9). The CS3 and CS9 groups received cold stimulation at temperatures of 3°C and 9°C lower than CC group for 5 h from d 15 to 35. Three groups were subjected to acute cold stress (ACS) of 10°C for 12 and 24 h at 44 d. Performance, cardiac histopathological changes, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and lipid metabolism levels were measured. Results showed that the performance was not different among groups at 22 and 29 d (P > 0.05), but the mRNA levels of Acyl CoA synthase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1) and acyl-coenzyme oxidase (ACO) in CS group were upregulated compared to CC group (P < 0.05). At 36 d, the performance of the CS3 group was better than the other 2 groups, myocardial structure was normal and other lipid metabolism indexes, except for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) levels, were similar to those of CC group (P > 0.05). The myocardial fiber disorder, Triglyceride (TG), and leptin (LEP) contents were significantly lower in CS9 group than in CC and CS3 groups at 36 d (P < 0.05). The HSP protein levels were significantly higher in CS group than in CC group before ACS (P < 0.05). After 24 h of ACS, the mRNA of lipid metabolism genes, the protein levels of HSP40 and HSP60, and the contents of TG and LEP in the CS3 group were upregulated compared to other groups. The CC and CS9 groups showed myocardial structure was destroyed, with lower TG and LEP levels compared to before ACS (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stimulation at 3°C lower than the normal feeding temperature for 5 h did not impair performance but can increase the resistance of broilers to ACS by promoting lipid metabolism.

Intermittent and mild cold stimulation enhances immune function of broilers via co-regulation of CIRP and TRPM8 on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Improving immune function is an important indicator for establishing cold adaptation in broilers. In the study, to explore the effects and molecular mechanisms of intermittent and mild cold stimulation (IMCS) on the immune function of broilers, CIRP and TRPM8, induced by cold stimulation, as well as the NF-κB and MAPK pathways which play an important role in immune response, were selected to investigate. A total of 192 one-day-old broilers (Ross 308) were selected and randomly divided into the control group (CC) and the cold stimulation group (CS). The broilers in CC were raised at normal feeding temperature from d 1 to 43, while the broilers in CS were subjected to cold stimulation from day 15 to 35, with a temperature 3 °C below that of the CC group for 5 h, at 1 d intervals. The results showed that IMCS had little effect on the broiler hearts, and the myocardial structure was not damaged. On d 22, IMCS significantly increased the mRNA levels of CIRP, TRPM8, P65, P38, COX-2, TNF-α, IFN- γ, IL-6, IL-10, and the protein levels of CIRP, P65, P38, IL-1ß and iNOS in the hearts, and the levels of CIRP and all cytokines in the serum (P ≤ 0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of IκB-α were significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05). On d 36, the mRNA levels of TRPM8, P65, ERK, and IL-10 in the hearts and the content of COX-2 in the serum in CS were increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), while the mRNA levels of IκB-α, P38, and IL-1ß were decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05). On d 43, IMCS significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of TRPM8, IFN- γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and the protein levels of IκB-α, P38, and the levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL6 and IL10 in the serum (P ≤ 0.05); whereas it significantly downregulated CIRP, JNK, P38, iNOS, TNF-α mRNA levels, and CIRP, P65, ERK, JNK, IL1ß and iNOS protein levels (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, IMCS can enhance broiler immune function through co-regulation of CIRP and TRPM8 on the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, which facilitate the cold adaptation in broilers.

Intermittent mild cold stimulation alleviates cold stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway in broilers.

To investigate the potential protective effect of intermittent cold stimulation on lung tissues of broilers exposed to acute cold stress (ACS). A total of 384 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 4 experimental groups with 6 replicates of 16 birds each: control (CON) and ACS groups were reared at normal feeding temperature from d 1 to 42; cold treatment groups (CS3+ACS and CS9+ACS) were reared, respectively, at 3°C or 9°C for 5 h on alternate days below the CON group from d 15 to 35. Animals in CS3+ACS, CS9+ACS, and ACS groups were exposed at 10°C for 24 h on d 43. Subsequently, lung tissues were collected to perform histopathological examination and measurement of relevant indexes. The results showed that lung tissues in CS9+ACS and ACS groups exhibited increased inflammatory cell infiltrates and collagen deposition compared to the CON group, while this pathological phenomenon was less pronounced in the CS3+ACS group. Compared to CON group, H2O2 and MDA contents were increased, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, T-AOC) were reduced in CS9+ACS and ACS group (P < 0.05); mRNA and protein levels of inhibitor of NF-κB, Smad7, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2, MMP9, and antioxidant-related genes were downregulated, whereas mRNA and protein levels of genes related to NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway-regulated inflammation and TGF-ß1/Smad pathway-regulated fibrosis were upregulated in cold-stressed broilers (P < 0.05). mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1, and MMP9 were increased in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of most antioxidant-related genes was increased, and that of inflammation- and fibrosis-related genes was reduced in CS3+ACS group (P < 0.05). Therefore, cold stress caused oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to pulmonary fibrosis in broilers, whereas intermittent mild cold stimulation at 3°C below normal rearing temperature alleviated fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-ß1/Smad pathway modulated by the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This study suggests that intermittent mild cold stimulation can be a potential strategy to reduce ACS-induced lung damage in broilers.

Hemopexin induces neuroprotection in the rat subjected to focal cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The plasma protein hemopexin (HPX) exhibits the highest binding affinity to free heme. In vitro experiments and gene-knock out technique have suggested that HPX may have a neuroprotective effect. However, the expression of HPX in the brain was not well elucidated and its expression after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was also poorly studied. Furthermore, no in vivo data were available on the effect of HPX given centrally on the prognosis of focal cerebral ischemia. RESULTS: In the present study, we systematically investigated expression of HPX in normal rat brain by immunofluorescent staining. The results showed that HPX was mainly expressed in vascular system and neurons, as well as in a small portion of astrocytes adjacent to the vessels in normal rat brain. Further, we determined the role of HPX in the process of focal cerebral ischemic injury and explored the effects of HPX treatment in a rat model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. After 2 h' middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 h' reperfusion, the expression of HPX was increased in the neurons and astrocytes in the penumbra area, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. Intracerebroventricular injection of HPX at the onset of reperfusion dose-dependently reduced the infarct volumes and improved measurements of neurological function of the rat subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia. The neuroprotective effects of HPX sustained for up to 7 days after experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a new insight into the potential neuroprotective role of HPX as a contributing factor of endogenous protective mechanisms against focal cerebral ischemia injury, and HPX might be developed as a potential agent for treatment of ischemic stroke.

A novel domain of amino-Nogo-A protects HT22 cells exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the M9 region (residues 290-562) of amino-Nogo-A fused to the human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator TAT in an in vitro model of ischemia-reperfusion induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in HT22 hippocampal neurons, and to investigate the role of NADPH oxidase in this protection. Transduction of TAT-M9 was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The biologic activity of TAT-M9 was assessed by its effects against OGD-induced HT22 cell damage, compared with a mutant M9 fusion protein or vehicle. Cellular viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed. Neuronal apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was determined by western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and NADPH oxidase activity were also measured in the presence or absence of an inhibitor or activator of NADPH oxidase. Our results confirmed the delivery of the protein into HT22 cells by immunofluorescence and western blot. Addition of 0.4 µmol/L TAT-M9 to the culture medium effectively improved neuronal cell viability and reduced LDH release induced by OGD. The fusion protein also protected HT22 cells from apoptosis, suppressed overexpression of Bax, and inhibited the reduction in Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, TAT-M9, as well as apocynin, decreased NADPH oxidase activity and ROS content. The protective effects of the TAT-M9 were reversed by TBCA, an agonist of NADPH oxidase. In conclusion, TAT-M9 could be successfully transduced into HT22 cells, and protected HT22 cells against OGD damage by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-mediated oxidative stress. These findings suggest that the TAT-M9 protein may be an efficient therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.

Intermittent and Mild Cold Stimulation Maintains Immune Function Stability through Increasing the Levels of Intestinal Barrier Genes of Broilers.

In order to improve the adaptability of broilers to low-temperature environments and their ability to resist acute cold stress (ACS), 240 one-day-old broilers were selected and randomly divided into three groups. The control treatment (CC) group was raised at the conventional feeding temperature from 1-43 days (d), the cold stimulation treatment (CS) group was kept at 3 °C below the temperature of CC at 1 d intervals for 3 and 6 h from 15 to 35 d, namely, CS3 and CS6, respectively. Then, all broilers were kept at 20 °C from 36 to 43 d. ACS was then carried out at 44 d, and the ambient temperature was dropped to 10 °C for 6 h. The study investigated the production performance, as well as levels of intestinal barrier genes (including Claudin-1, E-cadherin, Occludin, ZO-1, ZO-2 and Mucin2), secretory IgA in duodenum and jejunum, and immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) in serum. The results showed that IMCS could increase the daily weight gain and decrease the feed conversion ratio. During IMCS, the expression levels of intestinal barrier genes were up-regulated and the content of secretory IgA was increased. When IMCS ceased for one week, the level of immunoglobulins in serum stabilized, and the expression levels of Occludin, ZO-2 and Mucin2 still maintained high levels. After ACS, broilers that received IMCS training maintained high levels of intestinal barrier genes and secretory IgA.

Effects of Different Auditory Environments on Behavior, Learning Ability, and Fearfulness in 4-Week-Old Laying Hen Chicks.

Environmental enrichment can improve animal welfare. As a method of environmental enrichment, the effect of different auditory stimulations on the behavior response and welfare of laying hen chicks has yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring the impact of various auditory exposures on the behavior, learning ability, and fear response of 4-week-old laying hen chicks. A total of 600 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five different groups: C (control group), LM (Mozart's String Quartets, 65 to 75 dB), LN (recorded ventilation fans and machinery, 65 to 75 dB), HN (recorded ventilation fans and machinery, 85 to 95 dB), and HM (Mozart's String Quartets, 85 to 95 dB). The experiment was conducted from day 1 until the end of the experiment on day 28. Groups LM and LN were exposed to music and noise stimulation ranging from 65 to 75 dB. Groups HN and HM, meanwhile, received noise and music stimulation ranging from 85 to 95 dB. The control group (C) did not receive any additional auditory stimuli. During the experimental period, continuous behavioral recordings were made of each group of chicks from day 22 to day 28. On day 21, the PAL (one-trial passive avoidance learning) task was conducted. On days 23 and 24, OF (open field) and TI (tonic immobility) tests were performed, and the levels of serum CORT (corticosterone) and DA (dopamine) were measured. The results indicated that exposure to music and noise at intensities ranging from 85 to 95 dB could reduce comforting, preening, PAL avoidance rate, the total number of steps and grid crossings of OF, and the concentration of DA in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05), increase the freezing times of OF (p < 0.05); 65 to 75 dB of noise stimulation could reduce preening and total number steps of OF in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05), increase the freezing times of OF (p < 0.05); and 65 to 75 dB of music exposure could reduce the concentration of CORT in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05). Therefore, 65 to 75 dB of music exposure could produce positive effects on chicks and showed relatively low CORT level, whereas 85 to 95 dB of music and noise exposure could reduce comforting and preening behavior, impair learning ability, and increase the fear responses of chicks.