Positive effect of silymarin on cell growth and differentiation in bovine and murine mammary cells

Silymarin, a naturally acknowledged hepatoprotector used in humans to treat liver diseases has been tested in murine (HC11) and bovine (BME‐UV) mammary epithelial cell lines to evaluate a possible direct effect on cell growth and differentiation in mammary gland. Silymarin enhanced cell proliferation (p < 0.05) from 10 to 1000 ng/ml in association with growth factors, (up to 20%) or alone (up to 15%) versus controls. Furthermore, silymarin (100 ng/ml) was able to increase (p < 0.05) β‐casein gene expression alone or in association with prolactin (5 μg/ml). These effects may be related with protein kinase B (AKT) activation induced by silymarin treatment (p < 0.05) and/or by a dose‐related inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on caspase‐3 activity related to a protective role in cell apoptosis. These data suggest that silymarin should be considered a candidate to support mammary gland activity during a lactogenetic state.     

In vitro growth of bovine oocytes in oocyte-cumulus cell complexes and the effect of follicle stimulating hormone on the growth of oocytes

Several successful in vitro culture experiments have used oocyte-cumulus cell-mural granulosa cell complexes (OCGCs) from early antral follicles (0.5–0.7 mm) for the growth of bovine oocytes. However, in studies related to in vitro oocyte maturation and in vitro embryo production, oocyte-cumulus cell complexes (OCCs) that have no mural granulosa cells have been widely used instead of OCGCs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cumulus cells alone support oocyte growth. First, OCCs and OCGCs were cultured in vitro for 14 days to compare the integrity of the complexes as well as antrum formation. After 14 days, the diameter and meiotic competence of oocytes in OCCs and OCGCs were examined. Oocytes in OCCs grew fully and acquired meiotic competence similar to OCGCs, whereas antrum formation occurred later in OCCs as compared to OCGCs. Subsequently, the effects of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on in vitro growth of OCCs were examined for 14 days. When FSH was added to the culture medium, OCCs formed antrum-like structures one day earlier than those cultured without FSH. Oocytes cultured with 1 mIU/ml FSH grew fully and acquired meiotic competence. In contrast, when oocytes were cultured in media containing high concentrations of FSH, some of the OCCs collapsed and the number of degenerated oocytes increased. In conclusion, bovine oocytes in OCCs grow and acquire meiotic competence similar to OCGCs and, 1 mIU/ml FSH supports the development of OCCs and oocyte growth as observed in our culture system.     

Characterization of membranous (M) cells in normal feline conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT)

Objective To characterize conjunctival lymphoid nodules obtained from the nictitans of healthy cats to determine if the follicle‐associated epithelium (FAE) of conjunctiva‐associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in this species contains membranous (M)‐cells analogous to those described in other regions of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Methods Lymphoid follicles from nictitan bulbar surfaces of 10 healthy cats (20 eyes total) were examined. Nictitans from five cats were harvested immediately post‐mortem and a minimum of 12 lymphoid nodules from each third eyelid were isolated using a Zeiss operating microscope. At least three lymphoid follicles from each eye were examined using light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using standard fixation and embedding protocols. Nictitan‐lymphoid follicles from another five healthy cats were processed for immunohistochemistry to characterize the distribution of T‐ and B‐lymphocytes present beneath the FAE. Results The FAE overlying CALT from 10 healthy cats demonstrated morphology characteristic of M‐cells including attenuated apical cell surface with blunted microvilli and microfolds, invaginated basolateral membrane forming a cytoplasmic pocket, and diminished distance between the apical and pocket membrane. Immunohistochemistry of lymphoid tissue subtending the FAE demonstrated B‐cell dependent regions in the germinal centers surrounded by T‐cell dependent interfollicular zones. Conclusions Healthy feline CALT contains morphologic features analogous to those described in other regions of MALT. Documentation of feline conjunctival M‐cells is of clinical relevance in the study of primary infectious, allergic, and autoimmune ocular diseases, as well as a potential means of vaccination or drug delivery.     

Real-time RT-PCR quantification of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A mRNA abundance in bovine granulosa and theca cells: effects of hormones in vitro

Ovarian follicular growth and dominance are controlled by a series of hormonal and intraovarian events including a decrease in intrafollicular IGF-binding proteins −2, −4 and −5 levels. Proteolytic enzymes such as pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) degrade IGFBPs and increase bioavailability of IGF-I and -II during follicular development. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin (INS), LH, FSH, estradiol (E2), leptin or cortisol on ovarian PAPP-A mRNA levels. Granulosa (GC) from small (SM) (1–5 mm) and large (LG) (8–22 mm) follicles as well as theca cells (TC) from LG follicles were collected from bovine ovaries and cultured for 48 h in medium containing 10% FCS and then treated with various hormones in serum-free medium for an additional 24 h. Cells were treated with various concentrations (3–500 ng/ml) and combinations of IGF-I, IGF-II, FSH, LH, E2, INS, leptin and (or) cortisol for 24 h (Experiments 1–10). PAPP-A mRNA levels were measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In SM-GC and LG-GC, none of the treatments significantly affected (P > 0.10) PAPP-A mRNA abundance. In LG-TC, IGF-I, LH or cortisol did not affect (P > 0.10) PAPP-A mRNA levels, whereas INS with or without LH decreased (P < 0.05) PAPP-A mRNA. E2 alone decreased PAPP-A mRNA levels in LG-TC, and E2 amplified the insulin-induced inhibition of PAPP-A mRNA abundance in LG-TC. We conclude that control of PAPP-A mRNA abundance in granulosa and theca cells differs, and that E2 may be part of an intraovarian negative feedback system which may reduce the bioavailable IGFs in the theca layer during growth and selection of follicles.     

Evidence for the presence of two bovine lentiviruses in the cattle population of Bali

Antibodies directed against two bovine lentiviruses, Jembrana disease virus (JDV) and bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), were detected in Balinese cattle sera using two new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) based on the combination of capsid (CA) protein and transmembrane (TM) peptides derived from JDV or BIV sequences.

Twenty eight of the 77 sera tested on the JDV ELISA showed anti-JDV antibodies with an unequal distribution of seropositive animals throughout the different districts of Bali. Furthermore, when 17 of the JDV positive sera were tested on Western blot, using the same JDV CA antigen, only 13 were judged positive confirming that the ELISA was a more sensitive technique for the detection of seropositive animals. Finally, 9 of the 49 JDV seronegative animals showed anti-BIV antibodies when tested on BIV-specific ELISA.

These two ELISAs appeared to be highly sensitive for the detection of anti-JDV and anti-BIV antibodies. Moreover, for the first time, animals showing antibodies against BIV were identified on the main island of Bali and on the JDV-free Nusa Penida island.     

黄曲霉毒素B_1与M_1对小鼠肠道细菌多样性的影响

试验旨在研究黄曲霉毒素B_1与M_1(AFB_1与AFM_1)对小鼠肠道细菌多样性的影响。选取体况良好的4周龄ICR(CD-1)雄性小鼠40只,随机分成4组,每组10个重复,每个重复1只小鼠,其中AFB_1组小鼠每只每天灌胃0.3mg/kg体重AFB_1,AFM_1组小鼠每只每天灌胃3.0mg/kg体重AFM_1,AFB_1+AFM_1组每只每天灌胃AFB_1与AFM_1的混合溶液,其中AFB_1终浓度0.3mg/kg体重,AFM_1终浓度3.0mg/kg体重,以上3组毒素溶剂均为1.0%二甲基亚砜水溶液。对照组小鼠每只每天灌胃1.0%二甲基亚砜水溶液。每只灌胃剂量均为200μL,每天09∶00灌胃一次,连续灌胃28d。灌胃结束后,处死并解剖小鼠,收集结肠内容物,采用16SrRNA测序的方法对肠内容物细菌多样性进行测序分析。结果显示:在细菌群落的门水平、科水平及属水平,与对照组相比,3个毒素处理组小鼠肠道内容物细菌优势菌群均未发生明显排序变化(P>0.05),但不同的毒素处理仍造成了不同分类水平下细菌菌群丰度的显著变化:与对照组相比,AFB_1组及联合灌胃组小鼠肠内致病菌或条件致病菌,如Facklamia、Staphylococcus、Corynebacterium属细菌丰度显著升高(P<0.05);而AFM_1组与对照组相比未见显著差异(P>0.05)。综合试验结果,AFB_1单独作用或与AFM_1联合作用可诱导小鼠肠道内致病菌或条件致病菌细菌增殖,改变肠道健康微生物区系,损伤肠道微生物屏障功能。     

Interaction of mammary bovine ABCG2 with AFB1 and its metabolites and regulation by PCB 126 in a MDCKII in vitro model

The ATP‐binding cassette efflux transporter ABCG2 plays a key role in the mammary excretion of drugs and toxins in humans and animals. Aflatoxins (AF) are worldwide contaminants of food and feed commodities, while PCB 126 is a dioxin‐like PCB which may contaminate milk and dairy products. Both compounds are known human carcinogens. The interactions between AF and bovine ABCG2 (bABCG2) as well as the effects of PCB 126 on its efflux activity have been investigated by means of the Hoechst H33342 transport assay in MDCKII cells stably expressing mammary bABCG2. Both AFB1 and its main milk metabolite AFM1 showed interaction with bABCG2 even at concentrations approaching the legal limits in feed and food commodities. Moreover, PCB 126 significantly enhanced bABCG2 functional activity. Specific inhibitors of either AhR (CH233191) or ABCG2 (Ko143) were able to reverse the PCB 126‐induced increase in bABCG2 transport activity, showing the specific upregulation of the efflux protein by the AhR pathway. The incubation of PCB 126‐pretreated cells with AFM1 was able to substantially reverse such effect, with still unknown mechanism(s). Overall, results from this study point to AFB1 and AFM1 as likely bABCG2 substrates. The PCB 126‐dependent increased activity of the transporter could enhance the ABCG2‐mediated excretion into dairy milk of chemicals (i.e., drugs and toxins) potentially harmful to neonates and consumers.     

Differential responses of cells from human skin keratinocyte and bovine mammary epithelium to attack by pore-forming Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin

Human skin keratinocytes HaCat attacked by Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin showed a transient drop of cellular ATP levels whereas in toxin-perforated bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC), the ATP levels dropped more slowly. Morphologically, during the ATP level depletion, HaCat cell developed a spacious intracellular vacuole together with the transient influx of trypan blue. WST-1 signal, which tested the function of mitochondrial enzyme in viable cells, also decreased concomitantly. On the other hand, BMEC excluded trypan blue and vacuolation was not observed throughout the experiment. We conclude that mammary epithelial cells resist the toxin better than keratinocytes. This is the first report showing that α-toxin enhances transient membrane permeability to large molecules, temporary vacuole formation and the transient defect of mitochondrial enzyme in viable cells without cell lysis.     

猪流行性腹泻病毒截短M基因克隆、生物信息学分析及其截短片段表达

【目的】 探索猪流行性腹泻病毒(Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus,PEDV)截短M蛋白的序列结构特征与原核表达情况。【方法】 根据已公布的PEDV M基因序列设计1对特异性引物,以从阳性病料提取的RNA为模板,通过RT-PCR扩增并克隆PEDV截短的M基因(rM),应用在线生物信息学软件预测rM蛋白的结构特征。将得到的截短的M基因克隆至原核表达载体pET-28a(+)中,构建原核表达质粒pET-28a-rM,将鉴定正确的pET-28a-rM转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)感受态细胞,成功构建重组菌株BL21(pET-28a-rM),并对重组菌株进行IPTG诱导表达,优化重组蛋白的表达条件,重组蛋白经亲和层析纯化后进行SDS-PAGE及Western blotting检测,同时应用重组蛋白制备兔抗rM多克隆抗体。【结果】 试验克隆得到大小为366 bp的截短的M基因,重组蛋白由121个氨基酸组成,预测蛋白分子质量大小约为12.8 ku。该蛋白的二级结构由无规则卷曲、延伸链、β-转角和α-螺旋组成,占比分别为48.76%、33.88%、9.09%和8.26%。该蛋白不含信号肽,但有跨膜区,包含21个磷酸化位点。SDS-PAGE结果显示,重组蛋白大小约为15 ku,以包涵体蛋白形式存在,在37 ℃、1 mmol/L IPTG诱导12 h时蛋白的表达量最高。Western blotting检测结果表明,重组蛋白与PEDV阳性血清具有较好的反应原性,纯化的重组蛋白免疫新西兰大白兔获得的高免血清效价高于1∶51 200。【结论】 本研究成功克隆PEDV 截短的M基因,对rM蛋白进行了生物信息学分析,获得了高纯度的rM蛋白,为猪流行性腹泻治疗及检测用生物制品的开发奠定了基础。     

Effect of pterostilbene on development,equatorial lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species production of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

The pterostilbene (PT) molecule is a phytoalexin with a reducing effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and with a capacity to block lipogenesis. However, the potential reducing effects of PT on equatorial lipid accumulation and ROS have not yet been elucidated for in vitro-derived bovine embryos. The present study evaluated the effects of concentrations of 3, 1, 0.33, 0.11 μM PT, and a vehicle group on the percentage of cleaved embryos, embryos with more than 6 cells, percentage of blastocyst on Day 7 and 8, percentage of transferable embryos on Day 7, the cell count and relative concentration of lipids. In the second experiment, the effects of 0.33 μM PT and a vehicle group within two different O₂ environments (5% and 20%) were evaluated for ROS generation and the percentage of Day 8 blastocysts. In the first experiment, no significant differences were found between the treatments with PT and the vehicle group (p > .05) concerning the percentage of cleaved embryos and embryos with more than 6 cells. Lipid reduction was observed in the groups treated with PT versus the vehicle group (p < .05). The vehicle group showed a higher rate of blastocyst production on Days 7 and 8 (p < .05) and an increase in the percentage of transferable embryos on Day 7 compared to the PT treatment groups (p < .05). Cell counts were not significantly different between treatments with PT and the vehicle group (p > .05). In the second experiment, the O₂ concentration did not significantly affect ROS generation (p > .05); however, the groups treated with PT (0.33 μM) had a reduction in ROS (p < .05). The O₂ concentration also did not significantly affect the rate of blastocyst production on Day 8 (p = .7696). Future research should be conducted to ascertain whether the reduction of lipids could enhance the cryopreservation and post-thaw viability of PT-treated embryos.     

沙冬青提取物(JA1)对小鼠肝癌H22细胞体外增殖和皮下移植生长的抑制

采用噻唑蓝（MTT）还原法测定梯度浓度的沙冬青提取物（JA1）对体外培养小鼠肝癌细胞株H22增殖的影响;同时对皮下移植肿瘤H22小鼠灌服不同剂量的JA1以检测抑瘤率,进一步采用流式细胞术、光镜和透射电子显微镜技术,检测和观察JA1对小鼠移植性肿瘤H22的诱导凋亡作用。结果显示,JA1可显著抑制体外培养小鼠肝癌H22细胞的增殖,并且这种抑制存在浓度和时间关系。同时,JA1对小鼠皮下移植性肿瘤H22也有明显的抑制作用。流式细胞分析表明,JA1灌胃试验组瘤组织细胞DNA直方图上见有明显的凋亡峰;在光镜和电镜下,JA1灌胃试验组也见有明显的瘤细胞凋亡,表明JA1对体内、外H22细胞的增殖抑制是以诱导凋亡为基础的。     

Isolation of parapox viruses from man and animals: cultivation and cellular changes in bovine fetal spleen cells.

Maculopapular, pock-like lesions were detected repeatedly on hands and arms of students having contact with sheep or cattle. Pustular lesions were seen on the mammary gland and vulva of a goat. Biopsy samples of the lesions from 3 students and the goat were cultured on bovine fetal spleen (BFS) cells. Viruses were isolated from all samples. The viral isolates induced similar cytopathic changes in BFS cells. Slowly spreading plaque-like changes consisting of large, round cells developed in BFS monolayers. In a growth curve experiment involving the Shoe strain and BFS cells, virus infectivity increased 8 hr after inoculation. The major portion of the infectivity remained associated with the cell fraction. Maximal titers were found 36 hr after infection. Eosinophilic inclusions of varying size were detected in the cytoplasm 8–18 hr after infection of BFS cells. Later these inclusions enlarged, coalesced, stained basophilically, and remained attached to the pycnotic nuclei. Vacuoles created a ballooning appearance and separated the plasma membrane from the nucleus-viral inclusion complex by 24 hr after infection when the cells detached. Negatively stained preparations of purified virus of the isolates contained ovoid virions covered with diagonally woven bands. The long axis of the virions measured 220 and 250 nm and the short axis was 120–140 nm. These features are characteristic of the parapox virus genus which includes members that induce orf.     

镉致大鼠BRL 3A细胞DNA及线粒体损伤

为了研究镉对大鼠肝细胞系(BRL 3A细胞)DNA及线粒体损伤的作用,本研究选用0、10、20、40 μmol/L的醋酸镉分别作用于BRL 3A细胞12h,利用四氮唑蓝比色分析法(MTT法)测定细胞存活率,显微镜观察各组细胞形态,通过彗星试验法检测细胞DNA的损伤,用透射电镜观察细胞线粒体超微结构,并检测细胞Caspase 3,9的活力.结果显示,随镉浓度的增大(10～40 μmol/L),BRL 3A细胞存活率降低,拖尾率、尾长、尾部DNA含量、细胞Caspase 3,9的活力和线粒体变形肿胀以及空泡现象均呈增加趋势;表明镉可致BRL 3A细胞DNA及线粒体损伤,并呈剂量依赖关系.     

利用杆状病毒Bac-to-Bac系统在家蚕表达猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒的E蛋白和M蛋白

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒(PRRSV)是一种严重危害养猪业的传染性病原。PRRSV病毒的E蛋白和M蛋白基因是开发PRRSV病毒新型疫苗的目标基因。利用杆状病毒Bac-to-Bac表达系统,将PRRSV病毒的E蛋白和M蛋白的基因亚克隆到杆状病毒转移载体pFastBacHTb中,获得重组转移质粒pFastBacHTb-E和pFastBacHTb-M,转化大肠杆菌Bm DH10 Bac感受态细胞,获得重组杆粒BmNPV Bacmid-E、BmNPV Bacmid-M,将这些重组杆粒转染家蚕培养细胞Bm5,获得重组病毒BmNPV-E和BmNPV-M。将2种重组病毒分别接种5龄起蚕,用SDS-PAGE和Western blotting方法在重组Bacmid DNA转染的Bm5细胞和感染重组病毒的家蚕幼虫血细胞中分别检测到分子质量约20 kD和18 kD的E蛋白和M蛋白,表明PRRSV病毒的E蛋白和M蛋白在家蚕培养细胞及幼虫体内获得了表达,为利用家蚕-杆状病毒表达系统研制PRRSV的新型疫苗与诊断试剂奠定了基础。     

不同代次大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞和脂肪间充质干细胞成骨分化比较

本研究旨在观察不同代次骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)和脂肪间充质干细胞(ADSCs)体外培养的生长特点和体外诱导成骨能力。通过密度梯度离心和贴壁培养法分离培养大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞和脂肪间充质干细胞,用含地塞米松、抗坏血酸、β-甘油磷酸钠的培养液定向诱导传代细胞向成骨细胞分化,并利用茜素红染色、碱性磷酸酶染色及PCR方法检测成骨细胞。结果表明骨髓及脂肪间充质干细胞呈成纤维细胞样生长,增殖能力强,生长迅速。第5、10、15、20代BMSCs及ADSCs经诱导培养后茜素红染色呈阳性并且出现"矿化"、碱性磷酸酶活性强,随着细胞代次的递增,诱导后细胞碱性磷酸酶活性呈递减趋势;诱导后的两类细胞传代后细胞仍能继续分化,并形成正常的"矿化"结节,且碱性磷酸酶染色均弱于初次诱导。结果提示,BMSCs及ADSCs易于分离培养及体外扩增,诱导条件下成骨能力强且成骨细胞传代培养仍具有成骨能力,适合作为再生医学骨组织工程的种子细胞。     

Expression,location and biological effects of four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) on granulosa cells in ovine

Previous studies have shown that four and a half LIM domain protein 2 (FHL2) plays an essential role in the regulation of follicular development in mammals. Although the FHL2 genes of human and mouse have been well characterized, the expression and location of FHL2 in ovary and the biological functions of FHL2 on granulosa cells (GCs) of ovine are still not clear. In this study, full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) of FHL2 from ovine follicular GCs was amplified by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). The expression and location of FHL2 in ovary and GCs of ovine were studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and the biological effects of FHL2 on the cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycles and expression level of related genes of ovine GCs were also explored by overexpression or knockdown of FHL2. The results indicated that FHL2 was expressed in ovine follicular GCs and the sequence of the FHL2 cDNA was consistent with that predicted in GenBank, which did not cause an amino acid change. According to the results, FHL2 was expressed in ovine ovary and mainly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus of GCs. In addition, overexpression of FHL2 significantly reduced the cell viability, promoted the cell apoptosis and decreased the percentage of G0/G1 and S phase cells. RT-PCR showed that overexpression of FHL2 significantly increased the mRNA expression level of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio compared with the control group. Besides, the knockdown of FHL2 gene in ovine GCs significantly improved the cell viability, suppressed the cell apoptosis, decreased the mRNA expression level of Caspase-3 gene, increased the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio and increased the percentage of S and G2/M phase cells. Our results suggest that FHL2 may play an important role in the biological functions of GCs in ovine.     

施氮对不同定植年限臂形草草场产量与质量的影响

对云南省南亚热带湿热地区的思茅曼中田畜牧场臂形草草场不同定植年限中每年施氮素与否对草场的产草量及养分含量的影响进行了调查和统计分析。结果表明：通过每年施氮肥，能明显地提高全草场的产量和质量，如以１９８６年（１２０）＊与１９８６（０）＊两不同处理在定植的第五年进行比较，一次刈割测产的干物质产量每公顷可提高达１４７．２％、粗蛋白含量则提高２３３．７％，处理间均可达到极为显著的差异（Ｆ＝９．９０＞Ｆ０．０１＝３．３６）。后随着年限的推移，施氮肥的草场产量可保持一定的稳定性之后，再出现稳中有降，而不施氮肥的处理则在定植的第三年急剧下降。为此作者等提出了试验见解，希望对曼中田以及其类似地区禾本科草场的管理上能起到一定生态循环系统的指导作用，并为抑制害草飞机草的孳生危害提供措施。