BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)is a transmembrane protein that is differentially expressed in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Endothelial dy-sfunction is a hallmark of GDM and plays a key role in ...BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)is a transmembrane protein that is differentially expressed in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Endothelial dy-sfunction is a hallmark of GDM and plays a key role in its pathogenesis.EGFR is associated with endothelial dysfunction in the context of various diseases.How-ever,the exact mechanism by which EGFR causes endothelial dysfunction in GDM is unknown,particularly its regulation at the transcriptional and protein levels.METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the ex-pression of EGFR and H19.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of endothelial cell dysfunction markers.A cell counting kit 8 assay was used to assess cell viability,flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis,scratch and Transwell assays were used to assess cell migration,and a tube formation assay was used to assess cell vascular formation.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the placentas of the mice.RESULTS In this study,EGFR was upregulated in clinical samples,GDM animal models and GDM cell models,and the knockdown of EGFR could mitigate the effect of streptozotocin(STZ)and high glucose(HG);promoted the proliferation,migration and vascularization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs);inhibited cell apoptosis and the expression of endothelial cell dysfunction markers(vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,tumor necrosis factor-α,vascular endothelial growth factor-A,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1);and alleviated the process of GDM in vivo.Mechanistically,EIF4A3 binding to long noncoding RNA H19 increased the stability of EGFR messenger RNA,thereby promoting HG-induced HUVECs dysfunction or STZ-induced endothelial cell dysfunction in GDM mice.In addition,ERRFI1 also regulated the expression of EGFR,and ERRFI1 inhibited EGFR activity by binding to EGFR,thereby inhibiting HG-induced HUVECs dysfunction.CONCLUSION Our study revealed that EGFR can accelerate the development of GDM by promoting endothelial cell dysfunction.展开更多
Collecting baseline information on how laboratories perform testing is a reasonable first step towards establishing intra- and inter-laboratory standardization and quality control for semen analysis. We carried out a ...Collecting baseline information on how laboratories perform testing is a reasonable first step towards establishing intra- and inter-laboratory standardization and quality control for semen analysis. We carried out a survey of the laboratories performing the testing in China's Mainland. A questionnaire, composed of 36 questions covering all aspects of semen analysis, was designed, and a copy was distributed to each of the 145 laboratories. Of these, 118 laboratories completed the questionnaires. The survey results showed that semen volume was measured visually in 53.6% （59/110） of the responding laboratories, and 70.9% （73/103） of laboratories analysed incompletely liquefied semen without any treatment. In addition, both manual-microscopic and computer-assisted semen-analysis systems were applied to analyse sperm concentration, motility and morphology. However, more than five methods were employed in routine sperm staining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was commonly used for determining whether antisperm antibodies were present. Several seminal biochemical markers were analysed in only 27.1% （32/118） of the responding laboratories. Generally, there was a lack of intra- and inter-laboratory quality control measures for semen analysis in all laboratories responding to this survey. In conclusion, the methods of semen analysis and the interpretation of test results in the surveyed laboratories differed markedly. In particular, many laboratories employed methods other than those recommended by the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Sperm- cervical Mucus Interaction （1999）. These findings suggest an urgent need for the standardization of semen analysis with acceptable quality controls for each parameter to make the results repeatable and meaningful.展开更多
Natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely employed in a number of inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, remain the first-line treatment for in...Natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely employed in a number of inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, remain the first-line treatment for inducing remission in moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite their extensive therapeutic use and the proven effectiveness, considerable clinical evidence of wide inter-individual differences in GC efficacy among patients has been reported, in particular when these agents are used in inflammatory diseases. In recent years, a detailed knowledge of the GC mechanism of action and of the genetic variants affecting GC activity at the molecular level has arisen from several studies. GCs interact with their cytoplasmic receptor, and are able to repress inflammatory gene expression through several distinct mechanisms. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is therefore crucial for the effects of these agents: mutations in the GR gene (NR3C1, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1) are the primary cause of a rare, inherited form of GC resistance; in addition, several polymorphisms of this gene have been described and associated with GC response and toxicity.However, the GR is not self-standing in the cell and the receptor-mediated functions are the result of a complex interplay of GR and many other cellular partners. The latter comprise several chaperonins of the large cooperative hetero-oligomeric complex that binds the hormonefree GR in the cytosol, and several factors involved in the transcriptional machinery and chromatin remodeling, that are critical for the hormonal control of target genes transcription in the nucleus. Furthermore, variants in the principal effectors of GCs (e.g. cytokines and their regulators) have also to be taken into account for a comprehensive evaluation of the variability in GC response. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the transport and/or metabolism of these hormones have also been suggested as other possible candidates of interest that could play a role in the observed inter-individual differences in efficacy and toxicity. The best-characterized example is the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein, a membrane transporter that extrudes GCs from cells, thereby lowering their intracellular concentration. This protein is encoded by the ABCB1/ MDR1 gene; this gene presents different known polymorphic sites that can influence its expression and function. This editorial reviews the current knowledge on this topic and underlines the role of genetics in predicting GC clinical response. The ambitious goal of pharmacogenomic studies is to adapt therapies to a patient’s specific genetic background, thus improving on efficacy and safety rates.展开更多
To observe the therapeutic effect of Yikang Tang(益抗汤 Yikang Decoction)for male immuneinfertility.Methods:100 cases of male immune infertility in the treatment group were treated withYikang Decoction,while 100 cases...To observe the therapeutic effect of Yikang Tang(益抗汤 Yikang Decoction)for male immuneinfertility.Methods:100 cases of male immune infertility in the treatment group were treated withYikang Decoction,while 100 cases treated with prednisone as the controls.Physical exam,routine semenand prostate exams,and exams for presence of anti-sperm antibody(AsAb)and mycoplasma in the serum orseminal plasma were carried out.Results:1)The serum and seminal plasma AsAb levels decreasedsignificantly(P<0.01)in both the groups after treatment,with a more remarkable effect in the treatmentgroup.2)The sperm density and percentage of motile spermatozoa increased significantly in the two groups,but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment.The pregnancy rate of their wives was higher inthe treatment group than that in the control group(P<0.01).3)The sperm agglutination rate in the twogroups decreased,but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment.4)The improvement rate ofthe symptoms and the stability of the therapeutic effect were more dramatic in the treatment group than thatin the control group(P<0.01)after termination of drug administration.Conclusion:The YikangDecoction has a more stable effect for male immune infertility than prednisone.展开更多
Aim： To investigate the localization and quantity of androgen receptor （AR） in the salivary glands of rats with further analysis on the effect of castration. Methods： Sixty male Wistar rats, aged 30-60 days, were ...Aim： To investigate the localization and quantity of androgen receptor （AR） in the salivary glands of rats with further analysis on the effect of castration. Methods： Sixty male Wistar rats, aged 30-60 days, were randomly divided into three groups （castrated, sham-operated and normal controls） with 20 rats in each group. The rats in the castrated group were castrated and the submaxillary glands were removed after 1 week. The salivary glands of the rats in the sham-operated and the normal control groups were also removed. Parts of the salivary glands were fixed for immuohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays. Other parts were used for Western blot. Results： AR immunoreactivity in the three groups was localized in the glandular epithelial cells of the serous acinus and the glandular duct of the salivary gland, mainly in the nuclei. AR mRNA hybridization signals in the salivary glands of the castrated group were mainly distributed in the epithelial cells of the convoluted and secretary ducts; AR mRNA in the sham-operated and the normal control groups were found in the epithelial cells of the convoluted, the secretary and the excretory ducts. The quantity of AR in the salivary glands was decreased significantly in the castrated rats compared with the sham-operated and the normal controls. Moreover, epidermal growth factor （EGF） secreted by the salivary glands was also decreased in the castrated rats. Conclusion： Castration appears to affect the production of AR in the salivary gland and the distribution of the AR mRNA and could further affect the function of the salivary gland. The changes of AR and the distribution of AR mRNA may play an important role in the interactions between the testes and the salivary gland. （Asian J Androl 2005 Sep; 7： 295-301）展开更多
Mastitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Pathogens, cows and farmers （via management） all play a role. It is costly and annoying for the farmer and threatens the image of the entire dairy industry. Prevention ...Mastitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Pathogens, cows and farmers （via management） all play a role. It is costly and annoying for the farmer and threatens the image of the entire dairy industry. Prevention and control of mastitis is based on multiple principles that have been known for a long time. To implement them successfully, they should be put forward by a motivated and motivating advisor that transfers the existing knowledge to the farmer. When the changes are data-driven, applied by an encouraged farmer through a farm-specific implementation, prevention and control of mastitis will be successful and result in happy cows, happy farmers, happy advisors, happy consumers, and a happy industry. Nationwide projects focussing on communication and transfer of existing knowledge in prevention and control are very helpful in reaching high numbers of farmers and advisors and harmonizing the message brought by different parties. This paper gives an overview of multifactorial approach of mastitis management and prevention with a focus on milking, bedding and data-analysis.展开更多
Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant materia...Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant material from a young age.Moreover,dietary fibre affects gastrointestinal tract(GIT)development and health in older pigs.We hypothesised that supplemental diets that contain vegetal fibres are accelerating GIT development in suckling piglets in terms of size and functionality.From d 2 of life,sow-suckled piglets had access to a low fibre diet(CON),a diet with a fermentable long-chain arabinoxylan(lc-AXOS),a diet with a largely non-fermentable purified cellulose(CELL),or a diet containing both fibres.During the initial 2 weeks,the control diet was a high-density milk replacer,followed by a dry and highly digestible creep meal.Upon weaning at 25 d,15 piglets from each treatment group,identified as eaters and originating from six or seven litters,were sacrificed for post-mortem examination of GIT morphology,small intestinal permeability and metabolic profile of the digesta.The microbiota composition of the mid-colon was evaluated in a sub-set of ten piglets.Results:No major statistical interactions between the fibre sources were observed.Piglets consumed the fibrecontaining milk supplements and creep diets well.Stomach size and small intestinal permeability was not affected.Large intestinal fill was increased with lc-AXOS only,while relative large intestinal weight was increased with both fibre sources(P<0.050).Also,CELL decreased ileal pH and tended to increase ileal DM content compared to CON(P<0.050).Moreover,the concentration of volatile fatty acids was increased in the caecum(P<0.100)and midcolon(P<0.050)by addition of CELL.lc-AXOS only stimulated caecal propionate(P<0.050).The microbiota composition showed a high individual variation and limited dietary impact.Nonetheless,CELL induced minor shifts in specific genera,with notable reductions of Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusions:Adding dietary fibres to the supplemental diet of suckling piglets altered large intestinal morphology but not small intestinal permeability.Moreover,dietary fibre showed effects on fermentation and modest changes of microbial populations in the hindgut,with more prominent effects from the low-fermentable cellulose.展开更多
Spermatozoa contain a repertoire of RNAs considered to be potential functional fertility biomarkers.In this study,the gene expression of human sperm subpopulations with high(F1)and low(F2)motility from healthy normozo...Spermatozoa contain a repertoire of RNAs considered to be potential functional fertility biomarkers.In this study,the gene expression of human sperm subpopulations with high(F1)and low(F2)motility from healthy normozoospermic(N)and asthenozoospermic(A)individuals was evaluated using RNA microarray followed by functional genomic analysis of differentially expressed genes.Results from A-F1 versus N-F1,A-F2 versus N-F2,N-F1 versus N-F2,and A-F1 versus A-F2 comparisons showed a considerably larger set of downregulated genes in tests versus controls.Gene ontology(GO)analysis of A-F1 versus N-F1 identified 507 overrepresented biological processes(BPs),several of which are associated with sperm physiology.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis of the same contrast showed 110 BPs,36 cellular comp on ents,and 31 molecular functions,several of which are involved in sperm motility.A leadi ng・edge analysis of selected GO terms resulted in several down regulated genes encoding to dyn eins and kin esins,both related to sperm physiology.Furthermore,the predicted activation state of asthenozoospermia was increased,while fertility,cell movement of sperm,and gametogenesis were decreased.Interestingly,several downregulated genes characteristic of the canonical pathway protein ubiquitination were involved in asthenozoospermia activation.Conversely,GO analysis of A-F2 versus N-F2 did not identify overrepresented BPs,although the gene set enrichment analysis detected six enriched BPs,one cellular component,and two molecular functions.Overall,the results show differences in gene transcription between sperm subpopulations from asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples and allowed the identification of gene sets relevant to sperm physiology and reproduction.展开更多
Objective:In this paper,we will discuss if the CETP polymorphism contributes to the centenarians in Hainan island.Methods:We tested the Taq IB and I405 V polymorphisms of CETP gene among 276 centenarians and 301 match...Objective:In this paper,we will discuss if the CETP polymorphism contributes to the centenarians in Hainan island.Methods:We tested the Taq IB and I405 V polymorphisms of CETP gene among 276 centenarians and 301 matched healthy individuals by AS-PCR and analyzed the data with SPSS software package(Version 19.0).Results:Our data indicated that allele B1 and V have the significant differences between centenarians and healthy control groups with P<0.001.Further analysis implied that genotypes B1B1(P<0.001,OR=0.148,95% CI=0.095-0.230) and VV(P<0.001 and OR=0.353,95% CI=0.237-0.525) were significantly different between centenarians and matched controls.The combination of B and V,such as B1B1-II(P<0.001,OR=0.128,95% CI=0.049-0.329),B1B1-IV(P<0.001,OR=0.115,95% CI=0.056-0.237),B1B2-VV(P<0.05,OR=0.534,95% CI=0.310-0.920),and B2B2-VV(P<0.001,OR=0.198,95% CI=0.086-0.453) have significant differences between centenarians and matched healthy individuals from Hainan.Conclusion:Our results implied that allele B1B1 and VV,as well as the combination B1B1-II,B1B1-IV,B1B2-VV and B2B2-VV may contribute to the longevity in centenarians of Hainan,south of China.展开更多
The acrosome reaction （AR）, an absolute requirement for spermatozoa and egg fusion, requires the influx of Ca2＋ into the spermatozoa through voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels and store-operated channels. Maitotoxin ...The acrosome reaction （AR）, an absolute requirement for spermatozoa and egg fusion, requires the influx of Ca2＋ into the spermatozoa through voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels and store-operated channels. Maitotoxin （MTx）, a Ca2＋-mobilizing agent, has been shown to be a potent inducer of the mouse sperm AR, with a pharmacology similar to that of the zona pellucida （ZP）, possibly suggesting a common pathway for both inducers. Using recombinant human ZP3 （rhZP3）, mouse ZP and two MTx channel blockers （U73122 and U73343）, we investigated and compared the MTx- and ZP-induced ARs in human and mouse spermatozoa. Herein, we report that MTx induced AR and elevated intracellular Ca2＋ （[Ca2＋]~） in human spermatozoa, both of which were blocked by U73122 and U73343. These two compounds also inhibited the MTx-induced AR in mouse spermatozoa. In disagreement with our previous proposal, the AR triggered by rhZP3 or mouse ZP was not blocked by U73343, indicating that in human and mouse spermatozoa, the AR induction by the physiological ligands or by MTx occurred through distinct pathways. U73122, but not U73343 （inactive analogue）, can block phospholipase C （PLC）. Another PLC inhibitor, edelfosine, also blocked the rhZP3- and ZP-induced ARs. These findings confirmed the participation of a PLC-dependent signalling pathway in human and mouse zona protein-induced AR. Notably, edelfosine also inhibited the MTx-induced mouse sperm AR but not that of the human, suggesting that toxin-induced AR is PLC-dependent in mice and PLC-independent in humans.展开更多
There were few studies of cumulative live birth rates(CLBRs) based on multicenter reproductive clinical data from the general Chinese population.Here we report a retrospective cohort study,including 14 311 women with1...There were few studies of cumulative live birth rates(CLBRs) based on multicenter reproductive clinical data from the general Chinese population.Here we report a retrospective cohort study,including 14 311 women with17 315 cycles,in three reproductive centers to evaluate two estimated parameters of CLBRs with multiple transfer cycles of in vitro fertilization(IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) in a Chinese population.We found that CLBRs were related to female age and endometrial thickness.By the fourth transfer cycle,the conservative and optimal estimates of CLBRs were 52.95% and 77.30% in women under 30 years of age,and 18.17% and26.51% in those 37 years of age or older,respectively.The two estimates were 44.70% and 63.15% in women with endometrial thickness more than 7 mm,and 32.05% and 46.18% in those with less than 7 mm,respectively.In addition,body mass index(BMI),duration of infertility,and infertility diagnoses may also be related to CLBRs on certain conditions.The findings from this study on CLBRs after multiple transfer cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment on different conditions in the Chinese population should be beneficial to both infertile couples and clinicians.展开更多
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells（pE SCs）, as ＂seed cells＂ for regenerative medicine, are an effective way to build patient-specific pluripotent stem cells, due to the fact that characteristics of self-renewal ...Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells（pE SCs）, as ＂seed cells＂ for regenerative medicine, are an effective way to build patient-specific pluripotent stem cells, due to the fact that characteristics of self-renewal and pluripotent are similar to embryonic stem cells（ESCs）. Parthenogenetic activation can be performed at meiosis I or meiosis II describing the embryos with distinct patterns of homozygosity and heterozygosity.Heterozygous pE SCs are expected to be used for autologous transplantation, while homozygous pE SCs enable to be used for allogeneic gene therapy in theory but is hampered by immunological barriers defined by the recognition of natural killer（NK）cells. In this review, we describe the mechanism of deriving heterozygous and homozygous pE SCs, and summarize the advantages and limitations of pE SCs in the area of cell therapy.展开更多
Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)HOTAIR and MALAT1 are implicated in the development of multiple cancers.Genetic variants within HOTAIR and MALAT1 may affect the gene expression,thereby modifying genetic susceptibility to ce...Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)HOTAIR and MALAT1 are implicated in the development of multiple cancers.Genetic variants within HOTAIR and MALAT1 may affect the gene expression,thereby modifying genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer.A case-control study was designed,including 1486 cervical cancer patients and 1536 healthy controls.Based on RegulomeDB database,11 SNPs were selected and genotyped by using Sequenom’s Mass ARRAY.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).We found that the A allele of rs35643724 in HOTAIR was associated with increased risk of cervical cancer,while the C allele of rs1787666 in MALAT1 was associated with decreased risk.Compared to individuals with 0–1 unfavorable allele,those with 3–4 unfavorable alleles showed18%increased odds of having cervical cancer.Our findings suggest that HOTAIR rs35643724 and MALAT1 rs1787666 might represent potential biomarkers for cervical cancer susceptibility.展开更多
Dear Editor,Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome(PMDS,MIM 261550)is an autosomal recessive inherent disorder of sex development in normally masculinized subjects with Müllerian duct derivatives,including the u...Dear Editor,Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome(PMDS,MIM 261550)is an autosomal recessive inherent disorder of sex development in normally masculinized subjects with Müllerian duct derivatives,including the uterus,fallopian tubes,and upper part of the vagina.1 PMDS is very rare with presentations of bilateral cryptorchidism(55%),unilateral cryptorchidism with contralateral hernia(20%),or transverse testicular ectopia(25%).展开更多
Objective:To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts(ethanol and water)on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.Methods:A total of 180 male rats(190-220)g BWt ...Objective:To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts(ethanol and water)on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.Methods:A total of 180 male rats(190-220)g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups(G1-G9).Groups of rats were kept as(G1):normal control,(G2-G9):immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and(G3-G9):infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts.Rats from(G4to G9)were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis(at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt)and nitazoxanide(standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt)to infected rats with different regimes.Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection.At the end of the experiment,blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins.Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.Results:The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88%in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi,and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis,was91%at the 6th dpi.There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α_2-andβ-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts,while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group.β-globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide.Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.Conclusions:Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats.Moreover,propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.展开更多
Piwi-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)is a novel class of non-coding RNAs.However,changes in piRNA expression profiles in recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)have not yet been investigated.The aim of this study was to identify ...Piwi-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)is a novel class of non-coding RNAs.However,changes in piRNA expression profiles in recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)have not yet been investigated.The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed piRNAs in deciduas of RSA patients.Decidua tissues were collected by curettage from recruited RSA patients and normal early pregnant(NEP)women with their informed consent.Small RNA sequencing was used to evaluate the differences in piRNA expression profiles between RSA and NEP.The present results demonstrated that the counts of total piRNA reads in RSA samples were increased compared with those in NEP samples(0.21%vs.0.11%).Differential expression analysis identified 29 upregulated piRNAs and 18 downregulated piRNAs in RSA samples.RT-qPCR further confirmed that the expression levels of uniq-109625,uniq-89328,uniq-50651 and uniq-4569 were decreased in 8 RSA tissues,compared with 13 NEP tissues.Otherwise,pi-22628 and uniq-173406 were increased in 8 RSA tissues.Based on GO term and KEGG pathway analysis,we speculate that these piRNAs regulate RSA by targeting extracellular matrix component pathway,cell adhesion pathway and focal adhesion pathway.PiRNAs may be involved in RSA pathogenesis by target genes function on adhesion and extracellular matrix component.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vag...Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina.The collected semen was pooled at 38℃ and divided into four equal volumes.They were diluted with 0,50,100 and 200μM taxifolin-containing Tris+egg yolk extender at 38℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4℃.Following equilibration,semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at-196℃.Samples were thawed in 38℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility,kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,changes in membrane integrity,mitochondrial membrane potential,dead-live ratio,acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen.Results:Addition of 50μM taxifolin significantly improved motility(total,progressive,rapid and static),high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 50 and 100μM taxifolin groups were significantly lower,while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200μM taxifolin group.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,membrane integrity and antioxidant levels.Conclusions:The low dose of taxifolin(50μM)has a positive effect and the high dose(200μM)has a negative effect.Therefore,it is concluded that the addition of low-dose(50μM)taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.展开更多
Objective:To examine the effects of paclitaxel and resveratrol on rabbit semen.Methods:This study consisted of four groups: control group (40 mL saline), paclitaxel group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel), resveratrol group (4 mg/...Objective:To examine the effects of paclitaxel and resveratrol on rabbit semen.Methods:This study consisted of four groups: control group (40 mL saline), paclitaxel group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel), resveratrol group (4 mg/kg resveratrol) and paclitaxel+resveratrol group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel+4 mg/kg resveratrol). Administrations werei.v.(in 40 mL saline) and continued 8 weeks. Sperm motility was evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy. Mitochondrial activity, membrane and acrosome integrity were performed by fluorescence staining. Lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and antioxidant potential levels were determined by spectrophotometry.Results: Paclitaxel decreased the sperm motility and fluorescence staining results compared to the control (P<0.05). The paclitaxel and resveratrol group showed better results of the same parameters compared to the paclitaxel group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, antioxidant potential and fertility results (P>0.05). Results of this study showed that paclitaxel decreased semen parameters and resveratrol had a protective effect on these parameters.Conclusions:Paclitaxel has negative effects on spermatological indicators and biochemical assays, while resveratrol prevents these negative effects of paclitaxel.展开更多
MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are mediators of the aging process.The purpose of this work was to analyze the miRNA expression profiles of spermatozoa from men of different ages with normal fertility.Twenty-seven donors were divide...MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are mediators of the aging process.The purpose of this work was to analyze the miRNA expression profiles of spermatozoa from men of different ages with normal fertility.Twenty-seven donors were divided into three groups by age(Group A,n=8,age:20–30 years;Group B,n=10,age:31–40 years;and Group C,n=9,age:41–55 years)for high-throughput sequencing analysis.Samples from 65 individuals(22,22,and 21 in Groups A,B,and C,respectively)were used for validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).A total of 2160 miRNAs were detected:1223 were known,937 were newly discovered and unnamed,of which 191 were expressed in all donors.A total of 7,5,and 17 differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMs)were found in Group A vs B,Group B vs C,and Group A vs C comparisons,respectively.Twenty-two miRNAs were statistically correlated with age.Twelve miRNAs were identified as age-associated miRNAs,including hsa-miR-127-3p,mmu-miR-5100_L+2R-1,efu-miR-9226_L-2_1ss22GA,cgr-miR-1260_L+1,hsa-miR-652-3p_R+1,pal-miR-9993a-3p_L+2R-1,hsa-miR-7977_1ss6AG,hsa-miR-106b-3p_R-1,hsa-miR-186-5p,PC-3p-59611_111,hsa-miR-93-3p_R+1,and aeca-mir-8986ap5_1ss1GA.There were 9165 target genes of age-associated miRNAs.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis of the target genes identified revealed enrichment of protein binding,membrane,cell cycle,and so on.The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis of age-related miRNAs for target genes revealed 139 enriched pathways,such as signaling pathways regulating stem cell pluripotency,metabolic pathways,and the Hippo signaling pathway.This suggests that miRNAs play a key role in male fertility changes with increasing age and provides new evidence for the study of the mechanism of age-related male fertility decline.展开更多
基金Supported by the Youth Talent Program of Yunnan“Ten-thousand Talents Program”,No.YNWR-QNBJ-2018-169the Science Project of Yunnan Science and Technology Department,No.202201AY070001-068.
文摘BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)is a transmembrane protein that is differentially expressed in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM).Endothelial dy-sfunction is a hallmark of GDM and plays a key role in its pathogenesis.EGFR is associated with endothelial dysfunction in the context of various diseases.How-ever,the exact mechanism by which EGFR causes endothelial dysfunction in GDM is unknown,particularly its regulation at the transcriptional and protein levels.METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the ex-pression of EGFR and H19.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of endothelial cell dysfunction markers.A cell counting kit 8 assay was used to assess cell viability,flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis,scratch and Transwell assays were used to assess cell migration,and a tube formation assay was used to assess cell vascular formation.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the placentas of the mice.RESULTS In this study,EGFR was upregulated in clinical samples,GDM animal models and GDM cell models,and the knockdown of EGFR could mitigate the effect of streptozotocin(STZ)and high glucose(HG);promoted the proliferation,migration and vascularization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs);inhibited cell apoptosis and the expression of endothelial cell dysfunction markers(vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,tumor necrosis factor-α,vascular endothelial growth factor-A,and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1);and alleviated the process of GDM in vivo.Mechanistically,EIF4A3 binding to long noncoding RNA H19 increased the stability of EGFR messenger RNA,thereby promoting HG-induced HUVECs dysfunction or STZ-induced endothelial cell dysfunction in GDM mice.In addition,ERRFI1 also regulated the expression of EGFR,and ERRFI1 inhibited EGFR activity by binding to EGFR,thereby inhibiting HG-induced HUVECs dysfunction.CONCLUSION Our study revealed that EGFR can accelerate the development of GDM by promoting endothelial cell dysfunction.
文摘Collecting baseline information on how laboratories perform testing is a reasonable first step towards establishing intra- and inter-laboratory standardization and quality control for semen analysis. We carried out a survey of the laboratories performing the testing in China's Mainland. A questionnaire, composed of 36 questions covering all aspects of semen analysis, was designed, and a copy was distributed to each of the 145 laboratories. Of these, 118 laboratories completed the questionnaires. The survey results showed that semen volume was measured visually in 53.6% （59/110） of the responding laboratories, and 70.9% （73/103） of laboratories analysed incompletely liquefied semen without any treatment. In addition, both manual-microscopic and computer-assisted semen-analysis systems were applied to analyse sperm concentration, motility and morphology. However, more than five methods were employed in routine sperm staining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was commonly used for determining whether antisperm antibodies were present. Several seminal biochemical markers were analysed in only 27.1% （32/118） of the responding laboratories. Generally, there was a lack of intra- and inter-laboratory quality control measures for semen analysis in all laboratories responding to this survey. In conclusion, the methods of semen analysis and the interpretation of test results in the surveyed laboratories differed markedly. In particular, many laboratories employed methods other than those recommended by the World Health Organization Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Sperm- cervical Mucus Interaction （1999）. These findings suggest an urgent need for the standardization of semen analysis with acceptable quality controls for each parameter to make the results repeatable and meaningful.
文摘Natural and synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely employed in a number of inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, remain the first-line treatment for inducing remission in moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite their extensive therapeutic use and the proven effectiveness, considerable clinical evidence of wide inter-individual differences in GC efficacy among patients has been reported, in particular when these agents are used in inflammatory diseases. In recent years, a detailed knowledge of the GC mechanism of action and of the genetic variants affecting GC activity at the molecular level has arisen from several studies. GCs interact with their cytoplasmic receptor, and are able to repress inflammatory gene expression through several distinct mechanisms. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is therefore crucial for the effects of these agents: mutations in the GR gene (NR3C1, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1) are the primary cause of a rare, inherited form of GC resistance; in addition, several polymorphisms of this gene have been described and associated with GC response and toxicity.However, the GR is not self-standing in the cell and the receptor-mediated functions are the result of a complex interplay of GR and many other cellular partners. The latter comprise several chaperonins of the large cooperative hetero-oligomeric complex that binds the hormonefree GR in the cytosol, and several factors involved in the transcriptional machinery and chromatin remodeling, that are critical for the hormonal control of target genes transcription in the nucleus. Furthermore, variants in the principal effectors of GCs (e.g. cytokines and their regulators) have also to be taken into account for a comprehensive evaluation of the variability in GC response. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the transport and/or metabolism of these hormones have also been suggested as other possible candidates of interest that could play a role in the observed inter-individual differences in efficacy and toxicity. The best-characterized example is the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein, a membrane transporter that extrudes GCs from cells, thereby lowering their intracellular concentration. This protein is encoded by the ABCB1/ MDR1 gene; this gene presents different known polymorphic sites that can influence its expression and function. This editorial reviews the current knowledge on this topic and underlines the role of genetics in predicting GC clinical response. The ambitious goal of pharmacogenomic studies is to adapt therapies to a patient’s specific genetic background, thus improving on efficacy and safety rates.
文摘To observe the therapeutic effect of Yikang Tang(益抗汤 Yikang Decoction)for male immuneinfertility.Methods:100 cases of male immune infertility in the treatment group were treated withYikang Decoction,while 100 cases treated with prednisone as the controls.Physical exam,routine semenand prostate exams,and exams for presence of anti-sperm antibody(AsAb)and mycoplasma in the serum orseminal plasma were carried out.Results:1)The serum and seminal plasma AsAb levels decreasedsignificantly(P<0.01)in both the groups after treatment,with a more remarkable effect in the treatmentgroup.2)The sperm density and percentage of motile spermatozoa increased significantly in the two groups,but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment.The pregnancy rate of their wives was higher inthe treatment group than that in the control group(P<0.01).3)The sperm agglutination rate in the twogroups decreased,but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment.4)The improvement rate ofthe symptoms and the stability of the therapeutic effect were more dramatic in the treatment group than thatin the control group(P<0.01)after termination of drug administration.Conclusion:The YikangDecoction has a more stable effect for male immune infertility than prednisone.
文摘Aim： To investigate the localization and quantity of androgen receptor （AR） in the salivary glands of rats with further analysis on the effect of castration. Methods： Sixty male Wistar rats, aged 30-60 days, were randomly divided into three groups （castrated, sham-operated and normal controls） with 20 rats in each group. The rats in the castrated group were castrated and the submaxillary glands were removed after 1 week. The salivary glands of the rats in the sham-operated and the normal control groups were also removed. Parts of the salivary glands were fixed for immuohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays. Other parts were used for Western blot. Results： AR immunoreactivity in the three groups was localized in the glandular epithelial cells of the serous acinus and the glandular duct of the salivary gland, mainly in the nuclei. AR mRNA hybridization signals in the salivary glands of the castrated group were mainly distributed in the epithelial cells of the convoluted and secretary ducts; AR mRNA in the sham-operated and the normal control groups were found in the epithelial cells of the convoluted, the secretary and the excretory ducts. The quantity of AR in the salivary glands was decreased significantly in the castrated rats compared with the sham-operated and the normal controls. Moreover, epidermal growth factor （EGF） secreted by the salivary glands was also decreased in the castrated rats. Conclusion： Castration appears to affect the production of AR in the salivary gland and the distribution of the AR mRNA and could further affect the function of the salivary gland. The changes of AR and the distribution of AR mRNA may play an important role in the interactions between the testes and the salivary gland. （Asian J Androl 2005 Sep; 7： 295-301）
文摘Mastitis is a complex, multifactorial disease. Pathogens, cows and farmers （via management） all play a role. It is costly and annoying for the farmer and threatens the image of the entire dairy industry. Prevention and control of mastitis is based on multiple principles that have been known for a long time. To implement them successfully, they should be put forward by a motivated and motivating advisor that transfers the existing knowledge to the farmer. When the changes are data-driven, applied by an encouraged farmer through a farm-specific implementation, prevention and control of mastitis will be successful and result in happy cows, happy farmers, happy advisors, happy consumers, and a happy industry. Nationwide projects focussing on communication and transfer of existing knowledge in prevention and control are very helpful in reaching high numbers of farmers and advisors and harmonizing the message brought by different parties. This paper gives an overview of multifactorial approach of mastitis management and prevention with a focus on milking, bedding and data-analysis.
文摘Background:Commercial pre-weaning diets are formulated to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense and contain low levels of dietary fibre.In contrast,pigs in a natural setting are manipulating fibre-rich plant material from a young age.Moreover,dietary fibre affects gastrointestinal tract(GIT)development and health in older pigs.We hypothesised that supplemental diets that contain vegetal fibres are accelerating GIT development in suckling piglets in terms of size and functionality.From d 2 of life,sow-suckled piglets had access to a low fibre diet(CON),a diet with a fermentable long-chain arabinoxylan(lc-AXOS),a diet with a largely non-fermentable purified cellulose(CELL),or a diet containing both fibres.During the initial 2 weeks,the control diet was a high-density milk replacer,followed by a dry and highly digestible creep meal.Upon weaning at 25 d,15 piglets from each treatment group,identified as eaters and originating from six or seven litters,were sacrificed for post-mortem examination of GIT morphology,small intestinal permeability and metabolic profile of the digesta.The microbiota composition of the mid-colon was evaluated in a sub-set of ten piglets.Results:No major statistical interactions between the fibre sources were observed.Piglets consumed the fibrecontaining milk supplements and creep diets well.Stomach size and small intestinal permeability was not affected.Large intestinal fill was increased with lc-AXOS only,while relative large intestinal weight was increased with both fibre sources(P<0.050).Also,CELL decreased ileal pH and tended to increase ileal DM content compared to CON(P<0.050).Moreover,the concentration of volatile fatty acids was increased in the caecum(P<0.100)and midcolon(P<0.050)by addition of CELL.lc-AXOS only stimulated caecal propionate(P<0.050).The microbiota composition showed a high individual variation and limited dietary impact.Nonetheless,CELL induced minor shifts in specific genera,with notable reductions of Escherichia-Shigella.Conclusions:Adding dietary fibres to the supplemental diet of suckling piglets altered large intestinal morphology but not small intestinal permeability.Moreover,dietary fibre showed effects on fermentation and modest changes of microbial populations in the hindgut,with more prominent effects from the low-fermentable cellulose.
文摘Spermatozoa contain a repertoire of RNAs considered to be potential functional fertility biomarkers.In this study,the gene expression of human sperm subpopulations with high(F1)and low(F2)motility from healthy normozoospermic(N)and asthenozoospermic(A)individuals was evaluated using RNA microarray followed by functional genomic analysis of differentially expressed genes.Results from A-F1 versus N-F1,A-F2 versus N-F2,N-F1 versus N-F2,and A-F1 versus A-F2 comparisons showed a considerably larger set of downregulated genes in tests versus controls.Gene ontology(GO)analysis of A-F1 versus N-F1 identified 507 overrepresented biological processes(BPs),several of which are associated with sperm physiology.In addition,gene set enrichment analysis of the same contrast showed 110 BPs,36 cellular comp on ents,and 31 molecular functions,several of which are involved in sperm motility.A leadi ng・edge analysis of selected GO terms resulted in several down regulated genes encoding to dyn eins and kin esins,both related to sperm physiology.Furthermore,the predicted activation state of asthenozoospermia was increased,while fertility,cell movement of sperm,and gametogenesis were decreased.Interestingly,several downregulated genes characteristic of the canonical pathway protein ubiquitination were involved in asthenozoospermia activation.Conversely,GO analysis of A-F2 versus N-F2 did not identify overrepresented BPs,although the gene set enrichment analysis detected six enriched BPs,one cellular component,and two molecular functions.Overall,the results show differences in gene transcription between sperm subpopulations from asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic semen samples and allowed the identification of gene sets relevant to sperm physiology and reproduction.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.31501018 and 81260510)social development project of Hainan Province (SF201401)
文摘Objective:In this paper,we will discuss if the CETP polymorphism contributes to the centenarians in Hainan island.Methods:We tested the Taq IB and I405 V polymorphisms of CETP gene among 276 centenarians and 301 matched healthy individuals by AS-PCR and analyzed the data with SPSS software package(Version 19.0).Results:Our data indicated that allele B1 and V have the significant differences between centenarians and healthy control groups with P<0.001.Further analysis implied that genotypes B1B1(P<0.001,OR=0.148,95% CI=0.095-0.230) and VV(P<0.001 and OR=0.353,95% CI=0.237-0.525) were significantly different between centenarians and matched controls.The combination of B and V,such as B1B1-II(P<0.001,OR=0.128,95% CI=0.049-0.329),B1B1-IV(P<0.001,OR=0.115,95% CI=0.056-0.237),B1B2-VV(P<0.05,OR=0.534,95% CI=0.310-0.920),and B2B2-VV(P<0.001,OR=0.198,95% CI=0.086-0.453) have significant differences between centenarians and matched healthy individuals from Hainan.Conclusion:Our results implied that allele B1B1 and VV,as well as the combination B1B1-II,B1B1-IV,B1B2-VV and B2B2-VV may contribute to the longevity in centenarians of Hainan,south of China.
文摘The acrosome reaction （AR）, an absolute requirement for spermatozoa and egg fusion, requires the influx of Ca2＋ into the spermatozoa through voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels and store-operated channels. Maitotoxin （MTx）, a Ca2＋-mobilizing agent, has been shown to be a potent inducer of the mouse sperm AR, with a pharmacology similar to that of the zona pellucida （ZP）, possibly suggesting a common pathway for both inducers. Using recombinant human ZP3 （rhZP3）, mouse ZP and two MTx channel blockers （U73122 and U73343）, we investigated and compared the MTx- and ZP-induced ARs in human and mouse spermatozoa. Herein, we report that MTx induced AR and elevated intracellular Ca2＋ （[Ca2＋]~） in human spermatozoa, both of which were blocked by U73122 and U73343. These two compounds also inhibited the MTx-induced AR in mouse spermatozoa. In disagreement with our previous proposal, the AR triggered by rhZP3 or mouse ZP was not blocked by U73343, indicating that in human and mouse spermatozoa, the AR induction by the physiological ligands or by MTx occurred through distinct pathways. U73122, but not U73343 （inactive analogue）, can block phospholipase C （PLC）. Another PLC inhibitor, edelfosine, also blocked the rhZP3- and ZP-induced ARs. These findings confirmed the participation of a PLC-dependent signalling pathway in human and mouse zona protein-induced AR. Notably, edelfosine also inhibited the MTx-induced mouse sperm AR but not that of the human, suggesting that toxin-induced AR is PLC-dependent in mice and PLC-independent in humans.
基金supported by National Key Research&Development Program(Grant No.2016YFC1000200,No.2016YFC1000204,and No.2018YFC1004200)the State Key Program of National Natural Science of China(Grant No.31530047)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81602927)Innovation Fund of State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(Grant No.SKLRMGC201802)Top-notch Academic Programs Project of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(Grant No.PPZY2015A067)。
文摘There were few studies of cumulative live birth rates(CLBRs) based on multicenter reproductive clinical data from the general Chinese population.Here we report a retrospective cohort study,including 14 311 women with17 315 cycles,in three reproductive centers to evaluate two estimated parameters of CLBRs with multiple transfer cycles of in vitro fertilization(IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI) in a Chinese population.We found that CLBRs were related to female age and endometrial thickness.By the fourth transfer cycle,the conservative and optimal estimates of CLBRs were 52.95% and 77.30% in women under 30 years of age,and 18.17% and26.51% in those 37 years of age or older,respectively.The two estimates were 44.70% and 63.15% in women with endometrial thickness more than 7 mm,and 32.05% and 46.18% in those with less than 7 mm,respectively.In addition,body mass index(BMI),duration of infertility,and infertility diagnoses may also be related to CLBRs on certain conditions.The findings from this study on CLBRs after multiple transfer cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment on different conditions in the Chinese population should be beneficial to both infertile couples and clinicians.
文摘Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells（pE SCs）, as ＂seed cells＂ for regenerative medicine, are an effective way to build patient-specific pluripotent stem cells, due to the fact that characteristics of self-renewal and pluripotent are similar to embryonic stem cells（ESCs）. Parthenogenetic activation can be performed at meiosis I or meiosis II describing the embryos with distinct patterns of homozygosity and heterozygosity.Heterozygous pE SCs are expected to be used for autologous transplantation, while homozygous pE SCs enable to be used for allogeneic gene therapy in theory but is hampered by immunological barriers defined by the recognition of natural killer（NK）cells. In this review, we describe the mechanism of deriving heterozygous and homozygous pE SCs, and summarize the advantages and limitations of pE SCs in the area of cell therapy.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81502873)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20150997)+3 种基金Priority Academic Program for the Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(Public Health and Preventive Medicine)Innovation Fund of State key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(SKLRMGC201802)Clinical Medicine Research Fund of the Chinese Medical Association(17020420711)Top-notch Academic Programs Project of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PPZY2015A067)
文摘Long noncoding RNA(lncRNA)HOTAIR and MALAT1 are implicated in the development of multiple cancers.Genetic variants within HOTAIR and MALAT1 may affect the gene expression,thereby modifying genetic susceptibility to cervical cancer.A case-control study was designed,including 1486 cervical cancer patients and 1536 healthy controls.Based on RegulomeDB database,11 SNPs were selected and genotyped by using Sequenom’s Mass ARRAY.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI).We found that the A allele of rs35643724 in HOTAIR was associated with increased risk of cervical cancer,while the C allele of rs1787666 in MALAT1 was associated with decreased risk.Compared to individuals with 0–1 unfavorable allele,those with 3–4 unfavorable alleles showed18%increased odds of having cervical cancer.Our findings suggest that HOTAIR rs35643724 and MALAT1 rs1787666 might represent potential biomarkers for cervical cancer susceptibility.
基金supported by grant from the National Key Research and Development Project(2021YFC1005300,2021YFC1005304,and 2018YFC1004202)the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province(2022-MS-208)the 345 Talent of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University(C0101).
文摘Dear Editor,Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome(PMDS,MIM 261550)is an autosomal recessive inherent disorder of sex development in normally masculinized subjects with Müllerian duct derivatives,including the uterus,fallopian tubes,and upper part of the vagina.1 PMDS is very rare with presentations of bilateral cryptorchidism(55%),unilateral cryptorchidism with contralateral hernia(20%),or transverse testicular ectopia(25%).
文摘Objective:To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts(ethanol and water)on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.Methods:A total of 180 male rats(190-220)g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups(G1-G9).Groups of rats were kept as(G1):normal control,(G2-G9):immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and(G3-G9):infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts.Rats from(G4to G9)were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis(at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt)and nitazoxanide(standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt)to infected rats with different regimes.Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection.At the end of the experiment,blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins.Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically.Results:The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88%in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi,and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis,was91%at the 6th dpi.There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α_2-andβ-globulins levels in infected rats treated with both extracts,while a significant decrease was detected in lymphocytes compared to the infected non treated group.β-globulin level markedly increased in the rats administered nitazoxanide.Histopathological changes were observed in the ileum of rats infected with Cryptosporidium.Conclusions:Egyptian propolis extracts have an activity on cryptosporidiosis in rats.Moreover,propolis modulated the immunity in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grants(No.81801523)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(Nos.2017A030313789,2018A030313528,2019A1515011984)+3 种基金the Science and Technology Planning Foundation of Guangzhou City(201904010017,202102080102)Guangdong Province Medical Research Funding(No.A2021269)the Family Planning Research Institute Innovation Team of Guangdong Province grants(C-03)the Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province Grants(S2018010).
文摘Piwi-interacting RNAs(piRNAs)is a novel class of non-coding RNAs.However,changes in piRNA expression profiles in recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)have not yet been investigated.The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed piRNAs in deciduas of RSA patients.Decidua tissues were collected by curettage from recruited RSA patients and normal early pregnant(NEP)women with their informed consent.Small RNA sequencing was used to evaluate the differences in piRNA expression profiles between RSA and NEP.The present results demonstrated that the counts of total piRNA reads in RSA samples were increased compared with those in NEP samples(0.21%vs.0.11%).Differential expression analysis identified 29 upregulated piRNAs and 18 downregulated piRNAs in RSA samples.RT-qPCR further confirmed that the expression levels of uniq-109625,uniq-89328,uniq-50651 and uniq-4569 were decreased in 8 RSA tissues,compared with 13 NEP tissues.Otherwise,pi-22628 and uniq-173406 were increased in 8 RSA tissues.Based on GO term and KEGG pathway analysis,we speculate that these piRNAs regulate RSA by targeting extracellular matrix component pathway,cell adhesion pathway and focal adhesion pathway.PiRNAs may be involved in RSA pathogenesis by target genes function on adhesion and extracellular matrix component.
基金financially supported by Fırat University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit(Grant No:VF.21.02).
文摘Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina.The collected semen was pooled at 38℃ and divided into four equal volumes.They were diluted with 0,50,100 and 200μM taxifolin-containing Tris+egg yolk extender at 38℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4℃.Following equilibration,semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at-196℃.Samples were thawed in 38℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility,kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,changes in membrane integrity,mitochondrial membrane potential,dead-live ratio,acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen.Results:Addition of 50μM taxifolin significantly improved motility(total,progressive,rapid and static),high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 50 and 100μM taxifolin groups were significantly lower,while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200μM taxifolin group.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,membrane integrity and antioxidant levels.Conclusions:The low dose of taxifolin(50μM)has a positive effect and the high dose(200μM)has a negative effect.Therefore,it is concluded that the addition of low-dose(50μM)taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.
基金financially supported from Selecuk University Scientific Research Projects(BAP)(project No:12102013)
文摘Objective:To examine the effects of paclitaxel and resveratrol on rabbit semen.Methods:This study consisted of four groups: control group (40 mL saline), paclitaxel group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel), resveratrol group (4 mg/kg resveratrol) and paclitaxel+resveratrol group (5 mg/kg paclitaxel+4 mg/kg resveratrol). Administrations werei.v.(in 40 mL saline) and continued 8 weeks. Sperm motility was evaluated using phase-contrast microscopy. Mitochondrial activity, membrane and acrosome integrity were performed by fluorescence staining. Lipid peroxidation, total glutathione and antioxidant potential levels were determined by spectrophotometry.Results: Paclitaxel decreased the sperm motility and fluorescence staining results compared to the control (P<0.05). The paclitaxel and resveratrol group showed better results of the same parameters compared to the paclitaxel group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, antioxidant potential and fertility results (P>0.05). Results of this study showed that paclitaxel decreased semen parameters and resveratrol had a protective effect on these parameters.Conclusions:Paclitaxel has negative effects on spermatological indicators and biochemical assays, while resveratrol prevents these negative effects of paclitaxel.
基金This work was supported by the Central Public Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund of National Research Institute for Family Planning(No.2021GJZ09)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS,No.2018-I2M-1-004)。
文摘MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are mediators of the aging process.The purpose of this work was to analyze the miRNA expression profiles of spermatozoa from men of different ages with normal fertility.Twenty-seven donors were divided into three groups by age(Group A,n=8,age:20–30 years;Group B,n=10,age:31–40 years;and Group C,n=9,age:41–55 years)for high-throughput sequencing analysis.Samples from 65 individuals(22,22,and 21 in Groups A,B,and C,respectively)were used for validation by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).A total of 2160 miRNAs were detected:1223 were known,937 were newly discovered and unnamed,of which 191 were expressed in all donors.A total of 7,5,and 17 differentially expressed microRNAs(DEMs)were found in Group A vs B,Group B vs C,and Group A vs C comparisons,respectively.Twenty-two miRNAs were statistically correlated with age.Twelve miRNAs were identified as age-associated miRNAs,including hsa-miR-127-3p,mmu-miR-5100_L+2R-1,efu-miR-9226_L-2_1ss22GA,cgr-miR-1260_L+1,hsa-miR-652-3p_R+1,pal-miR-9993a-3p_L+2R-1,hsa-miR-7977_1ss6AG,hsa-miR-106b-3p_R-1,hsa-miR-186-5p,PC-3p-59611_111,hsa-miR-93-3p_R+1,and aeca-mir-8986ap5_1ss1GA.There were 9165 target genes of age-associated miRNAs.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis of the target genes identified revealed enrichment of protein binding,membrane,cell cycle,and so on.The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis of age-related miRNAs for target genes revealed 139 enriched pathways,such as signaling pathways regulating stem cell pluripotency,metabolic pathways,and the Hippo signaling pathway.This suggests that miRNAs play a key role in male fertility changes with increasing age and provides new evidence for the study of the mechanism of age-related male fertility decline.
