Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and is generally considered to be a non-traumatic,physically debilitating neurological disorder.In addition to experiencing motor disabi...Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and is generally considered to be a non-traumatic,physically debilitating neurological disorder.In addition to experiencing motor disability,patients with multiple sclerosis also experience a variety of nonmotor symptoms,including cognitive deficits,anxiety,depression,sensory impairments,and pain.However,the pathogenesis and treatment of such non-motor symptoms in multiple scle rosis are still under research.Preclinical studies for multiple sclerosis benefit from the use of disease-appropriate animal models,including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.Prior to understanding the pathophysiology and developing treatments for non-motor symptoms,it is critical to chara cterize the animal model in terms of its ability to replicate certain non-motor features of multiple sclerosis.As such,no single animal model can mimic the entire spectrum of symptoms.This review focuses on the non-motor symptoms that have been investigated in animal models of multiple sclerosis as well as possible underlying mechanisms.Further,we highlighted gaps in the literature to explain the nonmotor aspects of multiple sclerosis in expe rimental animal models,which will serve as the basis for future studies.展开更多
Structural plasticity is critical for the functional diversity of neurons in the brain.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)is the most commonly used model for multiple sclerosis(MS),successfully mimicking it...Structural plasticity is critical for the functional diversity of neurons in the brain.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)is the most commonly used model for multiple sclerosis(MS),successfully mimicking its key pathological features(inflammation,demyelination,axonal loss,and gliosis)and clinical symptoms(motor and non-motordysfunctions).Recentstudieshave demonstrated the importance of synaptic plasticity in EAE pathogenesis.In the present study,we investigated the features of behavioral alteration and hippocampal structural plasticity in EAE-affected mice in the early phase(11 days post-immunization,DPI)and chronic phase(28DPI).EAE-affected mice exhibited hippocampus-related behavioral dysfunction in the open field test during both early and chronic phases.Dendritic complexity was largely affected in the cornu ammonis 1(CA1)and CA3 apical and dentate gyrus(DG)subregions of the hippocampus during the chronic phase,while this effect was only noted in the CA1 apical subregion in the early phase.Moreover,dendritic spine density was reduced in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 apical/basal and DG subregions in the early phase of EAE,but only reduced in the DG subregion during the chronic phase.Furthermore,mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines(Il1β,Tnfα,and Ifnγ)and glial cell markers(Gfap and Cd68)were significantly increased,whereas the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletonassociated protein(ARC)was reduced during the chronic phase.Similarly,exposure to the aforementioned cytokines in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons reduced dendritic complexity and ARC expression.Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons also showed significantly reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)phosphorylation upon treatment with proinflammatory cytokines.Collectively,these results suggest that autoimmune neuroinflammation alters structural plasticity in the hippocampus,possibly through the ERK-ARC pathway,indicating that this alteration may be associated with hippocampal dysfunctions in EAE.展开更多
Previous studies have shown that Ninjurin-1 participates in cell trafficking and axonal growth following central and peripheral nervous system neuroinflammation.But its precise roles in these processes and involvement...Previous studies have shown that Ninjurin-1 participates in cell trafficking and axonal growth following central and peripheral nervous system neuroinflammation.But its precise roles in these processes and involvement in spinal cord injury pathophysiology remain unclear.Western blot assay revealed that Ninjurin-1 levels in rats with spinal cord injury exhibited an upregulation until day 4 post-injury and slightly decreased thereafter compared with sham controls.Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that Ninjurin-1 immunoreactivity in rats with spinal cord injury sharply increased on days 1 and 4 post-injury and slightly decreased on days 7 and 21 post-injury compared with sham controls.Ninjurin-1 immunostaining was weak in vascular endothelial cells, ependymal cells, and some glial cells in sham controls while it was relatively strong in macrophages, microglia, and reactive astrocytes.These findings suggest that a variety of cells, including vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and microglia, secrete Ninjurin-1 and they participate in the pathophysiology of compression-induced spinal cord injury.All experimental procedures were approved by the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Jeju National University(approval No.2018-0029) on July 6, 2018.展开更多
Methotrexate, which is used to treat many malignancies and autoimmune diseases, affects brain functions including hippocampal-dependent memory function. However, the precise mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced ...Methotrexate, which is used to treat many malignancies and autoimmune diseases, affects brain functions including hippocampal-dependent memory function. However, the precise mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced hippocampal dysfunction are poorly understood. To evaluate temporal changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals, the expression and activity of N-methyI-D-aspartic acid receptor 1, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cAMP responsive element-binding protein, glutamate receptor 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor were examined in the hippocampi of adult C57BL/6 mice after methotrexate （40 mg/kg） intraperitoneal injection. Western blot analysis showed biphasic changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals in adult hippocampi following methotrexate treatment. N-methyI-D-aspartic acid receptor 1, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and glutamate receptor 1 were acutely activated during the early phase （1 day post-injection）, while extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and cAMP responsive element-binding protein activation showed biphasic increases during the eady （1 day post-injection） and late phases （7-14 days post-injection）. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression increased significantly during the late phase （7-14 days post-injection）. Therefore, methotrexate treatment affects synaptic plasticity-related signals in the adult mouse hippocampus, suggesting that changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals may be associated with neuronal survival and plasticity-related cellular remodeling.展开更多
A significant amount of evidence indicates that microRNAs （miRNAs） play an important role in drug addiction. The nucleus accumbens （NAc） is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuit and is involved in a varie...A significant amount of evidence indicates that microRNAs （miRNAs） play an important role in drug addiction. The nucleus accumbens （NAc） is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuit and is involved in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and drug addiction. However, few studies have examined the expression of miRNAs and their functional roles in the NAc under conditions of morphine addiction. In this study, mice were intravenously infused with morphine （0.01, 0.03, 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg/infusion） and showed inverted U-shaped response. After morphine self-administration, NAc was used to analyze the functional networks of altered miRNAs and their putative target mRNAs in the NAc following intravenous self-administration of morphine. We utilized several bioinformatics tools, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway mapping and CyTargetLinker. We found that 62 miRNAs were altered and exhibited differential expression patterns. The putative targets were related to diverse regulatory functions, such as neurogenesis, neurodegeneration, and synaptic plasticity, as well as the pharmacological effects of morphine （receptor internalization/endocytosis）. The present findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of accumbal molecules under conditions of morphine addiction and identify several novel biomarkers associated with morphine addiction.展开更多
There is accumulating clinical evidence that chemotherapeutic agents induce neurological side effects, including memory deficits and mood disorders, in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapeutic treatments. T...There is accumulating clinical evidence that chemotherapeutic agents induce neurological side effects, including memory deficits and mood disorders, in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapeutic treatments. This review focuses on chemotherapy-induced neurodegeneration and hippocampal dysfunctions and related mechanisms as measured by in vivo and in vitro approaches. These investigations are helpful in determining how best to further explore the causa mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced neurological side effects and in providing direction for the future development of novel optimized chemotherapeutic agents.展开更多
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used to treat primary and metastatic cancers.Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that these types of treatment can effectively and successfully ...Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used to treat primary and metastatic cancers.Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that these types of treatment can effectively and successfully extend the lifespan of cancer patients,but they are also associated with various neurological complications such as cognitive deficits, seizures, and emotional problems （Taphoorn and Klein, 2004; Yang and Moon, 2013; Son et al., 2015b）.展开更多
Objective To study the immune regulative function of Sertoli cell on testis local infection Methods Ureaplasma urealyticum （UU） was directly injected into bladders of FasL transgenic mice and wild-type mice, which m...Objective To study the immune regulative function of Sertoli cell on testis local infection Methods Ureaplasma urealyticum （UU） was directly injected into bladders of FasL transgenic mice and wild-type mice, which mimicked an ascending infectious way. At week 1, 2 and 3 after injection respectively, the mice were killed to observe the pathological alterations in testis section. And at the same time cytokines was tested by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of levels of FasL, TGF-β, IL-1α and IL-6 between UU-infected and control groups of wild mice and FasL transgenic mice was made respectively. Then the capability of Sertoli cell （FasL^＋） to mediate apoptosis of Fas^＋ cells between wild control and wild UU-infected groups was analyzed. Results The pathological changes of testis in FasL transgenic mice were more seriously compared with wild counterpart and the changing mode of cytokines secreted by Sertoli cells were different between the two kinds of mice. The UU-infected Sertoli cells increased Fas^＋ Jurkat cell apoptosis. Conclusions High expression of FasL in FasL transgenic mice can influence the cytokines secretion during anti-infection, thus affecting the testis immune response to infection and immune balance. The high expression of FasL is not beneficial for body＇s anti-inflection immune response.展开更多
Background:This study investigated the effect of melatonin(MT)on cell cycle(G1/S/G2/M)of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse metaphase II(MII)oocytes and elucidated the potential mechanism of...Background:This study investigated the effect of melatonin(MT)on cell cycle(G1/S/G2/M)of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse metaphase II(MII)oocytes and elucidated the potential mechanism of MT action in the first cleavage of embryos.Results:After vitrification and warming,oocytes were parthenogenetically activated(PA)and in vitro cultured(IVC).Then the spindle morphology and chromosome segregation in oocytes,the maternal mRNA levels of genes including Miss,Doc1r,Setd2 and Ythdf2 in activated oocytes,pronuclear formation,the S phase duration in zygotes,mitochondrial function at G1 phase,reactive oxygen species(ROS)level at S phase,DNA damage at G2 phase,early apoptosis in 2-cell embryos,cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were evaluated.The results indicated that the vitrification/warming procedures led to following perturbations 1)spindle abnormalities and chromosome misalignment,alteration of maternal mRNAs and delay in pronucleus formation,2)decreased mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)and lower adenosine triphosphate(ATP)levels,increased ROS production and DNA damage,G1/S and S/G2 phase transition delay,and delayed first cleavage,and 3)increased early apoptosis and lower levels of cleavage and blastocyst formation.Our results further revealed that such negative impacts of oocyte cryopreservation could be alleviated by supplementation of warming,recovery,PA and IVC media with 10^(−9) mol/L MT before the embryos moved into the 2-cell stage of development.Conclusions:MT might promote cell cycle progression via regulation of MMP,ATP,ROS and maternal mRNA levels,potentially increasing the first cleavage of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes and their subsequent development.展开更多
Objective:To examine sex reversal both by oral and by immersion using 17α-methyltestosterone on the methyltestosterone residual concentration and the organ histopathology of tilapia fish.Methods:This study used oral ...Objective:To examine sex reversal both by oral and by immersion using 17α-methyltestosterone on the methyltestosterone residual concentration and the organ histopathology of tilapia fish.Methods:This study used oral and immersion treatment methods for sex reversal of tilapia fish and used normal fish as the control and each treatment was repeated 4 times.17α-methyltestosterone at dosages of 60 mg/kg feed and 0.5 mg/L were used for oral and immersion methods,respectively.In the first step,tilapia fry were reared at 100 L aquaria,with a density of 1 fish/L for 2 months.In the next step,male tilapias were reared at happa(net cage)of(2×1×1)m3 size in the controlled pond,with a density of 30 fish/happa for 3 months.The methyltestosterone residual concentrations were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range tests,while organ histopathology was analyzed by descriptive method.Results:Residual concentrations in the serum of methyltestosterone-treated fish were significantly lower than that in normal fish,especially in 4-and 5-month-old tilapias with averages of less than 5μg/L,while in normal fish was more than 5μg/L.In the flesh,methyltestosterone residual concentrations showed relatively no significant differences between the oral and immersion treatment groups and methyltestosterone-treated fish remained lower compared to normal fish,except in 5-month-old tilapia.Methyltestosterone-treated tilapia exhibited histopathological changes on gill,liver,kidneys,and intestine organs.Conclusions:Sex reversal either by oral or by immersion has methyltestosterone residual concentration,but does not exceed the limits(5μg/L or 5μg/kg)of synthetic steroid on the fish body,although methyltestosterone causes histopathological changes on gill,liver,kidneys,and intestine.展开更多
A total of 120-day-old broilers were divided into four groups. In group-A, broilers were left without supplementation of minerals and vitamins(control), while the broilers in groups B, C and D were given mineral and v...A total of 120-day-old broilers were divided into four groups. In group-A, broilers were left without supplementation of minerals and vitamins(control), while the broilers in groups B, C and D were given mineral and vitamin supplementation 1-6, 1-4 and 5-6 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the feed consumption of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 4 234.61, 4 028.38, 4 169.32 and 4 181.87 g · b-1; water intake was 9 668.88, 9 295.55, 9 882.11 and 9 402.86 L · b-1; live body weight was 2 068.90, 2 360.90, 2 255.30 and 2 157.40 g · b-1, respectively. The feed conversion ratio of broilers in groups A, B, C, D was 2.05, 1.71, 1.85 and 1.94 g · b-1, carcass weight(wt) was 1 550, 1 656, 1 552 and 1 528.8 g · b-1, and average dressing percentage was 61.24, 63.02, 62.60 and 60.51 respectively. Weight of heart in groups A, B, C and D was 15.13, 13.16, 11.72 and 11.50 g · b-1, weight of gizzard was 32.98, 37.48, 37.62 and 33.35 g · b-1, weight of liver was 51.94, 48.70, 51.94 and 48.70 g · b-1 and spleen weight was 3.48, 3.28, 3.06 and 2.82 g · b-1, respectively. Average mortality of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 6, 2, 4 and 5 resulting 20.00%, 8.00%, 13.00% and 16.00% mortality rate, respectively. The haemoglobin level in blood of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 9.20, 12.23, 10.87 and 7.60 g · dL-1,white blood cell level 77.47, 89.83, 81.63 and 78.13(×106 μL); red blood cell level 1.85, 2.58, 2.45 and 1.40(×106 μL), respectively. It was concluded that broilers given mineral and vitamin supplementation(Aquavit Electrolyte) for 6 weeks were proven to be most effective regime to result the lowest feed intake, the highest live body weight, better feed conversion ratio, higher carcass weight, better dressing percentage, higher net profit, relatively improved haemoglobin level in blood, increased counts of red blood cells and white blood cells. In all the above parameters, the broilers received mineral and vitamin supplementation for the first 4 weeks and the last 2 weeks showed relatively inferior performance, it is suggested that mineral and vitamin supplementation through water for partial period was not much effective in broiler productivity. Broilers may be supplemented with commercially available minerals and vitamins in drinking water over full rearing period, for achieving higher live body weight and efficient feed conversion ratio.展开更多
Objective: To investigate seasonal changes in some reproductive characteristics of the male African straw-colored fruit bat [Eidolon (E.) helvum] in a tropical rain forest area of South-East Nigeria.Methods: Spermatoz...Objective: To investigate seasonal changes in some reproductive characteristics of the male African straw-colored fruit bat [Eidolon (E.) helvum] in a tropical rain forest area of South-East Nigeria.Methods: Spermatozoal characteristics in the testes and cauda epididymides, testicular histology, and the circulating levels of the reproductive hormones, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were evaluated in male bats captured in late January (peak dry season), late May (early rainy season) and late September (late rainy season) of 2019. The bats were captured in Obiagu community in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance. Results: There were high serum concentrations of testosterone in early and late rainy season and of luteinizing hormone in early rainy season, but the concentrations of both hormones were low during peak dry season. These hormonal changes corresponded with the testicular seminiferous and spermatogenic activities and testicular and epididymal sperm concentrations, which were also maximal during early and late rainy season but minimal during peak dry season. Epididymal sperm motility and vitality were also high in early and late rainy season but low in peak dry season, while sperm morphological abnormalities were low in early and late rainy season but elevated in peak dry season. There was histological evidence that spermatogenesis did not cease completely during testis regression, but continued at a reduced rate during the dry season. Conclusions: The findings do not support concurrent epididymal sperm storage with testis regression in E. helvum. Altogether, these indicate that seasonal changes significantly alter sperm characteristics, testicular histology and circulating levels of reproductive hormones in E. helvum within the study area.展开更多
There are conflicting reports on the effect of Cannabis on brain cells, some reports support damage to brain cells while others do not. This work was carried out at the neuroscience unit of the Department of Veterinar...There are conflicting reports on the effect of Cannabis on brain cells, some reports support damage to brain cells while others do not. This work was carried out at the neuroscience unit of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. It investigated the neurodegenerative effect of extract of Cannabis sativa plant on brain regions in newborn Wistar rats exposed to Cannabis in utero and also combining the antioxidant and cell proliferative properties of folic acid to reverse these changes particularly in the Purkinje layer of the cerebellum in the group that received folic acid and cannabis. Four groups of pregnant Wistar rats were treated from Day 5 to 20 of pregnancy as follows: group A received 2ml of normal saline solution per os, group B received 2.0 mg /kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa plant dissolved in normal saline per os, group C received 2.0 mg /kg body weight of Cannabis sativa extract and 40 mg/kg body weight of folic acid tablets (Emzor®) and group D received 2 mg/kg body weight of folic acid per os. The rat pups from group B showed deficit in locomotor function with spongiosis and astrogliosis in the corpus callosum, cerebellum and hippocampal regions of the brain. While pups from group A showed normal locomotor activities with no visible lesions in regions of the brain such as the cerebrum, cerebellum and the hippocampus. Group C pups were presented with normal locomotor activities with congestion of vessels in cerebrum and meninges and scattered areas of cell loss in the cerebrum, cerebellum hippocampus and corpus callosum and group D pups showed normal locomotor function, with vascular congestion in the meninges and cerebrum. We, therefore, concluded that folic acid which is a crucial factor in cell division, neurotransmitter production and an antioxidant in the nervous system could have a reversal of behavioural and locomotor deficits on nervous tissues exposed to Cannabis sativa extract by reducing the rate of cell death and increasing cellular stability and integrity in brain.展开更多
Background:The greater cane rat(GCR),reputed to be African's second largest rodent,is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history.Scientific and socio-economic interests in the GCR have l...Background:The greater cane rat(GCR),reputed to be African's second largest rodent,is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history.Scientific and socio-economic interests in the GCR have led to heightened research efforts targeted towards a better understanding of its biology and exploration of its economic and translational usefulness.Methods:Records of all online scientific publications on the GCR from Google,Google Scholar,PubMed,science.gov,Ebscohost and Worldwide science,with the exception of research theses,proceedings,unpublished projects and abstracts,were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:A total of 146 published scholarly articles spanning about six decades were retrieved,with 98%of the GCR publications originating from African countries.Nigeria boasts the highest number of publications(58.22%)followed by Ghana(21.23%)and South Africa(5.48%)while Senegal contributed the least(0.69%).Publications were sorted into ten field categories.The field with the highest number of articles(41.78%)was animal breeding and management recording,closely followed by anatomy(37.67%).Lesser contributions were made by parasitology(5.48%),biochemistry/hematology(4.8%),pharmacology/toxicology(4.11%),pathology(2.06%),and surgery/anesthesia and physiology(1.37%apiece).The fields with fewest contributions were microbiology and developmental biology(0.69%each).Conclusion:This study chronicles the spectrum of knowledge available on the GCR,highlighting the knowledge gap that still exists in various fields in order to provide advocacy for new frontiers in research efforts on this rodent.We suggest the need for a clearly defined and well integrated national/regional policy aimed at establishing Africa's foremost micro-livestock rodent,the greater cane rat,on the world's scientific radar.展开更多
A study was carried out to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed with varying level of choline inclusion in their diets;T1(control),T2(10g/10kg)and T3(20g/10kg).A total of 225 ma...A study was carried out to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed with varying level of choline inclusion in their diets;T1(control),T2(10g/10kg)and T3(20g/10kg).A total of 225 marshall broiler chicks were randomly divided into three(3)treatment group of 75 birds each.Each group was divided into five(5)replicates of fifteen(15)birds each laid in a completely randomized design.Feed and water was supplied ad-libitum and the experiment lasted for 49 days.The total feed intake(1316.75-14442.18)(24437.13-31999.76)for starter and finisher respectively,body weight gain(6227.30-8241.20)(10956.64-14182.96)for starter and finisher respectively,feed conversion ratio(1.73-2.26)(2.21-2.48)for starter and finisher respectively.Many(thigh,wings,back)of the carcass parameters measured were not significantly(p>0.05)affected by the treatments but significant difference(p<0.05)was observed in drum stick,breast and neck.However,significant difference(p<0.05)was also observed in gizzard,liver and bile,heart,lungs,legs and head.There was significant difference(p<0.05)in primal cuts per live weight,primal cuts per dressed weight,organs per live weight and organs per dressed weight.In view of the results obtained,it can be concluded that treatment two(10g/10kg)performed better in terms of total body weight(TBW)and feed conversion ratio(FCR).Also in the carcass characteristics,treatment two performed better in terms of breast yield,drumstick,percentage of primal cuts from live weight(P/LW)and percentage of primal cuts from dressed weight.展开更多
Background: Nanotechnology symbolizes a broad discipline with enormous potential in cancer treatment bridging one of the bottlenecks of traditional approaches in cancer therapy which is an inability to deliver adequat...Background: Nanotechnology symbolizes a broad discipline with enormous potential in cancer treatment bridging one of the bottlenecks of traditional approaches in cancer therapy which is an inability to deliver adequate quantities of anti-cancer drugs to the tumor area. Studies on nanoparticles indicate their importance in cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. Aim: The present study assessed anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastatic effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from neem plant (Azadirachta indica). Methods: Chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and two-dimensional (2D) wound healing assays were used to study anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of the AgNPs respectively. Twenty-four fertilized eggs were divided into four groups: two biogenic AgNPs treatments at 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml;negative control (1% DMSO) and positive control (cyclophosphamide). On day 8 of incubation, filter discs impregnated with different concentration levels of the treatments were placed on the CAM. On day 12 of incubation, the CAMs were imaged using a stereomicroscope, scaled using ImageJ, and different morphometric and spatial parameters computed using AngioTool software. Vessel area, vessel percent area, total number of junctions, total vessel length, average vessel length, mean lacunarity, and junction density were measured. The crown-rump length (CRL) and fetal weight were also recorded on day 16 of incubation. In order to determine relative gene expression profiles of iNOS and VEGF, total RNA was extracted from the CAM, and qRT-PCR was performed with β-Actin as a reference gene. For the 2D wound healing assay, DU145 human prostate cells were grown in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum. Results: Biogenic AgNPs demonstrated anti-angiogenic effects in a dose-dependent manner in the parameters generated from the CAM images. Also, qRT-PCR revealed down-regulation of iNOS and VEGF genes. The 2-dimensional wound healing assay showed inhibition of migration and motility of the DU145 cells for the 72-hours of assessment. Conclusion: The present study postulates that the biogenic AgNPs can prevent angiogenesis by inactivation of VEGF-NO and VEGF/VEGF-R pathways while inhibiting cell migration and metastasis.展开更多
Objective:To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Methods:Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 d...Objective:To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Methods:Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 days.Hematological,biochemical,electrocardiography,echocardiography,and histopathological examinations were performed.Results:Hesperidin decreased the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,calcium,creatine kinase-myoglobin binding,lactate dehydrogenase,IL-6,and lipid peroxidation,as well as increased sodium and potassium concentration and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in arsenic trioxide-intoxicated rats.Moreover,it reduced peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity while increasing heart rate.Arsenic trioxide-induced histopathological damage to cardiac tissue was prominently alleviated by hesperidin treatment.Conclusions:Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Therefore,it can be further explored as a cardioprotective agent.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether the expression profiles of Eph B receptor and ephrin-B ligand can be used as markers for dysplastic/oncogenic transformation in gastric mucosa.METHODS: The protein expression and localization...AIM: To determine whether the expression profiles of Eph B receptor and ephrin-B ligand can be used as markers for dysplastic/oncogenic transformation in gastric mucosa.METHODS: The protein expression and localization ofEph B and ephrin-B in normal, ulcerated regenerating, and dysplastic gastric mucosa were examined in a rat experimental model by immunolabeling, and m RNA expression was assessed in four human gastric carcinoma cell lines by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: Ephrin-B- and Eph B-expressing regions were divided along the pit-gland axis in normal gastric units. Eph B2 was transiently upregulated in the experimental ulcer, and its expression domain extended to gastric pits and/or the luminal surface where ephrin-B-expressing pit cells reside. Eph B2, B3, and B4 and ephrin-B1 were coexpressed in the experimental gastric dysplasia, and more than one ligand-receptor pair was highly expressed in each of the gastric carcinoma cell lines.CONCLUSION: Robust and stable coexpression of Eph B and ephrin-B is a feature common to experimentally induced gastric dysplasia and human gastric carcinoma cell lines as compared to normal gastric and ulcerated regenerating epithelia. Thus, Eph B/ephrin-B may be a useful marker combination for dysplastic/oncogenic transformation in gastric cancer.展开更多
Osteopontin(OPN)is an extracellular matrix protein with a diverse range of functions,including roles in cell adhesion,migration,and immunomodulation,which are associated with the modulation of neuroinflammation in the...Osteopontin(OPN)is an extracellular matrix protein with a diverse range of functions,including roles in cell adhesion,migration,and immunomodulation,which are associated with the modulation of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system.The present study was performed to evaluate the involvement of OPN in the eyes of an experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis(EAU)model.The EAU model was developed by immunization of Lewis rats with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein.The results showed the OPN level was remarkably upregulated in the eye of EAU rats on day 9 post-immunization.The level of CD44,a ligand of OPN,was increased in the ciliary body of EAU rats.Furthermore,OPN was also detected in the ciliary body and activated microglia/macrophages in the EAU retina.The results suggest that OPN was significantly upregulated in the eyes of EAU rats,and that it may be useful as an early biomarker of ocular autoimmune diseases.All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Jeju National University(approval No.2020-0012)on March 11,2020.展开更多
Neurotoxicity induced by stress,radiation,chemicals,or metabolic diseases,is commonly associated with excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.The pathological process of neurotoxicity induces neuronal de...Neurotoxicity induced by stress,radiation,chemicals,or metabolic diseases,is commonly associated with excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.The pathological process of neurotoxicity induces neuronal death,interrupts synaptic plasticity in the brain,and is similar to that of diverse neurodegenerative diseases.Animal models of neurotoxicity have revealed that clinical symptoms and brain lesions can recover over time via neuroregenerative processes.Specifically,brain-derived neurotropic factor（BDNF） and gamma-aminobutyric acid（GABA）-ergic transmission are related to both neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.This review summarizes the accumulating evidences that suggest a pathogenic role of BDNF and GABAergic transmission,their underlying mechanisms,and the relationship between BDNF and GABA in neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of neuroregeneration that may help in developing potential strategies for pharmacotherapeutic approaches to treat neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease.展开更多
基金supported by a grant from the National Research Foundation(NRF)of Korea funded by the Korean Government,No.NRF-2022R1A2C1004022(to CM)。
文摘Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system and is generally considered to be a non-traumatic,physically debilitating neurological disorder.In addition to experiencing motor disability,patients with multiple sclerosis also experience a variety of nonmotor symptoms,including cognitive deficits,anxiety,depression,sensory impairments,and pain.However,the pathogenesis and treatment of such non-motor symptoms in multiple scle rosis are still under research.Preclinical studies for multiple sclerosis benefit from the use of disease-appropriate animal models,including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.Prior to understanding the pathophysiology and developing treatments for non-motor symptoms,it is critical to chara cterize the animal model in terms of its ability to replicate certain non-motor features of multiple sclerosis.As such,no single animal model can mimic the entire spectrum of symptoms.This review focuses on the non-motor symptoms that have been investigated in animal models of multiple sclerosis as well as possible underlying mechanisms.Further,we highlighted gaps in the literature to explain the nonmotor aspects of multiple sclerosis in expe rimental animal models,which will serve as the basis for future studies.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF)of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2022R1A2C100402212RS-2023-00219517)。
文摘Structural plasticity is critical for the functional diversity of neurons in the brain.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE)is the most commonly used model for multiple sclerosis(MS),successfully mimicking its key pathological features(inflammation,demyelination,axonal loss,and gliosis)and clinical symptoms(motor and non-motordysfunctions).Recentstudieshave demonstrated the importance of synaptic plasticity in EAE pathogenesis.In the present study,we investigated the features of behavioral alteration and hippocampal structural plasticity in EAE-affected mice in the early phase(11 days post-immunization,DPI)and chronic phase(28DPI).EAE-affected mice exhibited hippocampus-related behavioral dysfunction in the open field test during both early and chronic phases.Dendritic complexity was largely affected in the cornu ammonis 1(CA1)and CA3 apical and dentate gyrus(DG)subregions of the hippocampus during the chronic phase,while this effect was only noted in the CA1 apical subregion in the early phase.Moreover,dendritic spine density was reduced in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 apical/basal and DG subregions in the early phase of EAE,but only reduced in the DG subregion during the chronic phase.Furthermore,mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines(Il1β,Tnfα,and Ifnγ)and glial cell markers(Gfap and Cd68)were significantly increased,whereas the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletonassociated protein(ARC)was reduced during the chronic phase.Similarly,exposure to the aforementioned cytokines in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons reduced dendritic complexity and ARC expression.Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons also showed significantly reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)phosphorylation upon treatment with proinflammatory cytokines.Collectively,these results suggest that autoimmune neuroinflammation alters structural plasticity in the hippocampus,possibly through the ERK-ARC pathway,indicating that this alteration may be associated with hippocampal dysfunctions in EAE.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (Grant No.NRF-2018R1D1A1B07050916)。
文摘Previous studies have shown that Ninjurin-1 participates in cell trafficking and axonal growth following central and peripheral nervous system neuroinflammation.But its precise roles in these processes and involvement in spinal cord injury pathophysiology remain unclear.Western blot assay revealed that Ninjurin-1 levels in rats with spinal cord injury exhibited an upregulation until day 4 post-injury and slightly decreased thereafter compared with sham controls.Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that Ninjurin-1 immunoreactivity in rats with spinal cord injury sharply increased on days 1 and 4 post-injury and slightly decreased on days 7 and 21 post-injury compared with sham controls.Ninjurin-1 immunostaining was weak in vascular endothelial cells, ependymal cells, and some glial cells in sham controls while it was relatively strong in macrophages, microglia, and reactive astrocytes.These findings suggest that a variety of cells, including vascular endothelial cells, macrophages, and microglia, secrete Ninjurin-1 and they participate in the pathophysiology of compression-induced spinal cord injury.All experimental procedures were approved by the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Jeju National University(approval No.2018-0029) on July 6, 2018.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government(No. NRF-2010-0015393)supported by Animal Medical Institute of Chonnam Na-tional University
文摘Methotrexate, which is used to treat many malignancies and autoimmune diseases, affects brain functions including hippocampal-dependent memory function. However, the precise mechanisms underlying methotrexate-induced hippocampal dysfunction are poorly understood. To evaluate temporal changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals, the expression and activity of N-methyI-D-aspartic acid receptor 1, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cAMP responsive element-binding protein, glutamate receptor 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor were examined in the hippocampi of adult C57BL/6 mice after methotrexate （40 mg/kg） intraperitoneal injection. Western blot analysis showed biphasic changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals in adult hippocampi following methotrexate treatment. N-methyI-D-aspartic acid receptor 1, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and glutamate receptor 1 were acutely activated during the early phase （1 day post-injection）, while extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and cAMP responsive element-binding protein activation showed biphasic increases during the eady （1 day post-injection） and late phases （7-14 days post-injection）. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expression increased significantly during the late phase （7-14 days post-injection）. Therefore, methotrexate treatment affects synaptic plasticity-related signals in the adult mouse hippocampus, suggesting that changes in synaptic plasticity-related signals may be associated with neuronal survival and plasticity-related cellular remodeling.
基金funded by the National Research Council of Science & Technology(NST)grant by the Korean government(MSIP)(No.CRC-15-04-KIST)the National Research Foundation of Korea under the grant(No.NRF-2017R1A2B200399Mid-career Researcher Program)
文摘A significant amount of evidence indicates that microRNAs （miRNAs） play an important role in drug addiction. The nucleus accumbens （NAc） is a critical part of the brain’s reward circuit and is involved in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and drug addiction. However, few studies have examined the expression of miRNAs and their functional roles in the NAc under conditions of morphine addiction. In this study, mice were intravenously infused with morphine （0.01, 0.03, 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg/infusion） and showed inverted U-shaped response. After morphine self-administration, NAc was used to analyze the functional networks of altered miRNAs and their putative target mRNAs in the NAc following intravenous self-administration of morphine. We utilized several bioinformatics tools, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway mapping and CyTargetLinker. We found that 62 miRNAs were altered and exhibited differential expression patterns. The putative targets were related to diverse regulatory functions, such as neurogenesis, neurodegeneration, and synaptic plasticity, as well as the pharmacological effects of morphine （receptor internalization/endocytosis）. The present findings provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of accumbal molecules under conditions of morphine addiction and identify several novel biomarkers associated with morphine addiction.
基金supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government, No. NRF-2011-0003380 2012R1A1B44001262a grant from Animal Medical Institute of Chonnam National University
文摘There is accumulating clinical evidence that chemotherapeutic agents induce neurological side effects, including memory deficits and mood disorders, in cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapeutic treatments. This review focuses on chemotherapy-induced neurodegeneration and hippocampal dysfunctions and related mechanisms as measured by in vivo and in vitro approaches. These investigations are helpful in determining how best to further explore the causa mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced neurological side effects and in providing direction for the future development of novel optimized chemotherapeutic agents.
文摘Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used to treat primary and metastatic cancers.Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that these types of treatment can effectively and successfully extend the lifespan of cancer patients,but they are also associated with various neurological complications such as cognitive deficits, seizures, and emotional problems （Taphoorn and Klein, 2004; Yang and Moon, 2013; Son et al., 2015b）.
基金This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 39970283).
文摘Objective To study the immune regulative function of Sertoli cell on testis local infection Methods Ureaplasma urealyticum （UU） was directly injected into bladders of FasL transgenic mice and wild-type mice, which mimicked an ascending infectious way. At week 1, 2 and 3 after injection respectively, the mice were killed to observe the pathological alterations in testis section. And at the same time cytokines was tested by immunohistochemistry. Comparison of levels of FasL, TGF-β, IL-1α and IL-6 between UU-infected and control groups of wild mice and FasL transgenic mice was made respectively. Then the capability of Sertoli cell （FasL^＋） to mediate apoptosis of Fas^＋ cells between wild control and wild UU-infected groups was analyzed. Results The pathological changes of testis in FasL transgenic mice were more seriously compared with wild counterpart and the changing mode of cytokines secreted by Sertoli cells were different between the two kinds of mice. The UU-infected Sertoli cells increased Fas^＋ Jurkat cell apoptosis. Conclusions High expression of FasL in FasL transgenic mice can influence the cytokines secretion during anti-infection, thus affecting the testis immune response to infection and immune balance. The high expression of FasL is not beneficial for body＇s anti-inflection immune response.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant no.32072735,31572398)the Natural Science Fund of Qinghai Province(2020-ZJ-902)by the China Agriculture Research System(grant no.CARS-36).
文摘Background:This study investigated the effect of melatonin(MT)on cell cycle(G1/S/G2/M)of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse metaphase II(MII)oocytes and elucidated the potential mechanism of MT action in the first cleavage of embryos.Results:After vitrification and warming,oocytes were parthenogenetically activated(PA)and in vitro cultured(IVC).Then the spindle morphology and chromosome segregation in oocytes,the maternal mRNA levels of genes including Miss,Doc1r,Setd2 and Ythdf2 in activated oocytes,pronuclear formation,the S phase duration in zygotes,mitochondrial function at G1 phase,reactive oxygen species(ROS)level at S phase,DNA damage at G2 phase,early apoptosis in 2-cell embryos,cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were evaluated.The results indicated that the vitrification/warming procedures led to following perturbations 1)spindle abnormalities and chromosome misalignment,alteration of maternal mRNAs and delay in pronucleus formation,2)decreased mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)and lower adenosine triphosphate(ATP)levels,increased ROS production and DNA damage,G1/S and S/G2 phase transition delay,and delayed first cleavage,and 3)increased early apoptosis and lower levels of cleavage and blastocyst formation.Our results further revealed that such negative impacts of oocyte cryopreservation could be alleviated by supplementation of warming,recovery,PA and IVC media with 10^(−9) mol/L MT before the embryos moved into the 2-cell stage of development.Conclusions:MT might promote cell cycle progression via regulation of MMP,ATP,ROS and maternal mRNA levels,potentially increasing the first cleavage of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes and their subsequent development.
文摘Objective:To examine sex reversal both by oral and by immersion using 17α-methyltestosterone on the methyltestosterone residual concentration and the organ histopathology of tilapia fish.Methods:This study used oral and immersion treatment methods for sex reversal of tilapia fish and used normal fish as the control and each treatment was repeated 4 times.17α-methyltestosterone at dosages of 60 mg/kg feed and 0.5 mg/L were used for oral and immersion methods,respectively.In the first step,tilapia fry were reared at 100 L aquaria,with a density of 1 fish/L for 2 months.In the next step,male tilapias were reared at happa(net cage)of(2×1×1)m3 size in the controlled pond,with a density of 30 fish/happa for 3 months.The methyltestosterone residual concentrations were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range tests,while organ histopathology was analyzed by descriptive method.Results:Residual concentrations in the serum of methyltestosterone-treated fish were significantly lower than that in normal fish,especially in 4-and 5-month-old tilapias with averages of less than 5μg/L,while in normal fish was more than 5μg/L.In the flesh,methyltestosterone residual concentrations showed relatively no significant differences between the oral and immersion treatment groups and methyltestosterone-treated fish remained lower compared to normal fish,except in 5-month-old tilapia.Methyltestosterone-treated tilapia exhibited histopathological changes on gill,liver,kidneys,and intestine organs.Conclusions:Sex reversal either by oral or by immersion has methyltestosterone residual concentration,but does not exceed the limits(5μg/L or 5μg/kg)of synthetic steroid on the fish body,although methyltestosterone causes histopathological changes on gill,liver,kidneys,and intestine.
文摘A total of 120-day-old broilers were divided into four groups. In group-A, broilers were left without supplementation of minerals and vitamins(control), while the broilers in groups B, C and D were given mineral and vitamin supplementation 1-6, 1-4 and 5-6 weeks, respectively. The results showed that the feed consumption of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 4 234.61, 4 028.38, 4 169.32 and 4 181.87 g · b-1; water intake was 9 668.88, 9 295.55, 9 882.11 and 9 402.86 L · b-1; live body weight was 2 068.90, 2 360.90, 2 255.30 and 2 157.40 g · b-1, respectively. The feed conversion ratio of broilers in groups A, B, C, D was 2.05, 1.71, 1.85 and 1.94 g · b-1, carcass weight(wt) was 1 550, 1 656, 1 552 and 1 528.8 g · b-1, and average dressing percentage was 61.24, 63.02, 62.60 and 60.51 respectively. Weight of heart in groups A, B, C and D was 15.13, 13.16, 11.72 and 11.50 g · b-1, weight of gizzard was 32.98, 37.48, 37.62 and 33.35 g · b-1, weight of liver was 51.94, 48.70, 51.94 and 48.70 g · b-1 and spleen weight was 3.48, 3.28, 3.06 and 2.82 g · b-1, respectively. Average mortality of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 6, 2, 4 and 5 resulting 20.00%, 8.00%, 13.00% and 16.00% mortality rate, respectively. The haemoglobin level in blood of broilers in groups A, B, C and D was 9.20, 12.23, 10.87 and 7.60 g · dL-1,white blood cell level 77.47, 89.83, 81.63 and 78.13(×106 μL); red blood cell level 1.85, 2.58, 2.45 and 1.40(×106 μL), respectively. It was concluded that broilers given mineral and vitamin supplementation(Aquavit Electrolyte) for 6 weeks were proven to be most effective regime to result the lowest feed intake, the highest live body weight, better feed conversion ratio, higher carcass weight, better dressing percentage, higher net profit, relatively improved haemoglobin level in blood, increased counts of red blood cells and white blood cells. In all the above parameters, the broilers received mineral and vitamin supplementation for the first 4 weeks and the last 2 weeks showed relatively inferior performance, it is suggested that mineral and vitamin supplementation through water for partial period was not much effective in broiler productivity. Broilers may be supplemented with commercially available minerals and vitamins in drinking water over full rearing period, for achieving higher live body weight and efficient feed conversion ratio.
基金The study was partly supported by a grant for Academic Staff Training and Development from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Federal Republic of Nigeria
文摘Objective: To investigate seasonal changes in some reproductive characteristics of the male African straw-colored fruit bat [Eidolon (E.) helvum] in a tropical rain forest area of South-East Nigeria.Methods: Spermatozoal characteristics in the testes and cauda epididymides, testicular histology, and the circulating levels of the reproductive hormones, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were evaluated in male bats captured in late January (peak dry season), late May (early rainy season) and late September (late rainy season) of 2019. The bats were captured in Obiagu community in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance. Results: There were high serum concentrations of testosterone in early and late rainy season and of luteinizing hormone in early rainy season, but the concentrations of both hormones were low during peak dry season. These hormonal changes corresponded with the testicular seminiferous and spermatogenic activities and testicular and epididymal sperm concentrations, which were also maximal during early and late rainy season but minimal during peak dry season. Epididymal sperm motility and vitality were also high in early and late rainy season but low in peak dry season, while sperm morphological abnormalities were low in early and late rainy season but elevated in peak dry season. There was histological evidence that spermatogenesis did not cease completely during testis regression, but continued at a reduced rate during the dry season. Conclusions: The findings do not support concurrent epididymal sperm storage with testis regression in E. helvum. Altogether, these indicate that seasonal changes significantly alter sperm characteristics, testicular histology and circulating levels of reproductive hormones in E. helvum within the study area.
文摘There are conflicting reports on the effect of Cannabis on brain cells, some reports support damage to brain cells while others do not. This work was carried out at the neuroscience unit of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. It investigated the neurodegenerative effect of extract of Cannabis sativa plant on brain regions in newborn Wistar rats exposed to Cannabis in utero and also combining the antioxidant and cell proliferative properties of folic acid to reverse these changes particularly in the Purkinje layer of the cerebellum in the group that received folic acid and cannabis. Four groups of pregnant Wistar rats were treated from Day 5 to 20 of pregnancy as follows: group A received 2ml of normal saline solution per os, group B received 2.0 mg /kg body weight of ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa plant dissolved in normal saline per os, group C received 2.0 mg /kg body weight of Cannabis sativa extract and 40 mg/kg body weight of folic acid tablets (Emzor®) and group D received 2 mg/kg body weight of folic acid per os. The rat pups from group B showed deficit in locomotor function with spongiosis and astrogliosis in the corpus callosum, cerebellum and hippocampal regions of the brain. While pups from group A showed normal locomotor activities with no visible lesions in regions of the brain such as the cerebrum, cerebellum and the hippocampus. Group C pups were presented with normal locomotor activities with congestion of vessels in cerebrum and meninges and scattered areas of cell loss in the cerebrum, cerebellum hippocampus and corpus callosum and group D pups showed normal locomotor function, with vascular congestion in the meninges and cerebrum. We, therefore, concluded that folic acid which is a crucial factor in cell division, neurotransmitter production and an antioxidant in the nervous system could have a reversal of behavioural and locomotor deficits on nervous tissues exposed to Cannabis sativa extract by reducing the rate of cell death and increasing cellular stability and integrity in brain.
文摘Background:The greater cane rat(GCR),reputed to be African's second largest rodent,is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history.Scientific and socio-economic interests in the GCR have led to heightened research efforts targeted towards a better understanding of its biology and exploration of its economic and translational usefulness.Methods:Records of all online scientific publications on the GCR from Google,Google Scholar,PubMed,science.gov,Ebscohost and Worldwide science,with the exception of research theses,proceedings,unpublished projects and abstracts,were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:A total of 146 published scholarly articles spanning about six decades were retrieved,with 98%of the GCR publications originating from African countries.Nigeria boasts the highest number of publications(58.22%)followed by Ghana(21.23%)and South Africa(5.48%)while Senegal contributed the least(0.69%).Publications were sorted into ten field categories.The field with the highest number of articles(41.78%)was animal breeding and management recording,closely followed by anatomy(37.67%).Lesser contributions were made by parasitology(5.48%),biochemistry/hematology(4.8%),pharmacology/toxicology(4.11%),pathology(2.06%),and surgery/anesthesia and physiology(1.37%apiece).The fields with fewest contributions were microbiology and developmental biology(0.69%each).Conclusion:This study chronicles the spectrum of knowledge available on the GCR,highlighting the knowledge gap that still exists in various fields in order to provide advocacy for new frontiers in research efforts on this rodent.We suggest the need for a clearly defined and well integrated national/regional policy aimed at establishing Africa's foremost micro-livestock rodent,the greater cane rat,on the world's scientific radar.
文摘A study was carried out to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed with varying level of choline inclusion in their diets;T1(control),T2(10g/10kg)and T3(20g/10kg).A total of 225 marshall broiler chicks were randomly divided into three(3)treatment group of 75 birds each.Each group was divided into five(5)replicates of fifteen(15)birds each laid in a completely randomized design.Feed and water was supplied ad-libitum and the experiment lasted for 49 days.The total feed intake(1316.75-14442.18)(24437.13-31999.76)for starter and finisher respectively,body weight gain(6227.30-8241.20)(10956.64-14182.96)for starter and finisher respectively,feed conversion ratio(1.73-2.26)(2.21-2.48)for starter and finisher respectively.Many(thigh,wings,back)of the carcass parameters measured were not significantly(p>0.05)affected by the treatments but significant difference(p<0.05)was observed in drum stick,breast and neck.However,significant difference(p<0.05)was also observed in gizzard,liver and bile,heart,lungs,legs and head.There was significant difference(p<0.05)in primal cuts per live weight,primal cuts per dressed weight,organs per live weight and organs per dressed weight.In view of the results obtained,it can be concluded that treatment two(10g/10kg)performed better in terms of total body weight(TBW)and feed conversion ratio(FCR).Also in the carcass characteristics,treatment two performed better in terms of breast yield,drumstick,percentage of primal cuts from live weight(P/LW)and percentage of primal cuts from dressed weight.
文摘Background: Nanotechnology symbolizes a broad discipline with enormous potential in cancer treatment bridging one of the bottlenecks of traditional approaches in cancer therapy which is an inability to deliver adequate quantities of anti-cancer drugs to the tumor area. Studies on nanoparticles indicate their importance in cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. Aim: The present study assessed anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastatic effects of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from neem plant (Azadirachta indica). Methods: Chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and two-dimensional (2D) wound healing assays were used to study anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects of the AgNPs respectively. Twenty-four fertilized eggs were divided into four groups: two biogenic AgNPs treatments at 100 μg/ml and 200 μg/ml;negative control (1% DMSO) and positive control (cyclophosphamide). On day 8 of incubation, filter discs impregnated with different concentration levels of the treatments were placed on the CAM. On day 12 of incubation, the CAMs were imaged using a stereomicroscope, scaled using ImageJ, and different morphometric and spatial parameters computed using AngioTool software. Vessel area, vessel percent area, total number of junctions, total vessel length, average vessel length, mean lacunarity, and junction density were measured. The crown-rump length (CRL) and fetal weight were also recorded on day 16 of incubation. In order to determine relative gene expression profiles of iNOS and VEGF, total RNA was extracted from the CAM, and qRT-PCR was performed with β-Actin as a reference gene. For the 2D wound healing assay, DU145 human prostate cells were grown in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum. Results: Biogenic AgNPs demonstrated anti-angiogenic effects in a dose-dependent manner in the parameters generated from the CAM images. Also, qRT-PCR revealed down-regulation of iNOS and VEGF genes. The 2-dimensional wound healing assay showed inhibition of migration and motility of the DU145 cells for the 72-hours of assessment. Conclusion: The present study postulates that the biogenic AgNPs can prevent angiogenesis by inactivation of VEGF-NO and VEGF/VEGF-R pathways while inhibiting cell migration and metastasis.
文摘Objective:To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Methods:Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 days.Hematological,biochemical,electrocardiography,echocardiography,and histopathological examinations were performed.Results:Hesperidin decreased the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,calcium,creatine kinase-myoglobin binding,lactate dehydrogenase,IL-6,and lipid peroxidation,as well as increased sodium and potassium concentration and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in arsenic trioxide-intoxicated rats.Moreover,it reduced peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity while increasing heart rate.Arsenic trioxide-induced histopathological damage to cardiac tissue was prominently alleviated by hesperidin treatment.Conclusions:Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Therefore,it can be further explored as a cardioprotective agent.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science,No.21580367(to Ogawa K)
文摘AIM: To determine whether the expression profiles of Eph B receptor and ephrin-B ligand can be used as markers for dysplastic/oncogenic transformation in gastric mucosa.METHODS: The protein expression and localization ofEph B and ephrin-B in normal, ulcerated regenerating, and dysplastic gastric mucosa were examined in a rat experimental model by immunolabeling, and m RNA expression was assessed in four human gastric carcinoma cell lines by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: Ephrin-B- and Eph B-expressing regions were divided along the pit-gland axis in normal gastric units. Eph B2 was transiently upregulated in the experimental ulcer, and its expression domain extended to gastric pits and/or the luminal surface where ephrin-B-expressing pit cells reside. Eph B2, B3, and B4 and ephrin-B1 were coexpressed in the experimental gastric dysplasia, and more than one ligand-receptor pair was highly expressed in each of the gastric carcinoma cell lines.CONCLUSION: Robust and stable coexpression of Eph B and ephrin-B is a feature common to experimentally induced gastric dysplasia and human gastric carcinoma cell lines as compared to normal gastric and ulcerated regenerating epithelia. Thus, Eph B/ephrin-B may be a useful marker combination for dysplastic/oncogenic transformation in gastric cancer.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea,No.NRF-2019R1A2C1087753(to TS)。
文摘Osteopontin(OPN)is an extracellular matrix protein with a diverse range of functions,including roles in cell adhesion,migration,and immunomodulation,which are associated with the modulation of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system.The present study was performed to evaluate the involvement of OPN in the eyes of an experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis(EAU)model.The EAU model was developed by immunization of Lewis rats with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein.The results showed the OPN level was remarkably upregulated in the eye of EAU rats on day 9 post-immunization.The level of CD44,a ligand of OPN,was increased in the ciliary body of EAU rats.Furthermore,OPN was also detected in the ciliary body and activated microglia/macrophages in the EAU retina.The results suggest that OPN was significantly upregulated in the eyes of EAU rats,and that it may be useful as an early biomarker of ocular autoimmune diseases.All animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Jeju National University(approval No.2020-0012)on March 11,2020.
基金supported by a grant from Wonkwang University in 2017
文摘Neurotoxicity induced by stress,radiation,chemicals,or metabolic diseases,is commonly associated with excitotoxicity,oxidative stress,and neuroinflammation.The pathological process of neurotoxicity induces neuronal death,interrupts synaptic plasticity in the brain,and is similar to that of diverse neurodegenerative diseases.Animal models of neurotoxicity have revealed that clinical symptoms and brain lesions can recover over time via neuroregenerative processes.Specifically,brain-derived neurotropic factor（BDNF） and gamma-aminobutyric acid（GABA）-ergic transmission are related to both neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.This review summarizes the accumulating evidences that suggest a pathogenic role of BDNF and GABAergic transmission,their underlying mechanisms,and the relationship between BDNF and GABA in neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration.This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of neuroregeneration that may help in developing potential strategies for pharmacotherapeutic approaches to treat neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease.
