Mitochondria-Rich Cells: A Novel Type of Concealed Cell in the Small Intestine of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtles (Pelodiscus Sinensis)

Although some studies have been conducted over the past few decades, the existence of mitochondria-rich cells (MRCs) in reptiles is still obscure. This is the first study to uncover the presence of MRCs in the small intestine of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructural characteristics of MRCs and the secretion of different ion transport proteins in the small intestine of Pelodiscus sinensis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the ultrastructural features of MRCs are clearly different from those of other cells. The cytoplasmic density of MRCs was higher than absorptive epithelial cells (AECs) and goblet cells (GCs). MRCs possessed abundant heterogeneous mitochondria and an extensive tubular system in the cytoplasm, however, the AECs and GCs completely lacked a tubular system. Statistical analysis showed that the diameter and quantification of mitochondria were highly significant in MRCs. Mitochondrial vacuolization and despoiled mitochondria were closely associated with autophagosomes in MRCs. The multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and the exosome secretion pathway were observed in MRCs. Immunohistochemical staining of ion transport proteins indicated positive immunoreactivity of Na+/K+_ATPase (NKA) and Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC) at the basal region of the mucosal surface. Likewise, the immunofluorescence staining results showed a strong positive localization of NKA, NKCC, and carbonic anhydrase (CA) at the basal and apical region of the mucosal surface of small intestine. Our findings suggest that MRCs provide support and regulate cellular ions for intestinal homeostasis and provide energy for cellular quality control in intestine

Babesiosis: Current status and future perspectives in Pakistan and chemotherapy used in livestock and pet animals

Babesiosis is a protozoal disease affect livestock and pet animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, and cats. It causes severe economic losses in livestock as well as in pet animals. A large number of dairy animals are imported in order to fulfill the demands of milk, milk, meat and its products. In addition, different pet animals are transported from Pakistan to various parts of the world, therefore, it is important to identify the current status and distribution of babesiosis throughout Pakistan in order to control the disease and draw attention for future research, diagnosis, treatment and control of this diseases. No work has been done on a complete review on up-to-date on blood protozoal disease burden in Pakistan. This article will provide about the complete background of babesiosis in ruminants, equines and pet animals, its current status, distribution, vectors in Pakistan and allopathic and ethnoveterinary treatments used against babesiosis. Babesiosis may be subclinical (apparently normal) and may be clinical with acute to chronic disease and sometimes fatal. Babesia is found and develops inside the erythrocytes (red blood cells). Clinically, it causes fever, fatigue, lethargy, pallor mucus membranes, malaise, cachexia, respiratory distress, jaundice, icterus, hemolytic anemia, hemoglobinuria, lymphadenopathy, chollangocytitis, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Chemotherapy for babesiosis includes Imidocarb dipropionate, Diaminazine aceturate Atovaquone and Bupravaquone, Azithromycin, Quinuronium sulfate and Amicarbalidesio-thionate are most widely used. Supportive therapy includes multivitamins, fluid therapy, antipyretics intravenous fluids, and blood transfusions are used if necessary. In addition, there are certain ethnoveterinary (homeopathic) ingredients which having anti-babesial activity. As the resistance against these drugs is developing every day. New more specific long-lasting drugs should be developed for the treatment of Babesiosis. Further studies should be done on disease genome of different species of Babesia for vaccine development like malarial parasites

LIPOPHAGY: a novel form of steroidogenic activity within the LEYDIG cell during the reproductive cycle of turtle

Abstract Background Steroidogenesis is an indispensable process that is indirectly associated with spermatogenesis in the Leydig cell (LC) to utilize the lipid droplets (LDs) that are critical to maintaining normal testosterone synthesis. The regulation of LD mobilization, known as lipophagy, in the LC is still largely unknown. Method In the present study, the LC of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle was investigated to identify the steroidogenic activity and lipophagy during the annual reproductive cycle by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results The LC showed a dynamic steroidogenic function with strong activity of 3β-HSD, vimentin and tubular ER during hibernation by IHC and TEM. The tubulo-vesicular ER had a weak immunopositive reaction for 3β-HSD in the LC during reproductive phase, suggesting persistent steroidogenic activity. ORO staining and TEM demonstrated that a larger number of LDs had accumulated in the LC during hibernation than in the reproductive phase. These LDs existed in close association with mitochondria and lysosomes by being dynamically surrounded by intermediate filaments to facilitate LD utilization. Lysosomes were found directly attached to large LDs, forming an autophagic tube and engulfing LDs, suggesting that micro-lipophagy occurs during hibernation. Furthermore, the IHC of ATG7 (Autophagy Related Gene 7) and the IF of the LC3 (Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3), p62 (Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) and LAMP1(Lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1) results demonstrated strong expression, and further confirmation by TEM showed the existence of an autophagosome and an autolysosome and their fusion during the hibernation season. Conclusion In conclusion, the present study provides clear evidence of LD consumption in the LC by lipophagy, lysosome and mitochondria during the hibernation period, which is a key aspect of steroidogenesis in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle