A transcriptomal analysis of bovine oviductal epithelial cells collected during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the estrous cycle

BACKGROUND: Reproductive success depends on a functional oviduct for gamete storage, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The ovarian-derived steroids estrogen and progesterone are key regulators of oviductal function. The objective of this study was to investigate luteal and follicular phase-specific oviductal epithelial cell function by using microarray-based transcriptional profiling, to increase our understanding of mRNAs regulating epithelial cell processes, and to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways that may be found to affect fertility in the future. METHODS: Six normally cycling Angus heifers were assigned to either luteal phase (LP, n = 3) or follicular phase (FP, n = 3) treatment groups. Heifers in the LP group were killed between day 11 and 12 after estrus. Heifers in the FP group were treated with 25 mg PGF(2α) (Lutalyse, Pfizer, NY) at 8 pm on day 6 after estrus and killed 36 h later. Transcriptional profiling by microarray and confirmation of selected mRNAs by real-time RT-PCR analyses was performed using total RNA from epithelial cells isolated from sections of the ampulla and isthmus collected from LP and FP treatment groups. Differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology classification and bioinformatic pathway analyses. RESULTS: Statistical one-way ANOVA using Benjamini-hochberg multiple testing correction for false discovery rate (FDR) and pairwise comparison of epithelial cells in the ampulla of FP versus LP groups revealed 972 and 597 transcripts up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Within epithelial cells of the isthmus in FP versus LP groups, 946 and 817 transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively (P < 0.05). Up-regulated genes from both ampulla and isthmus were found to be largely involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated genes were found in numerous inflammatory response pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Microarray-based transcriptional profiling revealed phase of the cycle-dependent changes in the expression of mRNA within the epithelium of the oviducts’ ampulla and isthmus. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12958-015-0077-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Comparative effects of high intensity interval training versus moderate intensity continuous training on quality of life in patients with heart failure: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Purpose To compare the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods Twenty-two male CHF patients (LVEF < 45%, mean age 53.8 ± 8 yr) were studied before and after 12 weeks of supervised aerobic training for 60 min, three times a week. Patients were randomly (1:1) to MICT (n = 10) and HIIT (n = 12). Both training programs involved treadmill exercise. The group MICT at 75% of peak heart rate (HR) and HIIT at ≈ 95% of peak HR. Outcome measurements included an assessment of QoL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and SF-36), measurements of 6-min walk test (6MWT) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). Results Exercise was associated with a significant increased of 6MWT in 19.4% and 23.1% from MCIT and HIIT, respectively (p < 0.001), but not between-group differences. It was observed an improvement in VO2 peak by 11.2% in the HIIT group and 8.3% in the MCIT group, with between-group differences (p < 0.01). Quality of life improved significantly and in all domains in both groups (p-value time-effect). All patients showed significant improvements in all domains from baseline, it was observed in both groups (p < 0.05), with between-group differences for functional capacity (SF-36). No changes were observed in pain (SF-36) for both groups. Conclusion Both training programs were equally effective in improving QoL and functional capacity in CHF patients. Trial registration (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/): RBR-6hk9p6; registered on 15 May 2013.status: publishe