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The Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2024The purpose of this research was to explore some morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes in female and fetal Wistar rats under heat stress.
AIM
The purpose of this research was to explore some morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes in female and fetal Wistar rats under heat stress.
METHODS
The experiment involved 30 animals, including two experimental groups (pregnant and nonpregnant females) kept under heat stress at 32°C and one control group consisting of healthy individuals kept in standard vivarium conditions. After dissection, fixation, dehydration, and primary processing, tissue samples were embedded in a mixture of paraffin and lanolin to obtain material for sections. Sections were made using a freezing and angular microtome and stained with hematoxylin and fuchsine solutions. Changes in morphology were assessed by microscopy using a Leitz DIAPLAN system.
RESULTS
As a result of heat stress, an increase in linear cell size, capillary network area, and adrenal mass was observed; adipocytes lost lipid vacuoles; prismatic thyroid cells were replaced by flat cells; hypothyroidism; an increase in the number of osteocyte lacunae; and increased osteoclast activity in bone tissue; interstitial and intracellular oedema and caryopycnosis of ventricular cardiomyocytes; reduction in the diameter of skeletal muscle fibers and replacement of tissue with collagen fibers; water loss in the structure of myofibrils; destructive local changes, hyperchromatosis and caryopycnosis of the hippocampus.
CONCLUSIONS
The data obtained allows predicting the possible consequences of prolonged overheating of tissues of other vertebrates and the human body.
PubMed: 38757465
DOI: 10.1111/jog.15964 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation May 2024Cardiomyocyte sarcomeres contain localized ribosomes, but the factors responsible for their localization and the significance of localized translation are unknown. Using...
Cardiomyocyte sarcomeres contain localized ribosomes, but the factors responsible for their localization and the significance of localized translation are unknown. Using proximity labeling, we identified ribosomal protein SA (RPSA) as a Z-line protein. In cultured cardiomyocytes, the loss of RPSA led to impaired local protein translation and reduced sarcomere integrity. By employing CAS9-expressing mice, along with adeno-associated viruses expressing CRE recombinase and single-guide RNAs targeting Rpsa, we knocked out Rpsa in vivo and observed mislocalization of ribosomes and diminished local translation. These genetic mosaic mice with Rpsa knockout in a subset of cardiomyocytes developed dilated cardiomyopathy, featuring atrophy of RPSA-deficient cardiomyocytes, compensatory hypertrophy of unaffected cardiomyocytes, left ventricular dilation, and impaired contractile function. We demonstrated that RPSA C-terminal domain is sufficient for localization to the Z-lines and that if the microtubule network is disrupted RPSA loses its sarcomeric localization. These findings highlight RPSA as a ribosomal factor essential for ribosome localization to the Z-line, facilitating local translation and sarcomere maintenance.
Topics: Animals; Sarcomeres; Ribosomal Proteins; Mice; Myocytes, Cardiac; Protein Biosynthesis; Mice, Knockout; Ribosomes; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated
PubMed: 38743494
DOI: 10.1172/JCI174527 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jun 2024The global demand for high-quality animal protein faces challenges, prompting a surge in interest in plant-based meat analogues (PBMA). PBMA have emerged as a promising... (Review)
Review
The global demand for high-quality animal protein faces challenges, prompting a surge in interest in plant-based meat analogues (PBMA). PBMA have emerged as a promising solution, although they encounter technological obstacles. This review discusses the technological challenges faced by PBMA from the viewpoint of plant proteins, emphasizing textural, flavor, color, and nutritional aspects. Texturally, PBMA confront issues, such as deficient fibrous structure, chewiness, and juiciness. Addressing meat flavor and mitigating beany flavor in plant protein are imperative. Furthermore, achieving a distinctive red or pink meat color remains a challenge. Plant proteins exhibit a lower content of essential amino acids. Future research directions encompass (1) shaping myofibril fibrous structures through innovative processing; (2) effectively eliminating the beany flavor; (3) developing biotechnological methodologies for leghemoglobin and plant-derived pigments; (4) optimizing amino acid composition to augment the nutritional profiles. These advancements are crucial for utilization of plant proteins in development of high-quality PBMA.
Topics: Plant Proteins; Nutritive Value; Animals; Taste; Meat; Food Handling; Humans; Color; Meat Substitutes
PubMed: 38729699
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114351 -
Journal of Biomechanics May 2024Connective tissues can be recognized as an important structural support element in muscles. Recent studies have also highlighted its importance in active force...
Connective tissues can be recognized as an important structural support element in muscles. Recent studies have also highlighted its importance in active force generation and transmission between muscles, particularly through the epimysium. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of the endomysium, the connective tissue surrounding muscle fibers, on both passive and active force production. Pairs of skeletal muscle fibers were extracted from the extensor digitorum longus muscles of rats and, after chemical skinning, their passive and active force-length relationships were measured under two conditions: (i) with the endomysium between muscle fibers intact, and (ii) after its dissection. We found that the dissection of the endomysium caused force to significantly decrease in both active (by 22.2 % when normalized to the maximum isometric force; p < 0.001) and passive conditions (by 25.9 % when normalized to the maximum isometric force; p = 0.034). These findings indicate that the absence of endomysium compromises muscle fiber's not only passive but also active force production. This effect may be attributed to increased heterogeneity in sarcomere lengths, enhanced lattice spacing between myofilaments, or a diminished role of trans-sarcolemmal proteins due to dissecting the endomysium. Future investigations into the underlying mechanisms and their implications for various extracellular matrix-related diseases are warranted.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Rats, Wistar; Connective Tissue; Sarcomeres; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Biomechanical Phenomena; Isometric Contraction; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 38723428
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112134 -
Food Chemistry Sep 2024In this study, a hydroxyl radical oxidation system was established to simulate the oxidation process in fermented meat products. This system was employed to examine the...
In this study, a hydroxyl radical oxidation system was established to simulate the oxidation process in fermented meat products. This system was employed to examine the structural changes in myofibrillar proteins (MPs) resulting from tryptic hydrolysis after a hydroxyl radical oxidative regime. The effect of these changes on the ability of MPs to bind selected aldehydes (3-methyl butanal, pentanal, hexanal, and heptanal) was also investigated. Moderate oxidation (HO ≤ 1.0 mM) unfolded the structure of MPs, facilitating trypsin-mediated hydrolysis and increasing their binding capacity for the four selected aldehydes. However, excessive oxidation (HO ≥ 2.5 mM) led to cross-linking and aggregation of MPs, inhibiting trypsin-mediated hydrolysis. The oxidised MPs had the best binding capacity for heptanal. The interaction of the oxidised trypsin-hydrolysed MPs with heptanal was driven by hydrophobic interactions. The binding of heptanal affected the structure of the oxidised trypsin-hydrolysed MPs and reduced their α-helix content.
Topics: Hydroxyl Radical; Aldehydes; Hydrolysis; Animals; Oxidative Stress; Muscle Proteins; Oxidation-Reduction; Myofibrils; Trypsin; Swine; Protein Binding; Meat Products
PubMed: 38718456
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139567 -
Food Chemistry Sep 2024In this study, the correlation between protein phosphorylation and deterioration in the quality of tilapia during storage in ice was examined by assessing changes in...
In this study, the correlation between protein phosphorylation and deterioration in the quality of tilapia during storage in ice was examined by assessing changes in texture, water-holding capacity (WHC), and biochemical characteristics of myofibrillar protein throughout 7 days of storage. The hardness significantly decreased from 471.50 to 252.17 g, whereas cooking and drip losses significantly increased from 26.5% to 32.6% and 2.9% to 9.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). Myofibril fragmentation increased, while myofibrillar protein sulfhydryl content and Ca-ATPase activity decreased from 119.33 to 89.29 μmol/g prot and 0.85 to 0.46 μmolPi/mg prot/h, respectively (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the myofibrillar protein phosphorylation level was positively correlated with hardness and Ca-ATPase activity but negatively correlated with WHC. Myofibrillar protein phosphorylation affects muscle contraction by influencing the dissociation of actomyosin, thereby regulating hardness and WHC. This study provides novel insights for the establishment of quality control strategies for tilapia storage based on protein phosphorylation.
Topics: Animals; Phosphorylation; Tilapia; Muscle Proteins; Food Storage; Fish Proteins; Ice; Myofibrils; Seafood
PubMed: 38701732
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139502 -
PloS One 2024Myogenesis is regulated mainly by transcription factors known as Myogenic Regulatory Factors (MRFs), and the transcription is affected by epigenetic modifications....
Myogenesis is regulated mainly by transcription factors known as Myogenic Regulatory Factors (MRFs), and the transcription is affected by epigenetic modifications. However, the epigenetic regulation of myogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we focused on the epigenomic modification enzyme, PHF2, which demethylates histone 3 lysine 9 dimethyl (H3K9me2) during myogenesis. Phf2 mRNA was expressed during myogenesis, and PHF2 was localized in the nuclei of myoblasts and myotubes. We generated Phf2 knockout C2C12 myoblasts using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed global transcriptional changes via RNA-sequencing. Phf2 knockout (KO) cells 2 d post differentiation were subjected to RNA sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that Phf2 KO impaired the expression of the genes related to skeletal muscle fiber formation and muscle cell development. The expression levels of sarcomeric genes such as Myhs and Mybpc2 were severely reduced in Phf2 KO cells at 7 d post differentiation, and H3K9me2 modification of Mybpc2, Mef2c and Myh7 was increased in Phf2 KO cells at 4 d post differentiation. These findings suggest that PHF2 regulates sarcomeric gene expression via epigenetic modification.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cell Differentiation; Cell Line; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Knockout Techniques; Histone Demethylases; Histones; MEF2 Transcription Factors; Muscle Development; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Myoblasts; Myosin Heavy Chains; Sarcomeres; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic
PubMed: 38701072
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301690 -
International Journal of Biological... May 2024The potential application of fish oil microcapsules as salt reduction strategies in low-salt myofibrillar protein (MP) gel was investigated by employing soy protein...
Salt reduction in myofibrillar protein gel via inhomogeneous distribution of sodium-containing encapsulated fish oil coacervate: Mucopenetration ability of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.
The potential application of fish oil microcapsules as salt reduction strategies in low-salt myofibrillar protein (MP) gel was investigated by employing soy protein isolates/carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (SPI-CMC) coacervates enriched with 25 mM sodium chloride and exploring their rheological characteristics, taste perception, and microstructure. The results revealed that the SPI-CMC coacervate phase exhibited the highest sodium content under 25 mM sodium level, albeit with uneven distribution. Notably, the hydrophilic and adhesive properties of CMC to sodium facilitated the in vitro release of sodium during oral digestion, as evidenced by the excellent wettability and mucopenetration ability of CMC. Remarkably, the fish oil microcapsules incorporating SPI-CMC as the wall material, prepared at pH 3.5 with a core-to-wall ratio of 1:1, demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency, which was supported by the strong hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, the presence of SPI-CMC coacervates and fish oil microcapsules enhanced the interaction between MPs and strengthened the low-salt MP gel network. Coupled with electronic tongue analysis, the incorporation of fish oil microcapsules slightly exacerbated the non-uniformity of sodium distribution. This ultimately contributed to an enhanced perception of saltiness, richness, and aftertaste in low-salt protein gels. Overall, the incorporation of fish oil microcapsules emerged as an effective salt reduction strategy in low-salt MP gel.
Topics: Fish Oils; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Gels; Soybean Proteins; Rheology; Capsules; Sodium Chloride; Muscle Proteins; Myofibrils
PubMed: 38697415
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131998 -
ELife May 2024Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which aging-related reductions of the levels of in skeletal muscle fibers contribute to loss of muscle strength and power, two...
Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which aging-related reductions of the levels of in skeletal muscle fibers contribute to loss of muscle strength and power, two critical features of sarcopenia. Numb is an adaptor protein best known for its critical roles in development, including asymmetric cell division, cell-type specification, and termination of intracellular signaling. expression is reduced in old humans and mice. We previously showed that, in mouse skeletal muscle fibers, Numb is localized to sarcomeres where it is concentrated near triads; conditional inactivation of and a closely related protein -like () in mouse myofibers caused weakness, disorganization of sarcomeres, and smaller mitochondria with impaired function. Here, we found that a single knockout of in myofibers causes reduction in tetanic force comparable to a double , knockout. We found by proteomics analysis of protein complexes isolated from C2C12 myotubes by immunoprecipitation using antibodies against Numb that Septin 7 is a potential Numb-binding partner. Septin 7 is a member of the family of GTP-binding proteins that organize into filaments, sheets, and rings, and is considered part of the cytoskeleton. Immunofluorescence evaluation revealed a partial overlap of staining for Numb and Septin 7 in myofibers. Conditional, inducible knockouts of led to disorganization of Septin 7 staining in myofibers. These findings indicate that Septin 7 is a Numb-binding partner and suggest that interactions between Numb and Septin 7 are critical for structural organization of the sarcomere and muscle contractile function.
Topics: Animals; Septins; Sarcomeres; Mice; Muscle Contraction; Mice, Knockout; Membrane Proteins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Protein Binding; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
PubMed: 38695862
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.89424 -
The Journal of Physiology Jun 2024There is a growing appreciation that regulation of muscle contraction requires both thin filament and thick filament activation in order to fully activate the sarcomere....
There is a growing appreciation that regulation of muscle contraction requires both thin filament and thick filament activation in order to fully activate the sarcomere. The prevailing mechano-sensing model for thick filament activation was derived from experiments on fast-twitch muscle. We address the question whether, or to what extent, this mechanism can be extrapolated to the slow muscle in the hearts of large mammals, including humans. We investigated the similarities and differences in structural signatures of thick filament activation in porcine myocardium as compared to fast rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) skeletal muscle under relaxed conditions and sub-maximal contraction using small angle X-ray diffraction. Thick and thin filaments were found to adopt different structural configurations under relaxing conditions, and myosin heads showed different changes in configuration upon sub-maximal activation, when comparing the two muscle types. Titin was found to have an X-ray diffraction signature distinct from those of the overall thick filament backbone, and its spacing change appeared to be positively correlated to the force exerted on the thick filament. Structural changes in fast EDL muscle were found to be consistent with the mechano-sensing model. In porcine myocardium, however, the structural basis of mechano-sensing is blunted suggesting the need for additional activation mechanism(s) in slow cardiac muscle. These differences in thick filament regulation can be related to their different physiological roles where fast muscle is optimized for rapid, burst-like, contractions, and the slow cardiac muscle in large mammalian hearts adopts a more finely tuned, graded response to allow for their substantial functional reserve. KEY POINTS: Both thin filament and thick filament activation are required to fully activate the sarcomere. Thick and thin filaments adopt different structural configurations under relaxing conditions, and myosin heads show different changes in configuration upon sub-maximal activation in fast extensor digitorum longus muscle and slow porcine cardiac muscle. Titin has an X-ray diffraction signature distinct from those of the overall thick filament backbone and this titin reflection spacing change appeared to be directly proportional to the force exerted on the thick filament. Mechano-sensing is blunted in porcine myocardium suggesting the need for additional activation mechanism(s) in slow cardiac muscle. Fast skeletal muscle is optimized for rapid, burst-like contractions, and the slow cardiac muscle in large mammalian hearts adopts a more finely tuned graded response to allow for their substantial functional reserve.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Myocardium; Connectin; Rats; Male; Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch; Sarcomeres; Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch; Muscle, Skeletal; X-Ray Diffraction; Muscle Contraction; Myosins
PubMed: 38695322
DOI: 10.1113/JP286072