Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer progression

Gastric cancer(GC)remains among the most common cancers worldwide with a high mortality-to-incidence ratio.Accumulated evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)are involved in gastric carcinogenesis.These transcripts are longer than 200 nucleotides and modulate gene expression at multiple molecular levels,inducing or inhibiting biological processes and diseases.Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(MALAT1)is one of the best-studied lncRNAs with comprehensive actions contributing to cancer progression.This lncRNA regulates gene expression at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels through interactions with microRNAs and proteins.In the present review,we discussed the molecular mechanism of MALAT1 and summarized the current knowledge of its expression in GC.Moreover,we highlighted the potential use of MALAT1 as a biomarker,including liquid biopsy.

Bone marrow-derived monocyte infusion improves hepatic fibrosis by decreasing osteopontin,TGF-β1,IL-13 and oxidative stress

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived CD11b+CD14+ monocytes in a murine model of chronic liver damage.METHODSChronic liver damage was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administration of carbon tetrachloride and ethanol for 6 mo. Bone marrow-derived monocytes isolated by immunomagnetic separation were used for therapy. The cell transplantation effects were evaluated by morphometry, biochemical assessment, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTSCD11b+CD14+ monocyte therapy significantly reduced liver fibrosis and increased hepatic glutathione levels. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, in addition to pro-fibrotic factors, such as IL-13, transforming growth factor-β1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 also decreased, while IL-10 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased in the monocyte-treated group. CD11b+CD14+ monocyte transplantation caused significant changes in the hepatic expression of α-smooth muscle actin and osteopontin.CONCLUSIONMonocyte therapy is capable of bringing about improvement of liver fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as increasing anti-fibrogenic factors.

Anti-inflammatory intestinal activity of Combretum duarteanum Cambess. in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid colitis model

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory intestinal effect of the ethanolic extract (EtOHE) and hexane phase (HexP) obtained from the leaves of Combretum duarteanum (Cd).METHODSInflammatory bowel disease was induced using trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in acute and relapsed ulcerative colitis in rat models. Damage scores, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated.RESULTSBoth Cd-EtOHE and Cd-HexP caused significant reductions in macroscopic lesion scores and ulcerative lesion areas. The vegetable samples inhibited myeloperoxidase increase, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 also increased in animals treated with the tested plant samples. The anti-inflammatory intestinal effect is related to decreased expression of cyclooxygenase-2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and an increase in superoxide dismutase.CONCLUSIONThe data indicate anti-inflammatory intestinal activity. The effects may also involve participation of the antioxidant system and principal cytokines relating to inflammatory bowel disease.

Identification of IL11RA and MELK amplification in gastric cancer by comprehensive genomic profiling of gastric cancer cell lines

AIM To identify common copy number alterations on gastric cancer cell lines.METHODS Four gastric cancer cell lines(ACP02, ACP03, AGP01 and PG100) underwent chromosomal comparative genome hybridization and array comparative genome hybridization. We also confirmed the results by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis using the bacterial artificial chromosome clone and quantitative real time PCR analysis.RESULTS The amplification of 9p13.3 was detected in all cell lines by both methodologies. An increase in the copy number of 9p13.3 was also confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Moreover, the interleukin 11 receptor alpha(IL11RA) and maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase(MELK) genes, which are present in the 9p13.3 amplicon, revealed gains of the MELK gene in all the cell lines studied. Additionally, a gain in the copy number of IL11 RA and MELK was observed in 19.1%(13/68) and 55.9%(38/68) of primary gastric adenocarcinoma samples, respectively. CONCLUSION The characterization of a small gain region at 9p13.3 in gastric cancer cell lines and primary gastric adenocarcinoma samples has revealed MELK as a candidate target gene that is possibly related to the development of gastric cancer.

Spawning induction and fecundity of commercial native fish species from the São Francisco River basin,Brazil,under hatchery conditions

In order to exploit native fish species for aquaculture, basic parameters of artificial reproducetion and estimates of reproductive potential for this fish must be determined to improve hatchery success. We analyze seven Brazilian commercial fish. Spawning was induced using the hypophysation method, with injection of crude carp pituitary extract (CCPE). Characiformes species signaled the spawning time with behavioral alterations (usually circular movements). The time of oocyte extrusion varied from 5.3 ± 0.3 h in Salminus franciscanus to 8.6 ± 0.1 h in Prochilodus argenteus after the second CCPE injection. The greatest diameter of a vitellogenic oocyte was registered for P. argenteus (873.9 ± 122.2 μm) and the smallest was for Pimelodus maculates (465.4 ± 36.3 μm). The diameter of vitellogenic oocytes was very similar among species belonging to the same family. The highest ROI values were registered for Prochilodus costatus(27.0 ± 3.5 μm) and P. argenteus (23.4 ± 3.7 μm), while the lowest values were found in Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (4.6 ± 0.9 μm) and P. maculatus (6.0 ± 1.3 μm). Absolute fecundity (number of oocytes released at spawning) was lowest in P. maculatus and highest in P. corruscans. Relative fecundity (RF) presented a high correlation (r = 0.98 to 0.99) with gonad weight, indicating high efficiency of spawning. The RF also presented a high correlation with body weight (r = 0.88 to 0.97) and total length (r = 0.86 to 0.92). The highest RF was registered for Leporinus obtusidens, and the lowest was for P. corruscans. Released fecundity had a negative correlation with the diameter of vitellogenic oocytes and with the height of the follicular cells, and a positive correlation with the thickness of the zona pelucida. These results indicate that the species studied herein are suitable candidates for aquaculture due to their reproductive and zootechnical characteristics.

Renin-angiotensin system in the central nervous system:focus on Huntington’s disease

The renin-angiotensin system(RAS)was originally conceived as a circulating hormonal system involved in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis.With the discovery of local RAS components in diverse organs,including the brain,and related biologically active peptides.

Role of mi RNAs and their potential to be useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer

Alterations in epigenetic control of gene expression play an important role in many diseases, including gastric cancer. Many studies have identified a large number of upregulated oncogenic mi RNAs and downregulated tumour-suppressor mi RNAs in this type of cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of mi RNAs, pointing to their potential to be useful as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer. Moreover, we discuss the influence of polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications on mi RNA activity.

Hepatic encephalopathy:Lessons from preclinical studies

Hepatic encephalopathy(HE) is a major complication that is closely related to the progression of end-stage liver disease.Metabolic changes in advanced liver failure can promote cognition impairment,attention deficits and motor dysfunction that may result in coma and death.HE can be subdivided according to the type of hepatic injury,namely,type A,which results from acute liver failure,type B,which is associated with a portosystemic shunting without intrinsic liver disease,and type C,which is due to chronic liver disease.Several studies have investigated the pathogenesis of the disease,and most of the mechanisms have been explored using animal models.This article aimed to review the use of preclinical models to investigate HE.The most used animal species are rats and mice.Experimental models of type A HE include surgical procedures and the administration of hepatotoxic medications,whereas models of types B and C HE are generally surgically induced lesions in liver tissue,which evolve to hepatic cirrhosis.Preclinical models have allowed the comprehension of the pathways related to HE.

Reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR data in gastric tissues and cell lines

AIM:To evaluate the suitability of reference genes in gastric tissue samples and cell lines.METHODS:The suitability of genes ACTB,B2M,GAPDH,RPL29,and 18S rRNA was assessed in21 matched pairs of neoplastic and adjacent nonneoplastic gastric tissues from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,27 normal gastric tissues from patients without cancer,and 4 cell lines using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).The ranking of the best single and combination of reference genes was determined by NormFinder,geNorm,BestKeeper,and DataAssist.In addition,GenEx software was used to determine the optimal number of reference genes.To validate the results,the mRNA expression of a target gene,DNMT1,was quantified using the different reference gene combinations suggested by the various software packages for normalization.RESULTS:ACTB was the best reference gene for all gastric tissues,cell lines and all gastric tissues plus cell lines.GAPDH+B2M or ACTB+B2M was the best combination of reference genes for all the gastric tissues.On the other hand,ACTB+B2M was the best combination for all the cell lines tested and was also the best combination for analyses involving all the gastric tissues plus cell lines.According to the GenEx software,2 or 3 genes were the optimal number of references genes for all the gastric tissues.The relative quantification of DNMT1 showed similar patterns when normalized by each combination of reference genes.The level of expression of DNMT1 in neoplastic,adjacent non-neoplastic and normal gastric tissues did not differ when these samples were normalized using GAPDH+B2M(P=0.32),ACTB+B2M(P=0.61),or GAPDH+B2M+ACTB(P=0.44).CONCLUSION:GAPDH+B2M or ACTB+B2M is the best combination of reference gene for all the gastric tissues,and ACTB+B2M is the best combination for the cell lines tested.

Muscle Growth of Two Nile Tilapia （Oreochromis niloticus） Strains

The objective of this research was to evaluate the muscle growth of the Nile tilapias of Thai and supreme strain. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers were studied by histology. The fish were cultivated in cages in a dam and as they grew they were weighed and measured in length. In tissue samples, it was evaluated the quantity of cells area~ and the diameter of the white, pink and red muscle fibers. The supreme strain presented greater number of white and pink fibers mm2 and smaller number of red fibers when compared to the Thai strain. 5-10 cm fish presented higher number of white, pink and red fibers mm： and smaller average diameter of the white and pink fibers, when compared to a 10-15 cm fish. The average diameter of the white and pink fibers increased in 10-15 cm fish, compared to 5-10 era. White fibers smaller than 10 ~tm were found only in the 5-10 cm supreme strain. Tilapias of Thai and supreme strain presented different standard distribution of red, pink and white muscle fibers. Supreme strain, genetically improved, presented higher hyperplasia of white fibers than Thai strain, and this can indicate its higher potential growth.

F-Actin Distribution Changes Provoked by Acetaminophen in the Proximal Tubule in Kidney of Adult Male Rat

Acetaminophen is a drug used to treat many conditions as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothache, and fever between others, but collateral effects of this drug are not well known yet. Here is tested its effect on proximal tubule epithelium. Acetaminophen (APAP) at doses of 200, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/Kg i.p. caused cell damage and changes in F-actin distribution in the proximal tubule of male Wistar rats. After 48 hours of treatment, the proximal tubule epithelium showed tumefaction and necrosis. Dose of 200 mg/kg decreased the F-actin and was observed a structure in patches in the basal cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the proximal tubule. This effect was increased depending on the administered dose. Dose of 1000 mg/kg produced the highest histological damage and changes in the actin cytoskeleton. Results of this study suggested that nephrotoxic damage produced by high doses of APAP included breakdown of cytoskeleton in proximal tubule epithelium.

Hybridization despite elaborate courtship behavior and female choice in Neotropical tree frogs

The mechanisms of hybridization can be elucidated by analyzing genotypes as well as phenotypes that could act as premating barriers,as the reproductive interactions among heterospecifics can alter the evolutionary history of species.In frogs,hybrids typically occur among species that reproduce explosively(in dense aggregations)with few opportunities for mate selection but are rare in species with elaborate courtship behaviors that may prevent erroneous mating.Using 21 microsatellite markers,we examined hybridization in the prolonged-breeding tree frogs Bokermannohyla ibitiguara and B.sazimai sampled within a contact zone in the Brazilian savanna(72 tadpoles;74 adults).We also compared acoustic and morphological data.We confirmed both parental species genetically;STRUCTURE results confirmed 14 hybrids,11 of which were second-generation according to NEWHYBRIDS,all with intermediate values of genetic dissimilarities compared to the parentals.Morphological and acoustic analyses revealed that hybrids showed variable but not necessarily intermediate phenotypes.Moreover,2 hybrids exhibited call types different from parentals.The reproduction of B.ibitiguara involves territorial and aggressive males,elaborate courtships with acoustic and tactile stimuli,choosy females,and opportunistic strategies.Our study uncovers a rare case of viable hybridization among closely related frogs with such a combination of complex courtship behaviors and mate choice.We discuss the likely directionality and mechanisms behind this phenomenon,and highlight the importance of investigating hybridization even in species that show elaborate reproduction and female choice to advance our understanding of animal diversification.

Analysis of the stomatognathic system after anterior cruciate ligamentplasty

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of postural imbalances, which can interfere with the mandible position and affect the actions of the stomatognathic system. Materials and Methods: Forty men, aged between 23 to 29 years, were selected and divided into two groups: Group I comprised 20 healthy individuals with no clinical postural change diagnosis;Group II, 20 individuals who had ACL surgical, unilateral with patellar tendon graft, paired individual to individual (age and weight). All of them were submitted to an electromyography in different clinical conditions. In addition, a condylar biomechanical assessment was performed through videogrametry. Results: In electromyography and videogrametry, a normal standard biomechanical was observed for both groups, however, Group GII—Ligamentplasty presented an inhibition of the masticatory muscles and decreased joint kinesthetic. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that after the reconstruction of the ACL, individuals presented changes in the stomatog-nathic system.

Nanostructured 3-D Collagen/Nanotube Biocomposites for Future Bone Regeneration Scaffolds

The fi eld of bionanotechnology has been rapidly growing during the last few years and we can now envision a controllable integration between biological and artificial matter,where new biomimetic structures with a wide range of chemical and physical properties will promote the development of a novel generation of medical devices.In this work we describe a collagen/carbon nanotube composite which has the potential to be used as a scaffold for tissue regeneration.Because this biocomposite incorporates the advantageous properties of both collagen and carbon nanotubes,it has most of the characteristics that an ideal biomaterial requires in order to be used as an osteoinductive agent.This biocomposite is bioresorbable and biodegradable and has the desired mechanical rigidity while maintaining a three-dimensional(3-D)nanostructured surface.Tuned stability and swelling were achieved under fluid environments by varying the amount of carbon nanotubes(CNTs)incorporated into the composite.These variations can dictate the degree of interaction between fibroblastic cells and the biomaterials.Proof-of-concept was shown by performing an in vitro induced mineralization of hydroxylapatite crystals under physiological conditions.Furthermore,the ability to attach biofunctional groups to the CNT walls can open a new road for tissue regeneration since the combination of CNTs with specific growth factors or cellular ligands can create an environment capable of signaling and infl uencing specifi c cell functions.Our observations suggest that collagen/carbon nanotube biocomposites will have important uses in a wide range of biotechnological areas.

Nocturnal foragers exploit tree exudates from holes gouged by diurnal common marmoset monkeys(Callithrix jacchus)

INTRODUCTION Plant exudates are a common,yet often overlooked food source eaten by 94 mammalian species spread across 6 orders(Nash&Burrows 2010;Cabana et al.2018).However,exudates(including gums,resins,and latex,defined following Cabana et al.2018)contain large amounts of non-digestible carbohydrates and plant secondary metabolites,posing challenges for mammals exploiting this resource(Power 2010).Due to the difficulty of gaining nutrition from exudates,they are not considered a high-quality food source,despite the number of species that consume them(Power 2010;Cabana et al.2018).