scholarly journals 220 AN EXPRESSION PROFILE OF GENES CRUCIAL FOR PLACENTAL DEVELOPMENT IN SINGLE IN VIVO, IN VITRO AND CLONED BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Hall ◽  
N. Ruddock ◽  
R. Tecirlioglu ◽  
M. Cooney ◽  
A. French

Abnormalities of the placenta are a major factor contributing to early death in cloned bovine conceptuses. This is primarily due to incomplete chromatin remodeling and reprogramming of the donor nucleus. It is unknown whether genetic aberrations of genes crucial for placental development can be detected in pre-implantation cloned bovine embryos. This study looked at the expression profile of four genes in single bovine blastocysts derived from in vivo, in vitro produced (IVP), or cloning techniques, including handmade cloning (HMC) and serial HMC (SHMC). The genes studied included acrogranin, caudal type homeobox 2 (cdx2), estrogen-receptor-related receptor beta (essrb), and the mammalian relative of DnaJ (MRJ). These genes play a role in trophoblast regulation and placental development. Messenger RNA expression was analyzed by using PCR following cDNA amplification by means of SMART cDNA synthesis (Clontech, Palo alto, CA, USA). Primers were designed from homologous human and mouse sequence. PCR products were sequenced for verification. Five single blastocysts were analyzed from each of the following treatments: in vivo, IVP, HMC, and SHMC. Pooled (n = 10) IVP blastocyst cDNA produced by standard RT was used as a positive control. Grade 1 Day 7 blastocysts were selected for all treatments. Amplified cDNA was tested using control genes polyA, IFN-τ and GDF9. In vitro-produced embryos were matured, fertilized and cultured as published by Ruddock et al. (2004 Biol. Reprod. 70, 1131). Cloned HMC embryos were produced as described by Tecirlioglu et al. (2003 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 15, 361). Serial HMC embryos were produced as per the HMC embryos, followed by a second round of nuclear transfer at the pronuclear stage. The pooled IVP, in vivo, and IVP blastocysts expressed all four genes of interest. In the HMC-cloned embryos, all four genes were expressed. However, in the SHMC cloned embryos, although MRJ was found to be expressed in all blastocysts, three of the five blastocysts did not express acrogranin. Similarly, two SHMC embryos did not express cdx2, and essrb was weakly expressed in three of the five embryos analyzed. Initial pregnancy rates of HMC and SHMC embryo transfers are similar. Further pregnancy results are pending. These results indicate that aberrations of genes crucial for placental development can be detected in single cloned blastocysts. It also suggests that failed implantation and/or placental defects may stem from patterned genetic defects in the pre-implantation embryo. An increase in the number of embryos analyzed would further strengthen results. These genes could act as markers to identify cloning techniques that produce more embryos with normal genetic profiles. The benefits of developing a screening tool to assess abnormalities in single pre-implantation embryos would be significant.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-311
Author(s):  
Ada Gabriel ◽  
Mamman Mohammed ◽  
Mohammed G. Magaji ◽  
Yusuf P. Ofemile ◽  
Ameh P. Matthew ◽  
...  

Background: Snakebite envenomation is a global priority ranked top among other neglected tropical diseases. There is a folkloric claim that Uvaria chamae is beneficial for the management of snakebite and wounds in African ethnobotanical surveys. Besides, there are many registered patents asserting the health benefits of U. chamae. Objective: This study aimed to investigate U. chamae’s potentials and identify candidates for the development of tools for the treatment and management of N. nigricollis envenomation. Methods: Freshly collected U. chamae leaves were air-dried, powdered, and extracted in methanol. The median lethal dose of the extract was determined and further fractionated with n-hexane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate. Each fraction was tested for neutralizing effect against venom-induced haemolytic, fibrinolytic, hemorrhagic, and cytotoxic activities. Results: U. chamae fractions significantly (p<0.05) neutralized the haemolytic activity of N. nigricollis venom in n-butanol; 31.40%, n-hexane; 33%, aqueous residue; 39.60% and ethyl acetate; 40.70% at the concentration of 100mg/ml of each fraction against 10mg/ml of the snake venom when compared to the positive control. The fibrinolytic activity of N. nigricollis venom was significantly (p<0.05) neutralized in n-hexane at 73.88%, n-butanol; 72.22% and aqueous residue; 72.22% by the fractions of U. chamae. In addition, haemorrhagic activity of N. nigricollis venom was significantly (p<0.05) neutralized by U. chamae fractions at the concentrations of 100mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 400mg/ml except for n-butanol and aqueous residues at 400 mg/ml. Conclusion: U. chamae leaves fractions possess a high level of protection against N. nigricollis venoms-induced lethality and thus validate the pharmacological rationale for its usage in the management of N. nigricollis envenomation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Senthil Nagarajan ◽  
Jae Kwon Lee

AbstractSesamolin is one of the lignans derived from sesame oil. It has demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-mutagenic properties. It also reportedly augments natural killer (NK) cell lysis activity. We previously reported that sesamolin also exerts anticancer effects in vitro and induces enhanced NK cell cytolytic activity against tumor cells. Herein, we aimed to determine the mechanism by which sesamolin prevents and retards tumorigenesis in BALB/c mouse models of leukemia induced by murine (BALB/c) myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI-3B cells. Banded neutrophils, myeloblasts, and monocytic leukemic cells were more abundant in the leukemia model than in normal mice. Sesamolin decreased the number of leukemic cells by almost 60% in the leukemia model mice in vivo; additionally, sesamolin and the positive control drug, vinblastine, similarly hindered neoplastic cell proliferation. Spleen samples were ~ 4.5-fold heavier in leukemic mice than those obtained from normal mice, whereas spleen samples obtained from leukemic mice treated with sesamolin had a similar weight to those of normal mice. Moreover, sesamolin induced a twofold increase in the cytotoxic activity of leukemic mouse NK cells against WEHI-3B cells. These results indicated that sesamolin exerts anti-leukemic effects in vivo.


Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 884
Author(s):  
Marta Cherubini ◽  
Scott Erickson ◽  
Kristina Haase

Acting as the primary link between mother and fetus, the placenta is involved in regulating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange; thus, healthy placental development is crucial for a successful pregnancy. In line with the increasing demands of the fetus, the placenta evolves throughout pregnancy, making it a particularly difficult organ to study. Research into placental development and dysfunction poses a unique scientific challenge due to ethical constraints and the differences in morphology and function that exist between species. Recently, there have been increased efforts towards generating in vitro models of the human placenta. Advancements in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), microfluidics, and bioprinting have each contributed to the development of new models, which can be designed to closely match physiological in vivo conditions. By including relevant placental cell types and control over the microenvironment, these new in vitro models promise to reveal clues to the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and facilitate drug testing across the maternal–fetal interface. In this minireview, we aim to highlight current in vitro placental models and their applications in the study of disease and discuss future avenues for these in vitro models.


1986 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey L. Price ◽  
Brian B. Gourlie ◽  
Yuan Lin ◽  
Ru Chih C. Huang

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. E272-E280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Ietta ◽  
Yuanhong Wu ◽  
Roberta Romagnoli ◽  
Nima Soleymanlou ◽  
Barbara Orsini ◽  
...  

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important proinflammatory cytokine involved in regulation of macrophage function. In addition, MIF may also play a role in murine and human reproduction. Although both first trimester trophoblast and decidua express MIF, the regulation and functional significance of this cytokine during human placental development remains unclear. We assessed MIF expression throughout normal human placental development, as well as in in vitro (chorionic villous explants) and in vivo (high altitude placentae) models of human placental hypoxia. Dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), which stabilizes hypoxia inducible factor-1 under normoxic conditions, was also used to mimic the effects of hypoxia on MIF expression. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed high MIF protein and mRNA expression at 7–10 wk and lower levels at 11–12 wk until term. Exposure of villous explants to 3% O2 resulted in increased MIF expression and secretion relative to standard conditions (20% O2). DMOG treatment under 20% O2 increased MIF expression. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed elevated MIF expression in low oxygen-induced extravillous trophoblast cells. Finally, a significant increase in MIF transcript was observed in placental tissues from high-altitude pregnancies. Hence, three experimental models of placental hypoxia (early gestation, DMOG treatment, and high altitude) converge in stimulating increased MIF, supporting the conclusion that placental-derived MIF is an oxygen-responsive cytokine highly expressed in physiological in vivo and in in vitro low oxygen conditions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 243 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Rosmani Md Zin ◽  
Zahurin Mohamed ◽  
Mohammed A Alshawsh ◽  
Won F Wong ◽  
Normadiah M Kassim

Anastatica hierochuntica L. ( A. hierochuntica), a folk medicinal plant, was evaluated for mutagenic potential via in vitro and in vivo assays. The in vitro assay was conducted according to modified Ames test, while the in vivo study was performed according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline for mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus assay. Four groups ( n= 5 males and 5 females per group) Sprague Dawley rats were randomly chosen as the negative control, positive control (received a single intramuscular injection of cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg), 1000 and, 2000 mg/kg A. hierochuntica aqueous extracts. All groups except the positive control were treated orally for three days. Findings of the in vitro assay showed mutagenic potential of AHAE at 0.04 and 0.2 mg/ml. However, no mutagenic effect was demonstrated in the in vivo study up to 2000 mg/kg. No significant reduction in the polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes ratio was noted in any of the groups. Meanwhile, high micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes frequency was seen in cyclophosphamide-treated group only. These findings could perhaps be due to insufficient dosage of A. hierochuntica aqueous extracts to cause genetic damage on the bone marrow target cells. Further acute and chronic in vivo toxicity studies may be required to draw pertinent conclusion on the safety aspect of A. hierochuntica aqueous extracts consumption. Impact statement In this paper, we report on the mutagenicity evaluation of Anastatica hierochuntica aqueous extract. This is a significant research in view of the popularity of this herb consumption by the people across the globe despite of limited scientific evidence on its toxicity potential. This study is intended to encourage more extensive related research in order to provide sufficient evidence and guidance for determining its safe dosage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (03) ◽  
pp. 222-229
Author(s):  
Matthias Hackl ◽  
Elisabeth Semmelrock ◽  
Johannes Grillari

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short (18–24 nucleotides) non-coding RNA sequences that regulate gene expression via binding of messenger RNA. It is estimated that miRNAs co-regulate the expression of more than 70% of all human genes, many of which fulfil important roles in bone metabolism and muscle function. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments have shown that the targeted loss of miRNAs in distinct bone cell types (osteoblasts and osteoclasts) results in altered bone mass and bone architecture. These results emphasize the biological relevance of miRNAs for bone health.MiRNAs are not only considered as novel bone biomarkers because of their biological importance to bone metabolism, but also on the basis of other favorable properties: 1) Secretion of miRNAs from cells enables “minimally invasive” detection in biological fluids such as serum. 2) High stability of miRNAs in serum enables the retrospective analysis of frozen blood specimens. 3) Quantification of miRNAs in the serum is based on the RT-PCR - a robust method that is considered as the gold standard for the analysis of nucleic acids in clinical diagnostics.With regard to osteoporosis, it has been shown that many of the known risk factors are characterized by distinct miRNA profiles in the affected tissues: i) age-related loss of bone mass, ii) sarcopenia, iii) changes in estrogen metabolism and related changes Loss of bone mass, and iv) diabetes. Therefore, numerous studies in recent years have dealt with the characterization of miRNAs in the serum of osteoporosis patients and healthy controls, and were able to identify recurring miRNA patterns that are characteristic of osteoporosis. These novel biomarkers have great potential for the diagnosis and prognosis of osteoporosis and its clinical outcomes.The aim of this article is to give a summary of the current state of knowledge on the research and application of miRNA biomarkers in osteoporosis.


2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 805-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Paugam-Burtz ◽  
Serge Molliex ◽  
Bernard Lardeux ◽  
Corinne Rolland ◽  
Michel Aubier ◽  
...  

Background Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of proteins and phospholipids synthetized by alveolar type II cells. Volatile anesthetics have been shown to reduce surfactant phospholipid biosynthesis by rat alveolar type II cells. Surfactant-associated protein C (SP-C) is critical for the alveolar surfactant functions. Our goal was to evaluate the effects of halothane and thiopental on SP-C messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in vitro in rat alveolar type II cells and in vivo in mechanically ventilated rats. Methods In vitro, freshly isolated alveolar type II cells were exposed to halothane during 4 h (1, 2, 4%) and 8 h (1%), and to thiopental during 4 h (10, 100 micrometer) and 8 h (100 micrometer). In vivo, rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal thiopental or inhaled 1% halothane and mechanically ventilated for 4 or 8 h. SP-C mRNA expression was evaluated by ribonuclease protection assay. Results In vitro, 4-h exposure of alveolar type II cells to thiopental 10 and 100 micrometer increased their SP-C mRNA content to 145 and 197%, respectively, of the control values. In alveolar type II cells exposed for 4 h to halothane 1, 2, and 4%, the SP-C mRNA content increased dose-dependently to 160, 235, and 275%, respectively, of the control values. In vivo, in mechanically ventilated rats, 4 h of halothane anesthesia decreased the lung SP-C mRNA content to 53% of the value obtained in control (nonanesthetized, nonventilated) animals; thiopental anesthesia increased to 150% the lung SP-C mRNA content. Conclusions These findings indicate that halothane and thiopental used at clinically relevant concentrations modulate the pulmonary SP-C mRNA content in rats. In vivo, the additive role of mechanical ventilation is suggested.


2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 2648-2657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitte Bau ◽  
Pia M. Gebhard ◽  
Jochen Haag ◽  
Thomas Knorr ◽  
Eckart Bartnik ◽  
...  

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