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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2015Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of... (Review)
Review
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies. Pre-clinical animal models are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new anti-fibrotic compounds and are immensely valuable for understanding and proofing the mode of their proposed action. In fibrosis research, inbreed mice and rats are by far the most used species for testing drug efficacy. During the last decades, several hundred or even a thousand different drugs that reproducibly evolve beneficial effects on liver health in respective disease models were identified. However, there are only a few compounds (e.g., GR-MD-02, GM-CT-01) that were translated from bench to bedside. In contrast, the large number of drugs successfully tested in animal studies is repeatedly tested over and over engender findings with similar or identical outcome. This circumstance undermines the 3R (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction) principle of Russell and Burch that was introduced to minimize the suffering of laboratory animals. This ethical framework, however, represents the basis of the new animal welfare regulations in the member states of the European Union. Consequently, the legal authorities in the different countries are halted to foreclose testing of drugs in animals that were successfully tested before. This review provides a synopsis on anti-fibrotic compounds that were tested in classical rodent models. Their mode of action, potential sources and the observed beneficial effects on liver health are discussed. This review attempts to provide a reference compilation for all those involved in the testing of drugs or in the design of new clinical trials targeting hepatic fibrosis.
PubMed: 26779021
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00303 -
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology Feb 2022Pediculus lice represent one of the longest and most prevalent parasitic infestations of humans. Head lice are an economic and social concern whereas body lice pose a... (Review)
Review
Pediculus lice represent one of the longest and most prevalent parasitic infestations of humans. Head lice are an economic and social concern whereas body lice pose a more serious public health threat. Significant progress has been made in the study of human lice over the last 10 years, allowing for new approaches in their control. An in vitro rearing system has made it possible to maintain insecticide-susceptible and -resistant reference strains, which allowed an in depth study of pediculicide resistance, including its underlying molecular mechanisms and the detection and monitoring of resistance. The generation of inbreed strains facilitated the efficient sequencing, assembly and annotation of the genomes and transcriptomes of both lice. The use of functional genomics and reverse genetics elucidated the genetics involved in the evolution of resistance and the discovery of novel target sites for the development of new pediculicides. In this review, four new effective pediculicide products, each with different mode of action and unique chemistries, will be presented. They have been found to be safe and selective, and control resistant lice. As such, they meet the criteria necessary to be used in rotations as a sustainable resistance management strategy.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Lice Infestations; Pediculus
PubMed: 35082036
DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105013 -
Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Mar 2019To establish a method for isolation, culture and identification of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) from the inbreed line miniature pig of Wuzhishan...
To establish a method for isolation, culture and identification of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) from the inbreed line miniature pig of Wuzhishan (ILMW). Methods: A total of 100 g adipose tissues were obtained from subcutaneous tissues of neck in six-month old healthy ILMW (3 samples, male). ASCs from ILMW (ILMW-ASCs) were isolated from adipose tissues through 0.1% collagenase digestion. The cells at the 3rd, 5th, 8th, 13th passages were collected. Cell morphology, size, phenotype, cell cycle, and apoptosis were monitored. Cell differentiation was induced and cell proliferation curve was drawn. Results: The ILMW-ASCs, fibroblast-like or whirlpool-like, began the adherence at 36 h and entered a logarithmic phase in the 5th day. Eighty percent of them were fused in the 7th day. The average diameter and volume of ILMW-ASCs were (17.00±0.54) µm and (2.58±0.24)×10-9 L, respectively. The expressions of CD29, CD44 and CD90 were positive, and there was no significant difference between the different passages (all P>0.05). The expressions of CD45, CD8a and HLA-DR were increased with the increase in passages after the 3th passage (all P<0.05). The adipogenic induction of ILMW-ASCs was observed by positive oil red O staining, and the osteogenic induction of ILMW-ASCs was determined by positive alizarin red staining. Apoptosis and senescence occurred in the 13 passage of ILMW-ASCs, and the proportion of S phase of cell cycle was lower than that in lower passages (all P<0.05). Conclusion: ILMW-ASCs are one of the best choice for porcine ASCs, which might provide a source of candidate stem cells for therapy of large animal disease models and tissue or organ repairment.
Topics: Adipose Tissue; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Cells, Cultured; Male; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Swine; Swine, Miniature
PubMed: 30971523
DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2019.03.011 -
BMC Genomics May 2016Since upland cotton was introduced into China during the 1920s-1950s, hundreds of inbreed cultivars have been developed. To explore the molecular diversity, population...
BACKGROUND
Since upland cotton was introduced into China during the 1920s-1950s, hundreds of inbreed cultivars have been developed. To explore the molecular diversity, population structure and elite alleles, 503 inbred cultivars developed in China and some foreign cultivars from the United States and the Soviet Union were collected and analyzed by 494 genome-wide SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats).
METHODS
Four hundred and ninety-four pairs of SSRs with high polymorphism and uniform distribution on 26 chromosomes were used to scan polymorphisms in 503 nation-wide upland cottons. The programming language R was used to make boxplots for the phenotypic traits in different environments. Molecular marker data and 6 fiber quality traits were analyzed by the method of MLM (mixed linear model) (P + G + Q + K) in the TASSEL software package on the basis of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium analysis. The loci of elite allelic variation and typical materials carrying elite alleles were identified based on phenotypic effect values.
RESULTS
A total of 179 markers were polymorphic and generated 426 allele loci; the population based on molecular diversity was classified into seven subpopulations corresponding to pedigree origin, ecological and geographical distribution. The attenuation distance of linkage disequilibrium dropped significantly up to 0-5 cM. Association mapping for fiber quality showed that 216 marker loci were associated with fiber quality traits (P < 0.05) explaining 0.58 % ~ 5.12 % of the phenotypic variation, with an average of 2.70 %. Thirteen marker loci were coincident with other studies, and three were detected for the same trait. Seven quantitative trait loci were related to known genes in fiber development. Based on phenotypic effects, 48 typical materials that contained the elite allele loci related to fiber quality traits were identified and are widely used in practical breeding.
CONCLUSIONS
The molecular diversity and population structure of 503 nation-wide upland cottons in China were evaluated by 494 genome-wide SSRs, and association mapping for fiber quality revealed known and novel elite alleles. The molecular diversity provides a guide for parental mating in cotton breeding, and the association mapping results will aid in the fine-mapping genes related to fiber quality traits and facilitate further studies on candidate genes.
Topics: Alleles; Chromosome Mapping; Chromosomes, Plant; Cotton Fiber; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Markers; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Genome, Plant; Inbreeding; Linkage Disequilibrium; Microsatellite Repeats; Phenotype; Polymorphism, Genetic; Quantitative Trait, Heritable
PubMed: 27177443
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2662-x -
Bio-protocol Jun 2020The novel object recognition (NOR) task is a behavioral test commonly used to evaluate episodic-like declarative memory and it relies on the innate tendency of rodents...
The novel object recognition (NOR) task is a behavioral test commonly used to evaluate episodic-like declarative memory and it relies on the innate tendency of rodents to explore novelty. Here we present a maze used to evaluate NOR memory in mice that reduces the time of the assay while improving reliability of the measurements by increasing the exploratory behavior. This memory test, being performed in a two-arms maze, is suitable for several strains of mice (including inbreed and outbreed) and does not require extended training sessions allowing an accurate temporal assessment of memory formation. This particular maze increases the mouse exploration time and reduces variability compared to other arenas used before to assess NOR. As both long- and short-term NOR memory can be easily and accurately quantified using this paradigm, this improved methodology can be easily applied to study pharmacological, genetic or age-related modulation of cognitive function.
PubMed: 33659321
DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.3651 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2022Weed interference in the crop field is one of the major biotic stresses causing dramatic crop yield losses, and the development of herbicide-resistant crops is critical...
Weed interference in the crop field is one of the major biotic stresses causing dramatic crop yield losses, and the development of herbicide-resistant crops is critical for weed control in the application of herbicide technologies. To identify herbicide-resistant germplasms, we screened 854 maize inbreed lines and 25,620 seedlings by spraying them with 1 g/L glufosinate. One plant (L336R), possibly derived from a natural variation of line L336, was identified to have the potential for glufosinate tolerance. Genetic analysis validated that the glufosinate tolerance of L336R is conferred by a single locus, which was tentatively designated as . By constructing a bi-parental population derived from L336R, and a glufosinate sensitive line L312, was mapped between molecular markers M9 and M10. Interestingly, genomic comparation between the two sequenced reference genomes showed that large scale structural variations (SVs) occurred within the mapped region, resulting in 2.16 Mb in the inbreed line B73, and 11.5 kb in CML277, respectively. During the fine mapping process, we did not detect any additional recombinant, even by using more than 9500 F and F plants, suspecting that SVs should also have occurred between L336R and L312 in this region, which inhibited recombination. By evaluating the expression of the genes within the mapped interval and using functional annotation, we predict that the gene , encoding an aminotransferase, is the most likely causative gene. After glufosinate treatment, lower levels of ammonia content and a higher activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) in L336R were detected compared with those of L336 and L312, suggesting that the target gene may participate in ammonia elimination involving GS activity. Collectively, our study can provide a material resource for maize herbicide resistant breeding, with the potential to reveal a new mechanism for herbicide resistance.
Topics: Aminobutyrates; Ammonia; Glutamate-Ammonia Ligase; Herbicide Resistance; Herbicides; Plant Breeding; Transaminases; Zea mays
PubMed: 36232781
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911481 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Pearl millet is a staple food for more than 90 million people residing in highly vulnerable hot arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. These regions are more...
Pearl millet is a staple food for more than 90 million people residing in highly vulnerable hot arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. These regions are more prone to detrimental effects of soil salinity on crop performance in terms of reduced biomass and crop yields. We investigated the physiological mechanisms of salt tolerance to irrigation induced salinity stress (EC ~3, 6 & 9 dSm) and their confounding effects on plant growth and yield in pearl millet inbred lines and hybrids. On average, nearly 30% reduction in above ground plant biomass was observed at EC ~6 dSm which stretched to 56% at EC ~9 dSm in comparison to best available water. With increasing salinity stress, the crop performance of test hybrids was better in comparison to inbred lines; exhibiting relatively higher stomatal conductance (gS; 16%), accumulated lower proline (Pro; -12%) and shoot Na/K(-31%), synthesized more protein (SP; 2%) and sugars (TSS; 32%) compensating in lower biomass (AGB; -22%) and grain yield (GY: -14%) reductions at highest salinity stress of EC ~9 dSm. Physiological traits modeling underpinning plant salt tolerance and adaptation mechanism illustrated the key role of 7 traits (AGB, Pro, SS, gS, SPAD, Pn, and SP) in hybrids and 8 traits (AGB, Pro, PH, Na, K, Na/K, SPAD, and gS) in inbred lines towards anticipated grain yield variations in salinity stressed pearl millet. Most importantly, the AGB alone, explained >91% of yield variation among evaluated hybrids and inbreed lines at EC ~9 dSm. Cumulatively, the better morpho-physiological adaptation and lesser yield reduction with increasing salinity stress in pearl millet hybrids (HHB 146, HHB 272, and HHB 234) and inbred lines (H77/833-2-202, ICMA 94555 and ICMA 843-22) substantially complemented in increased plant salt tolerance and yield stability over a broad range of salinity stress. The information generated herein will help address in deciphering the trait associated physiological alterations to irrigation induced salt stress, and developing potential hybrids in pearl millet using these parents with special characteristics.
PubMed: 36938010
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1121805 -
Veterinaria Italiana Dec 2021The origin of meat and meat products can be traced by verifying the identity of an offspring from its parents’ genotypes. Although there are many microsatellite panels...
The origin of meat and meat products can be traced by verifying the identity of an offspring from its parents’ genotypes. Although there are many microsatellite panels applicable to swine population, efficiency of parental testing decreases when the population consists of consanguineous animals. The aims of the present study were to develop a new microsatellite panel for traceability using parentage test in inbreed pig population and to assess how hybridization can influence the efficiency of parental testing. A new genotyping assay, based on 20‑microsatellite assay, was performed in 304 individuals consisting of related and unrelated animals. The results showed that the microsatellites used in this study display high level of polymorphism ensuring a parentage assignment of 100%. This genotyping panel can be a useful tool to test a ’parent‑to‑fork’ traceability system based on 20 microsatellite loci and can overcome technical limitations in inbreed population.
Topics: Animals; Genotype; Meat; Microsatellite Repeats; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Swine
PubMed: 34971511
DOI: 10.12834/VetIt.1700.8999.4 -
Archives of Razi Institute Nov 2021Food shortages may be among the most significant negative consequences of overpopulation. In order to meet the nutritional needs of livestock origin, the number of...
Food shortages may be among the most significant negative consequences of overpopulation. In order to meet the nutritional needs of livestock origin, the number of available animals cannot be increased; however, ways must be sought to increase production per livestock unit. Livestock breeding is the science and art of establishing genes that are effective in the economical production of livestock, which creates superior livestock and poultry. The quality of the main stock of animals, the characteristics of the initial population according to the main characteristics of breeding, biological and internal characteristics, biochemical parameters of sheep blood with different genotypes, and its economic efficiency have been studied to achieve the aim of the present study. The animal subjects in this study were the South Caucasian merino sheep (Group I) and the mixed breed sheep (male of Australian merino x female of South Kazakhstan merino) (Group II). The age-related changes in the body weight of the resulting offspring were studied by weighing them at birth and 4, 7, and 18 months of age. Moreover, external body mass measurements were taken from these animals at the same time. In addition, absolute, daily average, and relative increases in their live weight were determined based on the weighting data and the considered blood parameters. According to the results of the present investigation, relatively high values of variability coefficients of blood acid capacity, globulin content, aldolase activity, alkalinity, and acid phosphatase were reported. The levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, and haptoglobin of the second group were 7.42%, 27.64%, 12.9%, and 9.7%, respectively, which had a significant increase, compared to those in the first group (<0.05). The scientific research data are reflected and proved in this paper, which can serve as a specific contribution to zootechnical science to use the breeding-tribal work in practice and conditions of different forms of ownership. Moreover, the results of this study can be useful in the improvement of breeding-tribal work and technology of high quality, compass well as competitive and ecologically clean sheep production in the conditions of maximum year-round seasonal use of foothill and foothill-steppe pastures in the south of Kazakhstan.
Topics: Animals; Australia; Breeding; China; Female; Humans; Livestock; Male; Reproduction; Sheep
PubMed: 35355773
DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.356168.1795 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022Plant height affects crop production and breeding practices, while genetic control of dwarfism draws a broad interest of researchers. Dwarfism in soybean () is mainly...
Plant height affects crop production and breeding practices, while genetic control of dwarfism draws a broad interest of researchers. Dwarfism in soybean () is mainly unexplored. Here, we characterized a dwarf mutant screened from ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutated seeds of the soybean cultivar Zhongpin 661(ZP). Phenotypically, showed shorter and thinner stems, smaller leaves, and more nodes than ZP under greenhouse conditions. Genetically, whole-genome sequencing and comparison revealed that 210K variants of SNPs and InDel in ZP relative to the soybean reference genome Williams82, and EMS mutagenesis affected 636 genes with variants predicted to have a large impact on protein function in . Whole-genome methylation sequencing found 704 differentially methylated regions in . Further whole-genome RNA-Seq based transcriptomic comparison between ZP and leaves revealed 687 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 263 up-regulated and 424 down-regulated genes. Integrated omics analyses revealed 11 genes with both differential expressions and DNA variants, one gene with differential expression and differential methylation, and three genes with differential methylation and sequence variation, worthy of future investigation. Genes in cellulose, fatty acids, and energy-associated processes could be the key candidate genes for the dwarf phenotype. This study provides genetic clues for further understanding of the genetic control of dwarfism in soybean. The genetic resources could help to inbreed new cultivars with a desirable dwarf characteristic.
PubMed: 36479521
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1017672