Proteomic strategies in research on the cardiovascular system

The evolution of proteomics facilitates protein separation, identification and characterization, which give better insight into molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Investigations on the expression of proteins, their interactions and post-translational modifications contributes to our better understanding of disease processes and provides new cardiovascular biomarkers. Up to now, laboratory animals have been employed in proteomic research on human disorders, although rodent models do not genuinely reflect human conditions. Because of the similarities in anatomy, physiology and metabolism, farm animals such as pigs, cows or sheep are increasingly being used as model organisms in human cardiovascular research. It should be noted that application of proteomics has a huge potential for gaining some new insight into physiology and pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system, which cannot be provided with conventional methods. Up to date, complete heart and aorta proteomes of human and several animal species have been established. Several proteomic studies on human diseases, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy, have been conducted and proved to be very valuable in bringing key information on their aetiology and progression, as well as new challenges for biomedical investigation. The aim of this review is to summarize achievements in proteomics of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology with the use of domestic and laboratory animal models

Excessive amount of lactose in the diet of two-week-old calves induces urinary protein changes

The present paper was undertaken to analyse and identify urinary proteins that were significantly altered in urine of calves in response to short-term administration of milk replacer with lactose addition. We used 2-D electrophoresis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation and time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Of all spots analysed, four showed significantly decreased abundance: alpha-1-antiproteinase (A1AT), serotransferrin (TF), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1). One displayed an increased abundance: adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate synthase. The changes in abundance of SHBG and CYP2E1 proteins were caused by the direct effect of an oversupply of sugar, while A1AT, TF and ATP-citrate synthase showed altered abundance probably due to indirect effects. The results of this study confirmed that calves' urine is a very precious biological material to evaluate the renal function, and it may be valuable in veterinary and zootechnical diagnostics