Chronic Aerobic Exercise Decreases Lectin-Like Low Density Lipoprotein (LOX-1) Receptor Expression in Heart of Diabetic Rat

Background:

Overexpression of lectin-like low density lipoprotein (LOX-1) receptor plays an important role in hyperglycemia-induced vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. Based on the beneficial effects of exercise on preventing cardiovascular complications of diabetes, we aimed to examine the protective effects of aerobic exercise on expression of LOX-1 receptor and production of free radicals in the heart of diabetic rats.

Methods:

Four groups of rats were used: (n = 5 per group): sedentary normal, trained normal, sedentary diabetes and trained diabetes. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). The exercise protocol was consisted of swimming 30 min/day, 5 days/week for eight weeks. Plasma glucose was evaluated at initiation, weeks 4 and 8 of experiment. At the end of experiment, rats were sacrificed and the heart was removed for determination of nitrate, malondialdehyde, and LOX-1 gene expression.

Results:

In normal non-diabetic rats, the blood glucose level was <150 mg/dl; however, the induction of diabetes resulted in levels more than >400 mg/dl. Gene expression of LOX-1 was increased in the heart of diabetic rats. Exercise reduced the gene expression of this protein in diabetic states without reducing the blood glucose. Finally, swimming exercise decreased the malondialdehyde and nitrate levels in heart tissue both in control and diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

Swimming exercise reduces heart expression of the LOX-1 receptor in accompany with reduction of free radicals production. Since these parameters are important in generation of diabetic complications, swimming exercise is a good candidate for reducing these complications. Key Words: Hyperglycemia, Diabetic complications, LOX-1 receptor, Exercise, Free radicals     

Protective Effect of Vitamin E against Diabetes-Induced Oxidized LDL and Aorta Cell Wall Proliferation in Rat

Background:

Hyperlipidemia and oxidized-low-density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) are important independent cardiovascular risk factors that have been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of vitamin E on Ox-LDL, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), and VSMC proliferation of rat aorta.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups namely: sham (SH), control (C), non-treated diabetic, and vitamin E-treated diabetic (VETD) groups. Ox-LDL, lipid profile, CRP and VSMC proliferation of aorta were measured after 42 days.

Results:

The results revealed that along with a significant increase in VSMC proliferation, the amount of CRP, Ox-LDL, and lipid profiles in diabetic rats. VSMC proliferation was significantly ameliorated, and elevated CRP, Ox-LDL, and lipid profiles were also restored to those of shams in VETD.

Conclusions:

These findings strongly support the idea that diabetes induces Ox-LDL-mediated oxidative stress and VSMC proliferation in aorta of rat and imply that vitamin E has a strong protective effect as an antioxidant. Key Words: Ox-LDL, Vitamin E, Diabetes, VSMC proliferation     

Quantitative Assessment of Proliferative Effects of Oral Vanadium on Pancreatic Islet Volumes and Beta?Cell Numbers of Diabetic Rats

Background:

Oral vanadyl sulfate (vanadium) induces normoglycemia, proliferates beta cells and prevents pancreatic islet atrophy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Soteriological method is used to quantitate the proliferative effects of vanadium on beta-cell numbers and islet volumes of normal and diabetic rats.

Methods:

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were made diabetic with intravenous streptozotocin injection (40 mg/kg). Normal and diabetic rats were divided into four groups. While control normal and diabetic (CD) groups used water, vanadium-treated normal (VTN) and diabetic (VTD) groups used solutions containing vanadyl sulfate (0.5-1 mg/mL, VOSO₄+5H₂O). Tail blood samples were used to measure blood glucose (BG) and plasma insulin. Two months after treatment, rats were sacrificed, pancreata prepared, and stereology method was used to quantitatively evaluate total beta cell numbers (TBCN) and total islet volumes (TISVOL).

Results:

Normoglycemia persisted in VTN with significantly decreased plasma insulin (0.190.08 vs. 0.970.27 ng/dL, P<0.002). The respective high BG (53249 vs. 14446 mg/dL, P<0.0001) and reduced plasma insulin (0.260.15 vs. 0.540.19 ng/dL, P<0.002) seen in CD were reversed in VTD during vanadium treatment or withdrawal. While the induction of diabetes, compared to their control, significantly decreased TISVOL (1.90.2 vs. 3.030.6 mm³, P<0.003) and TBCN (0.990.1 vs. 3.20.2 x 10⁶, P<0.003), vanadium treatment significantly increased TISVOL (2.90.8 and 4.071.0 mm³, P<0.003) and TBCN (1.50.3 and 3.80.6 x 10⁶, P<0.03).

Conclusion:

Two-month oral vanadium therapy in STZ-diabetic rats ameliorated hyperglycemia by partially restoring plasma insulin. This action was through proliferative actions of vanadium in preventing islet atrophy by increasing beta-cell numbers.Key Words: Vanadium, Pancreas, Islet volumes, Rats     

Evaluation of Neurogenic Potential of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Cells; a Time- and Concentration-Dependent Manner

Background:

Retinoic acid as one of the most important regulators for cell differentiation was examined in this study for differentiation of human umbilical mesenchymal cells (hUCM).

Methods:

After isolation, hUCM were evaluated for mesenchymal stem cell properties by flow cytometry and alkaline phosphatase assay. Also, doubling time of the cells and their differentiation potential into adipogenic and osteogenic cells were tested. hUCM were then cultured with different concentrations of retinoic acid, and on days 1, 7, and 12, the percentage of differentiated cells was determined by immunostaining for nestin, anti-microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP₂), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) markers.

Results:

The isolated cells were negative for the hematopoietic markers and positive for the mesenchymal markers. They showed the population doubling time 60 ± 3 hours and differentiated into osteogenic and adipogenic cells. A descending trend in nestin and an ascending trend in MAP₂, GAD, and GABA expression were observed from the first day until the last day between different concentrations of retinoic acid.

Conclusion:

hUCM cells may have the potential to differentiate into neural cells in the presence of different incubation period and concentration of retinoic acid.Key Words: Cell differentiation, Neural stem cells, Retinoic acid     

Improvement of Tissue Survival of Skin Flaps by 5α-Reductase Inhibitors: Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Background:

Skin flap grafting is a popular approach for reconstruction of critical skin and underlying soft tissue injuries. In a previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of two 5α-reductase inhibitors, azelaic acid and finasteride, on tissue survival in a rat model of skin flap grafting. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in graft survival mediated by these agents.

Methods:

A number of 42 male rats were randomly allocated into six groups: 1, normal saline topical application; 2, azelaic acid (100 mg/flap); 3, finasteride (1 mg/flap); 4, injection of L-N^G-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (i.p., 20 mg/kg); 5, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + azelaic acid (100 mg/flap, topical); 6, L-NAME (20 mg/kg, i.p.) + finasteride (1 mg/flap, topical). Tissue survival, level of nitric oxide, and iNOS expression in groups were measured.

Results:

Our data revealed that azelaic acid and finasteride significantly increased the expression of iNOS protein and nitric oxide (NO) levels in graft tissue (P < 0.05). These increases in iNOS expression and NO level were associated with higher survival of the graft tissue.

Conclusion:

It appears that alterations of the NO metabolism are implicated in the azelaic acid- and finasteride-mediated survival of the skin flaps.Key Words: Finasteride, Azelaic acid, Surgical flaps, Nitric oxide, Nitric oxide synthase Type II     

Protective Role of Oleuropein against Acute Deltamethrin-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rat Brain

Background:

Deltamethrin (DM) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that can elicit neurotoxicity, leading to apoptosis. There is accumulating evidence that oleuropein (OE) has anti-apoptotic effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-apoptotic effect of OE pretreatment in the neuronal cells of cerebral cortex.

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into four groups each containing five rats: DM-treated group (12.5 mg/kg, a single dose), OE-treated group (20 mg/kg per day), DM + OE-treated group, and vehicle group. Sections of the brain were obtained 24 hours after DM injection and studied for histopathological and immunohistochemistry assessment.

Results:

The histopathological assessments showed lesser characteristics of neural degeneration in DM + OE group compared with DM group. Greater Bcl-2 and attenuated Bax expression could be detected in the DM + OE treated-mice compared with DM group.

Conclusion:

The results suggested that DM-induced neurotoxicity can be subsided by OE.Key Words: Deltamethrin, Oleuropein, Apoptosis     

The Effects of Estrogen Receptors' Antagonist on Brain Edema,Intracranial Pressure and Neurological Outcomes after Traumatic Brain Injury in Rat

Background:

In previous studies, the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol in diffuse traumatic brain injury has been shown. This study used ICI 182,780, a non-selective estrogen receptor antagonist, to test the hypothesis that the neuroprotective effect of 17β-estradiol in traumatic brain injury is mediated by the estrogen receptors.

Methods:

The ovariectomized rats were divided into eight groups. Brain injury was induced by Marmarou’s method. Estrogen was injected 30 minutes after traumatic brain injury, and ICI 182,780 was injected before traumatic brain injury and also before estrogen treatment. In one group only ICI 182,780 was injected. The brain water content and Evans blue dye content were measured 24 and 5 hours after traumatic brain injury, respectively. The neurologic outcomes and intracranial pressure were assessed before, 4, and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury.

Results:

Brain water content and Evans blue content were less in estrogen-treated group comparison to vehicle group. ICI 182,780 eliminated the effects of estrogen on brain edema and brain blood barrier permeability. Intracranial pressure was increased significantly after trauma, and estrogen decreased intracranial pressure at 4 and 24 hours after traumatic brain injury in comparison to vehicle. This inhibitory effect was also eliminated by treatment with ICI182,780. ICI 182,780 also inhibited the estrogen induced increase in neurologic outcomes following traumatic brain injury. However, the use of ICI 182,780 alone had no neuroprotective effect after traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that classical estrogen receptors have probably a role in the neuroprotective function of estrogen following traumatic brain injury.Key Words: Estrogens, Intracranial pressure (ICP), Brain edema     

Prophylactic and Therapeutic Effects of Oleuropein on Reperfusion-Induced Arrhythmia in Anesthetized Rat

Background:

This study was conducted to reveal that whether i.v. injection of oleuropein, the most potent polyphenolic antioxidant in olive leaf, has any effect on the magnitude of reperfusion arrhythmia in anesthetized rats or not.

Methods:

Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 10 each: groups 1 and 5 were assigned as the prophylactic and treatment control groups, groups 2 and 6 as the prophylactic and treatment groups with lidocaine (10 mg/kg), groups 3 and 4 as the prophylactic groups with 10 and 50 mg/kg oleuropein (i.v.), and groups 7 and 8 as the treatment groups with 10 and 50 mg/kg oleuropein (i.v.), respectively. Reperfusion injury was induced by 5-min regional ischemia and 15-min reperfusion of left anterior descending coronary artery. Heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram were monitored throughout the procedure.

Results:

blood pressure was significantly decreased by infusion of 50 mg/kg oleuropein in groups 4 and 8, but unlike the lidocaine as a standard anti-arrhythmic drug in groups 2 and 5 had not significant effect on heart rate. The onset of arrhythmia in groups received oleuropein (groups 3, 4, 7, and 8) was significantly delayed. The mortality rate due to irreversible ventricular fibrillation was also significantly reduced in groups 3, 4, 7, and 8. The effect of lidocaine in groups 2 and 5 was more potent than that in oleuropein group.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that i.v. injection of oleuropein possibly through its antioxidant activity reduces the magnitude of reperfusion-induced arrhythmia.Key Words: Oleuropein, Arrhythmia, Reperfusion, Rats     

in vitro Anti-Proliferative Effect of Adiponectin on Human Endometriotic Stromal Cells through AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 Gene Receptor Expression

Background:

Endometriosis is a complex disorder in reproductive age women which consist of stromal and epithelial cells implantation outside the uterine cavity. Adiponectin is a member of cytokine family with various metabolic roles and proliferation inhibition of many cancer cells. The aim of the present research was to determine adiponectin effect on human endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) proliferation and their expression of adiponectin receptors.

Methods:

In this experimental study, endometrial biopsies (n=7) were taken. ESCs isolation was done by enzymatic digestion and cell filtrations. ESCs of each biopsy were divided into four groups: 0 (control), 10, 100, and 200 ng/ml adiponectin concentrations in three different times (24, 48, or 72 h). The effect of adiponectin on ESC viability and expression of mRNA Adipo receptor1 (R1) and Adipo receptor2 (R2) was determined by Trypan blue staining and semi-quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and unpaired student’s t-test, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Adiponectin inhibited human endometriotic stromal cell proliferation in time- and dose-dependent manners significantly (P=0.001). Expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 gene receptors was increased in human ESCs significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Adiponectin can suppress endometriosis by inhibiting ESC proliferation and increased AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression.Key Words: Adiponectin, Adiponectin receptors, Endometriosis, Stromal cells     

A Novel Mutation in the Aprataxin (APTX) Gene in an Iranian Individual Suffering Early-Onset Ataxia with Oculomotor Apraxia Type 1(AOA1) Disease

Background

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) shows early onset with autosomal recessive inheritance and is caused by a mutation in the aprataxin (APTX) gene encoding for the APTX protein.

Methods

In this study, a 7-year-old girl born of a first-cousin consanguineous marriage was described with early-onset progressive ataxia and AOA, with increased cholesterol concentration and decreased albumin concentration in serum. PCR and direct DNA sequencing was performed after DNA extraction.

Results

Sequencing analysis revealed a novel homozygous deletion in c.643 and A>T single nucleotide polymorphism in c.641 in exon 6 of the APTX gene [ENST00000379825].

Conclusion

It seems that this region of exon 6 is probably a hot spot; however, no deletions have been reported in exon 6 yet. Key Words: Ataxia oculomotor apraxia 1 (AOA1), aprataxin (APTX), Iranian     

Association Study of rs1333040 and rs1004638 Polymorphisms in the 9p21 Locus with Coronary Artery Disease in Southwest of Iran

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial and heterogenic disease. Recently, genome-wide association studies have reported that rs1333040 (C/T) and rs1004638 (A/T) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 9p21 locus have very strong association with CAD. This study aimed to examine these associations in Southwest of Iran.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 200 CAD patients and 110 healthy individuals with no CAD. The association of two SNPs with CAD was evaluated by PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results:

Chi-square test showed no association between rs1333040 SNP and CAD (X²: 4.66, df: 2, P=0.09). Also, there was no association between rs1004638 SNP and CAD (X²: 0.27, df: 2, P=0.88).

Conclusion:

No association was observed between rs1333040 and rs1004638 SNPs in the 9P21 region and CAD in Southwest of Iran. Key Words: Coronary artery disease, Single nucleotide polymorphisms, Genetic association study, Iran     

Effect of Transient Inactivation of Ventral Tegmental Area on the Expression and Acquisition of Nicotine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Rats

Background:

Nicotine can activate dopaminergic neurons within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, there is no evidence about complete inhibition of VTA on nicotine reinforcement.

Methods:

in the present study, we used conditioned-place preference (CPP) method to study the effect of transient inhibition of left and/or right side of the VTA by lidocaine on nicotine reward properties. Male Wistar rats seven days after recovery from surgery and cannulation were conditioned to nicotine (1.5 mg/kg) in an unbiased designed CPP apparatus. Five min before each nicotine injection in conditioning phase, lidocaine (2%) was administered either uni- or bi-laterally into the VTA (0.5µl/rat).

Results:

results revealed that lidocaine administration into the left but not right side of the VTA reduced nicotine CPP significantly. The reduction was potentiated when lidocaine injected in to both sides of the VTA. In addition, the number of compartment crossing was reduced when lidocaine injected in both side of VTA as well as left side. On the other hand, rearing was reduced when lidocaine injected to the right but not left side of VTA. At last, sniffing was reduced only in the group in which received lidocaine in both side of VTA. Sniffing and rearing increased in the group in which received lidocaine in right side.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the right and left side of VTA play different role in nicotine-induced activity and reward.     

Molecular Genetic Analysis of the Variable Number of Tandem-Repeat Alleles at the Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Gene in Iranian Azeri Turkish Population

Background:

The variable numbers of tandem-repeat (VNTR) alleles at the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene have been used in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis in phenylketonuria families. This study was carried out to analyze VNTR alleles at the PAH gene in Iranian Azeri Turkish population.

Methods:

In this study, 200 alleles from general population were studied by PCR.

Results:

The frequencies of VNTR alleles were 45%, 46%, 2%, 3%, 1%, and 3% in studied group regarding 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13 repeat copies, respectively. Statistically significant differences were not found between expected and observed frequencies of VNTR genotypes (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

VNTR alleles with three and eight repeats were frequent, and the VNTR alleles with 13 repeats showed 3% frequency in the tested group. This study is the first report on tested population genetic structure using VNTR alleles at the PAH gene. Key Words: Phenylalanine hydroxylase, Population genetics, Variable numbers of tandem-repeat     

Chlorpromazine-Induced Hyperprolactinemia on Rat’s Uterus

Background:

Hyperprolactinemia is a common side effect of antipsychotic drugs that requires further investigation. The current study was designed to evaluate dose-dependent effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on hormonal changes and uterine horn histological structure in rats. Moreover, the mammary glands were analyzed to show hyperprolactinemia-induced histological changes.

Methods:

Albino Wistar rats (n = 32) were divided into four groups. The first group was set as a control. In the three drug-treated groups (eight rats in each group), CPZ was administered by a gavage at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day for 28 days. One day after the last administration of the drug, the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses of the uterine horns and mammary glands were carried out to evaluate dose-dependent effect of CPZ on histological structure. Serum levels of prolactin (PRL), estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were also evaluated.

Results:

Remarkable (P < 0.05) elevation was observed in CPZ-administrated animals'' uterine horn endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium thicknesses, and the mammary glands were observed with galactorrhea features. The serum level of progesterone and PRL significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the serum concentration of LH, FSH, and estradiol was notably (P < 0.05) decreased depending on administrated CPZ dose. No histological and biological changes were occurred in the control animals.

Conclusion:

The present findings suggest that CPZ-induced disturbances not only depend on PRL level and increased PRL level largely depends on administrated doses of the CPZ. Key Words: Hyperprolactinemia, Uterus, Rats     

Protective Effects of Restricted Diet and Antioxidants on Testis Tissue in Rats Fed with High-Fat Diet

Background:

A high-fat diet (HFD) promotes the oxidative stress formation, which in turn has hazardous effects on reproductive system and fertility. The present study examines the potential positive effects of a restricted high-fat diet (RHFD) and antioxidants consumption on sperm parameters and testis tissue in rats.

Methods:

Male rats (n = 48) were divided into four groups (12 in each group): control group (Cont), HFD group, RHFD, and RHFD with astaxanthin and vitamins E and C group (RHFDA). After 12 weeks, serum analysis and sperm parameters study were performed. Sections of fixed testes were stained with Hematoxilin and Eosin to study the histological changes. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the data.

Results:

HFD fed animals presented significant increase in weight load and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels (P < 0.05). The sperm count in RHFD was lower than three other groups (P < 0.05) and sperm motility of RHFDA group was significantly higher than HFD and RHFD groups (P < 0.05). The histological study was showed a significant increase in spermatogonium number in RHFDA compared to three other groups (P < 0.05). The number of spermatocyte I and spermatid in RHFD was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than Cont and HFD groups.

Conclusion:

HFD and obesity can affect sperm parameters and spermatogenesis and antioxidants consumption may improve their quality. Although the RHFD is a benefit way in weight loss and decrease of LDL-C of serum, but it is suggested that is not effective on sperm quality improvement.Key Words: Spermatogenesis, high-fat Diet, Restricted fat diet, Antioxidants, Astaxanthin     

Different Morphologies of Leishmania major Amastigotes with No Molecular Diversity in a Neglected Endemic Area of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Iran

Background:

Molecular diversity of Leishmania major and its morphological changes have become a controversial issue among researchers. Some aspects of polymorphic shapes of amastigotes in clinical manifestations along with molecular variation were evaluated among suspected patients of some exceptional zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis locations in Northern Khuzestan, Southwestern Iran.

Methods:

Suspected patients (n = 165) were sampled in zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis foci over two consecutive years during 2012-2014. Prepared smears were stained, scaled and measured by ocular micrometer. DNA was extracted from smears; ITS-rDNA and Cytochrome b (Cyt b) markers were amplified, and PCR products were digested by BsuR1 restriction enzyme. Then the RFLP and sequencing were employed.

Results:

Only L. major was identified in patients containing regular amastigotes'' shapes (oval or round) with a size of 2-4 µm in each of classical wet, dry, mixed lesions. Meanwhile, irregular shapes (spindle, pear, or cigarette) were observed separately in non-classical wet lesions with more than 4 µm. Interestingly, a few amastigotes with an external flagellum were observed in some lesions. All sequenced ITS-rDNA and Cyt b genes of L. major did not show any molecular variation (χ ² P > 0.05), including only one common haplotype (GenBank access no. {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"EF413075","term_id":"151936076","term_text":"EF413075"}}EF413075).

Conclusion:

Findings proved that unlike other endemic foci, there is not a meaningful correlation between phenotypic and genotypic features of L. major isolates. This study is considered as the first comprehensive report to incriminate morphometric shapes of L. major amastigotes, which enhances our knowledge concerning their relevance with various clinical appearances and genotypic traits. Key Words: Leishmania major, Nuclear gene, Mitochondrial gene, Amastigote shapes, Iran     

Age-Specific Gastric Cancer Risk Indicated by the Combination of Helicobacter pylori Sero-Status and Serum Pepsinogen Levels

Background:

Serologic screening of gastric cancer (GC) by serum pepsinogens (sPG) levels and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) sero-status, though highly informative, has provided heterogeneous results. Here, we have evaluated the modifying effects of demographic factors on the risk impact of Hp sero-status/sPG levels in gastric cancer, with particular emphasis on age.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1341 individuals (GC = 578, healthy = 763), who were stratified into two age groups: 35-59 years (middle-aged, n = 830) and ≥ 60 years (60 years-plus, n = 511). Demographic factors and serological states (Hp sero-staus and sPG levels) were recorded by subject interview and serum ELISAs, respectively. Covariate-specific odds ratios were calculated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Hp infection was consistently associated with increased sPGI and sPGII levels in the 60 year-plus, but not the middle-aged group. The joint examination of the variable states of the three serum biomarkers (Hp serology, sPGI, and sPGI/II ratio), in the 60 year-plus age group, demonstrated a stepwise escalation of risk from the single (sPGI_low; OR = 2.6), to double (sPGI_low/sPGI/II_low; OR = 3.55, and Hp_positive/sPGI_low; OR = 5.0) and ultimately triple (Hp_positive/PGI_low/PGI/II_low; OR = 10.48) positive states, in reference to the triple negatives. However, this pattern was not exhibited in the middle-aged subjects.

Conclusion:

Age was clearly identified as a modifying factor on the risk projection of the combined states of Hp serology and sPG levels in gastric cancer screening, reflected by the augmented (~10.5 fold) risk of GC in the triple positive (Hp_positive/sPGI_low/sPGI/II_low) 60 year-plus subjects, which was not evident in the middle-aged group. Key Words: Biomarkers, Demography, Age Distribution     

Effect of Human Ovarian Tissue Vitrification/Warming on the Expression of Genes Related to Folliculogenesis

Background:

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is an alternative strategy to preserve the fertility of women predicted to undergo premature ovarian failure. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes, including factor in the germline alpha (FIGLA), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and KIT LIGAND after vitrification/warming of human ovarian tissue.

Methods:

Human ovarian tissue samples were collected from five transsexual women. In the laboratory, the ovarian medullary part was removed by a surgical blade, and the cortical tissue was cut into small pieces. Some pieces were vitrified and warmed and the others were considered as non-vitrified group (control). Follicular normality was assessed with morphological observation by a light microscope, and the expression of FIGLA, KIT LIGAND, GDF-9,, and FSHR genes was examined using real-time RT-PCR in both the vitrified and non-vitrified groups.

Results:

Overall, 85% of the follicles preserved their normal morphologic feature after warming. The percentage of normal follicles and the expression of FIGLA, KIT LIGAND, GDF-9, and FSHR genes were similar in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Vitrification/warming of human ovarian tissue had no remarkable effect on the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes. Key Words: Vitrification, Gene expression, Humans     

OsSUV3 transgenic rice maintains higher endogenous levels of plant hormones that mitigates adverse effects of salinity and sustains crop productivity

Background

The SUV3 (suppressor of Var 3) gene encodes a DNA and RNA helicase, which is localized in the mitochondria. Plant SUV3 has not yet been characterized in detail. However, the Arabidopsis ortholog of SUV3 (AT4G14790) has been shown to be involved in embryo sac development. Previously, we have reported that rice SUV3 functions as DNA and RNA helicase and provides salinity stress tolerance by maintaining photosynthesis and antioxidant machinery. Here, we report further analysis of the transgenic OsSUV3 rice plants under salt stress.

Findings

The transgenic OsSUV3 overexpressing rice T₁ lines showed significantly higher endogenous content of plant hormones viz., gibberellic acid (GA₃), zeatin (Z) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in leaf, stem and root as compared to wild-type (WT), vector control (VC) and antisense (AS) plants under salt (200 mM NaCl) stress condition. A similar trend of endogenous plant hormones profile was also reflected in the T₂ generation of OsSUV3 transgenic rice under defined parameters and stress condition.

Conclusions

In response to stress, OsSUV3 rice plants maintained plant hormone levels that regulate the expression of several stress-induced genes and reduce adverse effects of salt on plant growth and development and therefore sustains crop productivity.     

Nomenclature report on rice WRKY's - Conflict regarding gene names and its solution

Background

Since whole genome sequences of rice were made publically accessible, the number of articles on new rice genes has increased remarkably. The Committee on Gene Symbolization, Nomenclature and Linkage (CGSNL) of the Rice Genetics Cooperative published the gene nomenclature system for rice and encouraged researchers to follow the rules before publishing their results. The CGSNL provides an on-line registration system for newly identified rice genes to prevent conflicts and/or duplication of gene name in journal articles.

Findings

Recently, the CGSNL surveyed genes in the rice WRKY family in published journal articles and found several duplicated gene names.

Conclusions

To discuss and resolve inconsistencies in WRKY gene nomenclature, the rice WRKY working group was established and redefined the nomenclature. This report announces the conclusion.