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The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their adipogenic derivatives on the relative abundances (RAs) noticed for mRNA transcripts of the selected adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) and their receptors. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow (BM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) samples collected post mortem from a total of four gilts (each at the age of 6 months). The stemness of the MSCs was proven via recognizing their abilities to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. By using real-time PCR (RT -qPCR), the quantitative levels of transcriptional activity pinpointed for the adiponectin (ADIPOQ), adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR2), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes were comparatively analyzed between non-differentiated AT -MSCs and BM-MSCs and their cell counterparts undergoing differentiation into adipocytes. A significantly higher RA for ADIPOR1 transcripts was identified in the AT-MSCs compared to the BM-MSCs and their adipogenic derivatives (P≤0.05). Moreover, the quantitative levels of LEPR transcripts were shown to increase significantly among adipocytes originating from differentiated BM-MSCs compared to undifferentiated BM-MSCs, AT -MSCs, and AT -MSC-derived adipocytes (P≤0.05). Nonetheless, there was no significant inter-group variability in the RAs of the ADIPOQ, ADIPOR2, or LEP mRNA transcripts (P>0.05). Cumulatively, the in vitro models focused on the identification and detailed exploration of transcriptomic signatures of undifferentiated pig BM- and AT -MSCs, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the adipogenic differentiation pathways of the above-indicated two distinct sources of stem cells were developed and optimized in the current investigation for the very first time. These ex vivo porcine models might confirm the expedited functional mobilization of ex situ-protected MSCs and their enhanced capacity to be transcriptionally reprogrammed into adipocytes due to physiopathological alterations in the expression profiles of adipokines and their receptors, which are prompted and progressed in obese and superobese women patients at the peri-pubertal period of ontogenesis. Finally, the models providing comprehensive molecular insights into ex situ-protected porcine BM- and AT -derived MSCs and their differentiated derivatives can be largely suitable for the biotechnologically assisted rescue and restitution of endangered representatives of rare native breeds of domestic pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omentin (ITLN1) is a novel adipokine mainly expressed in the white adipose tissue. It plays a crucial role in the metabolic homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Our last study documented that ITLN1 levels in the adipose tissue and plasma are lower in fat Meishan (MS) compared to normal weight Large White (LW) pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate transcript and protein concentrations of ITLN1 as well as its immunolocalisation in the ovarian follicles and examine the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of its expression in response to gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and steroids (P4, T, E2). Ovarian follicles were collected from LW and MS sows on days 2–3, 10–12, and 14–16 of the oestrous. We found the elevated ITLN1 expression in the ovarian follicles and the increase of concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) of LW pigs vs MS pigs; in both breeds of pigs, the levels of ITLN1 increased with the oestrous progression. We noted ITLN1 signals in oocyte, granulosa and theca cells. Gonadotropins and steroids increased ITLN1 levels in the ovarian follicle cells of LW pigs, while in MS pigs, we observed only the stimulatory effect of LH and T. Both extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) were involved in the regulation of ITLN1. Our study demonstrated the levels and regulation of ITLN1 in the porcine ovarian follicles through ERK1/2 and PI3K signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In brief: Adipolin (C1QTNF12) has been described as a regulator of metabolism and is linked with the pathophysiology of PCOS. In this study, for the first time, we show the expression of C1QTNF12 in granulosa cells and its positive effect on porcine granulosa cell proliferation and steroid synthesis. Adipolin (C1QTNF12) is a recently discovered adipokine that plays an important role in glucose and insulin level regulation. Previous studies showed its reduced level in serum of women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome; however, whether C1QTNF12 regulates ovary function is still unknown. The aim of the study was first to determine the level of C1QTNF12 in the porcine ovarian follicles granulosa cells (Gc) and then its in vitro effect on proliferation and steroidogenesis as well as phosphorylation of several signalling pathways. Our results showed that the expression of C1QTNF12 was dependent on follicle size and was higher at the mRNA and protein level in Gc of small than large follicles from both prepubertal and mature animals. Similar pattern was observed for C1QTNF12 concentration in porcine follicular fluid. Additionally, we observed immunolocalisation of C1QTNF12 in Gc, theca cells and oocytes. We found that C1QTNF12 stimulated porcine Gc proliferation via the activation of protein kinase B (AKT). Moreover, C1QTNF12 enhanced progesterone, testosterone and oestradiol secretion by elevating STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B and CYP19A1 mRNA expression and by activation of MAP3/1 pathway. Additionally, C1QTNF12 increased pMAP3/1-to-MAP3/1 protein expression ratio and enhanced IGF1-induced pTyr-IGF1Rß-to-IGFR1ß and pMAP3/1-to-MAP3/1 protein ratios. Taken together, C1QTNF12 could act directly on proliferation and steroid synthesis and serve as an important factor in in vivo ovarian follicle function, possibly regulating the course of folliculogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apelinergic system comprises two peptide ligands, apelin and ELABELA, and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, the apelin receptor APJ. Apelin is a peptide that was isolated from bovine stomach extracts; the distribution of the four main active forms, apelin-36, -17, -13, and pyr-apelin-13 differs between tissues. The mature form of ELABELA-32 can be transformed into forms called ELABELA-11 or -21. The biological function of the apelinergic system is multifaceted, and includes the regulation of angiogenesis, body fluid homeostasis, energy metabolism, and functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. This review summarises the mechanism of the apelinergic system in cell apoptosis. Depending on the cell/tissue, the apelinergic system modulates cell apoptosis by activating various signalling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), protein kinase B (AKT), 5'AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), and protein kinase A (PKA). Apoptosis is critically important during various developmental processes, and any dysfunction leads to pathological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and developmental defects. The purpose of this review is to present data that suggest a significant role of the apelinergic system as a potential agent in various therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the feasibility of using unmodified chitin exoskeletons and moults of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as adsorbents to remove cationic dyes - Basic Violet 10 (BV10) and Basic Red 46 (BR46) - from aqueous solutions. We evaluated the characteristics of the adsorption materials using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and determining the pH of the point of zero charge (pHPZC); the pH effect on dye adsorption effectiveness; dye adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intramolecular diffusion models); and the maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbents (Langmuir 1 and 2 and Freundlich isotherms). BV10 adsorption on the tested adsorbents was the highest at pH 3, while adsorption of BR46 was highest at pH 6. The adsorption equilibrium time depended mainly on the dye type and its initial concentration; it was 150-210 min for BV10 and 120-150 min for BR46. The maximum adsorption capacity of mealworm exoskeletons reached 5.56 mg/g for BV10 and 31.53 mg/g for BR46, whereas mealworm moults exhibited a higher maximum adsorption capacity, reaching 6.44 mg/g for BV10 and 5.56 mg/g for BR46. Keywords: chitin moults, exoskeletons, mealworm, adsorption, cationic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apelinergic system, which includes the apelin receptor (APJ) as well as its two specific ligands, namely apelin and ELABELA (ELA/APELA/Toddler), have been the subject of many recent studies due to their pleiotropic effects in humans and other animals. Expression of these factors has been investigated in numerous tissues and organs—for example, the lungs, heart, uterus, and ovary. Moreover, a number of studies have been devoted to understanding the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the most important processes in the body, starting from early stages of human life with regulation of placental function and the proper course of pregnancy. Disturbances in the balance of placental processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, or hormone secretion may lead to specific pregnancy pathologies; therefore, there is a great need to search for substances that would help in their early diagnosis or treatment. A number of studies have indicated that compounds of the apelinergic system could serve this purpose. Hence, in this review, we summarized the most important reports about the role of apelin and the entire apelinergic system in the regulation of placental physiology and pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]