Hasil untuk "Animal biochemistry"

J. Gutteridge, B. Halliwell

Saboor Ahmad, M. Campos, F. Fratini et al.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a yellowish-white and acidic secretion of hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees used to feed young worker larvae during the first three days and the entire life of queen bees. RJ is one of the most appreciated and valued natural product which has been mainly used in traditional medicines, health foods, and cosmetics for a long time in different parts of the world. It is also the most studied bee product, aimed at unravelling its bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, and general tonic action against laboratory animals, microbial organisms, farm animals, and clinical trials. It is commonly used to supplement various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we highlight the recent research advances on the main bioactive compounds of RJ, such as proteins, peptides, fatty acids, and phenolics, for a comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry, biological, and pharmaceutical responses to human health promotion and life benefits. This is potentially important to gain novel insight into the biological and pharmaceutical properties of RJ.

Sardar Ali, Abdullah Shah, Sikandar Khan et al.

Abstract Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a life-threatening hemorrhagic fever, caused by two viruses-Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV)-that belong to the family Filoviridae. Due to its high mortality rate and the lack of licensed vaccines, MVD remains a major global health concern. In this study, a comprehensive immunoinformatics workflow was used to design a universal chimeric multi-epitope subunit vaccine targeting conserved antigenic regions of both viruses to reduce MVD-related mortality. Antigenicity analysis identified glycoproteins (GP) of MARV and RAVV as the most immunogenic viral proteins, and multiple sequence alignment revealed conserved regions suitable for epitope selection. Three highly conserved, antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes from each virus were incorporated into the final vaccine construct. The designed vaccine exhibited high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, solubility, and acceptable physicochemical properties. Structural modeling generated a high-quality 3D structure, and molecular docking revealed stable binding to human TLR4 with a docking score of − 229.46 kcal/mol, supported by multiple hydrogen bonds and non-bonded interactions, suggesting robust immune activation potential. Codon optimization produced a CAI value of 0.96 and 52.2% GC content, indicating efficient expression in E. coli K-12, further validated through in silico cloning. Immune simulations showed robust primary and secondary immune responses, including high levels of IgM, IgG, IFN-γ, IL-2, and strong memory cell formation. Molecular dynamics simulation analyses confirmed the stability (RMSD), compactness (Rg), and consistent hydrogen-bonding interactions between the designed vaccine and TLR4. Overall, the computational analyses indicate that the proposed chimeric multi-epitope vaccine is stable, highly immunogenic, and capable of eliciting protective immune responses, providing a strong basis for subsequent in vitro and in vivo validation.

Mario Augusto Torteli, Andrei Lucas Rebelatto Brunetto, Emeline P. Mello et al.

Although a yeast-based additive was initially employed as a performance enhancer, subsequent analysis revealed high aflatoxin B1 levels in the corn silage. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine if the use of a yeast blend in the diet of Holstein calves that consumed feed naturally contaminated with high levels of aflatoxin can minimize the negative impacts of mycotoxins on animal health, contributing to improved performance. For this, we used 24 Holstein calves (6 months old) divided into two groups: Control (<i>n</i> = 12; no additive) and Treatment (<i>n</i> = 12; 5 g additive/animal/day). During the 100-day experiment, animals were weighed, feed intake was measured, blood samples were collected to assess health, and ruminal fluid was analyzed for ruminal fermentation. We observed greater weight gain and better feed efficiency in cattle that consumed the yeast-based additive compared to the control group. Yeast ingestion increased the concentration of propionic acid in the experimental environment, as well as increasing the protozoan count. Higher lymphocyte counts combined with higher levels of immunoglobulin G in the blood of females that consumed the additive were observed. Lower activity of enzymes that are biomarkers of liver damage, as well as markers of oxidative stress, was observed when animals consumed the yeast blend compared to the control group. Lower levels of ceruloplasmin (positive acute phase protein) and higher levels of transferrin (negative acute phase protein) are indicative of an anti-inflammatory response to the additive. The results preliminarily suggest that the consumption of the yeast blend is a nutritional tool capable of acting as a performance enhancer, even under challenging conditions, such as diets contaminated with aflatoxin at levels exceeding international limits.

A. Cocciolone, J. Hawes, M. Staiculescu et al.

Large, elastic arteries are composed of cells and a specialized extracellular matrix that provides reversible elasticity and strength. Elastin is the matrix protein responsible for this reversible elasticity that reduces the workload on the heart and dampens pulsatile flow in distal arteries. Here, we summarize the elastin protein biochemistry, self-association behavior, cross-linking process, and multistep elastic fiber assembly that provide large arteries with their unique mechanical properties. We present measures of passive arterial mechanics that depend on elastic fiber amounts and integrity such as the Windkessel effect, structural and material stiffness, and energy storage. We discuss supravalvular aortic stenosis and autosomal dominant cutis laxa-1, which are genetic disorders caused by mutations in the elastin gene. We present mouse models of supravalvular aortic stenosis, autosomal dominant cutis laxa-1, and graded elastin amounts that have been invaluable for understanding the role of elastin in arterial mechanics and cardiovascular disease. We summarize acquired diseases associated with elastic fiber defects, including hypertension and arterial stiffness, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, calcification, and aneurysms and dissections. We mention animal models that have helped delineate the role of elastic fiber defects in these acquired diseases. We briefly summarize challenges and recent advances in generating functional elastic fibers in tissue-engineered arteries. We conclude with suggestions for future research and opportunities for therapeutic intervention in genetic and acquired elastinopathies.

Dong Zhang, Jiangfeng Liu, Lin Zhu et al.

Abstract Mpox poses a heightened risk of severe disease and mortality among individuals with HIV, yet the molecular mechanisms and immunopathology underlying multi-organ damage caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), particularly in the context of HIV co-infection, remain poorly understood. Here, we observe increased MPXV replication, more extensive skin lesions, and impaired humoral and cellular immune responses in SIV-MPXV co-infected rhesus macaques compared to those infected with MPXV alone. Multi-organ proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveals upregulation of proteins involved in immune and inflammatory pathways in skin lesions and across multiple organs, especially in immune-related tissues. Abnormal activation of DNA replication and cell cycle signaling pathways, which may contribute to enhanced viral replication, is evident in both MPXV and SIV-MPXV co-infected groups. CDK4/6 may present a potential therapeutic target to suppress MPXV replication. These comprehensive proteomic datasets offer valuable insights into the pathogenesis of MPXV in the context of SIV co-infection and support ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of mpox.

Hania Khalil, Mahmoud Mahmoud, Mohammed Kotb et al.

Hard corals are precious marine creatures that comprise a complex form of symbiosis between symbiont algae and coral holobiont. For decades, corals have been challenged by disastrous events of climatic and anthropogenic etiologies. Such complex interactions have resulted in devastating disease episodes among coral populations worldwide. There is a scarcity of information about diseases of hard corals in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, Egypt. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate various diseases of hard corals in this pristine habitat within the Red Sea. Whitening and dark green dots were the most noticeable morphopathology among hard coral samples collected from Gulf of Aqaba. Some human-based pathogens, such as Rothia kristinae, Cupriavidus pauculus, and Delftia acidovorans, were isolated from some of the examined coral tissues, while the Burkholderia cepacia group was isolated from the nearby sediment. The final identities of the above-mentioned bacterial isolates have been molecularly confirmed using 16S RNA sequence analysis. Pathologically, diseased corals have been observed with changes such as some forms of tissue losses, degenerative changes, and eosinophilic granular amoebocytes/agranular cells infiltration. The frequent detection of some microbial pathogens of human origin could suggest deleterious forms of environmental pollution of anthropogenic origin. Ultimately, the entire existence of hard coral populations is mostly threatened by swiftly erupting climatic changes as well as environmental aquatic pollution. Thus, the current study concludes the real need for extensive ecological, biological, pathological, and immunological studies to determine the eminent threats and propose possible control means for better/sustainable hard coral populations.

Edward Andrew Mead, Yongping Wang, Sunali Patel et al.

microRNA-9 (miR-9) is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the mammalian brain, essential for its development and normal function. In neurons, it regulates the expression of several key molecules, ranging from ion channels to enzymes, to transcription factors broadly affecting the expression of many genes. The neuronal effects of alcohol, one of the most abused drugs in the world, seem to be at least partially dependent on regulating the expression of miR-9. We previously observed that molecular mechanisms of the development of alcohol tolerance are miR-9 dependent. Since a critical feature of alcohol action is temporal exposure to the drug, we decided to better understand the time dependence of alcohol regulation of miR-9 biogenesis and expression. We measured the effect of intoxicating concentration of alcohol (20 mM ethanol) on the expression of all major elements of miR-9 biogenesis: three pri-precursors (pri-mir-9-1, pri-mir-9-2, pri-mir-9-3), three pre-precursors (pre-mir-9-1, pre-mir-9-2, pre-mir-9-3), and two mature microRNAs: miR-9-5p and miR-9-3p, using digital PCR and RT-qPCR, and murine primary medium spiny neurons (MSN) cultures. We subjected the neurons to alcohol based on an exposure/withdrawal matrix of different exposure times (from 15 min to 24 h) followed by different withdrawal times (from 0 h to 24 h). We observed that a short exposure increased mature miR-9-5p expression, which was followed by a gradual decrease and subsequent increase of the expression, returning to pre-exposure levels within 24 h. Temporal changes of miR-9-3p expression were complementing miR-9-5p changes. Interestingly, an extended, continuous presence of the drug caused a similar pattern. These results suggest the presence of the adaptive mechanisms of miR-9 expression in the presence and absence of alcohol. Measurement of miR-9 pre- and pri-precursors showed further that the primary effect of alcohol on miR-9 is through the mir-9-2 precursor pathway with a smaller contribution of mir-9-1 and mir-9-3 precursors. Our results provide new insight into the adaptive mechanisms of neurons to alcohol exposure. It would be of interest to determine next which microRNA-based mechanisms are involved in a transition from the acute, intoxicating effects of alcohol to the chronic, addictive effects of the drug.

Marzia Di Donato, Pia Giovannelli, Antimo Migliaccio et al.

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most widespread malignancies among males worldwide. The androgen receptor (AR) drives its development and progression and still represents the main target of PC therapy. Second-generation antiandrogens have, indeed, improved the patient’s management. Nonetheless, hormone resistance and tumour progression frequently develop. While the majority of drugs currently used in PC target the AR functions in epithelial PC cells, the role of the receptor in PC-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and PC progression remains unresolved, and only a few therapeutics affecting the stromal AR functions have been developed so far. By combining several approaches, we have shown that AR associates with Filamin A (FLNa), thus promoting migration and invasion of androgen-challenged CAFs from PC patient’s specimens at different Gleason’s scores. By using 2D and 3D cultures, we have demonstrated that CAFs move towards epithelial PC cells and promote the increase in PC organoid size. The stapled peptide Rh-2025u disrupts the androgen-triggered AR/FLNa complex assembly and impairs these responses in monolayer cells as well as 3D models. Furthermore, it reduces the overall tumour area in androgen-treated 3D co-culture. Mechanistically, our findings posit that AR/FLNa complex recruits β1 integrin and the membrane type-matrix metalloproteinase 1 upon the androgen challenging of CAFs. The activation of a protease cascade leading to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling then follows. Rh-2025u peptide interferes in the assembly of this multimolecular complex and impairs ECM remodelling. As such, CAFs can no longer navigate through ECM. In summary, we propose the Rh-2025u peptide as a new drug, which alone or in combination with other emerging therapies may allow a more rational treatment of PC. Pharmacological blockade of AR functions in CAFs is indeed neglected and the approach we propose would improve the treatment’s outcome in PC patients.

Sergi Torres-Puig, Vanesa García, Vanesa García et al.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the main etiological agent of urinary tract infection (UTI), a widespread infectious disease of great impact on human health. This is further emphasized by the rapidly increase in antimicrobial resistance in UPEC, which compromises UTI treatment. UPEC biology is highly complex since uropathogens must adopt extracellular and intracellular lifestyles and adapt to different niches in the host. In this context, the implementation of forefront ‘omics’ technologies has provided substantial insight into the understanding of UPEC pathogenesis, which has opened the doors for new therapeutics and prophylactics discovery programs. Thus, ‘omics’ technologies applied to studies of UPEC during UTI, or in models of UTI, have revealed extensive lists of factors that are important for the ability of UPEC to cause disease. The multitude of large ‘omics’ datasets that have been generated calls for scrutinized analysis of specific factors that may be of interest for further development of novel treatment strategies. In this review, we describe main UPEC determinants involved in UTI as estimated by ‘omics’ studies, and we compare prediction of factors across the different ‘omics’ technologies, with a focus on those that have been confirmed to be relevant under UTI-related conditions. We also discuss current challenges and future perspectives regarding analysis of data to provide an overview and better understanding of UPEC mechanisms involved in pathogenesis which should assist in the selection of target sites for future prophylaxis and treatment.

D. Bhagathsingh, P. T. Suraj, Joseph Mathew et al.

A survey was undertaken for SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats) analysis of rabbit production system in Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala. Sixty rabbit units were selected randomly from the rabbit farmers of the two districts. The rabbit units were classified as small (1-10 doe unit) and medium (>10 doe unit). Thirty farms from each category were selected for SWOT analysis to assess internal and external factors affecting the viability and sustainability of rabbit farms in Kerala. The SWOT factors had Kendall’s ‘W’ value ranging from 0.005 to 0.017 and 0.006 to 0.069 respectively for the small and medium rabbit farms. Based upon outcomes, most important strengths and opportunities could be combined to formulate a functional strategy that can vitalize the rabbit production systems

Maciej Budny, Kazimierz Zalewski, Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski et al.

This study examined the phenolic acids, flavonoids, and salicylates contents in young, 3-month-old shoots (including the leaves) of willow (<i>Salix</i> spp.). The cultivars were selected based on experiments carried out previously in Poland on fodder and energy willows. It was found, using the HPLC-MS/MS method, that the willow cultivars analyzed from three experimental plots, contained nine different phenolic acids, five salicylates and nine flavonoids, including four flavanols (quercetin, kaempferol, taxifolin and isorhamnetin), two flavanones (prunin, naringenin), two flavones (luteolin, apigenin) and one flavan-3-ol (catechin). The contents of individual compounds were not identical and depended on the cultivar from which they were isolated. The <i>S. laurina</i> 220/205 and <i>S. amygdalina</i> Krakowianka contained the greatest amounts of phenolic acids. The lowest quantities of these compounds were found in the <i>S. viminalis</i> Tur, <i>S. pantaderana</i> and <i>S. cordata</i> clone 1036. The highest concentration of flavonoids in young stems was found in <i>S. fragilis</i> clone 1043. The <i>S. purpurea</i> clone 1131 contained the highest amounts of salicylic compounds. Based on the results obtained from all experimental plots, it was shown that there is a negative correlation between the extent of browsing damage and the content of helicine and salicin from the group of salicylic compounds. A similar analysis between the phenolic acid concentration and the degree of willow browsing showed a positive correlation, especially between ferulic, trans-cinnamic, and synapinic acid. A negative correlation was found between the concentration of protocatechic acid content and browsing by cervids.

Pramod Prakash, Radha, Manoj Kumar et al.

The aim of current study is to provide a significant traditional knowledge on wild medicines used for ethnoveterinary purposes in the rural area of Maraog region in district Shimla. The medicinal plants have played a significant role in the treatment of human as well as animal’s diseases. The rural people of the Maraog region were interviewed through a questionnaire and extensive field surveys were conducted from June 2020 to July 2021. The discussion, observations and interviews were conducted in study site and included 96 informants. The information gathered from the residents is presented in a table format and includes scientific and local names, different parts used, diseases treated and mode administration. The most commonly used taxa are calculated with used value. The study revealed 100 plants in which trees (7), shrubs (26), herbs (56), ferns (5), grasses (3) and climbers (3) were identified. The most commonly documented livestock diseases were found to be hoof infections, eyes infections, poisoning and skin infections. In the current study, the Rosaceae family was reported as being the highest number (11), followed by Asteraceae (10) and then Lamiaceae (6). It was found that leaves, roots, flowers and fruits are the commonly used parts for ethnoveterinary medications. The phytochemicals present in the plant, such as alkaloids, sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, lignin, coumarins and terpenoids, etc., may be responsible for their medicinal properties. In this documentation, it was observed that the younger generation does not have good knowledge of medicinal plants as compared to the older ones. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the traditional knowledge of these medicinal plants before their permanent loss. The documentation and conservation of medicinal plants can be a good start for novel phytopharmacological research in the veterinary field.

Agneta Egenvall, Lars Roepstorff, Michael Peterson et al.

Horses in equestrian sports are commonly trained in arenas with prepared footing. Information on the number and variants of such arenas is generally unknown. This paper provides an overview of the primary construction types of riding surfaces in Sweden including details on composition, constructions principles, usage frequency, maintenance, and cost of operation as well as to investigate rider perception of the ideal arena properties using a large population of riders. Data on 656 equestrian surfaces in Sweden obtained up to 2014 are presented, of which 373 were outdoor and 283 were indoor arenas. Dressage and show-jumping were the main disciplines conducted in the arenas. Sand-mineral arenas were most common outdoors and sand-woodchips arenas most common indoors, followed by sand-fibre arenas and even fewer synthetic arenas. Comparing the three most common arena types, dragging was most often done on sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas. Harrowing was less often done on sand-mineral arenas compared to sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas. Combining dragging, harrowing, deep harrowing, and rolling, arenas with higher usage were maintained more frequently, compared to those used less frequently. It was commonly claimed that the top-layer needs renovation every other-4th year or every 5th to 10th year. Few respondents allocated more than 10,000 SEK in yearly maintenance costs, with the exception for sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas followed by synthetic arenas. The shortest duration perceived between required renovations was found for sand-woodchips top-layer arenas. Ideal surface properties were evaluated by 3,158 riders. Dressage and show-jumping riders differed somewhat regarding ideal spans of functional arena properties: for impact firmness, responsiveness, and grip. The current study likely included well-utilised arenas, compared to those less well-utilised. The resources necessary to keep an arena consistent over time seemed underestimated. Knowledge of maintenance and priorities for arenas are important to users and arenas managers, be they construction companies or arena managers in order to maximise the outcome of efforts for arena improvement and optimise locomotor health for horses that use them. Further, many arenas were new and research into organic arena management is important, especially if equestrians continue to build and renew arena surfaces.

Thong Ba Nguyen, Duy Ngoc Do, Tung Nguyen-Thanh et al.

Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers and the top leading cause of cancer death globally. However, the molecular mechanisms of liver tumorigenesis and progression remain unclear. In the current study, we investigated the hub genes and the potential molecular pathways through which these genes contribute to liver cancer onset and development. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA) was performed on the main data attained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to evaluate the association between prognosis and these hub genes. The expression of genes from the black module was found to be significantly related to liver cancer. Based on the results of protein–protein interaction, gene co-expression network, and survival analyses, DNA topoisomerase II alpha (<i>TOP2A</i>), ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (<i>RRM2</i>), never in mitosis-related kinase 2 (<i>NEK2</i>), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (<i>CDK1</i>), and cyclin B1 (<i>CCNB1</i>) were identified as the hub genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in the immune-associated pathways. These hub genes were further screened and validated using statistical and functional analyses. Additionally, the TOP2A, RRM2, NEK2, CDK1, and CCNB1 proteins were overexpressed in tumor liver tissues as compared to normal liver tissues according to the Human Protein Atlas database and previous studies. Our results suggest the potential use of <i>TOP2A, RRM2,</i> <i>NEK2, CDK1,</i> and <i>CCNB1</i> as prognostic biomarkers in liver cancer.

A. Lerner, T. Fitzpatrick

G. R. Wyatt

Huimin Zhang, Zhiyong Zong, Sheng Lei et al.

Abstract A growing number of mobile colistin resistance (MCR) proteins is threatening the renewed interest of colistin as a “last‐resort” defense against carbapenem‐resistant pathogens. Here, the comparative genomics of a large plasmid harboring mcr‐5 from Aeromonas hydrophila and the structural/functional perspectives of MCR‐5 action are reported. Whole genome sequencing has identified the loss of certain parts of the Tn3‐type transposon typically associated with mcr‐5, providing a clue toward its mobilization. Phylogeny of MCR‐5 suggests that it is distinct from the MCR‐1/2 sub‐lineage, but might share a common ancestor of MCR‐3/4. Domain‐swapping analysis of MCR‐5 elucidates that its two structural motifs (transmembrane domain and catalytic domain) are incompatible with its counterparts in MCR‐1/2. Like the rest of the MCR family, MCR‐5 exhibits a series of conservative features, including zinc‐dependent active sites, phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding cavity, and the mechanism of enzymatic action. In vitro and in vivo evidence that MCR‐5 catalyzes the addition of phosphoethanolamine to the suggestive 4′‐phosphate of lipid A moieties is integrated, and results in the consequent polymyxin resistance. In addition, MCR‐5 alleviates the colistin‐induced formation of reactive oxygen species in E. coli. Taken together, the finding suggests that a growing body of MCR family resistance enzymes are functionally unified.

Nada A. Fathy , Abd El-Moneam M. M.

This study was conducted to assess an inactivated vaccine prepared from local field isolates of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) "local variant and virulent isolates" and a classical strain "bursa vacc" to improve the full control over the problem of IBD in Egypt. This experiment applied on 21 day old SPF chicks divided into six groups, the first group was vaccinated with inactivated vaccine containing (local variant isolate, classical bursa vacc strain and virulent isolate), the second group was vaccinated with inactivated vaccine containing (classical bursa vacc strain and local variant isolate), the third group was vaccinated with classical bursa vacc vaccine, and the group 4 vaccinated with local variant isolate vaccine while last two groups were left as a positive and negative control groups. The immune response of chicks was evaluated in vitro by measuring serum neutralization test (SNT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and in vivo by challenging birds with 103.5 EID50/ dose of virulent virus of infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV).The highest average antibody level was obtained at the 4th week post vaccination in chicks in group 1 vaccinated with (local variant isolate, classical bursa vacc and local virulent isolate) vaccine, while the chicks in group 3 vaccinated with bursa vacc vaccine showed the lowest antibody level at the same week post vaccination using SNT and ELISA. The challenge of group 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed protection of 97.5%, 90%, 75% and 90% respectively using very virulent IBDV 28 day post vaccination with no clinical signs or lesions on examination. It was concluded that we can use an inactivated vaccine prepared from (classical strain "bursa vacc" and local variant and virulent isolates) of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) virus as a method for control IBD disease in Egypt.

A. Alberts