Search

Background: The normal development of the liver during human embryonic stages is critical for the functionality of the adult liver. Despite this, the essential genes, biological processes, and signal pathways that drive liver development in human embryos remain poorly understood. Methods: In this study, liver samples were collected from human embryos at progressive developmental stages, ranging from 2-month-old to 7-month-old. Highly expressed genes and their associated enrichment processes at various developmental stages of the liver were identified through transcriptomic sequencing. Results: The findings indicated that genes associated with humoral immune responses and B-cell-mediated immunity were highly expressed during the early developmental stages. Concurrently, numerous genes related to vitamin response, brown adipocyte differentiation, T cell differentiation, hormone secretion, hemostasis, peptide hormone response, steroid metabolism, and hematopoietic regulation exhibited increased expression aligned with liver development. Our results suggest that the liver may possess multiple functions during embryonic stages, beyond serving hematopoietic roles. Moreover, this study elucidated the complex regulatory interactions among genes involved in lymphocyte differentiation, the regulation of hemopoiesis, and liver development. Consequently, the development of human embryonic liver necessitates the synergistic regulation of numerous genes. Notably, alongside conventionally recognized genes, numerous previously uncharacterized genes involved in liver development and function were also identified. Conclusion: These findings establish a critical foundation for future research on liver development and diseases arising from fetal liver abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe normal development of the liver during human embryonic stages is critical for the functionality of the adult liver. Despite this, the essential genes, biological processes, and signal pathways that drive liver development in human embryos remain poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, liver samples were collected from human embryos at progressive developmental stages, ranging from 2-month-old to 7-month-old. Highly expressed genes and their associated enrichment processes at various developmental stages of the liver were identified through transcriptomic sequencing.ResultsThe findings indicated that genes associated with humoral immune responses and B-cell-mediated immunity were highly expressed during the early developmental stages. Concurrently, numerous genes related to vitamin response, brown adipocyte differentiation, T cell differentiation, hormone secretion, hemostasis, peptide hormone response, steroid metabolism, and hematopoietic regulation exhibited increased expression aligned with liver development. Our results suggest that the liver may possess multiple functions during embryonic stages, beyond serving hematopoietic roles. Moreover, this study elucidated the complex regulatory interactions among genes involved in lymphocyte differentiation, the regulation of hemopoiesis, and liver development. Consequently, the development of human embryonic liver necessitates the synergistic regulation of numerous genes. Notably, alongside conventionally recognized genes, numerous previously uncharacterized genes involved in liver development and function were also identified.ConclusionThese findings establish a critical foundation for future research on liver development and diseases arising from fetal liver abnormalities.

The exploration of fishery wastes for the extraction of value-added biocompounds has become a topic of current interest. The aim of this work was to promote a circular economy model by obtaining oil by enzymatic hydrolysis from Mustelus schmitti livers and incorporating it into bread. The oil extraction reaction was carried out using Alcalase® 2.4 L at pH 8.0, 55 °C of temperature for 60 min. Fatty acid analysis showed that the oil was rich in ω-3 long chain fatty acids (LCω3PUFAs), with the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) being the main constituents (13 and 70 % of total PUFAs, respectively). Then, an external gelation method was developed to produce alginate capsulates loaded with the extracted oil. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was 93.41 %. Finally, capsulated and unencapsulated fish oil were used to develop breads and more than 95 % of EPA and DHA were recovered after baking. Thus, 20 g of baked product can provide about 45 % of the recommended minimum daily intake of EPA plus DHA. The results suggest that it is possible to use the liver from the narrownose smoothhound (Mustelus schmitti) shark fishery to produce value-added products based on a circular economy.

The study was designed to indicate the protective effect of the hot aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera the seeds against the harmful effects stimulated by the diclofenac drug in the livers of the male rats. This study was carried out in the animal house of Science College / Department of Biology -University of Kufa from 1/10/2022 to 10/1/2023. Thirty male rats weighted (220-225) g and ages of (11-12) weeks were divided into 6 groups of 5 rats of each set which were treated orally for 35 days and were as: 1 group was provided with water only(control), while the 2 group was dosed with only diclofenac of (100 ) gram/kilogram/b.m. 3 set was treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (450) gram/kilogram/b.m., 4 set was treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (600) gram/kilogram/b.m., while 5 set was treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (450) gram/kilogram/b.m. + diclofenac, and the last set 6 was treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (600) gram/kilogram/b.m. + diclofenac, animals were dosed of (35) day, then they were sacrificed and livers were extracted and fixed in formalin 10% for 48 hours for histological study. Results showed there were no any pathological changes in the histological structure of rat livers treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (450, 600) gram/kilogram/b.m., as results also of the set treated with water seed extract of Moringa oleifera of (450,600) gram/kilogram/b.m. + diclofenac indicated liver tissue was closer to normal structure with slight changes, while results of rat liver tissues treated with diclofenac had suffered from pathological changes such as central vein expansion, sinusoids widening, necrosis and degeneration of liver cells and filtering of inflammatory cells compared with control set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recent studies revealed a causal relationship between Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and lipid droplet biogenesis. Interestingly, it has been reported before that nanomaterials (NMs) were capable to modulate TLRs, but it remains unclear if NMs could affect lipid levels via TLR signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the influences of airway exposure to graphene oxide (GO) on TLR3 signaling pathways and lipid levels in mouse livers. Intratracheal instillation of GO (0.1, 1, and 5 mg/kg, once a day, totally 5 days) induced inflammatory cell infiltrations as indicated by hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining and fibrosis as indicated by Masson staining in lungs, accompanying with decreased TLR3 proteins. Consistently, a TLR3‐regulated anti‐virus protein, namely interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1), as well as two TLR3‐regulated lipid proteins, namely radical S‐adenosyl methionine domain containing 2 (RSAD2) and perilipin 2 (PLIN2), were decreased in lungs. The protein levels of interferon‐β in serum were also decreased. In livers, GO exposure induced disorganization of liver cells but not fibrosis. In agreement with the trends observed in lungs, TLR3, IFIT1, RSAD2, and PLIN2 proteins were decreased in livers. As a possible consequence, GO exposure dose‐dependently decreased lipid levels in livers as indicated by oil red O and BODIPY 493/503 staining. We concluded that airway exposure to GO decreased anti‐virus responses and lipid levels in mouse livers via the suppression of TLR3. Intratracheal instillation of GO to mice induced inflammatory responses and fibrosis in lungs, accompanying with a decrease of TLR3, IFIT1, RSAD2, and PLIN2 proteins. The concentrations of IFN‐β in mouse serum were also decreased. In livers, GO exposure induced disorganization of liver cells and suppressed TLR3, IFIT1, RSAD2, and PLIN2 proteins. As a result, lipids in livers were decreased. This study revealed that airway exposure to GO reduced lipid levels in mouse livers via suppressing TLR3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been reported for years and is thought to have the potential for zoonotic transmission from rabbits to humans. As reported, HEV genotype 3 (gt3) is the most prevalent form of HEV in rabbits. To determine the prevalence of HEV in commercial rabbit livers, 176 liver samples were collected from an abattoir in Hebei Province, China. Three (1.7%) samples tested positive for RNA of HEV-ORF2 (open reading frames-2). Sequence analysis showed that the three isolates shared high identities with each other (94.08–98.85%). Further analysis showed that all the rabbit strains clustered together in the branch of HEV gt3. Further study by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays showed that 131 (74.4%) liver samples were positive for HEV ORF2 protein. Pathological changes including cell degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration and bile duct epithelial cell hyperplasia were observed under microscopy. These findings indicated the presence of HEV in commercial livers of rabbits. Additional studies should be conducted to investigate the infectivity of rabbit HEV (rHEV) and the potential risks of zoonotic transmission of rHEV from rabbits to human beings.

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine environments is of increasing concern, as plastic particles are globally ubiquitous across ecosystems. A large variety of aquatic taxa ingest MPs, but the extent to which animals accumulate and transfer MPs through food webs is largely unknown. In this study, we quantified MP uptake in bivalves, crabs, echinoderms, and fish feeding at different trophic levels at three sites on southern Vancouver Island. We paired stable‐isotope food web analysis with MP concentrations in digestive tracts across all trophic levels and in fish livers. We then used Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to explore whether bioaccumulation and biomagnification were occurring. Our results showed that MPs (100–5000 μm along their longest dimension) are not biomagnifying in marine coastal food webs, with no correlation between the digestive tract or fish liver MP concentrations and trophic position of the various species. Ecological traits did, however, affect microplastic accumulation in digestive tracts, with suspension feeder and smaller‐bodied planktivorous fish ingesting more MPs by body weight. Trophic transfer occurred between prey and predator for rockfish, but higher concentrations in full stomachs compared with empty ones suggested rapid excretion of ingested MPs. Collectively, our findings suggested the movement of MP through marine food webs is facilitated by species‐specific mechanisms, with contamination susceptibility a function of species biology, not trophic position. Furthermore, the statistical methods we employ, including machine learning for classifying unknown particles and a probabilistic way to account for background contamination, are universally applicable to the study of microplastics. Our findings advance understanding of how MPs enter and move through aquatic food webs, suggesting that lower‐trophic‐level animals are more at risk of ingesting >100‐μm MPs, relative to higher‐trophic‐level animals. Our work also highlights the need to advance the study of <100‐μm MPs, which are still poorly understood and may need to be considered separately in ecological risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe alone, each year 5500 people require a life‐saving liver transplantation, but 18% die before receiving one due to the shortage of donor organs. Whole organ engineering, utilizing decellularized liver scaffolds repopulated with autologous cells, is an attractive alternative to increase the pool of available organs for transplantation. The development of this technology is hampered by a lack of a suitable large‐animal model representative of the human physiology and a reliable and continuous cell source. We have generated porcine intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids from adult stem cells and demonstrate that these cultures remained stable over multiple passages whilst retaining the ability to differentiate into hepatocyte‐ and cholangiocyte‐like cells. Recellularization onto porcine scaffolds was efficient and the organoids homogeneously differentiated, even showing polarization. Our porcine intrahepatic cholangiocyte system, combined with porcine liver scaffold paves the way for developing whole liver engineering in a relevant large‐animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ESPOCH Congresses: The Ecuadorian Journal of S.T.E.A.M. is the property of Knowledge E DMCC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that is widely used in human and veterinary medicine. In the developmental stage, long-term exposure to ketamine may cause serious side effects. MCC950 and VX765 play protective roles in many disease models by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. This study aims to explore the potential protective effect of MCC950 and VX765 on ketamine-induced liver injury in neonatal rats and clarify its underlying mechanism. After administration of MCC950 and VX765 in a ketamine-induced liver injury rat model, liver function and inflammatory factors were determined, and immunohistochemistry and western blotting were performed. We found that ketamine caused liver injury in 7-day-old SD rats, decreased liver function indexes, and increased inflammation. MCC950 and VX765 effectively alleviated liver damage and inflammation, and downregulated the expression of proteins such as NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD-N. In summary, these results indicated that MCC950 and VX765 could have potential protective effects on ketamine-induced liver injury through inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology / Zhongguo Shipin Xuebao is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) causes significant losses in Andean livestock production and affects Andean food security. However, more studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, the potential contribution of Andean cattle to the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato needs to be known. This study aimed to determine the CE-prevalence and its association with risk factors, such as age and sex of the animals, the parasite load (number of cysts/organ) of condemned organs, and the viability and fertility of Echinococcus cysts from cattle in the Andes. The prevalence was examined in 348 cattle from an authorized slaughterhouse of Huancayo at 3300 m altitude. Cyst burden was determined by extracting all cysts from the total of the CE-infected organs. Cyst fertility and protoscolices viability were analysed from 90 randomly selected CE-infected organs. The CE prevalence was 35.6% (124/348; 95% CI: 30.6%-40.6%). There was no significant effect of age and sex on CE prevalence. CE was significantly more prevalent (p < 0.05) in lungs than livers, 34.8% (121/348; 95% CI: 29.8%-39.8%) vs 8.9% (31/348; 95% CI: 5.9%-11.9%). Most (75%) infected organs had one to five cysts. The mean cyst burden was significantly (p = 0.018) higher in the lungs than livers, 6.4 ± 4.9 vs 3.7 ± 2.9. Cyst fertility was 1.6% (10/608; 95% CI: 0.6%-2.6%). Despite the high CE prevalence, infected organs from Andean cattle play a minor role in CE transmission to dogs in the central Peruvian Andes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We report cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevalence in Huancayo Province, Peru, and the associated economic effect of bovine organ condemnation. CE prevalence during the 16-month study period was 42.8% and caused $14,595 in economic losses. CE threatens food security in the region by reducing farmers’ income and viscera supply in markets.

OBJECTIVE The goal of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of thymol in diminishing the damages to the liver and kidney tissues caused by the application of ionizing radiation. METHODS The experimental rats were randomized and grouped as follows: Group I (control), Group II (receiving ionizing radiation), and Group III (receiving thymol + ionizing radiation). Pathological tissue damage was assessed by immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses using chemical methods. RESULTS The level of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) in both the tissues were significantly elevated in Group II compared to that in Group I (p<0.001 for both the tissues), but they were significantly lower in Group III than in Group II (p<0.01 for both the tissues). In addition, the plasma MDA level in both the tissues was increased in Group III than in Group I (p<0.05 for both the tissues). The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and kidney tissues were significant decreased in Group II than in Group I (p<0.001 for both the tissues and for both the parameters), while these parameters were increased in Group III relative to those in Group II (p<0.05 for both the tissues and for both the parameters). Moreover, the plasma SOD and GSH levels in both the tissues were decreased in Group III than in Group I (p<0.05 for both the tissues and for both the parameters). All these findings were supported by the pathological images of caspase-3 and 8-OHdG tests conducted in the study. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the treatment of thymol in the rat models is useful in diminishing the liver and kidney damages caused by the application of ionizing radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal in natural environment and has extreme toxicity. Selenium (Se) has protective effect against heavy metal-induced injury or oxidative stress. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes are a family of hemoproteins primarily responsible for detoxification functions. In order to investigate whether CYP450 is related to the damage of livers caused by Cd exposure, we chose forty-eight 28-day-old healthy Hailan cocks for four groups: control group, Se group, Cd group, and Se + Cd group. After 90-day treatment, euthanized for experiment. Based on an established subchronic Cd poisoning model in chicken, this experiment was designed to detect mitochondrial structure, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), DNA and protein crosslink (DPC) and protein carbonyl (PCO) content, the CYP450 and b5 contents, the aminopyrine-N-demethylase (AND), erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND), aniline 4-hydroxylase (AH) and NADPH-cytochrome C reducatase (CR) activities, and mRNA expression level in the livers. The present results indicated that the MDA content, PCO content, and DPC index in Cd group were higher than those observed in other three groups. Most of the mitochondrial structure is incomplete in Cd group. The contents of CYP450 and b5 were decreased in Cd group. The activities of AND, ERND, AH, and CR got reduced after Cd exposure, as observed in CYP450 gene expression. Our results showed that CYP450 system was involved in the entire process of injury and protection. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the oxidative stress effects of Cd related to CYP450 in chicken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite data-independent acquisition (DIA) has been increasingly used for relative protein quantification, DIA-based label-free absolute quantification method has not been fully established. Here we present a novel DIA method using the TPA algorithm (DIA-TPA) for the absolute quantification of protein expressions in human liver microsomal and S9 samples. To validate this method, both data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and DIA experiments were conducted on 36 individual human liver microsome and S9 samples. The MS2-based DIA-TPA was able to quantify approximately twice as many proteins as the MS1-based DDA-TPA method, whereas protein concentrations determined by the two approaches were comparable. To evaluate the accuracy of the DIA-TPA method, we absolutely quantified carboxylesterase 1 concentrations in human liver S9 fractions using an established SILAC internal standard-based proteomic assay; the SILAC results were consistent with those obtained from DIA-TPA analysis. Finally, we employed a unique algorithm in DIA-TPA to distribute the MS signals from shared peptides to individual proteins or isoforms and successfully applied the method to the absolute quantification of several drug-metabolizing enzymes in human liver microsomes. In sum, the DIA-TPA method not only can absolutely quantify entire proteomes and specific proteins, but also has the capability quantifying proteins with shared peptides. Significance Data independent acquisition (DIA) has emerged as a powerful approach for relative protein quantification at the whole proteome level. However, DIA-based label-free absolute protein quantification (APQ) method has not been fully established. In the present study, we present a novel DIA-based label-free APQ approach, named DIA-TPA, with the capability absolutely quantifying proteins with shared peptides. The method was validated by comparing the quantification results of DIA-TPA with that obtained from stable isotope-labeled internal standard-based proteomic assays. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The MS2-based DIA-TPA quantifies more proteins than the MS1-based DDA-TPA. • DIA-TPA showed consistent results with stable isotope-labeled internal standard-based proteomic assays. • DIA-TPA has the capability for absolute quantification of proteins with shared peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cardiopulmonary bypass may have multiple systemic effects on the body organsas liver. This prospective study was planned to explore further the incidence and significance ofthis change.Methods: Two hundred patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), were randomlyselected for the study. Total and indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanineaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase were measured preoperatively and at 24, 48 and 72hours, following coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperative value of the liver function testswith respect to hypothermia or hypotension were compared by one way analysis of variance forrepeated measure and compared with t test. Patient’s characteristics with bilirubin value (≤1.5 mgor >1.5 mg) were compared with t test.Results: A significant increase of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkalinephosphatase were noted in the third postoperative day. Significant relation was seen betweenhypotension and alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase change but hypothermiahad not affected alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin change. Pumptime, alanine aminotransferase in third postoperative day and direct bilirubin in first and secondday of postoperative period had significant relation with pre and post-operative bilirubin change.Conclusion: Transient but not permanent alterations of hepatic enzymes after coronary arterybypass grafting presumably attributed to the decreased hepatic flow, hypoxia, or pump-inducedinflammation.

A QuEChERS extraction method followed by HPLC-MS/MS analysis was developed to simultaneously analyze chlordecone and its metabolite chlordecol in animal livers. The overall method was validated with accuracy profiles according to the French Standard NF V03-110 and European Union guidelines. The validation was performed on bovine, ovine and porcine liver samples. Linearity, matrix effect, accuracy, within-laboratory repeatability, specificity, LOQ, Q/q relative ion intensities, and uncertainty were reported. Recoveries were between 70% and 120%. LOQs of 1.36 µg chlordecone kg −1 and 2.50 µg chlordecol kg −1 of fresh liver were found. Twelve contaminated livers of bovine, ovine and porcine origin from the French West Indies or samples from in vivo studies were analyzed. In these liver samples from contaminated animals, chlordecone was quantified at concentrations higher than the maximum residue limit and chlordecol in very low amounts in all the samples. In addition, these results confirm that chlordecone can be metabolized in ruminant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate great egret as a possible bioindicator of trace element contamination, the concentrations of Br, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Se and Zn were determined in livers of great egrets (Ardea alba) by the methods of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. It was observed that the levels of trace elements found in their livers may indicate contamination of the studied region. Thus, the livers of this species can be considered as a suitable bioindicator of contamination of the aquatic systems in the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the levels of Zn(II], Pb(II] and Cd(II] in livers and muscles of the wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) hunting in El Melah lagoon in northeastern Tunisia from December 2010. Analysis of variance shows that no significant differences in metals levels were found between samples, but it should be pointed out that the number of samples was small. HSD Tukey test show that the amount of Cd(II], Zn(II] and Pb(II] in the levers was higher than in the muscles. The results obtained suggest the importance of wild ducks as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution.

Campylobacter species are one of the leading causes of foodborne disease in the United States. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the two main species of concern to human health and cause approximately 95% of human infections. Molecular typing methods, such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) are often used to source track foodborne bacterial pathogens. The aim of the present study was to compare PFGE and MLST in typing strains of C. jejuni and C. coli that were isolated from different Oklahoma retail meat sources. A total of 47 Campylobacter isolates (28 C. jejuni and 19 C. coli) isolated from various retail meat samples (beef, beef livers, pork, chicken, turkey, chicken livers, and chicken gizzards) were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). PFGE was able to group the 47 Campylobacter isolates into two major clusters (one for C. jejuni and one for C. coli) but failed to differentiate the isolates according to their source. MLST revealed 21 different sequence types (STs) that belonged to eight different clonal complexes. Twelve of the screened Campylobacter isolates (8 C. jejuni and 4 C. coli) did not show any defined STs. All the defined STs of C. coli isolates belonged to ST-828 complex. The majority of C. jejuni isolates belonged to ST-353, ST-607, ST-52, ST-61, and ST-21 complexes. It is worthy to mention that, while the majority of Campylobacter isolates in this study showed STs that are commonly associated with human infections along with other sources, most of the STs from chicken livers were solely reported in human cases. In conclusion, retail meat Campylobacter isolates tested in this study particularly those from chicken livers showed relatedness to STs commonly associated with humans. Molecular typing, particularly MLST, proved to be a helpful tool in suggesting this relatedness to Campylobacter human isolates.

Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) is a hypoxia-tolerant species, and the metabolic characteristics of hypoxia-tolerant species have become a focus of recent research. However, insights into the anaerobic and aerobic metabolism of the livers of Brandt's voles under hypoxia remain limited. In this study, Brandt's voles and hypoxia-intolerant Kunming mice (Mus musculus , control species) were exposed to hypoxia conditions (Brandt's voles, 10% and 7.5% O 2 ; Kunming mice, 10% O 2) for 24 h, and changes in gene expression and enzyme activity related to anaerobic and aerobic metabolism in the livers were evaluated. Phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), phosphofructokinase 2 (PFK2), pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) related to anaerobic metabolism in the livers of Brandt's voles were increased under 7.5% O 2. Regarding gene expression and enzyme activity for aerobic metabolism in Brandt's voles under 7.5% and 10% O 2 , pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) expression was up-regulated, and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was decreased. In the livers of Kunming mice, gene expression related to anaerobic and aerobic metabolism was increased at the late stage of 10% O 2 , and SDH activity was enhanced at 6 h and reduced at 18 h. In addition, PFK1 , PKM , PDK1 expression and SDH activity in Brandt's voles were significantly correlated with HIF-1a expression. PFK1 , PKM , LDH and PDK1 expression in Kunming mice were significantly correlated with HIF-1a expression. These findings indicate that the livers of Brandt's voles have a certain tolerance to hypoxia, and metabolic changes play important roles in hypoxia tolerance. [Display omitted] • Degree and duration of hypoxia caused changes in liver metabolism in Brandt's voles. • PDK1 expression and SDH activity in aerobic metabolism changed under 10 and 7.5% O 2. • Gene expressions related to anaerobic metabolism were enhanced under 7.5% O 2. • Linear regression analysis showed that HIF-1a expression may promote these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful histogenetic research relies on proper handling of tissue samples to maximize DNA quality. As the largest gland in the body, the liver is particularly sensitive to sample mishandling owing to its enzymatic and transcriptional activity. However, the impact of preanalytical procedures on the quality of extracted liver DNA remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the impact of extraction methods, duration of ex vivo liver ischemia, liver storage time, and temperature on extracted DNA quality. Comprehensive parameters such as DNA yields, purity, DNA integrity number, the percentage of double-stranded DNA (%dsDNA), and PCR amplification of the GAPDH gene fragment were assessed to identify the quality of extracted DNA. Our results revealed that these preanalytical processes had little effect on DIN values and PCR efficiency of GAPDH gene fragments for each sample, whereas the DNA yields, purity, and %dsDNAs varied widely across different processes. For liver DNA extraction, RNase is necessary to isolate "pure" DNA, and the presence of RNase could significantly increase the %dsDNA. In addition, significant increases in the yields, purity, and %dsDNA of extracted DNA were observed in the TissueLyser-processed livers compared with the mortar and pestle or shear cell disruption methods. Further investigation revealed that livers experiencing longer periods of ex vivo ischemia resulted in significantly compromised DNA yields, and to obtain sufficient DNA, the ex vivo liver ischemia should be limited to within 30 minutes. Moreover, compared with storage of livers at -80°C, storage of livers in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen yielded a higher quality of the extracted DNA. Our findings exhibited significant implications for liver-derived DNA quality assessment and management.

We report cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevalence in Huancayo Province, Peru, and the associated economic effect of bovine organ condemnation. CE prevalence during the 16-month study period was 42.8% and caused $14,595 in economic losses. CE threatens food security in the region by reducing farmers' income and viscera supply in markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element concentrations in the diet can affect the levels in birds. Heron and egret chicks have been recommended as useful biological indicators for monitoring trace element contamination in the aquatic ecosystem. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead and cadmium concentrations were measured in the livers and stomach contents of Grey Heron ( Ardea cinerea), Intermediate Egret ( Egretta intermedia), Little Egret ( Egretta garzetta) and Black-crowned Night Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax) chicks from Pyeongtaek colony, Korea in 2008. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper and cadmium concentrations in livers differed among four heron and egret species. Stomach content concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium concentrations differed among the four species. Essential elements such as iron, zinc, manganese and copper concentrations were within the range of other heron and egret studies and these levels may be regulated by a normal homeostatic mechanism. Two of 11 (18.2 %) Grey Heron and two of 10 (20.0 %) Black-crowned Night Heron chicks exceeded the background lead level (<6 µg/g dw) for birds and were at a level considered lead exposed (6-30 µg/g dw). Cadmium concentrations did not exceed the background levels for wild birds. In livers of combined heron and egret chicks, lead, but not cadmium concentrations were associated with concentrations in the stomach contents. These results suggest that lead concentrations in chicks can reflect qualities of feeding area such as streams, rivers and paddy fields and chicks represent a bioindicator to evaluate lead contamination in aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) are two well-known lipid second messengers. Polyphosphoinositides have been implicated in the regulation of the signal transduction pathways involved in glucose metabolism using cell culture studies. However, there are no in vivo studies in the literature investigating the status of PIP3 and PIP2 in any of the tissues of diabetic animals. The liver plays an important role in the regulation of whole body glucose homeostasis. This study investigated whether hepatic PIP3 and/or PIP2 levels are altered in diabetes. Methods: Experiments were performed in streptozotocin-treated type 1 (T1D) and ZDF type 2 (T2D) diabetic rats. Blood glucose was determined utilizing glucose oxidase, glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) using Glyco-Tek Affinity columns, and hepatic PIP3 and PIP2 concentrations by sandwich ELISA, and Akt phosphorylation and GLUT2 protein abundance by Western blotting. Results: Blood glucose and GHb were higher in T1D and T2D rats compared to controls. As compared to control animals, in livers from T1D and T2D rats PIP3 levels were reduced, AKT phosphorylation downregulated, and GLUT2 protein expression increased. PIP2 levels were unchanged. Conclusion: PIP3 is decreased, AKT phosphorylation downregulated, GLUT2 protein expression increased and glucose homeostasis altered in livers of type 1 and type 2 diabetic rats. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents concentrations of heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead and cadmium) in livers of white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), eurasian wigeons (Anas penelope), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and spot-billed ducks (Anas poecilorhyncha) from Korea in February 2006 and 2008. Iron concentrations were significantly lower in spot-billed ducks than in other species (ANOVA, p<0.001). Zinc concentrations were greater in white-fronted geese and spot-billed ducks than in eurasian wigeons and mallards (ANOVA, p<0.001). Manganese and copper concentrations in white-fronted geese were significantly higher than in other species (ANOVA, p<0.001). Cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in mallards and spot-billed ducks than in white-fronted geese (ANOVA, p=0.007). However, lead concentrations did not differ among species. Iron, zinc, manganese and copper concentrations from this study were within the range of other waterfowl studies. Therefore, we suggest that essential elements such as iron, zinc, manganese and copper are within normal range and are maintained there by normal homeostatic mechanism. Twenty individuals (29.0 percent) exceeded the threshold level for abnormal lead exposure (5μg/g dry weight) in waterfowl in this study and it is a higher proportion than in herons, egrets and owls from Korea. We suggest that the result was attributed to ingestion of lead shot and sinkers. However, cadmium concentrations in waterfowl except one specimen were within the background concentrations for wild birds. In livers of four waterfowl species found in Korea, lead and cadmium concentrations were similar to previously reported in other geese and ducks; except for poisoning of lead shot or sinkers as shown in earlier studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The DR-H4IIE.Luc bioassay is based on the ability of dioxin and dioxin-like contaminants to activate the AhR and its signal transduction pathway, a mechanism through which these contaminants elicit their toxic effects. The bioassay was used to examine the total dioxin-equivalent (TEQ) toxicity in gonads and livers of cod females from the southern Baltic Sea. The bioassay-derived TEQ-luc was measured after 24-h and 48-h exposure periods. Mean concentrations in the 24-h bioassay were 95 and 35pg TEQ-lucg−1 lipid in gonads and livers, respectively, and 58 and 38pg TEQ-lucg−1 lipid in the 48-h bioassay, respectively. The 48-h TEQ-luc levels displayed significant relationships with ΣPCB7 and selected PCB congeners but not with the TEQDLPCB-REP. Levels in gonads approached 10% of the LC50 for developing larvae of other marine fish, yet the impact on survival of the cod during its early life remains to be assessed in a future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents concentrations of iron, zinc, manganese, lead and cadmium in livers and kidneys of Little Egret Egretta garzetta (n = 10) and Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax (n = 10) chicks from Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Essential element concentrations such as iron, zinc and manganese did not differ between both species chicks in livers and kidneys, but lead and cadmium concentrations were significantly greater in both tissues of Little Egret chicks (lead 2.78 ± 4.06 μg/g wet weight, cadmium 10.3 ± 12.8 kg/g wet weight) than in those of Black-crowned Night-Heron chicks (lead 0.92 ± 0.73 μg/g wet weight, cadmium 1.00 ± 1.00 kg/g wet weight). Lead and cadmium concentrations in livers of Black-crowned Night-Heron chicks were highly related to sediment and/or prey concentrations of their foraging sites in Korean studies. It shows that lead and cadmium concentrations in livers of heron chicks can reflect those of surrounding environment of breeding sites. In this study, cadmium concentrations were higher in kidneys than in livers and it’s not recent high-level exposure but chronic background exposure to cadmium contamination around breeding site. Therefore, we suggest that cadmium concentrations in livers and kidneys can be used as a bioindicator of acute and/or chronic local contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals accumulation assessment was carried out in the livers, gills and muscle tissues of the Sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus 1758) fish species grown in an experimental fish farm in the Dardanelles. The concentrations of the metals in muscle are (mg kg-1, dry wt) Al 37±28; Cd 0.19±0.22; Cr 3.5±1.7; Cu 3.0±0.5; Fe 41±0.5; Hg 0.027±0.007; Pb 20±15; Zn <0.01 and Al, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg and Fe were found in the order of liver>giIl>muscle while the Pb and Zn levels follows the sequence gill>liver>muscle. These Pb and Cd levels are near the permissible limits for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium were measured in livers of three shorebird species from Okgu Mudflat, Korea in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways. Iron concentrations in red-necked stints (Calidris ruficollis) (geomean = 1,322 μg/g dw) were higher than in terek sandpipers (Xenus cinereus) (467 μg/g dw), and great knots (Calidris tenuirostris) (158 μg/g dw). Copper concentrations in great knots (85.8 μg/g dw) were significantly higher than in red-necked stints (15.9 μg/g dw) and terek sandpipers (10.4 μg/g dw). However, significant differences in zinc concentrations were not found in livers among shorebird species. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations from this study were within the range of other shorebird studies. We suggest that essential elements such as iron, zinc, and copper are within normal range and are maintained there by normal homeostatic mechanism. Lead and cadmium concentrations differed among shorebird species; red-necked stints (geomeans 27.8 μg/g dw and 4.69 μg/g dw, respectively) were higher than in terek sandpipers (12.9 and 0.44 μg/g dw, respectively), and great knots (5.43 and 0.29 μg/g dw, respectively). Some rednecked stints exceeded toxic levels of lead and cadmium for wild birds. In livers of red-necked stints from Okgu Mudflat, lead and cadmium concentrations were higher than previously reported in other shorebirds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the pathophysiological significance of adenosine 3′-monophosphate (3′-AMP) forming enzyme in mice, the effect of streptozotocin (STZ) on the enzyme activities and adenine nucleotide levels in the ICR mice (4-week-old) liver was examined. After 2 weeks, treatment with a single dosage of STZ (100, 150 or 200 mg/kg i.p.) induced a dose-dependent hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia but had no effect on serum alanine aminotransferase activity, indicating that STZ generated type 1 diabetes without hepatitis. In the diabetic liver, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and ATP levels decreased, and the microsomal CYP2E1 activity increased. Changes of these biological activities might disrupt the cellular homeostatic balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The activities of 3′-AMP forming enzyme, one of the ribonucleases, in hepatic homogenates were not altered. However, in the STZ 200 mg/kg group, the cytosolic forming enzyme activities were enhanced, and inversely, the mitochondrial activity was reduced significantly, indicating that the decrease in the mitochondrial activity may be accelerated by development of diabetes due to the decrease in the antioxidant defense system and/or increase in ROS production. With the decrease in the 3′-AMP forming enzyme activity, the levels of 3′-AMP, a P-site inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, in mitochondrial were significantly reduced. These results obtained suggested that change in the mitochondrial 3′-AMP forming enzyme activity might reflect the pathophysiological change of mitochondrial function with the development of diabetes. Our results also suggested that change in cytosolic enzyme activity might serve as a new biomarker of oxidative stress because significant negative correlation between the activities of cytosolic 3′-AMP forming enzyme and SOD was found in the early stage of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents concentrations of heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium) in livers of three owl species from Korea. Essential trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, and copper) did not differ among the owl species. We suggest that the essential elements are within the normal range and are maintained by normal homeostatic mechanisms. Lead and cadmium concentrations in Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo) were significantly lower than in Brown Hawk Owls (Nixos scutulata) and Collared Scops Owls (Otus lempiji). Lead and cadmium concentrations in Korean owl species were at background levels; lead concentrations in two Collared Scops Owls were above background concentrations. Lead and cadmium concentrations were similar to concentrations previously reported in owls from other parts of the world. We suggest that lead and cadmium concentrations in Korean owls are below toxic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in diet and livers of Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea chicks from Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Heavy metal concentrations of heron chicks were not related to concentrations in the diet. Copper concentrations were significantly greater in the diet of Black-crowned Night Herons (geometric mean = 13.6 wet µg/g) than Grey Herons (7.45 wet µg/g), other metal concentrations did not differ between the diet of two species. Manganese (respectively 3.20 wet µg/g, 1.41 wet µg/g) and cadmium (respectively 13.4 wet µg/kg, 1.41 wet µg/kg) concentrations were higher in livers of Black-crowned Night Heron chicks than Grey Heron chicks, but zinc, iron, copper and lead concentrations in livers did not differ in between two herons. The essential elements were at background levels, however copper concentrations were relatively higher than previously reported from Korea. Lead and cadmium concentrations were within background levels for herons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dust storm fine particles (PM2.5) on oxidative damage in lungs, hearts and livers of rats. Wistar rats were randomly divided into treated groups using PM2.5 at different concentration (1.5, 7.5, 37.5mg/kg) and control groups using saline. After a single intratracheal instillation 24h, rats were sacrificed and activities of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), levels of glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were investigated in these three organs of rats. Results show that dust storm PM2.5 and normal weather PM2.5 from both Baotou city and Wuwei city caused a dose-dependent decrease of SOD activities and GSH contents in lungs and livers, and a dose-dependent increase of TBARS levels in lungs, hearts and livers of rats as compared to their respective controls. Though the effects induced by normal weather PM2.5 slightly heavier than dust storm PM2.5 in both Baotou city and Wuwei city on each examined index, no significant difference was found. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the effects induced by dust storm PM2.5 from Baotou city and that from Wuwei city, or between the effects induced by normal weather PM2.5 from Baotou city and that from Wuwei city. These results lead to conclusions that both dust storm PM2.5 and normal weather PM2.5 could lead to oxidative damage of different disagrees in lungs, hearts and livers, suggesting that the dust storm PM2.5 whose airborne mass concentrations were much higher should be more harmful. Its toxic effects might be attributed to oxidative damage mediated by pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance or excess free radicals. Further work is required to understand the toxicological role of dust storm PM2.5 on multiple or even all organs in mammals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and reliable sample methodology based on simultaneous ultrasonic extraction, sulfuric acid clean-up and headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME)–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has been developed as an advantageous analytical tool for the determination of seven polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in bird livers at low levels. The influence of several parameters on the efficiency of the proposed method was systematically investigated. The clean-up efficiency of sulfuric acid treatment was tested and compared with those of column chromatography (Flosiril, silica gel and alumina) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) (Supelclean ENVI-Carb cartridge) procedures. The use of sulfuric acid in the clean-up step prior to headspace solid-phase microextraction analysis allows the removal of interfering matrix compounds present in the liver extracts that would otherwise cause severe ionization suppression of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during the ionization process. The optimized method had good linearity (R 2 >0.99) over the range studied (5–500ng/g wet weight) and showed satisfactory level of precision, with RSD values lower than 10.6%. The obtained relative recoveries ranged between 63 and 94%. The limits of detection (0.06–0.63ng/g wet weight) were low enough to check for harmful levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in biological samples, and were well below most of the restrictive limits established by European Union regulations. The method was found to be reliable under the operational conditions proposed and was applied successfully to the analysis of individual polychlorinated biphenyls in liver tissues. The results obtained from five bird species from Greece revealed the presence of the target compounds in all samples analyzed, at levels ranging between 0.54 and 39.45ng/g wet weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study a combined analytical method involving ultrasonic extraction (USE), sulfuric acid clean-up and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) was developed for the determination of chlorinated pesticides (CPs) in bird livers. Extraction of CPs from 1g of liver was performed by ultrasonication for 30min using 20mL of solvent mixture (n-hexane:acetone (4:1, v/v)). The extract was subsequently subjected to a clean-up step for lipid removal. A comparative study on several clean-up procedures prior to the HS-SPME enrichment step was performed in order to achieve maximum recovery and optimal clean-up efficiency, which would provide suitable limits of detection in the gas chromatographic analysis. For this purpose, destructive (sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide treatment) and non-destructive (alumina column) clean-up procedures has been assayed. The treatment of the extract with 40% (v/v) H2SO4 prior to HS-SPME process showed the best performance since lower detection limits and higher extraction efficiencies were obtained. The method detection limit ranged from 0.5 to 1.0ngg−1 wet weight and peak areas were proportional to analyte concentrations (r 2 >0.990) in the range of 5–500ngg−1 wet wt. The method was found to be reproducible (R.S.D.<10%) and effective under the operational conditions proposed and was applied successfully to the analysis of CPs in liver tissues of various bird species from Greece. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liver samples of 42 birds belonging to 6 species of Ciconiiformes (grey heron ( n = 17), little egret ( n = 12), cattle egret ( n = 1), glossy ibis ( n = 1), little bittern ( n = 1), and white stork ( n = 10)), collected from two different zones of Spain (Ebro Delta and Madrid) in 1992–1997, were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. ΣPCBs (sum of concentrations of individual congeners), p,p′-DDE, HCB, γ-HCH, and heptachlor epoxide were the most prevalent residues detected in all samples (occurrence > 95%). There were no statistically significant differences in organochlorine levels between grey herons and little egrets, while levels of ΣPCBs, p,p′-DDE, HCB, γ-HCH, and heptachlor were significantly lower for white storks. These results could be explained by the different habitat of these species, aquatic in the Ebro Delta (grey herons, little egrets) and dry in Madrid (white stork), and their diverse feeding habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functions of gap and tight junctions are perturbed during the acute-phase response to liver injury. To elucidate the mechanism of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β responsible for regulation of hepatic gap and tight junctions, we analyzed expression and function of gap and tight junctions using a rat liver injury model and primary cultures of rat hepatocyte. In rat liver lobules at 24 h after thioacetamide (TAA) treatment, where some IL-1β-positive non-parenchymal cells existed, disappearance of connexin32-positive spots at cell borders of the hepatocytes and increases of claudin-2 and occludin immunoreactivities in bile canalicular regions were observed. In primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, IL-1β caused the disappearance of connexin32, which was reciprocal to the induction and localization of claudin-2 to cell membranes. The downregulated connexin32 expression was inhibited by treatment with a MAP-kinase inhibitor (PD98059), whereas the upregulated claudin-2 expression was blocked by p38 MAP and PI3-kinase inhibitors (SB203580 and LY294002). The changes of connexin32 and claudin-2 may be controlled at the transcriptional level via NF-κB, HNF-1α, and CDX2. Occludin was hyperphosphorylated by IL-1β treatment and was inhibited by treatment with a PI3-kinase inhibitor. These results demonstrate that MAP-kinase, p38 MAP-kinase, and PI3-kinase are distinctly involved in the regulation of hepatic gap and tight junctions during the acute-phase response to IL-1β. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]