Diabetes mellitus affects the biomechanical function of the callus and the expression of TGF-beta1 and BMP2 in an early stage of fracture healing.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are important regulators of bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we examined whether TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expressions were delayed during bone healing in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tibial fractures were created in 95 diabetic and 95 control adult male Wistar rats of 10 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after fracture induction, five rats were sacrificed from each group. The expressions of TGF-ß1 and BMP2 in the fractured tibias were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, weekly for the first 5 weeks post-fracture. Mechanical parameters (bending rigidity, torsional rigidity, destruction torque) of the healing bones were also assessed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-fracture, after the rats were sacrificed. The bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque of the two groups increased continuously during the healing process. The diabetes group had lower mean values for bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque compared with the control group (P<0.05). TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expression were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group than in the diabetes group at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3. Peak levels of TGF-ß1 and BMP-2 expression were delayed by 1 week in the diabetes group compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that there was a delayed recovery in the biomechanical function of the fractured bones in diabetic rats. This delay may be associated with a delayed expression of the growth factors TGF-ß1 and BMP-2.

Diabetes mellitus affects the biomechanical function of the callus and the expression of TGF-beta1 and BMP2 in an early stage of fracture healing

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are important regulators of bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we examined whether TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expressions were delayed during bone healing in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tibial fractures were created in 95 diabetic and 95 control adult male Wistar rats of 10 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after fracture induction, five rats were sacrificed from each group. The expressions of TGF-β1 and BMP2 in the fractured tibias were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, weekly for the first 5 weeks post-fracture. Mechanical parameters (bending rigidity, torsional rigidity, destruction torque) of the healing bones were also assessed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks post-fracture, after the rats were sacrificed. The bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque of the two groups increased continuously during the healing process. The diabetes group had lower mean values for bending rigidity, torsional rigidity and destruction torque compared with the control group (P<0.05). TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the control group than in the diabetes group at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3. Peak levels of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were delayed by 1 week in the diabetes group compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that there was a delayed recovery in the biomechanical function of the fractured bones in diabetic rats. This delay may be associated with a delayed expression of the growth factors TGF-β1 and BMP-2.

Association between ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, DGAT1, and DECR1 expression levels and pork meat quality traits.

In this study, meat quality traits were compared between Chinese lard- and European lean-type pigs. The association between expression of four genes (ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, DGAT1, and DECR1) and meat quality traits was also investigated. Meat quality traits were found to differ significantly between pig breeds. Meat color parameter values (a* and b*) and intramuscular fat content in Anqingliubai were significantly higher than those in Landrace (P < 0.01). Meat pH at 1 and 24 h following slaughter was significantly higher in Landrace than in Wei pigs, and meat inosine monophosphate (IMP) content was significantly higher in Landrace than in Wei and Anqingliubai pigs (both P < 0.01). Expression levels of ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, and DGAT1 were higher in longissimus lumborum muscle than in heart or liver tissues. ADSL and GARS-AIRS-GART expression levels were correlated with meat IMP content and pH levels. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of meat quality traits in Chinese lard- and European lean-type pigs.

Analysis of skin color change and related gene expression after crossing of Dongxiang black chicken and ISA layer.

This study evaluated the effects of the autosomal domi-nant Fm gene in conjunction with the sex-linked Id gene on skin color and related gene expression. Ten Dongxiang black cocks were selected to build ten families by mating 60 individuals of ISA B-line layers. The skin color of the F1 generation was observed at different time points. At 126 days, 36 chickens were slaughtered, and gene expression of TYRP1, TYRP2, MC1R, and EDNRB in breast skin was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. The ratio of Dongxiang black chickens with white skin chicks in the F1 generation to that of non-white was 3:7 (HoFF: HeFf). At 126 days, all F1 generation cocks showed white skin (115/115), while the percentages of hens with black skin were 100% (HoFF, 27/27) and 53.75% (HeFf, 43/80). The change in skin color peaked between 42 and 84 days. The offspring of HoFF displayed significantly higher expres-sion of MC1R, compared with those of HeFf (P < 0.05). The "L" value of hen's skin was significantly lower, and TYRP1 and TYRP2 expres-sion was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in cocks with the same Fm/fm genotype. These findings indicate the presence of homozygous and heterozygous Fm in Dongxiang black chickens, with the offspring of homozygous birds showing a higher percentage of black skin percentage. The expression of the four genes studied was correlated with skin color, with TYRP1 and TYRP2 representing the most suitable molecular markers.

Relationship between polymorphisms in exon 10 of FSHR gene and litter size in swine.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a glycoprotein secreted by the anterior pituitary, can regulate ovarian function through the FSH receptor (FSHR). To evaluate the effects of the FSHR gene on reproductive traits in pigs, polymorphisms in exon 10 of the FSHR gene were observed by polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism, and 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (C1491T, G1885A, and C1977T) in exon 10 of the porcine FSHR gene, and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) for C1491T and 2 haplotypes (D and E) for G1885A and C1977T were identified. Further analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes associated with reproductive traits including total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) was carried out in 3 pig populations including Berkshire, Wannan Black (a Chinese indigenous pig breed), and BW pigs (two-way crossbred pigs produced from Berkshire ♂ and Wannan Black pig ♀). The results showed that the TNB and NBA of Wannan Black pigs with the AB genotype were significantly higher than in AA genotype sows (P < 0.01) in multiparity sows and all parities. The TNB and NBA of Berkshire pigs with the DE genotype were significantly higher than the DD and EE genotype sows (P < 0.01) in gilts, sows and all parities. Overall, TNB and NBA from the 3 identified genotypes was DE > DD > EE. The results showed that polymorphisms in exon 10 of the FSHR gene had a significant effect on litter size traits of Wannan Black and Berkshire pigs. These results can be applied for marker-assisted selection in the 2 swine breeds.

High-resolution melting curve analysis of the ADSL and LPL genes and their correlation with meat quality and blood parameters in chickens.

Adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are key enzymes in the metabolism of inosine monophosphate (IMP) and fat mass, which are important factors in meat quality evaluation. In this study, we selected 50 hens from the ISA B-line layers and Guangxi Yellow chickens, slaughtered the chickens at 120 days old, and analyzed polymorphisms in the ADSL and LPL genes using the high-resolution melting curve method. Blood lipid parameters, intramuscular fat (IMF), and IMP content were higher (P < 0.05) in Guangxi Yellow chickens than in ISA B-line layers, while LPL activity was lower (P < 0.05). In exon 2 of the ADSL gene, a C3484T mutation was identified. In both breeds, the CC genotype showed the highest IMP, and IMP was the lowest in the TT genotype. In the 5ꞌ regulatory region of the LPL gene, a C293T mutation was identified. In both breeds, the CC genotype showed the lowest LPL and IMF, while IMF was the highest in the TT genotype. The percentages of individuals with the TT type in the ADSL gene, which was associated with the lowest IMP, were 16.0 and 52.0% in Guangxi chickens and ISA layers, respectively. The percentages of individuals with the CC type of the LPL gene, which was associated with the lowest LPL and IMF, were 28.0 and 44.0%, respectively. The ADSL and LPL gene mutations are correlated with differences in meat quality in different chicken breeds, and high-resolution melting curve is an effective prediction technology for these mutations.

Expression of OPG, RANKL, and RUNX2 in rabbit periodontium under orthodontic force.

This study aims to investigate the expression changes of RANKL, RUNX2, and OPG in rabbit periodontal tissues under orthodontic force and explore its effect on the remodeling of periodontal tissues. A total of 16 specific pathogen-free rabbits were used in this study. The maxillary appliance was worn on the right (experimental) side, and the appliance-free left side was used as the control. Rabbits were sacrificed after 3, 5, 7, and 14 days of treatment. Changes in the expression levels of OPG, RANKL, and RUNX2 in the periodontium were detected using real-time PCR and western blotting methods. The OPG expression levels decreased after 3 to 14 days of treatment, while the expression levels of RANKL and RUNX2 increased after 3 to 14 days. The OPG expression levels decreased while those of RANKL and RUNX2 increased during orthodontic tooth movement, which suggested that they play a role in the osteogenesis process and the reconstruction of periodontal tissue.

Detection of a novel single nucleotide polymorphism and imprinted status analysis of the Ras protein-specific guanine nucleotide-releasing factor 1 gene in domestic pigs.

The aim of this study was to determine the imprinting status of the Ras protein-specific guanine nucleotide-releasing factor 1 (Rasgrf1) gene in domestic pigs. In this study, a 228-bp partial sequence located in exon 14 and a 193-bp partial sequence located in exon 1 of the Rasgrf1 gene in domestic pigs were obtained. A novel single nucleotide polymorphism, a G/A transition, was identified in Rasgrf1 exon 14, and then the reciprocal Berkshire x Wannan black F1 hybrid model and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method were used to detect the imprinting status of the porcine Rasgrf1 gene at the 1-day-old developmental stage. Imprinting analysis showed that, compared to the imprinted expression of the Rasgrf1 gene in mouse and rat, a variable imprinting status was observed in domestic pigs. In principle, the porcine Rasgrf1 gene was maternally expressed in the liver and small intestine, paternally expressed in the lung, and biallelically expressed in brain, heart, spleen, kidney, stomach, pancreas, fat, testis, ovary, longissimus dorsi, and pituitary tissues. In conclusion, our results indicated that the Rasgrf1 gene shows both species- and tissue-specific variation in imprinted expression.

Characterization of microRNAs from goat (Capra hircus) by Solexa deep-sequencing technology.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an important class of small noncoding RNAs that are highly conserved in plants and animals. Many miRNAs are known to mediate a myriad of cell processes, including proliferation and differentiation, via the regulation of some transcription and signaling factors, which are closely related to muscle development and disease. In this study, small RNA cDNA libraries of Boer goats were constructed. In addition, we obtained the goat muscle miRNAs by using Solexa deep-sequencing technology and analyzed these miRNA characteristics by combining it with the bioinformatics technology. Based on Solexa sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, 562 species-conserved and 5 goat genome-specific miRNAs were identified, 322 of which exceeded 100 in the expression levels. The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction from 8 randomly selected miRNAs showed that the 8 miRNAs were expressed in goat muscle, and the expression patterns were consistent with the Solexa sequencing results. The identification and characterization of miRNAs in goat muscle provide important information on the role of miRNA regulation in muscle growth and development. These data will help to facilitate studies on the regulatory roles played by miRNAs during goat growth and development.

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms contribute to the risk of endometriosis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease defined as the presence of the endometrium outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis is a multifactorial and polygenic disease in which angiogenesis may be implicated. Angiogenesis is under the control of numerous inducers, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Many studies have reported that VEGF plays a role in the progression of the disease, but individually published studies showed inconclusive results. We investigated the association between VEGF polymorphisms and the susceptibility to endometriosis. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CBM databases were searched for all articles published up to June 25, 2012, which addressed VEGF polymorphisms and endometriosis risk. We investigated the potential association between VEGF polymorphisms and the risk of endometriosis. Fourteen studies were included with a total of 3313 endometriosis cases and 3393 healthy controls. Meta-analysis results showed that the rs699947 (A>C) and rs1570360 (G>A) polymorphisms in the VEGF gene were associated with a decreased risk of endometriosis, while rs3025039 (C>T) might increase the risk of endometriosis. However, the rs833061 (T>C) and rs2010963 (G>C) polymorphisms of the VEGF gene did not appear to have an influence on endometriosis susceptibility. Results from the meta-analysis suggest that the rs3025039 (C>T) polymorphism of the VEGF gene increases the risk of endometriosis, but the rs699947 (A>C) and rs1570360 (G>A) polymorphisms might be protective factors for endometriosis.

Association between HLA-Cw*0602 polymorphism and psoriasis risk: a meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have evaluated the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Cw*0602 polymorphism and psoriasis risk. However, the results have been inconsistent. We made a meta-analysis of the association between HLA-Cw*0602 polymorphism and psoriasis risk. Eighteen studies were retrieved, reporting a total of 3419 psoriasis patients and 3297 healthy controls. The associations between HLA-Cw*0602 polymorphism and psoriasis risk were estimated by pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). We found significant associations between HLA-Cw*0602 polymorphism and psoriasis risk in the comparisons of positive versus negative alleles (OR = 4.55, 95%CI = 3.65-5.67, P < 0.00001); positive homozygote versus negative homozygote combined with heterozygote (OR = 14.00, 95%CI = 8.47-23.15, P < 0.00001); positive homozygote combined with heterozygote versus negative homozygote (OR = 5.11, 95%CI = 3.86-6.76, P < 0.00001); positive homozygote versus negative homozygote (OR = 23.03, 95%CI = 13.95-38.00, P < 0.00001), and positive homozygote versus heterozygote (OR = 4.21, 95%CI = 2.35- 7.00, P < 0.00001). In conclusion, the positive allele of HLA-Cw*0602 polymorphism appears to be a risk factor for psoriasis.