Effects of Bisphenol A on redox balance in red blood and sperm cells and spermatic quality in zebrafish Danio rerio.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a potential endocrine disruptor besides being associated with oxidative damage in several vertebrate classes. In the present study we investigated oxidative effects in erythrocytes and sperm cells as well as spermatic quality in Danio rerio exposed to 14 days at BPA concentrations of 2, 10 and 100 µg/L. Organelles structure, reactive species of oxygen (ROS) and lipoperoxidation (LPO) on erythrocytes and sperm cells were measured by flow cytometry and spermatic parameters were analyzed by the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. For both cell types, when compared with control BPA treatment induced a significant increase in ROS and LPO production causing the membrane fluidity disorder, loss of membrane integrity and mitochondrial functionality. Furthermore, it was found a significant increase in DNA fragmentation in erythrocytes of zebrafish BPA exposed. Regarding the spermatic quality, results showed lower sperm motility in animals exposed to BPA, and alterations on velocity parameters of spermatozoa. Thus, the present study concludes that BPA affects the oxidative balance of both cell types, and that can directly affects the reproductive success of the adult Danio rerio. The sensitivity of erythrocytes to oxidative damage induced by BPA was similar to sperm cells, indicating a potential use of blood cells as indicators of oxidative damage present in fish sperm.

The ESC/E(Z) complex, an effector of response to ovarian steroids, manifests an intrinsic difference in cells from women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Clinical evidence suggests that mood and behavioral symptoms in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a common, recently recognized, psychiatric condition among women, reflect abnormal responsivity to ovarian steroids. This differential sensitivity could be due to an unrecognized aspect of hormonal signaling or a difference in cellular response. In this study, lymphoblastoid cell line cultures (LCLs) from women with PMDD and asymptomatic controls were compared via whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) during untreated (ovarian steroid-free) conditions and following hormone treatment. The women with PMDD manifested ovarian steroid-triggered behavioral sensitivity during a hormone suppression and addback clinical trial, and controls did not, leading us to hypothesize that women with PMDD might differ in their cellular response to ovarian steroids. In untreated LCLs, our results overall suggest a divergence between mRNA (for example, gene transcription) and protein (for example, RNA translation in proteins) for the same genes. Pathway analysis of the LCL transcriptome revealed, among others, over-expression of ESC/E(Z) complex genes (an ovarian steroid-regulated gene silencing complex) in untreated LCLs from women with PMDD, with more than half of these genes over-expressed as compared with the controls, and with significant effects for MTF2, PHF19 and SIRT1 (P<0.05). RNA and protein expression of the 13 ESC/E(Z) complex genes were individually quantitated. This pattern of increased ESC/E(Z) mRNA expression was confirmed in a larger cohort by qRT-PCR. In contrast, protein expression of ESC/E(Z) genes was decreased in untreated PMDD LCLs with MTF2, PHF19 and SIRT1 all significantly decreased (P<0.05). Finally, mRNA expression of several ESC/E(Z) complex genes were increased by progesterone in controls only, and decreased by estradiol in PMDD LCLs. These findings demonstrate that LCLs from women with PMDD manifest a cellular difference in ESC/E(Z) complex function both in the untreated condition and in response to ovarian hormones. Dysregulation of ESC/E(Z) complex function could contribute to PMDD.

Sperm impairments in adult vesper mice (Calomys laucha) caused by in utero exposure to bisphenol A.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in utero administration of bisphenol A (BPA) on semen parameters of vesper mice. Sixty female Calomys laucha were divided into six groups and received by gavage during gestation the following substances: Water (negative control), Olive Oil (vehicle control), Diethylstilbestrol (DES - positive control - 6.5 µg kg(-1) bw) and BPA (40, 80 and 200 µg kg(-1) bw). Male offspring were euthanised at 70 days of age, and sperm parameters were analysed. BPA reduced normal sperm morphology (water = 96.1 ± 0.65; BPA200 = 96.8 ± 2.3%), sperm membrane integrity (water = 88.8 ± 1,65; BPA200 = 70.6 ± 4,15%), sperm motility (water = 87.5 ± 1.71; BPA200 = 51.3 ±9.9%) and in vitro penetration rates (water = 55.0 ± 7.14; BPA200 = 7.47 ±2.96%), but it did not affect body weight, anogenital distance, sperm DNA integrity and acrosome integrity. In conclusion, in utero exposure to BPA caused a reduction in sperm parameters of adult C. laucha. Natural mating studies should be conducted to verify the effects of BPA on fertility of the animals.

Estradiol valerate and tibolone: effects upon brain oxidative stress and blood biochemistry during aging in female rats.

Estrogen compounds have been described as important brain protectors. This study investigated the effects of estradiol valerate (EV--0.3 mg/kg) and two concentrations of tibolone (TB1=0.5 mg/kg and TB2=1 mg/kg) on brain oxidative stress parameters and blood biochemistry in ovariectomized female rats, of three different age groups (young--2 months, adult--8 months, and old--20 months). In the brain cortex, young and old TB2-treated and old no-hormone-replacement (NR) females showed lower lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) levels compared to young Sham and adult TB1 animals (P<0.05). Also in the cortex, both tibolone doses produced higher (P<0.05) total antioxidant capacity (TOSC) levels compared to EV-treated adult females. Ovariectomized adult females (NR, EV, TB1 and TB2) showed lower (P<0.05) TOSC levels in the hippocampus compared to the Sham control. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were higher (P<0.05) in old females compared to all younger ones. TB2-treated adults showed higher plasma glucose (P<0.05) levels compared to old animals. Regardless of age, TB2 treatment increased female (P<0.05) LDL levels compared to Sham and EV-treated animals. In old females, TB2 significantly increased HDL levels compared to Sham controls, and decreased triglyceride levels were shown in EV, TB1 and TB2 compared to Sham old females. The Atherogenic Index of Plasma was higher (P<0.05) in adult tibolone-treated females compared to both young and old TB2-treated females. These results suggest that the effects of gonad steroid on brain and blood physiology change significantly with aging, and that evaluating hormonal treatment types and doses could be the key factor in the potential use of a specific hormone therapy.

Estradiol valerate and tibolone: effects on memory.

This study investigated the effects of estradiol valerate (EV) and tibolone (TB) treatments on some memory parameters of ovariectomized young (2 months), adult (8 months) and old (20 months) female rats. A Sham-operated group was used as control and the animals were treated daily, by oral gavage, with saline (Sham and placebo NR group), EV (0.3 mg/kg) or TB (0.5 or 1 mg/kg, TB1 and TB2, respectively). In step-down inhibitory avoidance task, the latency of old TB2-treated females in the short-term test was significantly inferior (p<0.05), compared to TB2 adults. In the elevated plus maze, adult NR females spent significantly less time (p<0.05) in the open arms as compared with EV and TB2-treated animals. Additionally, adult TB2-treated females spent significantly less time in the closed arms compared to Sham, NR and TB1 groups. Finally, in the water maze retention test, young TB1-treated animals performed worse when compared to Sham, EV and TB2 females. In the old animals, EV treatment hampered subject performance as compared to all other treatments. Taken together, these results indicate that ovarian hormones differently affect female memory in an age-dependent manner.

Immune adaptive response induced by Bicotylophora trachinoti (Monogenea: Diclidophoridae) infestation in pompano Trachinotus marginatus (Perciformes: Carangidae).

Fish have developed protective strategies against monogeneans through immunological responses. In this study, immune adaptive response to parasites was analysed in the pompano Trachinotus marginatus infested by Bicotylophora trachinoti. Hosts were pre-treated with formalin and after 10 days assigned to one of the following experimental treatments: (1) fish infested with remaining eggs of B. trachinoti; (2) fish infested with remaining eggs of B. trachinoti and experimentally re-infested by exposure to T. marginatus heavily infested with B. trachinoti. Samples were collected at 0, 15, and 30 days. Gills were dissected to check the presence of B. trachinoti. Blood was collected for haematological and biochemical assays. Spleen and head-kidney were dissected for phagocytosis assay. The spleen-somatic index was also calculated. Re-infested fish showed a faster and higher parasite infestation than infested ones. The parasite mean abundance at 15 days was 24.86+/-13.32 and 11.67+/-8.57 for re-infested and infested fish, respectively. In both groups, hosts showed an immune adaptive response to parasite infestation that was marked by an increased number of leukocytes. Also, phagocytosis (%) in spleen and head-kidney cells was stimulated after parasite infestation (92.50+/-3.73 and 66.00+/-9.54, respectively), becoming later depressed (77.39+/-6.69 and 53.23+/-9.14, respectively). These results support the hypothesis that monogenean infestation induces a biphasic response of the non-specific defence mechanisms in the pompano T. marginatus. This response is marked by an initial stimulation followed by a later depression of the non-specific defence mechanisms.

Serum leptin concentration during the terrestrial phase of the Southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina (Carnivora: Phocidae).

This study aimed to verify the serum leptin concentration during the terrestrial phase of the Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) on Elephant Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). Sera from 25 adult Southern elephant seals were analyzed. Leptin concentration was determined using the 125I radioimmunoassay method. Total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentration were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Seals were grouped by sex and their physiological status (reproducing or molting seals). In reproducing seals, serum concentrations of leptin, total protein, triglycerides, and cholesterol were, respectively, 9.33+/-1.97 ng/ml, 6.87+/-0.09 g/dl, 98.26+/-2.12 mg/dl, and 232.17+/-41.18 mg/dl in males and 5.30+/-1.36 ng/ml, 6.44+/-0.29 g/dl, 109.01+/-3.34 mg/dl, and 219.20+/-26.65 in females (mean+/-1 SD). In molting seals, these values were 2.35+/-1.51 ng/ml, 7.42+/-0.25 mg/dl, 321.10+/-20.01 mg/dl, and 244.66+/-22.24 mg/dl in males and 2.94+/-1.89 ng/ml, 7.88+/-0.46 mg/dl, 197.54 mg/dl, and 224.55+/-16.70 mg/dl in females. In both males and females, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in total protein and cholesterol concentration between reproducing and molting seals. However, both males and females showed higher leptin concentration (P<0.05) and lower triglyceride concentration (P<0.05) in the reproductive period than in the molt period. In the reproductive period, it was expected that the Southern elephant seal shows an inhibited hunger sensation, mobilizes stored energy, and stimulates the HPG axis. Results from the present study support this hypothesis and suggest that this strategy may be effected by the hormonal stimulation of leptin.

Differences in asthma prevalence between samples of American Indian and Alaska Native children.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the prevalence of asthma among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and to explore the contribution of locale to asthma symptoms and diagnostic assignment, the authors surveyed AI/AN middle school students, comparing responses from metropolitan Tacoma, Washington (metro WA) and a non-metropolitan area of Alaska (non-metro AK). METHODS: Students in grades 6-9 completed an asthma screening survey. The authors compared self-reported rates of asthma symptoms, asthma diagnoses, and health care utilization for 147 children ages 11-16 self-reporting as AI/AN in metro WA and 365 in non-metro AK. RESULTS: The prevalences of self-reported asthma symptoms were similar for the metro WA and non-metro AK populations, but a significantly higher percentage of metro WA than of non-metro AK respondents reported having received a physician diagnosis of asthma (OR 2.33; 95% CI 1.23, 4.39). The percentages of respondents who reported having visited a medical provider for asthma-like symptoms in the previous year did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in rates of asthma diagnosis despite similar rates of asthma symptoms and respiratory-related medical visits may reflect differences in respiratory disease patterns, diagnostic labeling practices, or environmental factors. Future attempts to describe asthma prevalence should consider the potential contribution of non-biologic factors such as diagnostic practices.

Fatores que afetam a razäo neutrófilos: linfócitos em novilhas Nelore / Factors affecting the neutrophyl/lymphocyte ratio in Nelore heifers

Estudou-se a razäo neutrófilos:linfócitos (R. N:L) em gado Nelore, utilizando-se seis novilhos de 3 anos de idade. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas nos dias 0 (cio), 4, 8, 12, 16 e 20 do ciclo estral, por punçäo da veia jugular, para dosagem de progesterona e de cortisol, e contagem total e diferencial de leucócitos. Foram tomadas 64 amostras, média de 1,8 ciclos estrais por novilha. Adicionalmente, foi registrada a ordem de amostragem (média = 10,66 amostras por animal, assincrônicas com o ciclo estral). Os resultados foram analisados pelo procedimento Stepwise do SAS, resultando na seguinte equaçäo: R.N:L = 0,64818 - 0,03891 D + 0,007735 D2 - 0,00030 D3 - 0,06745 P - 0,01444 O, onde D = dia do ciclo estral, P = progesterona (ng/ml) e O = ordem de amostragem (1-12). O coeficiente de determinaçäo foi de 31,59 por cento. A R. N:L foi afetada por D3 e P (P<0,01) e por O (P<0,05), sendo que P teve efeito negativo. Ä medida que aumentou O houve diminuiçäo na R. N:L. Nas primeiras colheitas e no dia do cio observou-se uma R. N:L superior a 0,50, o que seria indicativo de estresse

Dialogues with preadolescents and adolescents: mother-child interaction patterns in affectively ill and well dyads.

This study examined affective/communicative patterns in the interactions of unipolar, bipolar, and well mothers with their preadolescent and adolescent children. As part of a large longitudinal project, mother-child interaction was assessed for two siblings ages 8 to 11 and 12 to 16. Interactional difficulties were linked to both maternal affective illness and child problem status. Preadolescent children appeared more comfortable/happy with well mothers than with affectively ill mothers. Mothers and their preadolescents were more critical/irritable with each other when the child had a psychiatric disorder. Gender differences were apparent, particularly in regard to mother's current psychiatric status. Interactions in adolescent-daughter dyads were more critical when mothers met criteria for a major depressive episode within the month. The results illuminate interactive processes through which psychopathology may be perpetuated in families.

Effect of estrous cycle and blood sampling order on the plasma cortisol concentration in Bos taurus Indicus (Nelore) heifers

Avaliou-se a variaçäo de cortisol plasmático em novilhas Nelore. Sessenta e três amostras de sangue foram obtidas da jugular nos dias 0 (estro), 4, 8, 12, 16 e 20 do ciclo estral. Também foi registrada a ordem de amostragem, com 10,5 amostras por animal, assincrônicas com o ciclo. A concentraçäo de cortisol foi influenciada pelo dia do ciclo estral (P<0,05), com maior concentraçäo durante o estro e menor no meio do ciclo. A ordem da amostragem alterou a concentraçäo de cortisol (P<0,01), com teores mais elevados nas primeiras amostras. O estresse das colheitas influenciou a concentraçäo de cortisol e sua variaçäo, durante o ciclo estral, indicou seu possível envolvimento fisiológico no ciclo reprodutivo da fêmea bovina