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Abstract: The role of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2) on the efficiency of canine oocyte maturation in vitro is recognized, but little is known about the influence of both steroids on the expression of zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins. It has been shown that E2 and P4 used in the IVC significantly influenced canine oocytes meiotic competence, although the effect is specifically related to the combination of hormones used in the experiment. Because both of these steroids may stimulate or inhibit maturation competence of oocytes in a dose-dependent manner, there is a high possibility that they also influence the fertilization ability of canine oocytes. Our study was aimed to analyze whether genes, encoding ZP glycoproteins, are regulated by P4 or E2. Canine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from anestrous mongrel bitches after ovariohysterectomy and cultured in serum-free tissue culture medium 199. The expression pattern of ZP glycoproteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3) mRNAs, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), and of ZP3 and ZP4 proteins, using Western blot analyses, was examined in oocytes after the supplementation of the culture medium with (1) 0.5 μg/mL, 1.0 μg/mL, and 2.0 μg/mL of P4 (experiment 1), or with (2) 2.0 μg/mL E2, and with (3) a combination of E2 (2.0 μg/mL) and P4 (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 μg/mL, respectively; experiment 2). The analysis revealed an inhibited expression of ZP2 mRNA in oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM) with different P4 supplementations as compared with oocytes before IVM. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was stimulated (P < 0.01) by the supplementation of 1.0 μg/mL P4. The expression of both ZP3 and ZP4 proteins was also stimulated after the treatment with 1.0 μg/mL P4. On the other hand, the level of ZP2 mRNA was inhibited (P < 0.01) after the supplementation with E2 or with combinations of E2 and P4 as compared with control oocytes. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was significantly higher after the supplementation with E2 and 0.5 μg/mL P4. Similarly, ZP3 and ZP4 proteins were highly expressed (P < 0.01) after such hormone supplementation. The results clearly show that in vitro, P4 regulates the expression of ZP glycoproteins in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrated that E2 used alone and in combination with P4 upregulates the expression of ZP3 mRNA as well as ZP3 and ZP4 protein in canine oocytes. ZP2 mRNA is downregulated by E2 alone and in combination with E2 and P4. Furthermore, ZP glycoproteins expression is regulated by E2 alone or in combination with P4, and such synergistic or adverse effect is P4 concentration-dependent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Equilibrium studies on the nickel(II) complexes of oxygen and nitrogen donor ligand (monophosphono dipeptides: 1- (N-l-leucylamino)methylphosphonic acid – Leu-Gly(P), and a thioether sulfur donor ligands (monophosphono dipeptides: 1-N-(glycyloamino)-2-(S-benzylthio)ethanephosphonic acid – Gly-(Bz)Cys(P), d(−) and Gly-(Bz)Cys(P), d(+) were performed by potentiometric titration and NIR–Vis spectroscopy. Additionally, the ligand-field parameters (CFM/AOM) were estimated and discussed in the tetragonal distortion framework. The lowest tetragonal distortion was observed in the case of the [NiHL] species, whereas the strongest in the case of [NiL2] species. In the latter species the ligand-field analysis confirms the coordination of the deprotonated phosphonic groups to the metal ions in both axial positions. In the case of nickel(II) complexes with Gly-(Bz)Cys(P), d(−) or Gly-(Bz)Cys(P), d(+) additional interaction between sulfur donor atom and nickel(II) was suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Potentiometric, UV–Vis, CD and EPR studies were performed on the copper(II) complexes of oxygen and nitrogen donor ligands (monophosphono dipeptides: 1-(N-l-leucylamino)methylphosphonic acid – Leu–Gly(P), 1-(N-l-leucylamino)valylphosphonic acid – Leu–Val(P)) and a thioether sulfur donor ligands (monophosphono dipeptides: 1-N-(glycyloamino)-2-(S-benzylthio)ethanephosphonic acid – Gly–(Bz)Cys(P), d(+) and Gly–(Bz)Cys(P), d(-)). Complex formation reaction between copper(II) and dipeptides were very similar to each other, [MLH-1]- being the major species in wide pH region. CD spectroscopy, however, was a very sensitive tool for the elucidation of small structural differences among peptide complexes, including the weak interaction in an axial and equatorial position of thioether residues. The complexes of the thioether donors have higher thermodynamic stability constants than the other ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Piwi proteins and Piwi interacting RNAs, piRNAs, presented in germline cells play a role in transposon silencing during germline development. In contrast, the role of somatic Piwi proteins and piRNAs still remains obscure. Here, we characterize the expression pattern and distribution of piRNAs in human renal cells in terms of their potential role in kidney development. Further, we show that all PIWI genes are expressed at the RNA level, however, only PIWIL1 gene is detected at the protein level by western blotting in healthy and cancerous renal cells. So far, the expression of human Piwil1 protein has only been shown in testes and cancer cells, but not in healthy somatic cell lines. Since we observe only Piwil1 protein, the regulation of other PIWI genes is probably more intricated, and depends on environmental conditions. Next, we demonstrate that downregulation of Piwil1 protein results in a decrease in the rate of cell proliferation, while no change in the level of apoptotic cells is observed. Confocal microscopy analysis reveals that Piwil1 protein is located in both cellular compartments, cytoplasm and nucleus in renal cells. Interestingly, in nucleus region Piwil1 is observed close to the spindle during all phases of mitosis in all tested cell lines. It strongly indicates that Piwil1 protein plays an essential role in proliferation of somatic cells. Moreover, involvement of Piwil1 in cell division could, at least partly, explain invasion and metastasis of many types of cancer cells with upregulation of PIWIL1 gene expression. It also makes Piwil1 protein as a potential target in the anticancer therapy. • Stem cell and cancer cell lines exhibit a convergent profile of RNA fragment reads corresponding to the length of piRNA. • The largest set of transcripts mapping to piRNA is common for all cell lines which proves the conserved function of piRNAs. • Piwil1 protein has been shown for the first time to be detected by western blot in non-cancerous somatic renal cell lines. • Downregulation of Piwil1 leads to changes in the proliferation rate of renal cells, but it does not trigger apoptosis. • Piwil1 is involved in the division of kidney cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of a hybrid oligomers with different combinations of thiophene, EDOT and 1,2,4-triazine rings have been synthesized and characterized. The synthesis of these alternated 1,2,4-triazine derivatives is reported using a straightforward palladium mediated Stille coupling reaction of 2-tri- n -butyltin-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene with 3-methylsulfanyl-1,2,4-triazine. The molecular structure and the potential optoelectronic properties of the newly obtained compounds were characterized by UV–Vis absorption and emission spectra, X-ray analysis and theoretical calculations at the DFT level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brilliant cresyl blues (BCB) staining test is a useful tool in assessing the competence of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) in several mammalian species. It is mostly used to select gametes after they are recovered from the ovary or before and after IVM to isolate those oocytes that reach developmental competency. However, there is evidence that double exposure to BCB test may lead to impaired fertilization or even have a toxic effect on cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of sperm-egg interaction molecules in oocytes after single and double exposure to BCB test. Follicles were dissected from porcine ovaries after slaughter and aspirated COCs were cultured in standard porcine IVM culture medium (TCM 199) for 44 h. The BCB test was applied to COCs before and after IVM. In developmentally competent oocytes, assessed by determining the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; BCB test), real-time quantitative PCR reaction methods, western blot and confocal microscopy analysis were applied to determine the transcript levels of porcine zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3), and integrin beta 2 (ITGB2), as well as the levels of pZP3 and ITGB2 proteins. In the control group, assessment of the expression of the investigated genes was performed before and after IVM without BCB test. We observed a significantly higher level of pZP3 mRNA in oocytes after single exposure to BCB test compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001), and to double staining (P < 0.05). The level of ITGB2 mRNA was also increased in gametes after single exposure to BCB test as compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), and double staining (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated a higher level of pZP3 protein in oocytes after single staining with BCB as compared to control both before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) and double staining (P < 0.05). Confocal microscopic observations have revealed the same pattern of increased level of pZP3 and ITGB2 expression after single exposure to BCB test. In both cases we detected specific cytoplasmic localization of both proteins. The ITGB2 protein has zona pellucida and membrane localization in control oocytes before IVM. After IVM and after single exposure to BCB, ITGB2 was also strongly detected in the cytoplasm. In both cases, after double exposure to BCB both proteins were detected only partially in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that (i) single exposure to BCB increased the expression of sperm-oocyte interaction genes, (ii) double exposure to BCB leads to only partial expression of pZP3 and ITGB2 in oocyte cytoplasm, (iii) the BCB staining test itself may be a cause of specific pZP3 translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm, and that (iv) in vitro maturation of oocytes may increase ITGB2 expression and translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solution equilibrium studies on the Cu(II)–polyamine–methionine ternary systems (polyamine: ethylenediamine (en), diethylenetriamine (dien), N,N,N′,N′′,N′′-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (Me5dien)) have been performed by pH-potentiometry, UV–Vis spectrophotometry and EPR methods. The obtained results suggest the formation of the mixed-ligand complexes with [Cu(A)(Met)]+ stoichiometry in all studied systems. Our spectroscopic results indicate the tetragonal geometry for [Cu(en)(Met)]+, the geometry slightly deviated from square pyramidal for [Cu(dien)(Met)]+ and strongly deviated from square pyramidal towards trigonal bipyramidal for the [Cu(Me5dien)(Met)]+ species. The coordination modes in these mixed-ligand complexes are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are potential key factors involved in the proliferative and inflammatory regulation of the reproductive system in females. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of PNX and GPR173 by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to clinically healthy females. Additionally, PNX and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were analysed. The results showed a significantly lower expression levels of PNX and GPR173 (mRNA and protein production) in bitches with the CEH or pyometra groups compared to healthy animals. Immunofluorescence staining examination also confirmed a lower concentration of PNX and GPR173 signals in bitches with pathological uteri. Moreover, a lower concentration of PNX blood levels in bitches suffering from pyometra was observed. The PNX concentration was negatively correlated with P4 but only in healthy bitches. These results illustrate that the development of canine uterine disorders may cause a lower expression of PNX and its receptor GPR173. • Phoenixin is downregulated in the canine uterus in CEH and pyometra. • The expression of GPR173 is decreased in the canine endometrium in CEH and pyometra. • Phoenixin may be useful biomarker for the identification of uterine disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The combination of the pH-metric and NMR studies is used to examine the stabilities and coordination modes as well as related structural aspects of zinc(II), magnesium(II) and calcium(II) complexation to piperyd-1-yl-methane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (1) and its derivatives containing a topologically modified piperidine ring (2–7). The studied compounds coordinate metal ions exclusively via the phosphonate functions with a nitrogen atom remaining protonated over the whole range of studied pH. Compounds 1–6 readily form soluble multinuclear complexes of type [M3(HL)2] and [M3(HL)3]3− with Zn2+ or [M2(H2L)2] with Ca2+ and Mg2+. These species are formed based on dimers consisting of two head-to-head arranged molecules linked by strong symmetrical hydrogen bonds. The placement of the two methyl groups at 2- and 6-positions on the piperidine ring precludes the molecular recognition via similar hydrogen bonds and accounts for different complexation properties of 7 compared to 1–6. The role that the metal coordination plays on conformation dynamics in 1–7 is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]