Feline dermatoses at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran): 154 cases (2009-2020).

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow-up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran. ANIMALS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12-year period (2009-2020). RESULTS: Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.

Les dossiers médicaux de 1825 chats consultés à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université Ferdowsi de Mashhad, Iran, sur une période de 12 ans (2009-2020) ont été analysés rétrospectivement et les dermatoses représentaient 154 (8.43%) cas. La dermatophytose (34; 22.07%), les abcès sous-cutanés (16; 10.38%) et le syndrome cutané atopique (20; 10.38%) ont été le plus souvent diagnostiqués, de façon similaire à d'autres localisations géographiques; l'ordre des diagnostics les plus fréquents différait.

Os prontuários médicos de 1825 gatos que foram consultados na Faculty of Veterinary Medicine de Mashhad, Irã por um período superior a 12 anos (2009-2020) foram analisados e as dermatoses correspondiam a 154 (8.43%) dos casos. A dermatofitose (34; 22.07%), abscessos subcutâneos (16; 10.38%) e síndrome atópica cutânea (20, 10:10.38) foram as doenças mais comumente, corroborando com outros relatos de locais distintos; a ordem dos diagnósticos frequentes diferiu.

Se analizaron retrospectivamente los historiales médicos de 1825 gatos llevados a la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Ferdowsi de Mashhad, Irán, durante un período de 12 años (2009-2020), y las dermatosis representaron 154 (8.43%). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron dermatofitosis (34; 22.07%), abscesos subcutáneos (16; 10.38%) y síndrome de piel atópica (20; 10.38%), en concordancia con la frecuencia de otros lugares; si bien el orden de incidencia de los diagnósticos frecuentes fue diferente.

Fatty acid profiles and Delta9 desaturase (stearoyl-CoA desaturase; SCD 1) expression in adipose tissue surrounding benign and malignant breast tumors.

The progression of tumors occurs through interactions between the tumor and the stroma. Understanding the role of adipose tissue (AT), as the main component of the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) in the development of cancer, is crucial for the early detection of breast cancer (BC). This study compared the FA profiles, desaturase index (DI), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) mRNA levels in the AT that surrounds tumors in women with BC and benign breast disease (BBD). Specimens were collected from 40 Iranian women who had undergone breast surgery. These women were age- and BMI-matched and were divided into two groups: BC (n = 20) and BBD (n = 20). Gas chromatography and quantitative real-time PCR were used to analyze the FA profiles and SCD1 mRNA levels, respectively. The DI was calculated by dividing the amounts of monounsaturated FAs by the amount of saturated FA. There were no significant differences in age and BMI between women with BC and BBD. The FA profiles and DI were also similar in both groups. However, mRNA levels of SCD1 were found to be 5 times higher in the breast AT of BC than in the breast AT of BBD (p < 0.0001). We showed that SCD1 was significantly upregulated in the AT surrounding BC tumors, even though the DI and FA profiles were unchanged compared to those in the AT of BBD patients. It is important to note that the breast AT of women with BBD has previously been overlooked and warrants further studies.

The histopathological changes of liver and testis of Japanese quail chicks fed different levels of dietary L-valine.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the histological changes of liver and testis of Japanese quail fed different levels of dietary valine (Val) in low protein diet. A total of 1000 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks (mixed sex) were assigned to five experimental diets including diets containing 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 g digestible (dig.) Val/kg diet in a completely randomized design, with 5 replicates of 40 quail chicks per pen. Experimental diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous (170 g crude protein/kg) to meet nutrients recommendation of growing quails suggested by Brazilian tables. At d 42, quail chicks were slaughtered, and tissue samples were collected and fixed to evaluate the histological indices of liver and testis. High levels of Val, increased (P < 0.05) diameter of liver cell nucleus and liver hepatocytes in both male and female. While 11.5 g Val showed mild hepatosteatosis, bile duct hyperplasia was observed in 10.5 g Val. In 7.5 and 8.5 g Val groups, there was no negative effects on the liver histology. The male quail chicks which fed on diets containing 8.5 g Val had better significant (P < 0.05) reproductive indexes [Tubular differentiation (TDI) and spermatic index (SI)]. In conclusion, the use of high levels of Val (≥ 9.5 g dig. Val/kg diet) during d 0 - 42 of age can lead to histological damage in liver and testis of quail chicks.

Serum and follicular fluid levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are known to associate with the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases via interaction with their corresponding receptor (RAGE). The soluble forms of RAGE (sRAGE) are considered as anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting the consequent adverse effects of AGE. We aimed at comparing sRAGE levels in the follicular fluid (FF) and serum of women with or without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). METHODS: A total of forty-five eligible women (26 non-PCOS (control) and 19 patients with PCOS (case)) were included the study. sRAGEs in FF and blood serum were measured using ELISA kit. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in FF and serum sRAGE between case and control groups. Correlation analysis showed a significant and positive relationship between serum levels of sRAGE and FF sRAGE in PCOS (r = 0.639; p = 0.004), in control participants (r = 0.481; p = 0.017), and in total participants (r = 0.552; p = 0.000). Data revealed a statistically significant difference in FF sRAGE concentration among all participants by body mass index (BMI) categories (p = 0.01) and in controls (p = 0.022). Significant differences were found for all the nutrients and AGEs consumption according to Food Frequency Questionnaire in both groups (p = 0.0001). A significant reverse relationship was found between FF levels of sRAGE and AGE in PCOS (r = -0.513; p = 0.025). The concentration of sRAGE in serum and FF is the same in PCOS and control. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed for the first time that there are no statistically significant differences between the concentration of serum sRAGE and FF sRAGE among Iranian women with and without PCOS. However, BMI and dietary intake of AGEs have more significant effects on sRAGE concentration in Iranian women. Future studies in developed and developing countries with larger sample sizes are required to determine the long-term consequences of chronic AGE over consumption and the optimal strategies for minimizing AGE-related pathology, specifically in low income and developing countries.

Fatty Acids in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Pregnant Women with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Are Associated with Genes Related to Steroidogenesis: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The qualitative analysis of adipose tissue (AT) is an exciting area for research and clinical applications in several diseases and it is emerging along with the quantitative approach to research on overweight and obese people. While the importance of steroid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been reported, limited data exists on the effective roles of AT in pregnant women suffering from PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine association of fatty acid (FA) profiles with expression of 14 steroid genes in abdominal subcutaneous AT of PCOS vs. non-PCOS pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, the AT samples of 36 non-PCOS pregnant women and 12 pregnant women with PCOS (3:1 ratio control: case) who underwent cesarean section were collected. Relationship of expressing gene targets and different features were performed using Pearson correlation analysis on the R 3.6.2 software. The ggplot2 package in R tool was used to draw the plots. RESULTS: Age (31.4 and 31.5 years, P=0.99), body mass index (BMI) (prior pregnancy 26 and 26.5 kg.m-2, P=0.62) and at delivery day (30.1 and 31, P=0.94), gestational period (264 and 267 days, P=0.70) and parity (1.4 and 1.4, P=0.42) of non-PCOS and PCOS pregnant women were similar. Expression of steroidogenic acute regulator (STAR) and 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11BHSD2) in non-PCOS pregnant women showed the highest association with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3, r=0.59, P=0.001) and (r=0.66, P=0.001), respectively. In the all participants, STAR mRNA level showed the greatest association with the EPA fatty acid concentration (P=0.001, r=0.51). CONCLUSION: Our results showed a link between the genes involved in steroid metabolism and fatty acids in AT of pregnant women, especially for omega-3 FA and the gene involved in the first step of steroidogenesis in subcutaneous AT. These findings warrant further studies.

Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Protein Levels in Sperm of Obese Men with and without Diabetes; Cellular Approach in Male Infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Although the role of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) in male infertility is well established, little information about the underlying cellular mechanisms in infertility is available. In this sense, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) has been recognized as an important regulator in obesity and DM; However, its function in the pathogenesis of male infertility has never been studied in obese or men who suffer from diabetes. Therefore, the main goal of current research is assessing NF-kB existence and activity in ejaculated human spermatozoa considering the obesity and diabetics condition of males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an experimental study, the ELISA technique was applied to analyze NF-kB levels in sperm of four experimental groups: non-obese none-diabetic men (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2; control group; n=30), obese non-diabetic men (BMI >30 kg/m2; OB group; n=30), non-obese diabetic men (BMI <25 kg/m2; DM group; n=30), and obese diabetic men (BMI >30 kg/m2; OB-DM group; n=30) who were presented to Royan Institute Infertility Center. In addition, protein localization was shown by Immunocytofluorescent assay. Sperm features were also evaluated using CASA. RESULTS: The diabetic men were older than non-diabetic men regardless of obesity status (P=0.0002). Sperm progressive motility was affected by obesity (P=0.035) and type A sperm progressive motility was affected by DM (P=0.034). The concentration of sperm (P=0.013), motility (P=0.025) and morphology (P<0.0001) were altered by obesity × diabetes interaction effects. The NF-kB activity was negatively influenced by the main impact of diabetics (P=0.019). Obesity did not affect (P=0.248) NF-kB activity. Uniquely, NF-kB localized to the midpiece of sperm and post-acrosomal areas. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated a lower concentration of NF-kB in diabetic men, no effect of obesity on NF-kB was observed yet. Additionally, we revealed the main obesity and diabetes effects, and their interaction effect adversely influenced sperm characteristics.

Underestimated Aspects in Male Infertility: Epigenetics is A New Approach in Men with Obesity or Diabetes: A Review.

Infertility is a complex multifactorial problem that affects about 7% of men and 15% of couples worldwide. Many molecular mechanisms involved in male infertility. Destructive effects of infertility on the next generations are not well understood. Approximately 60-75% of male infertility cases have idiopathic causes, and there is a need for additional investigations other than routine examinations. Molecular factors that surround DNA, which are mitotically stable and independently regulate genome activity of DNA sequences, are known as epigenetics. The known epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. Prevalence of metabolic diseases has been increased dramatically because of changes in lifestyle and the current levels of inactivity. Metabolic disorders, such
as obesity and diabetes, are prevalent reasons for male infertility; despite the association between metabolic diseases and male infertility, few studies have been conducted on the effects of epigenetic alterations associated with these diseases and sperm abnormalities. Diabetes can affect the reproductive system and testicular function at multiple levels;
however, there are very few molecular and epigenetic studies related to sperm from males with diabetes. On the other hand, obesity has similar conditions, while male obesity is linked to notable alterations in the sperm molecular architecture affecting both function and embryo quality. Therefore, in this review article, we presented new and developed technologies to study different patterns of epigenetic changes, and explained the exact mechanisms of epigenetic changes linked to metabolic diseases and their relationship with male infertility.

Relationship between obesity-related markers, biochemical metabolic parameters, hormonal profiles and sperm parameters among men attending an infertility clinic.

Obesity causes many health problems as well as has negative effects on fertility. However, little is known about the association between obesity-related markers (hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to height ratio (WHtR), body fat mass (BFM), skeletal muscle (SM), resting metabolism (RM), visceral fat (VF), and visceral adiposity index (VAI)) and sperm parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 men in three groups: normal-weight (Nw; body mass index: BMI < 25 kg/m2 ), overweight (Ow; BMI: 25-29 kg/m2 ), and obese (Ob; BMI: 30-35 kg/m2 ) to investigate this issue. The mean WC, HC, WHtR, BFM, SM, RM, and VF were remarkably higher (p < 0.001) for subjects in the Ob group than in Ow and Nw. In Nw, positive correlations were observed between BFM (r = 0.402) and VAI (r = 0.353) and sperm progressive motility (p < 0.05). In Ob males, there was a positive correlation (r = 0.430) between sperm progressive motility and height and a negative relation (r = -0.447) between sperm progressive motility and WHtR. We found the association between serum testosterone (T) levels, T/estradiol ratios, and semen parameters being dependent on obesity-related markers which confirms the negative effects of obesity on male hormones. In conclusion, WHtR is a valuable parameter in infertility clinics that warrants further studies.

Live demonstration versus multimedia: A comparison of two educational methods of orthodontic dental cast trimming.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two educational methods: live practical and multimedia demonstrations of dental cast trimming. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, all 44 dental students from Zanjan University Dental School who were studying in the 8th semester entered the study. Using simple randomization, we assigned them to two groups. Multimedia and live demonstrations were used in the intervention (n=21) and control (n=23) groups, respectively. Knowledge of students was assessed using pre-test and post-test. Practical skills were compared using the students' final semester scores. The Individual Development and Educational Assessment questionnaire was used to assess the students' reaction to instruction. For data analysis, mean and standard deviation, and independent and paired t-tests were used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: In terms of knowledge, the pre-test scores of the intervention and control groups were not significantly different (p-value= 0.457), and the post-test scores of the two intervention and control groups had no significant difference (p-value= 0.053); however, in both intervention and control groups there was a significant difference between the scores before and after the test, and the scores of both groups increased after training (p-value= 0.001, p-value= 0.001). In terms of practical skills, no significant difference was observed in the mean and standard deviation of the scores in the two groups (p-value=0.902). There was no significant difference in terms of the students' reaction to instruction. Conclusion: All students passed this course successfully. Further, their knowledge and skills were improved in both groups. Similar to the live practical demonstration, that of the multimedia led to a positive reaction to instruction in students. Therefore, multimedia education can be used well with the traditional method and even replaces it.

Modulatory effects of pioglitazone as a ligand for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor on semen quality and fertility potential of broiler breeder roosters.

Fertility potential in roosters is a crucial topic in broiler breeder reproduction which is thought to be associated with age. This study aims to investigate effects of 2 levels of pioglitazone (PIO) supplementation on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression, semen quality, and fertility parameters of aged broiler breeder roosters. The efficacy of PIO was divided into 2 sections: receptor-dependent and receptor-independent. Expression of PPAR-γ mRNA and protein was assessed in sperm to monitor receptor-dependent actions. Sperm motility, velocity parameters, viability, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis were assessed for the receptor-independent actions. Broiler breeder roosters were randomly assigned to 3 groups: 1) control received a basal diet (CTRL); 2) PIO-5 received a basal diet supplemented with 5 mg PIO/bird/day, and 3) PIO-10 received a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg PIO/bird/day. In addition, semen samples were collected from 24 Ross broiler breeder roosters at 30, 43, and 53 wk of age. Effects of PIO were significant in terms of total motility, straight-line velocity, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis (P ≤ 0.05). Total motility, straight-line velocity and mitochondrial activity improved in both PIO groups (P ≤ 0.05) along with a significant reduction in early and late apoptosis in the PIO groups (P ≤ 0.05). Pioglitazone addition affected total motility, mitochondrial activity, early apoptosis and late apoptosis in a linearly and quadratically manner (P < 0.05). PPAR-γ mRNA and protein expression were not significantly upregulated by the different doses of PIO (P > 0.05). Similarly, fertility performance was not significantly changed in the PIO groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, PIO improved mitochondrial activity and decreased the apoptosis rate in the sperm of aged broiler breeder roosters. These improvements were associated with the receptor-independent actions of PIO and the mechanism of action of PIO did not appear to be affected by the PPAR-γ receptor in broiler breeder roosters.

Visual, Vestibular, and Proprioceptive Dependency of the Control of Posture in Chronic Neck Pain Patients.

Sensory reweighting of postural control was compared in participants with and without neck pain. Center of pressure variables of 60 volunteers, the same in each group, were calculated under four standing conditions: (a) eyes open, neutral head posture; (b) foam interface, eyes open; (c) cervical extension, eyes open; and (d) cervical extension, eyes closed. All center of pressure variables except anterior posterior range/velocity increased significantly in Condition 2 compared with Conditions 1 and 3 (p < .001) and in Condition 4 compared with Conditions 1 and 3. The mediolateral range/velocity and path length in both groups, anterior posterior range in patients, and center of pressure area in the control group were significantly different between Conditions 2 and 4 (p < .001). No overweighting was observed on the vestibular or visual afferents in patients. Compensatory strategies seem to lie within the proprioceptive system.

A comparative assessment of RNF38 and P53 genes expression in the sperm samples obtained from males with normozoospermia and asthenospermia: A case-control study.

Background: Infertility is considered as a common problem appears in about 10-12% of couples in their reproductive ages. Ring finger protein 38 (RNF38) gene is a ubiquitin-protein ligase that can regulate Protein 53 (P53) and affect cellular motility. Objective: Considering the role of P53 on cellular motility and RNF38 on the regulation of P53, the present study aimed to assess the difference between RNF38 and P53 genes expression in normozoospermic and asthenospermic samples as a diagnostic biomarker in males. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 21 asthenospermicsand 63 healthy individuals. First, the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to measure the expression level of the P53 and RNF38 genes extracted from sperm samples, and the glyceraldehyde-3phosphate dehydrogenase gene was selected as the reference gene. Results: An increase and a decrease occurred in the level of P53 and RNF38 genes expressions in asthenospermic and normozoospermic samples, respectively. In addition, a significant difference was observed between increasing P53 gene expression (p < 0.001), reducing RNF38 one, and decreasing sperm motility (p < 0.001) in asthenospermic cells compared to that of normozoospermic ones. Conclusion: Based on the results, an increase in the expression of the P53 gene and a decrease in the expression of the RNF38 gene had a significant relationship with asthenospermia in men. Therefore, it is expected that an effective step should be adopted to diagnose the asthenospermia expression pattern by using these results.

Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism related gene expressions in testis of men with impaired spermatogenesis.

Although male infertility is a multifactorial syndrome in which genetic factors are responsible for up to 15 % of cases, there are few studies of genes involved in lipid metabolism and male infertility. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor in testis tissue. PPARγ binds to DNA and regulates the genes for fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Thus, it has a key role in male reproduction. The current study assessed the expressions of fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids-like 2 (ELOVL2), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and incorporation of PPARγ in the promoter regions of these genes in testicular tissue biopsies from 30 infertile males who underwent testicular sperm extraction. The samples were classified into three groups: obstructive azoospermia (OA), which was the positive control (n = 10); round spermatid maturation arrest (SMA, n = 10); and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 10). There were significantly lower relative mRNA expression levels of the FADS2, ELOVL2, SCD, and LPL genes in the SCOS (P < 0.01) and SMA (P < 0.01) groups compared to the OA control group. We observed a significant decrease in chromatin incorporation of PPARγ on the promoter regions of the candidate FA metabolism genes (P < 0.05). For the first time, the present study results show that PPARγ is a strong mediator for regulation of FA metabolism in human testis tissue and we confirmed its critical role in normal spermatogenesis.

Differences in expression of genes related to steroidgenesis in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of pregnant women with and without PCOS; a case control study.

BACKGROUND: It was reported that steroid-related gene expressions in the adipose tissue (AT) of women differ between women affected with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-PCOS. Although association between PCOS in mother and offspring's health is a crucial issue, there are few studies focusing on AT of pregnant women suffering from PCOS. Our objectives were to determine the differences between mRNA expression levels of key steroid-converting enzymes in abdominal subcutaneous AT of pregnant women afflicted with PCOS and non-PCOS. METHODS: Twelve pregnant women with PCOS (case) and thirty six non-PCOS pregnant women (control) (1:3 ratio; age- and BMI-matched) undergoing cesarean section were enrolled for the present study. Expressions of fifteen genes related to steriodogenesis in abdominal subcutaneous AT were investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected with respect to age, BMI (prior pregnancy and at delivery day), gestational period and parity among pregnant women with PCOS and non-PCOS. Most of the sex steroid-converting genes except 17ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases2 (17BHSD2), were highly expressed on the day of delivery in subcutaneous AT. Women with PCOS showed significantly higher mRNA levels of steroidgenic acute regulator (STAR; P < 0.001), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP11A1; P < 0.05), 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1; P < 0.05), and 11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11BHSD1 and 11BHSD2; P < 0.05). The expression of steroid 21-hydroxylase (CYP21) in non-PCOS was fourfold higher than those of women with PCOS (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between relative expression of aromatase cytochrome P450 (CYP19A1), 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3BHSD1 and 3BHSD2), and 17BHSD family (1, 3, 5, 7, and 12) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The expression levels of genes related to sex steroids metabolism were similar to age-matched and BMI- matched pregnant non-PCOS and pregnant women with PCOS at delivery day. However, the alterations in gene expressions involved in glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids metabolism were shown. It is necessary to point out that further studies regarding functional activity are required. More attention should be given to AT of pregnant women with PCOS that was previously ignored.

Paternal trans-fatty acid and vitamin E diet affects rat offspring's semen quality and PPARs expression.

Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) consumption has created concerns regarding male/female reproductive system. However, the effects of TFA in paternal diet on offspring's reproduction have not been addressed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of rat paternal TFAs and vitamin E consumption on offspring's sperm quality and expression pattern of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in testis tissues. Forty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control diet (C); Control diet plus TFA (CTH); diet supplemented with vitamin E (E) and a diet containing vitamin E and TFA (ETH). Mother rats had normal diet during gestation period. Three offspring from each group were chosen randomly and their testicular samples were collected, and sperm parameters were measured by CASA. Our results indicate that feeding fathers with TFA can negatively affect offspring's sperm concentration and motility, while consumption of vitamin E can improve these parameters (p < .05). The paternal diet containing TFA down-regulated the expression of PPARß and PPARγ genes, whereas vitamin E-containing diet up-regulated the transcription of PPAR genes. In conclusion, TFA intake in paternal diet may have negative effects on reproductive system of the offspring while vitamin E may not diminish these effects.

Differences in gene expression of enzymes involved in branched-chain amino acid metabolism of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue between pregnant women with and without PCOS.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be a common endocrine disorder of women in reproductive age. Adipose tissue (AT) is known as an active tissue in the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine) that they have associated with blood BCAA levels is a prognostic factor for insulin-resistant. Although the crucial roles of AT in women suffering from PCOS was reported, little information exists on the BCAA metabolism in AT of PCOS women. The aim was to assess and compare the expression of BCAAs metabolism pathway genes in abdominal subcutaneous AT of pregnant women with PCOS and non-PCOS pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AT samples from 13 PCOS were compared with samples collected from 6 non-PCOS women, all of whom underwent caesarean. Quantitative real-time PCR technique was used for gene expression of branched chain aminotransferase 2 mitochondrial (BCAT2), branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase E1-alpha (BCKDHA), branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase E1-Beta (BCKDHB), dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2 (DBT), dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase E3 (DLD), branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK), Data were analyzed using t-test or U-test. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in age and body mass index (BMI) between non-PCOS and PCOS women. The mRNA level of BCAT2 and DLD in PCOS group was not significantly different from non-PCOS group whereas mRNA level of BCKDHB and DBT was significantly increased in PCOS group (P < 0.0001). In contrast, mRNA level of BCKDHA (P = 0.0001) and BCKDK (P < 0.0001) was significantly decreased in PCOS group. CONCLUSION: The alterations in gene expressions involved BCAA metabolism in age-matched and BMI- matched non-PCOS and PCOS pregnant women at delivery day was shown which warrants further studies regards functional activity. More attention should be given to AT of PCOS mothers that was previously ignored.

Recent loss of the Dim2 DNA methyltransferase decreases mutation rate in repeats and changes evolutionary trajectory in a fungal pathogen.

DNA methylation is found throughout all domains of life, yet the extent and function of DNA methylation differ among eukaryotes. Strains of the plant pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici appeared to lack cytosine DNA methylation (5mC) because gene amplification followed by Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) resulted in the inactivation of the dim2 DNA methyltransferase gene. 5mC is, however, present in closely related sister species. We demonstrate that inactivation of dim2 occurred recently as some Z. tritici isolates carry a functional dim2 gene. Moreover, we show that dim2 inactivation occurred by a different path than previously hypothesized. We mapped the genome-wide distribution of 5mC in strains with or without functional dim2 alleles. Presence of functional dim2 correlates with high levels of 5mC in transposable elements (TEs), suggesting a role in genome defense. We identified low levels of 5mC in strains carrying non-functional dim2 alleles, suggesting that 5mC is maintained over time, presumably by an active Dnmt5 DNA methyltransferase. Integration of a functional dim2 allele in strains with mutated dim2 restored normal 5mC levels, demonstrating de novo cytosine methylation activity of Dim2. To assess the importance of 5mC for genome evolution, we performed an evolution experiment, comparing genomes of strains with high levels of 5mC to genomes of strains lacking functional dim2. We found that presence of a functional dim2 allele alters nucleotide composition by promoting C to T transitions (C→T) specifically at CpA (CA) sites during mitosis, likely contributing to TE inactivation. Our results show that 5mC density at TEs is a polymorphic trait in Z. tritici populations that can impact genome evolution.

The molecular mechanism behind insulin protective effects on testicular tissue of hyperglycemic rats.

AIMS: The present study assessed the possible mechanisms by which the insulin regulates the heat shock (HSPs) and transitional proteins expression and consequently ameliorates the oxidative stress-induced damages in germ and sperm cells DNA contents. MAIN METHODS: Mature male Wistar rats were distributed into control, Hyperglycemia-induced (HG) and insulin-treated HG-induced (HG-I) groups. Following 8 weeks from HG induction, testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoreactivity of 8-oxodG, germ cells mRNA damage, Hsp70-2a, Hsp90, transitional proteins 1 and 2 (TP-1 and -2) mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed. Moreover, the sperm chromatin condensation was assessed by aniline-blue staining, and DNA integrity of germ and sperm cells were analyzed by TUNEL and acrdine-orange staining techniques. KEY FINDINGS: The HG animals exhibited significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TAC, HSp70-2a, TP-1 and TP-2 expression levels, and increment in 8-oxodG immunoreactivity, mRNA damage, and Hsp90 expression. However, insulin treatment resulted in (p < 0.05) enhanced TAC level, Hsp70-2a, Hsp90, TP-1 and TP-2 expressions, besides reduced 8-oxodG immunoreactivity and mRNA damage compared to the HG group (p < 0.05). The chromatin condensation and the germ and sperm cells DNA fragmentation were decreased in HG-I group. SIGNIFICANCE: Insulin treatment amplifies the testicular TAC level, improves the Hsp70-2a, TP-1, and TP-2 expressions, and boosts the Hsp90-mediated role in DNA repairment process. Consequently, altogether could maintain the HG-induced DNA integrity in the testicular and sperm cells.

Comparison of the reliance of the postural control system on the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive inputs in chronic low back pain patients and asymptomatic participants.

BACKGROUND: Although proprioception deficits have been documented in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients, little is known about adaptive strategies to provide postural control in these patients. Substitution of unreliable proprioceptive information with other afferents might be considered plausible. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the response of the postural control system dependent on the source of sensory afferents being manipulated in persons with and without CLBP? METHODS: Sixty persons with and without CLBP participated in this cross-sectional study. Center of pressure (COP) displacement range, velocity, path length and area were calculated under four sensory conditions: 1) normal upright standing; 2) upright standing on a foam with eyes open and head in neutral position; 3) upright standing with eyes open and 60° cervical extension and 4) upright standing with eyes closed and 60° cervical extension. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare COP masseurs under different conditions and between the groups. RESULTS: CLBP patients demonstrated fewer alterations to manipulation of both visual and vestibular afferents in terms of number of COP variables significantly altered. ML range and velocity in both groups and path length in the CLBP group were significantly different between conditions 2 and 4. In both groups, all COP variables except AP range increased significantly in condition 2 compared to conditions 1and 3 (p < 0.001). AP velocity was the only variable to be different between conditions 1 and 3 in both CLBP (p = 0.025) and control (p < 0.001) groups. Between group differences were significant on AP velocity (p = 0.019). SIGNIFICANCE: No overweighting was observed in the vestibular or visual afferents in CLBP patients. Compensatory strategies seem to lie within proprioceptive system by reweighting afferents from different body segments. The postural control system behaved more robustly in CLBP patients while AP COP velocity was found as the most sensitive and discriminating parameter.

Oxidation of Sperm DNA and Male Infertility.

One important reason for male infertility is oxidative stress and its destructive effects on sperm structures and functions. The particular composition of the sperm membrane, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the easy access of sperm DNA to oxidative damage due to sperm cell specific cytologic and metabolic features (no cytoplasm left and cells unable to mount stress responses) make it the cell type in metazoans most susceptible to oxidative damage. In particular, oxidative damage to the spermatozoa genome is an important issue and a cause of male infertility, usually associated with single- or double-strand paternal DNA breaks. Various methods of detecting sperm DNA fragmentation have become important diagnostic tools in the prognosis of male infertility and such assays are available in research laboratories and andrology clinics. However, to date, there is not a clear consensus in the community as to their respective prognostic value. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the effects of oxidative stress on the sperm genome go well beyond DNA fragmentation alone. Oxidation of paternal DNA bases, particularly guanine and adenosine residues, the most sensitive residues to oxidative alteration, is the starting point for DNA damage in spermatozoa but is also a danger for the integrity of the embryo genetic material independently of sperm DNA fragmentation. Due to the lack of a spermatozoa DNA repair system and, if the egg is unable to correct the sperm oxidized bases, the risk of de novo mutation transmission to the embryo exists. These will be carried on to every cell of the future individual and its progeny. Thus, in addition to affecting the viability of the pregnancy itself, oxidation of the DNA bases in sperm could be associated with the development of conditions in young and future adults. Despite these important issues, sperm DNA base oxidation has not attracted much interest among clinicians due to the lack of simple, reliable, rapid and consensual methods of assessing this type of damage to the paternal genome. In addition to these technical issues, another reason explaining why the measurement of sperm DNA oxidation is not included in male fertility is likely to be due to the lack of strong evidence for its role in pregnancy outcome. It is, however, becoming clear that the assessment of DNA base oxidation could improve the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies and provide important information on embryonic developmental failures and pathologies encountered in the offspring. The objective of this work is to review relevant research that has been carried out in the field of sperm DNA base oxidation and its associated genetic and epigenetic consequences.