Comparative analysis of differentially expressed genes related to triglyceride metabolism between intramuscular fat and abdominal fat in broilers.

1. Lipid metabolism is an indispensable process in an organism, though little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of fat deposition in different types of adipose tissues. 2. The differentially expressed genes related to triglyceride (TG) metabolism between abdominal and intramuscular fat (IMF) of Beijing-You chickens were investigated in this study. 3. TG content in abdominal fat (AF) (349.7 mg/g) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the breast and thigh (12.3 mg/g and 24.8 mg/g, respectively). 4. Using Agilent chicken gene-expression profiling in adipose tissues between AF and muscle (breast and thigh), certain representative genes related to fatty acid metabolism, lipoprotein catabolism and esterification reactions were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). 5. Genes involved in fatty acid oxidation or carbohydrate utilisation were significantly up- or downregulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), including those involved with highly enriched pathways of lipid metabolism (PPAR, Wnt pathway and inositol phosphate metabolism), cell junctions (focal adhesion and regulation of actin cytoskeleton) and muscle contraction. 6. Overall, higher TG levels were observed in AF tissue than in adipose tissues of breast and thigh, which could be regulated through gene expression of pathways related to lipid metabolism (PPAR, Wnt pathway and inositol phosphate metabolism), cell junctions (focal adhesion and regulation of actin cytoskeleton) and muscle contraction. These results provide clues to understanding the molecular mechanisms of TG metabolism between abdominal and IMF.

Imaging of cerebral α4ß2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with (-)-[(18)F]Flubatine PET: Implementation of bolus plus constant infusion and sensitivity to acetylcholine in human brain.

The positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand (-)-[(18)F]flubatine is specific to α4ß2(⁎) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and has promise for future investigation of the acetylcholine system in neuropathologies such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. The two goals of this work were to develop a simplified method for α4ß2(⁎) nAChR quantification with bolus plus constant infusion (B/I) (-)-[(18)F]flubatine administration, and to assess the radioligand's sensitivity to acetylcholine fluctuations in humans. Healthy human subjects were imaged following either bolus injection (n=8) or B/I (n=4) administration of (-)-[(18)F]flubatine. The metabolite-corrected input function in arterial blood was measured. Free-fraction corrected distribution volumes (VT/fP) were estimated with modeling and graphical analysis techniques. Next, sensitivity to acetylcholine was assessed in two ways: 1. A bolus injection paradigm with two scans (n=6), baseline (scan 1) and physostigmine challenge (scan 2; 1.5mg over 60min beginning 5min prior to radiotracer injection); 2. A single scan B/I paradigm (n=7) lasting up to 240min with 1.5mg physostigmine administered over 60min beginning at 125min of radiotracer infusion. Changes in VT/fP were measured. Baseline VT/fP values were 33.8±3.3mL/cm(3) in thalamus, 12.9±1.6mL/cm(3) in cerebellum, and ranged from 9.8 to 12.5mL/cm(3) in other gray matter regions. The B/I paradigm with equilibrium analysis at 120min yielded comparable VT/fP values with compartment modeling analysis of bolus data in extrathalamic gray matter regions (regional means <4% different). Changes in VT/fP following physostigmine administration were small and most pronounced in cortical regions, ranging from 0.8 to 4.6% in the two-scan paradigm and 2.8 to 6.5% with the B/I paradigm. These results demonstrate the use of B/I administration for accurate quantification of (-)-[(18)F]flubatine VT/fP in 120min, and suggest possible sensitivity of (-)-[(18)F]flubatine binding to physostigmine-induced changes in acetylcholine levels.

Association between polymorphisms in the promoter region of pri-miR-34b/c and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. MicroRNA-34 (miR-34) gene plays a key role in altering the apoptotic cycle and pathways of downstream cells, and therefore influences carcinogenesis. In this case-control study, we assessed the role of the pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 polymorphism in HCC risk. The pri-miR-34b/c polymorphic genotype was determined in 286 patients with HCC and 572 controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The male gender (X2 = 12.95, P < 0.001), regular alcohol consumption (X2 = 16.81, P < 0.001), and a family history of cancer (X2 = 11.88, P = 0.001) were associated with HCC risk. However, the age (t = 1.19, P = 0.12) and tobacco smoking habit (X2 = 0.64, P = 0.42) of HCC patients were comparable to those of the controls. The TC (adjusted OR = 1.46, 95%CI = 1.06-2.01) and CC (adjusted OR = 3.07, 95%CI = 1.77-5.34) genotypes of pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 were correlated with a higher risk of HCC compared to the TT genotype. Moreover, the TC+CC genotype was correlated with an increased risk of HCC compared to the TT genotype (adjusted OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.21-2.22). In the recessive model, the CC genotype of pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 was significantly correlated with an elevated risk of HCC compared to the TT+TC genotype (adjusted OR = 2.50, 95%CI = 1.49-4.22). Further large-scale and multi-center studies are required to confirm these results.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide Stimulates Lipid Metabolism through Its Receptor NPR1 and the Glycerolipid Metabolism Pathway in Chicken Adipocytes.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is related to lipid metabolism in mammals, but its effect and the molecular mechanisms underlying it in chickens are incompletely understood. We found that the level of natriuretic peptide precursor B (NPPB, which encodes BNP) mRNA expression in high-abdominal-fat chicken groups was significantly higher than that of low-abdominal-fat groups. Partial correlations indicated that changes in the weight of abdominal fat were positively correlated with NPPB mRNA expression level. In vitro, compared with the control group, preadipocytes with NPPB interference showed reduced levels of proliferation, differentiation, and glycerin in media. Treatments of cells with BNP led to enhanced proliferation and differentiation of cells and glycerin concentration, and mRNA expression of its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 1 (NPR1) was upregulated significantly. In cells exposed to BNP, 482 differentially expressed genes were identified compared with controls without BNP. Four genes known to be related to lipid metabolism (diacylglycerol kinase; lipase, endothelial; 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 1; and 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 2) were enriched in the glycerolipid metabolism pathway and expressed differentially. In conclusion, BNP stimulates the proliferation, differentiation, and lipolysis of preadipocytes through upregulation of the levels of expression of its receptor NPR1 and key genes enriched in the glycerolipid metabolic pathway.

Polymorphisms in GJA1 and their association with growth traits in chicken.

This study aimed to screen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chicken gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) gene, and to investigate their association with five growth traits measured in 269 chickens encompassing Chinese indigenous Beijing-You (BJY) and commercial Cobb broiler (CB) populations. Four variants were detected in the chicken GJA1 gene, in which one synonymous mutation was located in an exon (C61223231T or c.-1110 C>T), two in an intron (A61229799C or c.5460 A>C, T61229928A or c.5589 T>A) and one in the promoter (A61230599C or c. 6260 A>C) regions. Genotyping was performed by high-resolution melting analysis (SNP in an exon) and DNA sequencing (SNP in the introns and promoter). Association analysis revealed that each SNP had a significant effect on growth traits in chicken. A higher level of genetic diversity was observed in the indigenous BJY breed than in the commercial CB breed. Strong linkage disequilibrium was observed between the C61223231T and A61229799C polymorphisms, and four previously undiscovered haplotypes (CA, TC, CC, TA) were constructed from those two mutations. Association analysis between haplotype combinations (diplotypes) and growth traits was highly significant where diplotype CC + CC was dominant for all traits. We speculated that GJA1 either is a major gene, or is associated with a major gene, affecting chicken growth traits. Therefore, further studies are needed in large populations to evaluate polymorphisms located in different regions of this gene, as well as its functional study, to better understand its role in muscle development in chicken.

Effect of IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 polymorphisms on the development of myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is currently a leading cause of death worldwide, and is caused by various environmental and genetic factors. We therefore conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between polymorphisms in interleukins IL-1ß, IL-8, and IL-10 and MI risk. This study recruited 260 MI patients and 285 control subjects. Genotyping of IL-1ß +3954C/T, IL-8 -251T/A, IL-10 -1082A/G, and IL-10 -819C/T were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. By comparing the risk factors of MI between the case and control groups, we discovered that MI patients were more likely to have smoking and drinking habits, have a history of hypertension and diabetes, have higher triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (P < 0.05). Unconditional regression analyses showed that subjects carrying the GG genotype of the IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism were associated with increased risk of MI, and the OR (95%CI) was 2.04 (1.15-3.65). Our study found that the IL-10 -1082A/G polymorphism plays an important role in influencing the development of MI.

Elevated brain cannabinoid CB1 receptor availability in post-traumatic stress disorder: a positron emission tomography study.

Endocannabinoids and their attending cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor have been implicated in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, their specific role has not been studied in people with PTSD. Herein, we present an in vivo imaging study using positron emission tomography (PET) and the CB1-selective radioligand [(11)C]OMAR in individuals with PTSD, and healthy controls with lifetime histories of trauma (trauma-exposed controls (TC)) and those without such histories (healthy controls (HC)). Untreated individuals with PTSD (N=25) with non-combat trauma histories, and TC (N=12) and HC (N=23) participated in a magnetic resonance imaging scan and a resting PET scan with the CB1 receptor antagonist radiotracer [(11)C]OMAR, which measures the volume of distribution (VT) linearly related to CB1 receptor availability. Peripheral levels of anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, oleoylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide and cortisol were also assessed. In the PTSD group, relative to the HC and TC groups, we found elevated brain-wide [(11)C]OMAR VT values (F(2,53)=7.96, P=0.001; 19.5% and 14.5% higher, respectively), which were most pronounced in women (F(1,53)=5.52, P=0.023). Anandamide concentrations were reduced in the PTSD relative to the TC (53.1% lower) and HC (58.2% lower) groups. Cortisol levels were lower in the PTSD and TC groups relative to the HC group. Three biomarkers examined collectively--OMAR VT, anandamide and cortisol--correctly classified nearly 85% of PTSD cases. These results suggest that abnormal CB1 receptor-mediated anandamide signaling is implicated in the etiology of PTSD, and provide a promising neurobiological model to develop novel, evidence-based pharmacotherapies for this disorder.

Influence of dietary nicotinic acid supplementation on lipid metabolism and related gene expression in two distinct broiler breeds of female chickens.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of supplemental dietary nicotinic acid (NA) on lipid metabolism and hepatic expression of related genes in female chickens of two distinct broiler strains [Arbor Acres (AA) and Beijing-You (BJY)]. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial in a completely randomized design. Day-old females (n = 384) were allocated to four treatments with six cages per treatment and fed diets (basal contained approximately 25 mg NA/kg) supplemented with 0, 30, 60 and 120 mg NA/kg. A sample of 72 birds from each breed was slaughtered and sampled at their different market times (8 week for AA and 16 week for BJY). Arbor Acres broilers had thickness of subcutaneous fat plus the skin (SFS), and plasma concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and lower percentage of abdominal fat (PAF), plasma concentrations of TG, NEFA and adiponectin than the BJY line. The hepatic transcription of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoproteinB (ApoB), and adiponectin was significantly higher in AA broilers than in BJY broilers. In both breeds, BW, PAF, SFS, NEFA and TG were increased with increasing supplementation from 0 to 60 mg NA/kg, but then decreased slightly with 120 mg added NA/kg. With increasing supplementation, hepatic expression and plasma concentrations of adiponectin decreased from 0 to 60 mg added NA/kg and then increased with 120 mg added NA/kg. The expression of ApoA-I and ApoB mRNA showed linear response to dietary supplementation with NA. These findings indicate that: (i) supplementation of NA influenced the lipid metabolism and related gene expression; (ii) when supplemented with 120 mg NA/kg, some pharmacologic actions on lipid metabolism appeared; and (iii) changes in BW and fat deposition appeared to be associated with hepatic expression of adiponectin.

Estimation of the genetic parameters of semen quality in Beijing-You chickens.

By estimating the genetic parameters of various semen quality traits in Beijing-You chickens, this study aims to elucidate the inheritance patterns of these traits and the correlations between them to facilitate setting up appropriate breeding strategies for enhanced semen quality. Semen samples were collected from 518 Beijing-You roosters at 43 wk of age from 3 selection lines related to meat flavor traits. Seven semen quality traits, consisting of semen volume, pH, and color, and sperm viability, motility, percent deformity, and concentration, were determined. Sizeable variations (18-24% CV) were observed for all traits, except for semen pH. The effects of semen collection time and origin of the chickens (line) were analyzed to optimize the proper models for estimating genetic parameters for each trait. The multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood method was used for estimating variance components. The results revealed that sperm viability, motility, and percent deformity exhibited high heritabilities (h(2) = 0.52, 0.85, and 0.60, respectively). Semen volume, semen color, and sperm concentration had moderate heritabilities (h(2) = 0.28, 0.19, and 0.12, respectively). Semen pH showed low heritability (h(2) = 0.03). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between sperm motility and viability were positive and high (rA = 0.88 and rP = 0.59). In addition, these 2 traits were genetically negatively correlated with percent deformity. This implied the possibility of reducing sperm deformity, which is difficult to measure, by indirect selection. It is concluded from this study that semen quality can be improved by selection. The traits with high variations and heritabilities such as semen volume are promising traits for selection to improve semen quality and likely reproductive performance of native chicken breeds.

Growth, carcase and meat traits and gene expression in chickens divergently selected for intramuscular fat content.

1. Changes resulting from divergent selection after 5 generations for intramuscular fat (IMF) content in breast muscle in a population of purebred Beijing-You chickens were investigated. Female chickens from lines selected-up (UL) and selected-down (DL) for 5 generations and random-bred controls (CL) were studied at 120 d of age. 2. In the UL, IMF in breast muscle (4.65%) was 1.38 times that in the DL (3.36%). The IMF content in leg muscle was also higher in UL compared to DL. 3. There were significant differences in growth, carcase traits and meat quality between the two selected lines. However, ultimate pH (pHu) was lower and lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were higher in breast muscles of UL birds compared to DL birds. Similar trends for pHu and L* value between UL and DL were observed in leg muscle. 4. Significant mRNA expression differences of the heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) gene between UL and DL were observed in breast muscle, and a negative correlation between expression of mRNA and IMF% in breast and leg muscles pointed to H-FABP as a potential selection candidate gene.

Liver dominant expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene in two chicken breeds during intramuscular-fat development.

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a key enzyme of lipogenesis. In this study, the FAS mRNA expression patterns were examined in three fat related tissues (liver, breast and thigh) at different developmental stages in two chicken breeds (Beijing-You, BJY and Arbor Acres broiler, AA). Results of the Real time-qPCR showed that the expression of FAS mRNA level in liver was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in breast and thigh in both two chicken breeds. Significant differences of FAS mRNA expression in liver were found between BJY and AA chickens during different developmental stages. After the contents of intramuscular-fat (IMF) and the liver fat were measured, the correlation analysis was performed. In liver, the FAS mRNA level was highly correlated with hepatic fat content (r = 0.891, P < 0.01 for BJY; r = 0.901, P < 0.01 for AA). On the contrary, the FAS expression level in both breast and thigh tissues were relatively low, stable and there was no correlation between the FAS mRNA level and IMF content in breast and thigh tissues of each breed. The results here can contribute to the knowledge on the developmental expression pattern of FAS mRNA and facilitate the further research on the molecular mechanism underlying IMF deposition in chicken.

Effect of the IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway in the duodenal mucosa of rats subjected to water immersion and restraint stress.

The insulin growth factor 1/phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10/Akt/forkhead box (IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO) signaling pathway reportedly exhibits gastroprotective effects by reducing water immersion and restraint stress (WRS)-induced gastric mucosal cell apoptosis. We examined the expression and localization of IGF-1, PTEN, Akt, and FoxO proteins, caspase-3 activity, and the number of apoptotic cells in the duodenal mucosa of rats subjected to WRS to confirm whether the IGF-1/PTEN/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway has a role in the duodenal mucosa. The results indicated that WRS enhanced cell apoptosis in the duodenal mucosa. In addition, in normal rats, PTEN was found mainly in the cellular cytoplasm of the duodenal glands and lamina propria of villi. IGF-1 and total Akt were observed in the cellular cytoplasm of the duodenal glands. In addition, total Akt was found in the cellular cytoplasm of the myenteric plexus. FoxO3a and FoxO4 were primarily concentrated in the cellular cytoplasm of the lamina propria. Specifically, PTEN, FoxO3a and FoxO4 were also localized in the cellular cytoplasm of lamina propria of restituted villi in the duodenal mucosa of rat subjected to WRS. In addition, messenger RNA transcript levels of IGF-1, PTEN, Akt1, Akt2, FoxO3, and FoxO4 were upregulated in the duodenal mucosa, with a peak between the 4th and 8th day after 7 h of WRS. Furthermore, the results also suggested that Akt3 messenger RNA transcript levels in the duodenal mucosa of rats after WRS showed no significant differences compared with those in the non-WRS group. Collectively, our results implied that the IGF-1/ PTEN/Akt/FoxO signaling pathway was effective in regulating cellular apoptosis in the duodenal mucosa of rats after WRS.

Effects of diet-induced differences in growth rate on metabolic, histological, and meat-quality properties of 2 muscles in male chickens of 2 distinct broiler breeds.

This paper, the second from a comprehensive study, describes the effects of varying growth rate by feeding at different planes of nutrition with a constant ME:CP ratio on muscle characteristics and meat quality in 2 distinct broiler breeds of male chickens (Arbor Acres, a commercial line; and Beijing-You, a Chinese nonimproved line). Experimental diets, differing on average by 2% CP, were formulated with high-, medium-, or low-nutrient densities for 3 growing phases. Male hatchlings (216 of each breed) were randomly assigned to 6 pens of 12 birds in each treatment. Altered histological characteristics of muscle fibers, early postmortem muscle metabolism, and meat quality were investigated in the pectoralis major and biceps femoris. At their market age, Arbor Acres broilers had significantly higher concentrations of plasma protein and lipid metabolites, ratios of white to red and intermediate fibers, pH, L* and b* values, and lower concentrations of plasma glucose metabolites, muscle-fiber diameter, muscle contents of energy stores, a* value, drip loss, and shear force than the values found for the Beijing-You chickens (P < 0.01). Higher nutrient density increased the size of the muscle fibers, decreased glycogen reserve, and reduced the rate and extent of acidification in the Arbor Acres chickens, while accelerating transformation of red and intermediate-to-white fibers, enhancing energy stores, and hastening the decrease in pH postmortem in the Beijing-You chickens (P < 0.05). In each breed, most meat quality variables (e.g., shear force, drip loss, and color) were consistent with the histological and biochemical changes caused by the feeding strategy. Together, dietary nutrient density can influence meat quality as a result of altered histological and initial energy and metabolic characteristics of the muscle. Many of the responses to diet are breed and tissue dependent in broiler chickens.

Comparison of breast muscle meat quality in 2 broiler breeds.

On the basis of meat quality traits, muscle fiber characteristics, and nutrient components and contents in chickens at market age, 120-d-old Beijing-you (BJY) chickens (the Chinese local breed) had distinct breast muscle features when compared with 42-d-old Arbor Acres (AA) chickens (the genetically improved broiler line). The phospholipid (P < 0.05) and essential fatty acid (P < 0.05) contents in BJY chickens were significantly higher than those in AA chickens. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between the breeds in the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, protein, or amino acids. Breast muscle fiber diameter was significantly smaller (~55.76%) and fiber density was higher (~174.86%) in BJY chickens than in AA chickens (P < 0.05). In this study, breast muscle from 120-d-old BJY chickens was judged to have better quality of phospholipids and essential fatty acid contents and muscle fiber characteristics than breast muscle from 42-d-old AA chickens.

Effects of dietary vitamin E on immunological stress of layers and their offspring.

In the present study, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin E (VE) supplementation of a commercial layer diet on the laying performance and immunological stress responses of hens and their offspring. In experiment 1, responses to increased dietary VE levels were evaluated on 180 White Leghorn layers between 20 and 35 weeks of age. There were three levels of VE in the diets (0, 40 and 100 IU/kg) and five replicates per treatment, each containing 12 hens. Results showed that the high level of VE supplementation (100 IU/kg) had a beneficial effect on feed intake and feed efficiency of hens (p < 0.05), compared with the VE-deficient or low-level group. In experiment 2, 540 female progeny from the VE-treated hens in experiment 1 were used. The experimental design consisted of three levels of VE supplementation (the same as their mothers') × 3 vaccinating routines, the first vaccination being administered on day 5, 8 or 11. All vaccines and the subsequent vaccinating intervals were identical. In the interim of the experiment, each bird was injected celiacly with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian influenza virus (AIV) and the plasma concentration of interleukin (IL)-1 were increased by the high level of VE supplementation. There were significant effects of the day of initial immunization with infection bursal disease on the NDV and AIV antibody titre, H/L ratio and plasma concentration of corticosterone and IL-1 before and after injecting LPS, suggesting the occurrence of immunological stress. There was also significant interaction between VE and vaccination routine on the immune functions of experimental birds. Considered together with the results of experiment 1, VEs biological function appeared to be dose-dependent, especially with regard to its positive effect on the immune responses of young chickens.

Effect of dietary supplemental nicotinic acid on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in three genotypes of chicken.

The effects of dietary supplemental nicotinic acid (NA) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality were investigated in three genotypes of chicken. Fast-growing AA (Arbor Acres) broilers were compared with two genotypes of a slow-growing local breed, Beijing-You, that had undergone selection for and against intramuscular fat content respectively (BJY+IMF and BJY-IMF). The treatments were arranged 3×4 factorial completely randomized design. Day-old females (n=624) were allocated to four treatments with six replicates per treatment and fed diets (basal contained ~25 mg NA/kg) supplemented with 0, 30, 60 and 120 mg NA/kg. A sample of 72 birds from each genotype was slaughtered at market time (8 weeks of age for AA and 16 weeks of age for BJY). The breast muscles of AA broilers were darker, had less redness and yellowness, lower drip loss and higher shear force as compared to the BJY genotypes (p<0.01). The highest drip loss and the lowest shear force among the three genotypes were apparent in BJY+IMF (p<0.01). Increasing supplementation from 0 to 60 mg NA/kg tended to increase average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, width of intermuscular fat band, thickness of subcutaneous fat (including skin) and percentage of abdominal fat but, for most variables, values decreased slightly with 120 mg NA/kg. Increasing supplementation to 60 mg NA/kg decreased (quadratic, p<0.001) drip loss, but it increased at 120 mg NA/kg. The present results indicate that (i) the AA broilers fed corn-soybean meal based-diets require approximately 60 mg NA/kg to maximize ADG and meat product yield and decrease the drip loss of breast muscle; (ii) the addition of 30 mg NA/kg meets the requirement of BJY genotypes; and (iii) there seems to be no beneficial effect of NA supplementation on chicken meat quality except for limiting the drip loss.

Long-term survival outcomes of brentuximab vedotin in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The short-term benefits of brentuximab vedotin (BV) for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) are well established, but its long-term benefits for refractory/relapsing (r/r) cHL are unknown. A meta-analysis was undertaken to examine the overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) from relevant studies with patients with r/r cHL post-autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) exposed to BV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for available papers published up to January 2020. The main outcomes included 3-year OS/PFS and/or 5-year OS/PFS. Data were pooled using random-effects models. RESULTS: Four studies were included: one randomized controlled trial, one single-arm trial, and two retrospective studies. The four studies included a total of 383 patients (mean of 95.75/study). The proportion of females was 21%-89%. The median age was 26-33 years. The 3-year OS was available for one study and was 41% in patients with r/r cHL with BV after ASCT (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.16-0.67). The 5-year OS was available for two studies and was 34% in patients with r/r cHL with BV after ASCT (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.48; mixed-effects model). The 5-year PFS was available for three studies and was 31% in patients with r/r cHL with BV after ASCT (OR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.02-0.61; mixed-effects model). CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year OS in patients with r/r cHL treated with BV after ASCT is 34% (95 CI: 19%-48%). The 5-year PFS in patients with r/r cHL treated with BV after ASCT is 31% (95 CI: 2%-61%).

Associations of A-FABP and H-FABP markers with the content of intramuscular fat in Beijing-You chicken.

This study has assessed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) identified in the adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) genes with the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) in a population of male Beijing-You chickens. A previously described SNP in the chicken A-FABP gene had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on IMF content. Chickens inheriting the homozygous BB genotype at A-FABP had a significantly higher content of IMF in thigh muscles and breast muscles than did those inheriting the AA and AB genotypes. A novel SNP, identified here, in the H-FABP gene was also significantly (P < 0.05) associated with IMF content in thigh and breast muscle. Chickens inheriting the genotypes of DD and CD had much higher content of IMF than those inheriting the homozygous genotype of CC. Markers at the A-FABP and H-FABP genes were associated with IMF content in the studied population. Chickens inheriting the BB genotype at A-FABP, along with the CD genotype at H-FABP, produced muscles with a much higher content of IMF when compared with all other genotypes. A weak interaction between A-FABP and H-FABP was detected (P < 0.09) for IMF content in the tested population. The statistical significance of interaction is tentative because of the limited number of observations for some genotypic combinations. Markers identified within the A-FABP and H-FABP genes are suitable for future use in identifying chickens with the genetic potential to produce more desirable muscle with higher IMF content, at least in the population of Beijing-You male chickens.

The effect of a mutation in the 3-UTR region of the HMGCR gene on cholesterol in Beijing-you chickens.

The 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) gene was examined for polymorphisms in Beijing-you chickens. A "T" base insert was detected at nucleotide 2749 of the 3-UTR region of the HMGCR gene and was used as the basis for distinguishing a B allele, distinct from the A. Serum and muscle contents of total cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol in serum was significantly lower in AB birds and lowest in BB birds. Real-time PCR showed that the same trends across genotypes occurred in an abundance of HMGCR transcripts in liver, but there was no difference in contents of HMGCR mRNA in breast or thigh muscles. Hepatic expression and serum LDL-cholesterol were meaningfully correlated (partial, with total serum cholesterol held constant, r = 0.923). In muscle, similar genotypic differences were found for the abundance of the LDL receptor (LDLR) transcript. Cholesterol content in breast muscle related to LDLR expression (partial correlation with serum LDL-cholesterol held constant, r = 0.719); the equivalent partial correlation in thigh muscle was not significant. The results indicated that the B allele significantly reduces hepatic abundance of HMGCR transcripts, probably accounting for genotypic differences in serum cholesterol. In muscle, the cholesterol content appeared to reflect differences in LDLR expression with apparent mechanistic differences between breast and thigh.

Correlation between polymorphisms in ADSL and GARS-AIRS-GART genes with inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) contents in Beijing-you chickens.

1. The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified within the ADSL (adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency) gene and GARS-AIRS-GART (glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase-glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase) gene with the content of inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) was studied in a population of male Beijing-you (BJY) chickens slaughtered at 90 d of age. 2. A single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 2 of the ADSL gene had an effect on IMP content. Chickens inheriting the positive allele at ADSL, both homozygous and heterozygous genotypes, had a higher content of IMP in breast muscle than did individuals without it. 3. Similar results were obtained for the GARS-AIRS-GART gene. The marker at the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the GARS-AIRS-GART gene was also significant for the IMP value. Chickens inheriting the genotypes with the positive allele at this locus had a much higher content of IMP than did those homozygous for the unfavourable one. 4. Interactions between ADSL and GARS-AIRS-GART were detected for such traits as body weight and muscle yields in the tested population. The two loci acted in an additive fashion. Because IMP is one of the most important flavour components in meat, markers developed at these two genes, as well as the combination genotypes, could be used as potential molecular markers for improving chicken quality.