Whole-exome sequencing analysis of patent ductus arteriosus in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata).

We performed whole-exome sequencing using a human exome capture kit to analyze the potential genetic factors related to patent ductus arteriosus in Japanese macaques. Compared with the reference sequences of other primates, we identified potential missense variants in five genes: ADAM15, AZGP1, CSPG4, TNFRSF13B, and EPOR.

Veronica persica ameliorates acetaminophen-induced murine hepatotoxicity via attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Excess acetaminophen (APAP) commonly causes severe acute liver injury (ALI), characterized by oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory responses, and hepatocyte damage. Veronica persica (VP) is a traditional medicine with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is a paucity of information on its medicinal value, especially its potential mechanisms for alleviating ALI. This study aimed to clarify the ameliorative effects and intracellular mechanisms of VP on APAP-induced ALI via attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation. Mice were given VP for 7 days before exposure to APAP (300 mg/kg). The HPLC and radical scavenging assay found that VP contains 12 phenolic acids and 6 flavonoids, as well as show robust antioxidant capacity. In the APAP-induced ALI model, pre-treatment with VP significantly reduces APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by observing improved hepatocyte pathological injury and further confirmed by serum biochemical indicator. Also, the reduction of TUNEL-positive regions and the regulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein indicated that VP attenuates hepatocytotoxicity. Moreover, VP pre-intervention inhibits the formation of liver pro-inflammatory cytokines, the expression of inflammatory response genes, and increases in myeloperoxidase (MPO) in APAP-exposed mice. The elevated reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased oxidative stress markers indicate that VP reduces APAP-promoted oxidative stress. Further study revealed that VP inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB/STAT3 cascade, blocked ERK and JNK phosphorylation, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). To sum up, this study demonstrated that VP exists hepatoprotective abilities on APAP-induced ALI, primarily by suppressing the phosphorylation of NF-κB/STAT3 cascade and ERK-JNK and inducing AMPK activation to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation.

Melatonin inhibits Japanese encephalitis virus replication and neurotoxicity via calcineurin-autophagy pathways.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has no specific treatment except for supportive medical care. JEV is a neurotropic virus that affects the nervous system and triggers inflammation in the brain. METHODS: Melatonin is used as a sleep-inducing agent in neurophysiology and may serve as a protective agent against neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we investigated the effects of melatonin and the critical roles of the serine/threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin during JEV infection in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. RESULTS: Melatonin treatment decreased JEV replication and JEV-mediated neurotoxicity. Calcineurin activity was increased by JEV infection and inhibited by melatonin treatment. Through calcineurin regulation, melatonin decreased the JEV-mediated neuroinflammatory response and attenuated JEV-induced autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Calcineurin inactivation has a protective effect in JEV-infected neuronal cells, and melatonin is a novel resource for the development of anti-JEV agents.

An Antidepressant Drug Increased TRAIL Receptor-2 Expression and Sensitized Lung Cancer Cells to TRAIL-induced Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: TRAIL has emerged as a promising therapeutic target due to its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Autophagy, a highly regulated cellular recycling mechanism, is known to play a cell survival role by providing a required environment for the cell. Recent studies suggest that autophagy plays a significant role in increasing TRAIL resistance in certain cancer cells. Thus, regulating autophagy in TRAIL-mediated cancer therapy is crucial for its role in cancer treatment. OBJECTIVE: Our study explored whether the antidepressant drug desipramine could enhance the ability of TRAIL to kill cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy. METHODS: The effect of desipramine on TRAIL sensitivity was examined in various lung cancer cell lines. Cell viability was measured by morphological analysis, trypan blue exclusion, and crystal violet staining. Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to measure apoptosis with annexin V-PI stained cells. Western blotting, rtPCR, and immunocytochemistry were carried out to measure autophagy and death receptor expression. TEM was carried out to detect autophagy inhibition. RESULTS: Desipramine treatment increased the TRAIL sensitivity in all lung cancer cell lines. Mechanistically, desipramine treatment induced death receptor expression to increase TRAIL sensitivity. This effect was confirmed when the genetic blockade of DR5 reduced the effect of desipramine in enhanced TRAIL-mediated cell death. Further investigation revealed that desipramine treatment increased the LC3 and p62 levels, indicating the inhibition of lysosomal degradation of autophagy. Notably, TRAIL, in combination with either desipramine or the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine, exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity compared to TRAIL treatment alone. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed the potential of desipramine to induce TRAIL-mediated cell death by autophagy impairment. This discovery suggests its therapeutic potential for inducing TRAIL-mediated cell death by increasing the expression of death receptors, which is caused by impairing autophagy.

Morphological and morphometric study of the scapulae of Korean wild deer.

Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus; Heude, 1884) and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus; Pallas, 1771) are Korean wild deer classified in the tribe Capreolini. C. pygargus in Korea were previously considered a single species; however, it was recently suggested that roe deer living on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer; Capreolus pygargus jejuensis) is a distinct subspecies from roe deer living on the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer; Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) based on several studies demonstrating genetic and morphological features. In this study, we suggests that the scapular morphology and osteometric data can be used for interspecies discrmination between Korean wild deer. To compare the morphological characteristics of scapula among the three groups of deer, we analyzed the features and nine osteomorphological measurements of 31 H. i. argyropus (14 males and 17 females), 18 C. p. jejuensis (4 males and 14 females), and 23 C. p. tianschanicus (16 females and 7 males). The estimated ages of the deer were over 32-35 months. Data were analyzed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Duncan test and discriminant functional analysis (DFA). H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus had the smallest and largest scapulae, respectively. The scapulae of the three Korean wild deer had a similar triangular shape, which was obscured by the tuber of the scapular spine, pointed acromion, broad infraspinous fossa, narrow supraspinous fossa, and partial ossification of scapular cartilage in older deer. H. i. argyropus had certain distinctive features, including a caudally pointed acromion, a notch between the supraglenoid tubercle and glenoid cavity (NBSG), a glenoid notch, and no sexual dimorphism, except for the longest dorsal length (Ld) and the scapular index (SI). C. p. jejuensis had a larger scapular index (SI) (61.74 ± 0.74%), compared with the SIs of H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus. The unique features of the scapula in C. p. jejuensis include its S-shaped cranial border. The C. p. jejuensis had a cranially pointed acromion, less frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, short length of supraglenoid tubercle, and no sexual dimorphism. The C. p. tianschanicus had elevated cranial margin of the glenoid cavity, and frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, similar to the H. i. argyropus. Similar to C. p. jejuensis, C. p. tianschanicus had a cranially pointed acromion. However, sexual dimorphism was observed in C. p. tianschanicus. DFA using osteometric data showed 97.22% of specimens were classified correctly into their species, meaning the osteometric parameters can be used for interspecies discrimination of Korean wild deer. Our findings indicate that the scapular morphologies of the three Korean wild deer have certain similarities and differences, suggesting that C. p. jejuensis are distinct from C. p. tianschanicus.

Prevalence, Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Avian Influenza in Wild Bird Populations in Korea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Since the first recorded outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5N1) in South Korea in 2003, numerous sporadic outbreaks have occurred in South Korean duck and chicken farms, all of which have been attributed to avian influenza transmission from migratory wild birds. A thorough investigation of the prevalence and seroprevalence of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds is critical for assessing the exposure risk and for directing strong and effective regulatory measures to counteract the spread of AIVs among wild birds, poultry, and humans. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, following the PRISMA guidelines, to generate a quantitative estimate of the prevalence and seroprevalence of AIVs in wild birds in South Korea. An extensive search of eligible studies was performed through electronic databases and 853 records were identified, of which, 49 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence and seroprevalence were estimated to be 1.57% (95% CI: 0.98, 2.51) and 15.91% (95% CI: 5.89, 36.38), respectively. The highest prevalence and seroprevalence rates were detected in the Anseriformes species, highlighting the critical role of this bird species in the dissemination of AIVs in South Korea. Furthermore, the results of the subgroup analysis also revealed that the AIV seroprevalence in wild birds varies depending on the detection rate, sample size, and sampling season. The findings of this study demonstrate the necessity of strengthening the surveillance for AIV in wild birds and implementing strong measures to curb the spread of AIV from wild birds to the poultry population.

Olanzapine Ameliorates Ischemic Stroke-like Pathology in Gerbils and H2O2-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells via Inhibiting the MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Olanzapine (OLNZ) is used to treat psychotic disorders. To look into the neurological basis of this phenomenon, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of OLNZ in gerbils and SH-SY5Y cells. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia (TGCI) by blocking both common carotid arteries, and OLNZ (10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to induce oxidative-stress-mediated damage in the SH-SY5Y cells. The results indicated that OLNZ administration markedly reduced neuron damage and glial cell triggering within CA1 zone of the hippocampus. We used RNA sequencing to assess the numbers of up-and downregulated genes involved in TGCI. We found that OLNZ treatment downregulated the expression of complement-component-related genes and the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the hippocampus. In cells, OLNZ co-treatment significantly improved cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Expression of antioxidant superoxide dismutase-1,2 enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-2) was also intensely upregulated by OLNZ, while the expression of MAPKs and NF-κB were reduced. Co-incubation with OLNZ also regulated apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2 expression. Finally, the results demonstrated that treatment with OLNZ showed neuroprotective effects and that the MAPK pathway could involve in the protective effects.

The Core Splicing Factors EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A Are Essential for Neural Crest and Craniofacial Development.

Mandibulofacial dysostosis (MFD) is a human congenital disorder characterized by hypoplastic neural-crest-derived craniofacial bones often associated with outer and middle ear defects. There is growing evidence that mutations in components of the spliceosome are a major cause for MFD. Genetic variants affecting the function of several core splicing factors, namely SF3B4, SF3B2, EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A, are responsible for MFD in five related but distinct syndromes known as Nager and Rodriguez syndromes (NRS), craniofacial microsomia (CFM), mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM), cerebro-costo-mandibular syndrome (CCMS) and Burn-McKeown syndrome (BMKS), respectively. Animal models of NRS and MFDM indicate that MFD results from an early depletion of neural crest progenitors through a mechanism that involves apoptosis. Here we characterize the knockdown phenotype of Eftud2, Snrpb and Txnl4a in Xenopus embryos at different stages of neural crest and craniofacial development. Our results point to defects in cranial neural crest cell formation as the likely culprit for MFD associated with EFTUD2, SNRPB and TXNL4A haploinsufficiency, and suggest a commonality in the etiology of these craniofacial spliceosomopathies.

Anti-inflammatory effects of the Aralia elata and Cirsium japonicum in Raw264.7 cells and in vivo colitis model in mice and dogs.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a severe inflammatory disease that has spread throughout the world. Cirsium japonicum (CJ) and Aralia elata (AE) are natural herbs with potent antioxidative antidiabetics and anti-inflammatory effects. In this investigation, we studied the defensive role of the combination of CJ and AE against LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, and acetic acid-induced colitis in dogs. MTT assay was performed to identify the toxic effect of CJ and AE extracts. NO, and MDA level was also measured by NO and MDA assay. To measure the pro-inflammatory protein expression, a western blot was performed. To induce colitis, 3% DSS was used for mice and 6% acetic acid was used for dogs. Histopathology and colonoscopy were executed to detect the effect of extracts. CJ and AE pretreatment reduced the level of NO, MDA, and the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in RAW 264.7. Compared to the separate doses of CJ and AE, the combined dose of CJ and AE significantly reduced clinical symptoms induced by DSS in mice and acetic acid in dogs including weight loss, bloody stool, shortening of the colon, and the severity of colitis and degree of histological damage in the colon. Therefore, these results indicated that a combined dose of CJ and AE has a protective effect against LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, DSS-mediated colonic inflammation in mice, and acetic acid-induced colitis in dogs.

Fermented Mentha arvensis administration provides neuroprotection against transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbils and SH-SY5Y cells via downregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Globally, ischemic stroke is a major health threat to humans that causes lifelong disability and death. Mentha arvensis (MA) has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. In the present study, the neuroprotective properties of fermented MA (FMA) extract were investigated in the gerbil and SH-SY5Y cells. model of transient global cerebral ischemia. METHODS: Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion-induced transient global cerebral ischemia in gerbil and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated neurotoxic effects in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were investigated. FMA (400 mg/kg) was orally administered for 7 days before induction of ischemic stroke. To evaluate the neuroprotective activity of FMA, we implemented various assays such as cell viability assay (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), histofluorescence, and western blot. RESULTS: FMA pretreatment effectively decreased transient ischemia (TI) induced neuronal cell death as well as activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampal region. The protective effects of FMA extract against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity of SH-SY5Y cells were observed by MTT and LDH assay. However, FMA pretreatment significantly increased the expression of the antioxidant marker proteins such as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) in the hippocampus and SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) further activated a cascade of outcomes such as neuroinflammation and apoptosis. FMA pretreatment notably decreased TI and H2O2 induced activation of MAPK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38) proteins in hippocampus and SH-SY5Y cells respectively. Besides, pretreatment with FMA markedly reduced H2O2 mediated Bax/Bcl2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells. CONCLUSION: Thus, these results demonstrated that neuroprotective activities of FMA might contribute to regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.

Effect of therapeutic hypothermia against renal injury in a rat model of asphyxial cardiac arrest: Α focus on the survival rate, pathophysiology and antioxidant enzymes.

Although multi­organ dysfunction is associated with the survival rate following cardiac arrest (CA), the majority of studies to date have focused on hearts and brains, and few studies have considered renal failure. The objective of the present study, therefore, was to examine the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on the survival rate, pathophysiology and antioxidant enzymes in rat kidneys following asphyxial CA. Rats were sacrificed one day following CA. The survival rate, which was estimated using Kaplan­Meier analysis, was 42.9% one day following CA. However, hypothermia, which was induced following CA, significantly increased the survival rate (71.4%). In normothermia rats with CA, the serum blood urea nitrogen level was significantly increased one day post­CA. In addition, the serum creatinine level was significantly increased one day post­CA. However, in CA rats exposed to hypothermia, the levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine significantly decreased following CA. Histochemical staining revealed a significant temporal increase in renal injury after the normothermia group was subjected to CA. However, renal injury was significantly decreased in the hypothermia group. Immunohistochemical analysis of the kidney revealed a significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes (copper­zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) with time in the normothermia group. However, in the hypothermia group, these enzymes were significantly elevated following CA. Collectively, the results revealed that renal dysfunction following asphyxial CA was strongly associated with the early survival rate and therapeutic hypothermia reduced renal injury via effective antioxidant mechanisms.

Therapeutic hypothermia effect on asphyxial cardiac arrest-induced renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via change of Nrf2/HO-1 levels.

The present study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effect of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RI/RI) induced by asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) in rats. A total of 48 male rats were randomly divided into five groups: i) Sham (n=6); ii) Normothermia + CA (Normo.) (n=14); iii) Normo. and 2 h of TH after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (n=12); iv) Normo. and 4 h of TH after ROSC (n=9); and v) Normo. and 6 h of TH after ROSC (n=7). All rats except the Sham group underwent asphyxia CA and were sacrificed 1 day after ROSC. The survival rate increased from 42.8% in the Normo. group to 50, 66.6 and 85.7% in the groups with 2, 4 and 6 h of TH after CA, respectively. TH attenuated the histopathological changes of the renal tissues following ROSC and the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and malondialdehyde in renal tissues. On immunohistochemistry, the relative optical density of nuclear erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) expression in renal tissues increased in the Normo. group compared with that in the Sham group and exhibited further significant increases at 6 h of TH after ROSC. In conclusion, TH attenuated renal injury and increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in a TH treatment time-dependent manner.

Ethanol Extract of Maclura tricuspidata Fruit Protects SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage via Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB Signaling.

Free radical generation and oxidative stress push forward an immense influence on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Maclura tricuspidata fruit (MT) contains many biologically active substances, including compounds with antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of MT fruit on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with MT, and cell damage was induced by H2O2. First, the chemical composition and free radical scavenging properties of MT were analyzed. MT attenuated oxidative stress-induced damage in cells based on the assessment of cell viability. The H2O2-induced toxicity caused by ROS production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was ameliorated by MT pretreatment. MT also promoted an increase in the expression of genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). MT pretreatment was associated with an increase in the expression of neuronal genes downregulated by H2O2. Mechanistically, MT dramatically suppressed H2O2-induced Bcl-2 downregulation, Bax upregulation, apoptotic factor caspase-3 activation, Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (JNK, ERK, and p38), and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, thereby preventing H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that MT has protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells and can be used to prevent and protect against neurodegeneration.

Changes of renal histopathology and the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in asphyxial cardiac arrest model in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in renal histopathological ailments time-dependently in asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) rat model. METHODS: Eighty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each. Asphyxial CA was induced in all the experimental rats except for the sham group. The rats were sacrificed at 6 hours, 12 hours, one day and two days post-CA. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde from the renal tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were done to evaluate the renal histopathological changes in the renal cortex. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 immunohistochemistry (ihc) and western blot analysis were performed after CA. RESULTS: The survival rate of rats decreased in a time-dependent manner: 66.6% at 6 hours, 50% at 12 hours, 38.1% in one day, and 25.8% in two days. BUN and serum Crtn markedly increased in CA-operated groups. Histopathological ailments of the renal cortical tissues increased significantly from 6 hours until two days post-CA. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 expression level significantly increased at 6 hours, 12 hours, and one day. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate decreased time-dependently, and Nrf/HO-1 expression increased from 6 hours with the peak times at 12 hours, and one day post-CA.

Camellia japonica diminishes acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by attenuating oxidative stress in mice.

This experiment was to explore the possible defensive properties and potential molecular mechanisms of Camellia japonica (CJ) against APAP-stimulated acute liver failure (ALF) in mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of CJ on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were orally treated with CJ before or after challenge with APAP. Both pretreatment and post-treatment with CJ attenuated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, as confirmed by significantly reduced serum toxicity biomarkers and improved hepatic pathological damage. Pretreatment with CJ drastically decreased the rise of hepatic inflammatory cytokines levels and weakened neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, pretreatment with CJ dramatically decreased the levels of hepatic oxidative stress markers such as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) expression and rescued the reduced hepatic level of GSH caused by APAP overdose. Additionally, CJ pretreatment markedly attenuated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation, transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver. The present study thus reveals that CJ attenuated APAP-induced ALF by inhibiting COX-2 activation, NF-κB, and JNK phosphorylation and activating the AMPK signaling pathway.

Changes of renal histopathology and the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in asphyxial cardiac arrest model in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the role of Nrf2/HO-1 in renal histopathological ailments time-dependently in asphyxial cardiac arrest (CA) rat model. Methods Eighty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of eight rats each. Asphyxial CA was induced in all the experimental rats except for the sham group. The rats were sacrificed at 6 hours, 12 hours, one day and two days post-CA. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Crtn) and malondialdehyde from the renal tissues were evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were done to evaluate the renal histopathological changes in the renal cortex. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 immunohistochemistry (ihc) and western blot analysis were performed after CA. Results The survival rate of rats decreased in a time-dependent manner: 66.6% at 6 hours, 50% at 12 hours, 38.1% in one day, and 25.8% in two days. BUN and serum Crtn markedly increased in CA-operated groups. Histopathological ailments of the renal cortical tissues increased significantly from 6 hours until two days post-CA. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 expression level significantly increased at 6 hours, 12 hours, and one day. Conclusions The survival rate decreased time-dependently, and Nrf/HO-1 expression increased from 6 hours with the peak times at 12 hours, and one day post-CA.

Protective effects of therapeutic hypothermia on renal injury in an asphyxial cardiac arrest rat model.

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Most of post-resuscitation related deaths are due to post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). After cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) leads to renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, also known as PCAS. Many studies have focused on brain and heart injuries after ROSC, but renal failure has largely been ignored. Therefore, we investigated the protective effects of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on asphyxial CA-induced renal injury in rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) the control group (sham); 2) the normothermic CA (nor.); 3) a normothermic CA group that received TH immediately within 2 h after CPR (Hypo. 2 hrs); 4) a normothermic CA group that received TH within 4 h after CPR (Hypo. 4 hrs); and 5) a normothermia CA group that received TH within 6 h after CPR (Hypo. 6 h). One day after CPR, all rats were sacrificed. Compared with the normothermic CA group, the TH groups demonstrated significantly increased survival rate (P < 0.05); decreased serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase levels; and lower histological damage degree and malondialdehyde concentration in their renal tissue. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling stain revealed that the number of apoptotic cells significantly decreased after 4 h and 6 h of TH compared to the results seen in the normothermic CA group. Moreover, TH downregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in the renal cortex compared to the normothermic CA group one day after CPR. These results suggest that TH exerts anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects immediately after ROSC that protect against renal injury.

PR domaincontaining protein 12 (prdm12) is a downstream target of the transcription factor zic1 during cellular differentiation in the central nervous system: PR domain containing protein is the right form.

Transcription factor zic1 is an important regulator of neural plate patterning, formation of neural crest and cerebellar development, where its main function is neuronal cell differentiation. Among the genes identified, PR domain-containing 12 (prdm12) is a member of the prdm family and is expressed in the placode domain in the neurula stage. prdm12 is distinctly expressed in the dorsal part of the midbrain, trigeminal ganglion, and the motor neuron in the spinal cord. prdm12 knockdown results in the ventralization of the neural tube. zic1 knockdown results in the reduction of prdm12 expression in the midbrain, motor neuron and trigeminal ganglion, and overexpression of zic1 results in the expansion of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. zic1-activated wnt signaling is also a regulator of prdm12 expression in the midbrain. We propose that prdm12 is the downstream of zic1 and a novel player in the gene regulatory network controlling brain cell differentiation, along with some ganglions in Xenopus.

Ameliorative effects of Magnolia sieboldii buds hexane extract on experimental reflux esophagitis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that stomach contents continually refluxing into esophagus causes symptoms and/or complications. The study was working to find natural plant extracts with good effects and small side effects to treat reflux esophagitis (RE). The anti-inflammatory effects of hexane extract of Magnolia sieboldii (MsHE) were conducted on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The ameliorative effects of MsHE on esophageal damage in rats induced by gastric acid reflux was explored in vivo. The results showed that MsHE decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression levels of iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and MsHE treatment ameliorated the rats' esophageal tissue damage induced by gastric acid and inhibited the increase of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, MsHE protected the function of barrier of epithelial cells against inflammatory conditions through increasing the expression of tight junctions. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used for determine the active ingredients contained in MsHE. The results show that MsHE can alleviate experimental rat RE by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. In summary, MsHE may be used as a source material of drug candidate for the treatment of RE.

Beneficial roles of probiotics on the modulation of gut microbiota and immune response in pigs.

The importance of probiotics in swine production is widely acknowledged as crucial. However, gaps still remain in the exact roles played by probiotics in modulation of gut microbiota and immune response. This study determined the roles of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain JDFM LP11in gut microbiota modulation and immune response in weaned piglets. L. plantarum JDFM LP11 increased the population of lactic acid bacteria in feces and enhanced the development of villi in the small intestine. Metagenome analysis showed that microbial diversity and richness (Simpson, Shannon, ACE, Chao1) and the relative abundance of the Firmicutes were higher in weaned piglets fed probiotics. Five bacterial families were different in the relative abundance, especially; Prevotellaceae occupied the largest part of microbial community showed the most difference between two groups. Transcriptome analysis identified 25 differentially expressed genes using RNA-sequencing data of the ileum. Further gene ontology and immune DB analysis determined 8 genes associated with innate defense response and cytokine production. BPI, RSAD2, SLPI, LUM, OLFM4, DMBT1 and C6 genes were down-regulated by probiotic supplementation except PLA2G2A. PICRUSt analysis predicting functional profiling of microbial communities indicated branched amino acid biosynthesis and butyrate metabolism promoting gut development and health were increased by probiotics. Altogether, our data suggest that L. plantarum JDFM LP11 increases the diversity and richness in the microbial community, and attenuates the ileal immune gene expression towards gut inflammation, promoting intestinal development in weaned piglets.