Contrasting central and systemic effects of arginine-vasopressin on urinary marking behavior as a social signal in male mice.

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophyseal peptide that plays a critical role in the regulation of social behavior in mammals. Neuronal AVP regulates male-specific social signaling processes, such as exocrine urinary scent deposition and marking behavior in mice. In the periphery, AVP is transported to the portal bloodstream and acts as an antidiuretic hormone. These AVP dynamics imply that the central role of AVP in the stimulation of urinary marking is dissociated with the peripheral role of AVP in the retention of osmotic conditions. Using male BALB/c mice as subjects, peripheral injection of AVP decreased urinary marking and urination. In contrast, a central infusion of AVP facilitated urinary marking with no effect on urination, while an antagonist of the AVP 1a receptor inhibited marking. Centrally AVP-injected mice also exhibited typical behaviors, such as hiccough/sneeze-like reactions and flash scratching, particularly when confronted with a stimulus mouse through a wire mesh screen. Significant expression of these typical reactions in these mice resulted in the disruption of marking deposition. Further analysis of AVP synthesis illustrated that AVP levels increased in the midbrain but not in the circulation immediately after the test, particularly when confronted with a stimulus mouse. The central AVP regulates urinary marking and other typical behaviors in a dose- and situation-dependent manner. The sequential process implies that centrally synthesized AVP may be secreted into the circulation following immediate neuronal processes, and then peripheral AVP acts as an antidiuretic hormone on urinary marking behavior.

Pulsed neutron imaging for differentiation of ice and liquid water towards fuel cell vehicle applications.

This study is the first report on liquid water and ice imaging conducted at a pulsed spallation neutron source facility. Neutron imaging can be utilised to visualise the water distribution inside polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Particularly, energy-resolved neutron imaging is a methodology capable of distinguishing between liquid water and ice, and is effective for investigating ice formation in PEFCs operating in a subfreezing environment. The distinction principle is based on the fact that the cross sections of liquid water and ice differ from each other at low neutron energies. In order to quantitatively observe transient freezing and thawing phenomena in a multiphase mixture (gas/liquid/solid) within real PEFCs with high spatial resolution, a pulsed neutron beam with both high intensity and wide energy range is most appropriate. In the validation study of the present work, we used water sealed in narrow capillary tubes to simulate the flow channels of a PEFC, and a pulsed neutron beam was applied to distinguish ice, liquid water and super-cooled water, and to clarify freezing and thawing phenomena of the water within the capillary tubes. Moreover, we have enabled the observation of liquid water/ice distributions in a large field of view (300 mm × 300 mm) by manufacturing a sub-zero environment chamber that can be cooled down to -30 °C, as a step towards in situ visualisation of full-size fuel cells.

Nondestructive High-Sensitivity Detections of Metallic Lithium Deposited on a Battery Anode Using Muonic X-rays.

Metallic Li deposited on the anode is known to induce short circuiting and degradation of the charge capacity of Li-ion batteries. However, no reliable technique is currently available to observe such Li metal without removing the case of the battery. An elemental analysis using muonic X-rays is proposed here because of its unique properties of nondestructive measurement, high sensitivity to light elements, and depth resolution. We demonstrated that this technique can be applied to detection of Li deposited on the surface of an anode containing Li ions, using a fully charged anode with Li deposited due to overcharge in an Al-laminated plastic pouch. The basis for the detection method is the difference in the atomic Coulomb capture ratio of the negative muons between the Li metal and ions. We have found, as a result, that the intensity of the muonic X-rays from metallic Li was approximately 50 times higher than that from Li ions. Consequently, the Li metal on the anode was clearly distinguishable from the intercalated Li ions in the anode. Furthermore, measurements of two overcharged anodes with 1.3 and 2.7 mg of metallic Li deposition, respectively, indicated that this technique is suitable for quantitative analysis. Distribution analysis is also possible, as shown by a preliminary observation on an overcharged anode from the back side. Therefore, this technique offers a new approach to the analysis of Li deposited on the anode of a Li-ion pouch battery.

Pathway engineering for efficient biosynthesis of violaxanthin in Escherichia coli.

Carotenoids are naturally synthesized in some species of bacteria, archaea, and fungi (including yeasts) as well as all photosynthetic organisms. Escherichia coli has been the most popular bacterial host for the heterologous production of a variety of carotenoids, including even xanthophylls unique to photosynthetic eukaryotes such as lutein, antheraxanthin, and violaxanthin. However, conversion efficiency of these epoxy-xanthophylls (antheraxanthin and violaxanthin) from zeaxanthin remained substantially low. We here examined several factors affecting their productivity in E. coli. Two sorts of plasmids were introduced into the bacterial host, i.e., a plasmid to produce zeaxanthin due to the presence of the Pantoea ananatis crtE, crtB, crtI, crtY, and crtZ genes in addition to the Haematococcus pluvialis IDI gene, and one containing each of zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) genes originated from nine photosynthetic eukaryotes. It was consequently found that paprika (Capsicum annuum) ZEP (CaZEP) showed the highest conversion activity. Next, using the CaZEP gene, we performed optimization experiments in relation to E. coli strains as the production hosts, expression vectors, and ribosome-binding site (RBS) sequences. As a result, the highest productivity of violaxanthin (231 µg/g dry weight) was observed, when the pUC18 vector was used with CaZEP preceded by a RBS sequence of score 5000 in strain JM101(DE3).

Li-ion diffusion in Li intercalated graphite C6Li and C12Li probed by µ+SR.

In order to study a diffusive behavior of Li+ in Li intercalated graphites, we have measured muon spin relaxation (µ+SR) spectra for C6Li and C12Li synthesized with an electrochemical reaction between Li and graphite in a Li-ion battery. For both compounds, it was found that Li+ ions start to diffuse above 230 K and the diffusive behavior obeys a thermal activation process. The activation energy (Ea) for C6Li is obtained as 270(5) meV, while Ea = 170(20) meV for C12Li. Assuming a jump diffusion of Li+ in the Li layer of C6Li and C12Li, a self-diffusion coefficient DLi at 310 K was estimated as 7.6(3) × 10-11 (cm2 s-1) in C6Li and 14.6(4) × 10-11 (cm2 s-1) in C12Li.

Highly Regioselective Palladium-Catalyzed Carboxylation of Allylic Alcohols with CO2.

Various allylic alcohols were carboxylated in the presence of a catalytic amount of PdCl2 and PPh3 using ZnEt2 as a stoichiometric transmetalation agent under a CO2 atmosphere (1 atm). This carboxylation proceeded in a highly regioselective manner to afford branched carboxylic acids predominantly. The ß,γ-unsaturated carboxylic acid thus obtained was successfully converted into an optically active γ-butyrolactone, a known intermediate of (R)-baclofen.

Complementary effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei K71 on canine atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease encountered in dogs. Glucocorticoids are commonly recommended for symptomatic therapy and well-tolerated adjunctive therapies may help to reduce the necessary dose and associated risks of chronic glucocorticoid use. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complementary efficacy of oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei K71 in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). ANIMALS: Forty one dogs with mild to moderate cAD were recruited by19 animal hospitals. METHODS: Dogs were assigned to receive either the investigational agent (K71 group; n = 20) or cetirizine hydrochloride (control group; n = 21). Previously prescribed medications were allowed to be continued during the 12 week trial. Dogs were assessed by the investigators using the cAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and a medication scoring system. Pet owners assessed their dogs using a visual analog scale (VAS) and pruritus scores. RESULTS: The CADESI scores, VAS and pruritus scores in both groups at 12 weeks were improved compared with their baselines. The CADESI and pruritus scores in the K71 group were slightly lower than those in the control group and the reduction of medication scores in the K71 group was significantly lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05; Student's t-test). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Oral administration of K71 can be useful in dogs with cAD as a complementary therapy, by providing a steroid-sparing effect.

Adolescent social isolation disrupts developmental tuning of neuropeptide circuits in the hypothalamus to amygdala regulating social and defensive behavior.

Engaging in positive social (i.e., prosocial) interactions during adolescence acts to modulate neural circuits that determine adult adaptive behavior. While accumulating evidence indicates that a strong craving for prosocial behavior contributes to sustaining neural development, the consequences of social deprivation during adolescence on social neural circuits, including those involving oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP), are poorly characterized. We evaluated adaptive behaviors in socially isolated mice, including anxiety-like, social, and defensive behaviors, along with OXT and AVP neural profiles in relevant brain regions. Social isolation from postnatal day (P-)22 to P-48 induced enhanced defensive and exploratory behaviors, in nonsocial and social contexts. Unlike OXT neurons, AVP+ cell density in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus increases with age in males. Social isolation also modulated gene expression in the medial amygdala (MeA), including the upregulation of OXT receptors in males and the downregulation of AVP1a receptors in both sexes. Socially isolated mice showed an enhanced defensive, anogenital approach toward a novel adult female during direct social interactions. Subsequent c-Fos mapping revealed diminished neural activity in restricted brain areas, including the MeA, lateral septum, and posterior intralaminar nucleus of the thalamus, in socially isolated mice. These data indicate that neural signals arising from daily social interactions invoke region-specific modification of neuropeptide expression that coordinates with altered defensiveness and neural responsivities, including OXT- and AVP-projecting regions. The present findings indicate an involvement of OXT and AVP circuits in adolescent neural and behavioral plasticity that is tuned by daily social interaction.

Characterization of rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP): An orally active novel tridecapeptide derived from rice protein.

It is ideal to ingest bioactive substances from daily foods to stay healthy. Rice is the staple food for almost half of the human population. We found that an orally administered enzymatic digest of rice endosperm protein exhibits antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test (TST) using mice. A comprehensive peptide analysis of the digest using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed, and a tridecapeptide QQFLPEGQSQSQK, detected in the digest, was chemosynthesized. Oral administration of the tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects at a low dose comparable to classical antidepressant in the TST. This also exhibited anti-depressant-like effect in the forced swim test. We named it rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP). Intriguingly, intraperitoneal administration had no effect. Orally administered REAP(8-13) but not REAP(1-7) exhibited antidepressant-like activity, suggesting that the C-terminal structure is important for the antidepressant-like effect. We confirmed the presence of REAP, corresponding to rice glutelin type B4(130-142) and B5(130-142), in the digest. The effects of REAP were blocked by both dopamine D1 and D2 antagonists. These results suggest that it exerts its antidepressant-like activity through activation of the dopamine system. Taken together, oral administration of a novel tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects via the dopamine system. This is the first report of a rice-derived peptide that exhibits antidepressant-like effects.

One-step synthesis of racemic α-amino acids from aldehydes, amine components, and gaseous CO2 by the aid of a bismetal reagent.

α-Amino acids are essential resources for human life and are highly useful as building blocks for organic synthesis. The core framework of an α-amino acid can be divided into three basic components: an aldehyde, an amine, and carbon dioxide (CO(2)). We report herein that a one-step synthesis of α-amino acids has been successfully achieved from these three basic and inexpensive chemicals with a single operation, in which the mixture of an aldehyde, a sulfonamide, and gaseous CO(2) was heated at 100 °C in the presence of Bu(3)Sn-SnBu(3) and CsF. In this one-pot sequential protocol, two important intermediates (imine and α-amino stannane) are involved and the stannyl anion generated in situ plays a crucial role, particularly for the efficient stannylation of the imine in the presence of proton sources and for promoting retrostannylation of the undesired α-alkoxy stannane owing to its high stability and tolerance of the presence of proton sources. This methodology enabled the synthesis of a wide range of racemic arylglycine derivatives in high yields.

Serotonergic mediation of the brain-wide neurogenesis: Region-dependent and receptor-type specific roles on neurogenic cellular transformation.

Brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a key molecule for the mediation of depression-related brain states, but the neural mechanisms underlying 5-HT mediation need further investigation. A possible mechanism of the therapeutic antidepressant effects is neurogenic cell production, as stimulated by 5-HT signaling. Neurogenesis, the proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs), and cell differentiation and maturation occur across brain regions, particularly the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, throughout one's lifespan. 5-HT plays a major role in the mediation of neurogenic processes, which in turn leads to the therapeutic effect on depression-related states. In this review article, we aim to identify how the neuronal 5-HT system mediates the process of neurogenesis, including cell proliferation, cell-type differentiation and maturation. First, we will provide an overview of the neurogenic cell transformation that occurs in brain regions containing or lacking NSCs. Second, we will review brain region-specific mechanisms of 5-HT-mediated neurogenesis by comparing regions localized to NSCs, i.e., the hippocampus and subventricular zone, with those not containing NSCs. Highlighting these 5-HT mechanisms that mediate neurogenic cell production processes in a brain-region-specific manner would provide unique insights into the role of 5-HT in neurogenesis and its associated effects on depression.

Oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus circuit-dependently regulates social behavior, which malfunctions in BTBR mouse model of autism.

Oxytocin (OXT) a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamic nuclei has a variety of function including socio-emotional processes in mammals. While the neural circuits and signaling pathways in central OXT converge in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), we illuminate specific function of discrete PVN OXT circuits, which connect to the medial amygdala (MeA) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST) in mouse models. The OXTPVN→BnST projections are innervated from entire portions of the PVN, while those OXTPVN→MeA projections are asymmetrically innervated from the posterior portion of the PVN. Compared with OXT neurons in B6 wild type mice, BTBR mice that are recognized as a behavior-based autism model exhibited defect in the OXTPVN→BnST projection. We demonstrate that chemogenetic activation of OXTPVN→MeA circuit enhances anxiety-like behavior and facilitates social approach behavior, while activation of OXTPVN→BnST circuit suppresses anxiety-like behavior along with inhibiting social approach. This chemogenetic manipulation on the OXTPVN→BnST circuit proves ineffective in BTBR mice. Accordingly, chemogenetic activation of OXTPVN neurons that stimulate both OXT circuits induces OXT receptor expressions in both MeA and BnST as with those by social encounter in B6 mice. The induction of OXT receptor genes in the BnST was not observed in BTBR mice. These data support the hypothesis that OXT circuits serve as a regulator for OXT signaling in PVN to control socio-emotional approach/avoidance behavior, and a defect of OXTPVN→BnST circuit contributes to autism-like social phenotypes in BTBR mice.

Faded neural projection from the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to the lateral habenula contributes to social signaling deficit in male BTBR mice as a mouse model of autism.

BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice display several behavioral characteristics, including social deficits resembling the core symptoms of human autism. Atypical social behaviors include sequential processes of assembled cognitive-behavior components, such as recognition, investigatory assessment, and signaling response. This study aimed to elucidate the neural circuits responsible for the regulation of the social signaling response, as shown by scent marking behavior in male mice. We first assessed the recognition and investigatory patterns of male BTBR mice compared to those of C57BL/6 J (B6) mice. Next, we examined their scent-marking behavior as innate social signaling responses adjusted to a confronted feature of social stimuli and situations, along with the expression of c-Fos as a marker of neuronal activity in selected brain areas involved in the regulation of social behavior. The function of the targeted brain area was confirmed by chemogenetic manipulation. We also examined the social peptides, oxytocin and vasopressin neurons of the major brain regions that are associated with the regulation of social behavior. Our data indicate that male BTBR mice are less responsive to the presentation of social stimuli and the expression of social signaling responses, which is paralleled by blunted c-Fos responsivity and vasopressin neurons morphological changes in selected brain areas, including the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (pBnST) and lateral habenula (LHb) in BTBR mice. Further investigation of LHb function revealed that chemogenetic inhibition and activation of LHb activity can induce a change in scent marking responses in both B6 and BTBR mice. Our elucidation of the downstream LHb circuits controlling scent marking behavior indicates intact function in BTBR mice. The altered morphological characteristics of oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and vasopressin-positive neurons and axonal projections in the pBnST and LHb appear to underlie the dysfunction of scent marking responses in BTBR mice. (300/300 words).

Serotonergic circuit dysregulation underlying autism-related phenotypes in BTBR mouse model of autism.

The inbred mouse strain, BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR), possesses neuronal and circuit abnormalities that underlie atypical behavioral profiles resembling the major symptoms of human autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Forebrain serotonin (5-HT) transmission has been implicated in ASD-related behavioral alterations. In this study, we assessed 5-HT signals and the functional responsiveness in BTBR mice compared to standard C57BL/6J (B6) control mice to elucidate how 5-HT alterations contribute to behavioral abnormalities in BTBR mice. A lower number of 5-HT neurons in the median raphe, but not in the dorsal raphe, was observed in male and female BTBR mice. Acute systemic injection of buspirone, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, induced c-Fos in several brain regions in both B6 and BTBR mice; however, blunted c-Fos induction in BTBR mice was documented in the cingulate cortex, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral hippocampus (Hipp). Decreased c-Fos responses in these regions are associated with a lack of buspirone effects on anxiety-like behavior in BTBR mice. Analysis of mRNA expression following acute buspirone injection indicated that 5HTR1a gene downregulation (or upregulation) occurred in the BLA and Hipp of B6 mice, respectively, but not BTBR mice. The mRNA expression of factors associated with neurogenesis or the pro-inflammatory state was not consistently altered by acute buspirone injection. Therefore, 5-HT responsivity via 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA and Hipp are linked to anxiety-like behavior, in which circuits are disrupted in BTBR mice. Other distinct 5-HT circuits from the BLA and Hipp that regulate social behavior are restricted but preserved in BTBR mice.

Synthetic-biological approach for production of neoxanthin in Escherichia coli.

Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments produced typically in plants, algae, and part of bacteria and fungi. Violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and lutein are xanthophylls biosynthesized specifically in land plants and part of algae. Nowadays, it is feasible to produce violaxanthin and lutein in Escherichia coli by pathway engineering, whereas there is no report to synthesize neoxanthin in E. coli. So far, several genes have been reported to code for neoxanthin synthases, e.g., NSY (NXS), ABA4 and VDL, which were assigned to catalyze a reaction for forming neoxanthin from violaxanthin. However, neither gene of these was common in plants or algae that biosynthesize neoxanthin, nor was confirmed by the E. coli complementation system. This study showed that the algal VDL gene (PtVDL1) was functional in recombinant E. coli cells accumulating violaxanthin to produce neoxanthin, whereas the E. coli cells failed to generate neoxanthin, when the NSY or ABA4 gene was introduced there instead of VDL. This result notes that VDL is one of veritable neoxanthin synthase genes.

The Effect of the Rice Endosperm Protein Hydrolysate on the Subjective Negative Mood Status in Healthy Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The rice endosperm protein (REP) hydrolysate containing the following rice endosperm protein derived oligopeptides QQFLPEGQSQSQK, LPEGQSQSQK, and pEQFLPEGQSQSQK (a N-terminal pyroglutamate residue-modified peptide) reportedly showed an antidepressant-like effect in an animal model. We investigated the effect of the REP hydrolysate on healthy humans who self-reported mental fatigue with subjectively low vigor. Seventy-six participants (age: 20-64 years) were randomly allocated to two groups. The influence of the REP hydrolysate on the mood state was evaluated in two studies: single intake (Study 1) and repeated intake over 4 weeks (Study 2). A salivary stress marker, Chromogranin A (CgA), was measured in Study 1. The single intake of the REP hydrolysate significantly improved the Profile of Mood Status 2nd edition for adults (POMS 2) subscale of Tension-Anxiety. Additionally, the salivary CgA concentrations were remarkably reduced after the single intake of the REP hydrolysate. Though a single intake of the REP hydrolysate did not significantly influence the other subscales and the TMD of the POMS 2 and the Euthymia Scale, both the subjective and objective results supported the possible effect of the REP hydrolysate on reducing anxiety and nervousness. No significant positive effects on the subjective mood state (Euthymia Scale and POMS 2) and sleep quality (Insomnia Severity Index) were observed in the trial setting employed for Study 2. In conclusion, a single intake of REP hydrolysate might help relax the subjective feelings of tension and anxiety. The effectiveness of repeated REP hydrolysate intake needs to be tested in a different clinical setting.

Rice Endoplasmic Protein-Derived Peptides, Rice-Ghretropins A and B, Stimulate Ghrelin Release in MGN3-1 Cells and Increase Plasma Acylated Ghrelin and Food Intake in Mice.

In this study, we demonstrated that novel rice-derived bioactive peptides promote the secretion of ghrelin, an endogenous orexigenic hormone secreted from the stomach. The enzymatic digest of rice endosperm protein with subtilisin, a microorganism-derived enzyme, stimulated acylated ghrelin secretion in the ghrelin-releasing cell line MGN3-1 and increased food intake after oral administration in mice. By performing a comprehensive analysis based on structure-activity relationships, we selected candidate peptides from over 30,000 peptides in the rice digest. Among them, we found that QAFEPIRSV and TNPWHSPRQGSF, corresponding to the amino acid sequence of the rice endoplasmic proteins glutelin A1 or A2(52-60) and B1 or B2(31-42), respectively, stimulated acylated ghrelin release in MGN3-1 cells. We named them rice-ghretropins A and B. Pyroglutamate formation of rice-ghretropin A, [pyr1]-rice-ghretropin A, also promoted ghrelin secretion. Furthermore, oral administration of rice-ghretropins increased food intake, plasma ghrelin concentration, and small intestinal transit in mice. In addition, the subtilisin digest of the rice protein significantly increased food intake for 4 h in 9 month-old (control: 0.61 ± 0.049 g; digest: 0.83 ± 0.059 g) and 24 month-old mice (control: 0.52 ± 0.067 g; digest: 1.01 ± 0.064 g). In summary, we found that novel bioactive peptides, namely, rice-ghretropins, from the enzymatic digest of rice endosperm stimulated acylated ghrelin secretion and increased food intake. This is the first report of rice-derived exogenous bioactive peptides that increase acylated ghrelin secretion.

Exocrine scent marking: Coordinative role of arginine vasopressin in the systemic regulation of social signaling behaviors.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohypophysial hormone that coordinatively regulates central socio-emotional behavior and peripheral control of antidiuretic fluid homeostasis. Most mammals, including rodents, utilize exocrine or urine-contained scent marking as a social signaling tool that facilitates social adaptation. The exocrine scent marking behavior is postulated to fine-tune sensory and cognitive abilities to recognize key social features via exocrine/urinary olfactory cues and subsequently control exocrine deposition or urinary marking through the mediation of osmotic fluid balance. AVP is implicated as a major player in controlling both recognition and signaling responses. This review provides constructive hypotheses on the coordinative processes of the AVP neurohypophysial circuits in the systemic regulations of fluid control and social-communicative behavior, via the expression of exocrine scent marking, and further emphasizes a potential role of AVP in a common mechanism underlying social communication in rodents.

Rice Endosperm Protein Improves the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein and Produces Lower Atherosclerotic Lesion Accelerated by the Renal Mass Reduction than Casein in a Mouse Model.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impairs the anti-inflammatory effects of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and increases cardiovascular mortality. Though the potential role of dietary interventions to manage HDL is well studied, the clinical trials aimed to increase HDL levels have failed to reduce cardiovascular risk, rendering HDL function to be explored as a more relevant clinical parameter. This study investigates the effects of rice endosperm protein (REP), a plant-based protein, on the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL and renal injury-driven atherosclerosis in comparison with casein, an animal protein.Ten-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient hyperlipidemic mice underwent uninephrectomy. The mice (n = 6 each) were pair-fed a normal casein-based diet or a REP-based diet (both with 20.0% protein content) for seven weeks. Atherosclerotic lesions were detected by en face Sudan IV staining of the aorta.The number and sizes of the atherosclerotic lesions were significantly lower in the REP-based diet-fed group than the casein-based diet-fed group (p = 0.038). However, the REP-based diet neither elicited an ameliorative effect on kidney function or histology nor impacted the cholesterol profiles. Furthermore, HDL from the REP-based diet-fed mice significantly suppressed the inflammatory cytokine response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells than that from the casein-based diet-fed mice (MCP-1, p = 0.010; IL-6, p = 0.011; IL-1ß, p = 0.028).The REP-based diet has a higher potential to lessen the atherosclerotic lesions accelerated by renal mass reduction than a casein-based diet, which could be associated with the anti-inflammatory effects of HDL.

Acute social defeat stress upregulates gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone and its receptor but not corticotropin-releasing hormone and ACTH in the Male Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Stress impairs the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, probably through its influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (= interrenals in the teleost, HPI) axis leading to reproductive failures. In this study, we investigated the response of hypothalamic neuropeptides, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a component of the HPG axis, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) a component of the HPI axis, to acute social defeat stress in the socially hierarchical male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Localization of GnIH cell bodies, GnIH neuronal processes, and numbers of GnIH cells in the brain during acute social defeat stress was studied using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, mRNA levels of GnIH and CRH in the brain together with GnIH receptor, gpr147, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the pituitary were quantified in control and socially defeated fish. Our results show, the number of GnIH-immunoreactive cell bodies and GnIH mRNA levels in the brain and the levels of gpr147 mRNA in the pituitary significantly increased in socially defeated fish. However, CRH and ACTH mRNA levels did not change during social defeat stress. Further, we found glucocorticoid type 2b receptor mRNA in laser captured immunostained GnIH cells. These results show that acute social defeat stress activates GnIH biosynthesis through glucocorticoid receptors type 2b signalling but does not change the CRH and ACTH mRNA expression in the tilapia, which could lead to temporary reproductive dysfunction.