Age and Diet Affect Gene Expression Profile in Canine Skeletal Muscle

We evaluated gene transcription in canine skeletal muscle (biceps femoris) using microarray analysis to identify effects of age and diet on gene expression. Twelve female beagles were used (six 1-year olds and six 12-year olds) and they were fed one of two experimental diets for 12 months. One diet contained primarily plant-based protein sources (PPB), whereas the second diet contained primarily animal-based protein sources (APB). Affymetrix GeneChip Canine Genome Arrays were used to hybridize extracted RNA. Age had the greatest effect on gene transcription (262 differentially expressed genes), whereas the effect of diet was relatively small (22 differentially expressed genes). Effects of age (regardless of diet) were most notable on genes related to metabolism, cell cycle and cell development, and transcription function. All these genes were predominantly down-regulated in geriatric dogs. Age-affected genes that were differentially expressed on only one of two diets were primarily noted in the PPB diet group (144/165 genes). Again, genes related to cell cycle (22/35) and metabolism (15/19) had predominantly decreased transcription in geriatric dogs, but 6/8 genes related to muscle development had increased expression. Effects of diet on muscle gene expression were mostly noted in geriatric dogs, but no consistent patterns in transcription were observed. The insight these data provide into gene expression profiles of canine skeletal muscle as affected by age, could serve as a foundation for future research pertaining to age-related muscle diseases

Are oral health conditions associated with schoolchildren's performance and school attendance in the Kingdom of Bahrain? A life-course perspective

Background The link between oral diseases and school performance and school attendance remains unclear among Middle Eastern children. Aim To investigate the relationship of oral conditions with schoolchildren’s school performance and attendance using the life course approach. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted with 466 schoolchildren aged 7-8 years from Kingdom of Bahrain (KoB) and their parents. Questionnaire data on children’s current and at birth environmental characteristics were completed by their parents. Children’s oral health measures, including ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System), PUFA (Pulp, Ulcer, Fistula, Abscess), and DDE (Developmental Defects of Enamel) indices, were the exposure variables. School performance and school attendance data obtained from the school register were the outcome variables. The data were analysed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression. Results The odds of Excellent school performance were significantly lower for children with untreated dentine caries (OR = 0.98 CI 95%: 0.96-0.99). Children with caries-treated teeth showed greater odds of Excellent school performance (OR=1.41 CI 95%: 1.15-1.74). A permissive parental style was associated with poor school attendance (OR= 2.63 CI 95%: 1.08-6.42). Conclusion Dental caries was associated with poor school performance but not with school attendance. Treated caries was associated with good school performance