Specific increase of a mitochondrial RNA transcript in chronic ethanol-fed rats

AbstractAn in vitro transcription system utilizing isolated mitochondria has been used to study the effect of chronic ethanol consumption on liver mitochondrial DNA transcription. The results obtained showed an overall increase of RNA synthesis and a dramatic accumulation of a discrete polyadenylated RNA species. This effect is a consequence of the chronic ethanol consumption since these changes do not occur when isolated control mitochondria are incubated in the presence of ethanol

Underlying molecular mechanism in the modulation of the ram sperm acrosome reaction by progesterone and 17ß-estradiol

Steroid hormones progesterone (P4) and 17ß-estradiol (E2) not only have important functions in regulation of reproductive processes in mammals but also have direct effects on spermatozoa. There can be induction of the acrosome reaction in ram spermatozoa by P4 and E2 and, in the present study, there was further investigation of mechanisms underlying this effect. In a medium containing agents that increase cAMP, the presence of both P4 and E2 led to changes in the localization of proteins phosphorylated in tyrosine residues evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence. The inclusion of P4 at 1 µM in the media induced an increase in Ca2+i and mobilization in the area of the acrosome (Fluo-4 and Rhod-5 staining, respectively), an increase in ROS (H2DCFDA staining) and a substantial disruption of the acrosome (evaluated using RCA), while E2 did not have these effects. There were no effects on cAMP concentrations or PKA activity with inclusion of these hormones in the media. The inclusion of P4 at 100 pM in the media led to changes in values for sperm kinematic variables which could indicate there was an inhibition of the hyperactivation caused by agents that induce an increase in cAMP concentrations. In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that P4 and E2 promote mechanisms regulating the acrosome reaction in ram spermatozoa, however, these effects on mechanisms are different for the two hormones, and for E2, require further clarification

Effect of chestnut flour and probiotic microorganism on the functionality of dry-cured meat sausages

The meat industry has made efforts to develop meat and meat products with functional ingredients to prevent the risk of disease and to promote health conditions. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the combined use of the probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum, and potential prebiotic chestnut flour in Spanish dry-cured sausage (Longaniza de Pascua). Chestnut flour and the probiotic strain improved LAB counts on Longaniza de Pascua without modifying product flavour. Chestnut flour had a significant effect on pH decrease and residual nitrite values, but lipid oxidation values were increased. The symbiotic meat product could be considered a healthy matrix as a probiotic carrier.Fil: Sirini, Noelí Estefanía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Roldán, A.. Universidad de Miguel Hernández; EspañaFil: Lucas González, R.. Universidad de Miguel Hernández; EspañaFil: Fernández López, J.. Universidad de Miguel Hernández; EspañaFil: Viuda Martos, M.. Universidad de Miguel Hernández; EspañaFil: Pérez Álvarez, J.A.. Universidad de Miguel Hernández; EspañaFil: Frizzo, Laureano Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral; ArgentinaFil: Rosmini, Marcelo Raul. Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

In vitro assessment of antagonistic activities of isolates from gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) gastrointestinal tract fed microalgae supplemented diet

The use of probiotics has emerged as a sustainable alternative to antibiotics in the control of infectious diseases, favouring fish health management, growth performance and feed utilisation, among others. microalgae represent an interesting source of nutrients and functional ingredients for aquafeeds. However, their digestibility is often limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors or absence of appropriate enzymatic activities in the fish gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The aims of the present work were to isolate potential probiotics from the GIT of Sparus aurata fed with a diet containing 25 % microalgae and characterize their antagonism against fish pathogens. Altogether, 117 strains were isolated from juvenile seabream (146.8 ± 16.4 g) and screened for hydrolytic enzyme activities. Results showed that 48 %, 41 %, 77 % and 30 % of isolates were able to hydrolyse protein, lipids, collagen and starch, respectively. Moreover, 46 %, 8 % and 57 % of isolates exhibited the ability to degrade phytate, tannins and cellulose, respectively. Based on these results, a total of 32 isolates were selected for inhibitory activity against several fish pathogens assessment. Inhibition against Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio anguillarum was detected in 38 % of the isolates, whilst 44 % and 47 % inhibited P damselae subsp. damselae and P. damselae subsp. piscicida, respectively. Inhibition abilities were detected in the isolates when tested against Tenacibaculum species. Thus, 56 % inhibited Tenacibaculum maritimum; 63 % T. soleae and 22 % T. gallaecium. Overall, results showed that three strains display ability to hydrolyse 4 of the assayed substrates and produce inhibition against 8 fish pathogens, and two strains are capable to hydrolyse 5 substrates and inhibit 8 fish pathogens. Selected strains show characteristics to be considered for further characterization as potential probiotics in gilthead seabream aquaculture and microalgae-supplemented aquafeeds.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Dietary supplementation of heat-treated Gracilaria and Ulva seaweeds enhanced acute hypoxia tolerance in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Intensive aquaculture practices involve rearing fish at high densities. In these conditions, fish may be exposed to suboptimal dissolved O2 levels with an increased formation of reactive O2 species (ROS) in tissues. Seaweeds (SW) contain biologically active substances with efficient antioxidant capacities. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of heat-treated SW (5% Gracilaria vermiculophylla or 5% Ulva lactuca) on stress bioindicators in sea bream subjected to a hypoxic challenge. 168 fish (104.5 g average weight) were distributed in 24 tanks, in which eight tanks were fed one of three experimental diets for 34 days: (i) a control diet without SW supplementation, (ii) a control diet supplemented with Ulva, or (iii) a control diet with Gracilaria. Thereafter, fish from 12 tanks (n=4 tanks/dietary treatment) were subjected to 24 h hypoxia (1.3 mg O2 l-1) and subsequent recovery normoxia (8.6 mg O2 l-1). Hypoxic fish showed an increase in hematocrit values regardless of dietary treatment. Dietary modulation of the O2-carrying capacity was conspicuous during recovery, as fish fed SW supplemented diets displayed significantly higher haemoglobin concentration than fish fed the control diet. After the challenge, survival rates in both groups of fish fed SW were higher, which was consistent with a decrease in hepatic lipid peroxidation in these groups. Furthermore, the hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were modulated differently by changes in environmental O2 condition, particularly in sea bream fed the Gracilaria diet. After being subjected to hypoxia, the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and molecular chaperones in liver and heart were down regulated in sea bream fed SW diets. This study suggests that the antioxidant properties of heat-treated SW may have a protective role against oxidative stress. The nature of these compounds and possible mechanisms implied are currently being investigated. © 2017. Published by The Company of BiologistsThe authors are grateful to Pedro Eloi, Fernando Magalhães and Carlos Morais (ICBAS-UP) for fish maintenance. We would like to thank Kevin Tromp (WIAS-WU), Luis Pereira, Francisca Silva-Brito, and Filipa Fontinha for technical assistance during sampling and analysis (CIIMAR-UP). The authors would like to express gratitude to Rui Pereira (ALGA plus), Jorge Dias (Sparos Lda.), Jon Svendsen and Maria João Peixoto (CIIMAR-UP) for technical advic

Heterozygous rare genetic variants in non-syndromic early-onset obesity

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a very heterogeneous disorder at both the clinical and molecular levels and with high heritability. Several monogenic forms and genes with strong effects have been identified for non-syndromic severe obesity. Novel therapeutic interventions are in development for some genetic forms, emphasizing the importance of determining genetic contributions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to define the contribution of rare single-nucleotide genetic variants (RSVs) in candidate genes to non-syndromic severe early-onset obesity (EOO; body mass index (BMI) >+3 standard deviation score, <3 years). METHODS: Using a pooled DNA-sequencing approach, we screened for RSVs in 15 obesity candidate genes in a series of 463 EOO patients and 480 controls. We also analysed exome data from 293 EOO patients from the "Viva la Familia" (VLF) study as a replication dataset. RESULTS:Likely or known pathogenic RSVs were identified in 23 patients (5.0%), with 7 of the 15 genes (BDNF, FTO, MC3R, MC4R, NEGR1, PPARG and SIM1) harbouring RSVs only in cases (3.67%) and none in controls. All were heterozygous changes, either de novo (one in BDNF) or inherited from obese parents (seven maternal, three paternal), and no individual carried more than one variant. Results were replicated in the VLF study, where 4.10% of probands carried RSVs in the overrepresented genes. RSVs in five genes were either absent (LEP) or more common in controls than in cases (ADRB3, LEPR, PCSK1 and PCSK2) in both obese datasets. CONCLUSIONS: Heterozygous RSVs in several candidate genes of the melanocortin pathway are found in ~5.0% patients with EOO. These results support the clinical utility of genetic testing to identify patients who might benefit from targeted therapeutic intervention.Clara Serra-Juhé, Gabriel Á. Martos-Moreno, Francesc Bou de Pieri, Raquel Flores, Julie A. Chowen, Luis A. Pérez-Jurado, Jesús Argent

Cancer and central nervous system disorders: protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews and updated meta-analyses of observational studies

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study will be to synthesize the epidemiological evidence and evaluate the validity of the associations between central nervous system disorders and the risk of developing or dying from cancer. METHODS/DESIGN: We will perform an umbrella review of systematic reviews and conduct updated meta-analyses of observational studies (cohort and case-control) investigating the association between central nervous system disorders and the risk of developing or dying from any cancer or specific types of cancer. Searches involving PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science will be used to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies. In addition, online databases will be checked for observational studies published outside the time frames of previous reviews. Eligible central nervous system disorders will be Alzheimer's disease, anorexia nervosa, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, Down's syndrome, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The primary outcomes will be cancer incidence and cancer mortality in association with a central nervous system disorder. Secondary outcome measures will be site-specific cancer incidence and mortality, respectively. Two reviewers will independently screen references identified by the literature search, as well as potentially relevant full-text articles. Data will be abstracted, and study quality/risk of bias will be appraised by two reviewers independently. Conflicts at all levels of screening and abstraction will be resolved through discussion. Random-effects meta-analyses of primary observational studies will be conducted where appropriate. Parameters for exploring statistical heterogeneity are pre-specified. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) criteria and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be used for determining the quality of evidence for cancer outcomes. DISCUSSION: Our study will establish the extent of the epidemiological evidence underlying the associations between central nervous system disorders and cancer and will provide a rigorous and updated synthesis of a range of important site-specific cancer outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016052762

Characterization of the peripheral thyroid system of gilthead seabream acclimated to different ambient salinities

Thyroid hormones are involved in many developmental and physiological processes, including osmoregulation. The regulation of the thyroid system by environmental salinity in the euryhaline gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is still poorly characterized. To this end seabreams were exposed to four different environmental salinities (5, 15, 40 and 55 ppt) for 14 days, and plasma free thyroid hormones (fT3, ff4), outer ring deiodination and Na+/K+ -ATPase activities in gills and kidney, as well as other osmoregulatory and metabolic parameters were measured. Low salinity conditions (5 ppt) elicited a significant increase in fT3 (29%) and ff4 (184%) plasma concentrations compared to control animals (acclimated to 40 ppt, natural salinity conditions in the Bay of Cadiz, Spain), while the amount of pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone subunit 13 (tshb) transcript abundance remained unchanged. In addition, plasma fT4 levels were positively correlated to renal and branchial deiodinase type 2 (dio2) mRNA expression. Gill and kidney T4-outer ring deiodination activities correlated positively with dio2 mRNA expression and the highest values were observed in fish acclimated to low salinities (5 and 15 ppt). The high salinity (55 ppt) exposure caused a significant increase in tshb expression (65%), but deiodinase gene expression (diol and dio2) and activity did not change and were similar to controls (40 ppt). In conclusion, acclimation to different salinities led to changes in the peripheral regulation of thyroid hormone metabolism in seabream. Therefore, thyroid hormones are involved in the regulation of ion transport and osmoregulatory physiology in this species. The conclusions derived from this study may also allow aquaculturists to modulate thyroid metabolism in seabream by adjusting culture salinity. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Socrates/Erasmus Grant from the European UnionUniversity of Cadiz [UCA 2009-074-FPI]Ministerio de Education y Ciencia, Spain [AGL2007-61211/ACU]FEDER, Spain [AGL2007-61211/ACU]Proyecto de Excelencia (Junta de Andalucia) [PO7-RNM-02843]Science Foundation (FCT) of Portugal [SFRH/BPD/89889/2012, SFRH/BPD/84033/2012]info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Selection for growth is associated in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) with diet flexibility, changes in growth patterns and higher intestine plasticity

Farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) is able to grow efficiently with new feed formulations based on plant ingredients. Here, two experimental diets with standard and high inclusion levels of plant ingredients were formulated to assess the suited use of plant-based diets in fish with different growth genetic backgrounds. To pursue this issue, a long-term feeding trial (12-months) was conducted with fish (17 g initial body weight) of 16 families coming from the broodstock of PROGENSA project, that were grown communally in the IATS-CSIC experimental facilities. All fish in the study (2545) were PIT-tagged, and their pedigree was re-constructed with 96% success by using a SMsa1 multiplex of 11 microsatellites, which revealed the main parents contributions of 5 females and 6 males. Each diet was randomly assigned to replicate 3000 L tanks, gathering each replicate a similar family composition through all the feeding trial. Data on growth performance highlighted a strong ge- netic effect on growth trajectories, associated with enhanced growth during winter in fish selected for faster growth. No main dietary effects were found on growth rates or condition factor, and regression-correlation analyses of growth rates across families on both diets suggest that genome by diet interaction was weak, while genetic variation accounted for most of the growth phenotypic variation. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and me- senteric fat index (MSI) of five families, covering the growth variability of the population, were regulated nu- tritionally and genetically, but without statistically significant genome by diet interactions. Fish from faster growing families showed shorter intestines after being fed the control diet, but this phenotype was masked by the enriched plant-based diet. Collectively, the results demonstrate that selection for faster growth is associated in gilthead sea bream with different growth trajectories and a high diet flexibility and intestine plasticity.Versión del editor2,04