scholarly journals Expression of Aromatase and Steroidogenic Factor 1 in the Lung of the Urodele Amphibian Pleurodeles waltl

Endocrinology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 145 (7) ◽  
pp. 3111-3114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Kuntz ◽  
Dominique Chardard ◽  
Amand Chesnel ◽  
Mariette Ducatez ◽  
Martine Callier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Steroidogenic Factor 1 ◽  
Adult Lung ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Aromatase Mrna ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Pleurodeles Waltl ◽  
The Brain

Abstract We report here the results of the analysis of aromatase and steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1) expression in adult lung of the urodele amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. Using RT-PCR experiments, we show the expression of the estrogen-synthesizing enzyme, aromatase, in this organ. In the lung, no significant difference between males and females was observed in the level of aromatase mRNAs. Aromatase mRNA levels were also identical to those found in the brain or the testis, but the levels were 2-fold lower than in the ovary. Aromatase activity measurements revealed the presence of an active form of aromatase in the lung, which was similar in males and females. There was no difference in the level of aromatase activity between lung, brain, and testis, but a higher activity was measured in the ovary (13.7-fold compared with testis). Therefore, the differences in aromatase mRNA level between the ovary and the other organs did not mirror the differences in aromatase activity, suggesting the involvement of posttranslational events. Aromatase was also expressed in the lung of the anuran amphibian Xenopus laevis. In Pleurodeles lung, Sf1 mRNAs were also detected. There was no difference between males and females in the level of these mRNAs. The Sf1 mRNA levels were not significantly different from those measured in the brain, but a significant 2.1-fold higher level of expression was found in the gonads. These results demonstrate clearly the expression of steroidogenic markers in the adult lung of amphibians, but the biological significance of this remains to be determined.

scholarly journals Cerebral and gonadal aromatase expressions are differently affected during sex differentiation of Pleurodeles waltl

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 717-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Kuntz ◽  
Amand Chesnel ◽  
Stéphane Flament ◽  
Dominique Chardard
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Aromatase Activity ◽  
Gonadal Differentiation ◽  
Aromatase Expression ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Exon 1 ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Pleurodeles Waltl ◽  
The Brain

In vertebrates, sex is determined essentially by two means, genetic factors located on sex chromosomes and epigenetic factors such as temperature experienced by the individual during development. Steroids, especially estrogens, are clearly involved in gonadal differentiation in non-mammalian vertebrates. In this regard, the expression of the estrogen-producing enzyme, aromatase, has been shown to be temperature-sensitive in species where temperature can reverse sex differentiation, especially in our model, the amphibian Pleurodeles waltl. We investigated here the regulation of aromatase expression in the brain during sex differentiation in Pleurodeles. We first isolated a brain isoform of aromatase mRNA which differs in its 5′ untranslated region from the isoform previously isolated from adult gonads. In adult Pleurodeles, the brain isoform is mainly expressed in brain tissue while the other isoform is gonad specific. Thus, regulation of aromatase expression in P. waltl could occur by alternative splicing of non-coding exon 1 as previously described in mammals. We then investigated aromatase expression in the brain of male and female larvae and found no differences with regard to sex. Measures of aromatase activity in the brain also showed no differences between sexes at larval stages whereas activity markedly increases in the ovary concomitant with the start of gonadal differentiation. These results support the hypothesis that aromatase could be a target of a temperature-sensitive sex-reversing effect in the gonads but not in the brain.

Role of tissue renin angiotensin system in two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (3) ◽  
pp. F510-F514
Author(s):  
R. Morishita ◽  
J. Higaki ◽  
H. Okunishi ◽  
F. Nakamura ◽  
M. Nagano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Level ◽  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Renin Angiotensin ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Renin Mrna ◽  
The Brain

To investigate the molecular pathology of two-kidney, one-clip (2K-1C) rats, we examined the gene expressions of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and angiotensin II (ANG II) concentration in various tissues in the early (4 wk) and chronic (16 wk) phases of hypertension. Four weeks after clipping, the brain renin mRNA level was lower in 2K-1C rats than in control rats (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of brain and renal angiotensinogen mRNA were not significantly different in the two groups. The brain and adrenal ANG II concentrations were significantly higher in 2K-1C rats than in control rats. Sixteen weeks after clipping, there was no significant difference in the brain renin mRNA levels in the two groups, and renal and brain angiotensinogen mRNA levels were normal. Moreover, the ANG II concentrations in the adrenals and brain (except the cortex) of 2K-1C rats were not significantly higher than those in control rats. These results show a differential pattern of tissue RAS gene expression in rats during the development of 2K-1C hypertension, which is regulated in a tissue-specific manner. Furthermore, the data suggest that brain ANG II may be affected by circulating ANG II, but not by the brain renin angiotensin system, and may regulate brain renin, probably by negative feedback through its own receptor.

Pseudoneglect of Males and Females on a Spatial Short-Term Memory Task

1997 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erhan Nalçaci ◽  
Metehan Çiçek ◽  
Canan Kalaycioglu ◽  
Sema Yavuzer
Keyword(s):  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Spatial Task ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Brain

The effect of sex on the phenomenon of pseudoneglect was assessed in 60 male and 61 female right-handed subjects using a modified form of Corsi's block-tapping test. A significant right-lateralized pseudoneglect for both sexes was found, and the level of pseudoneglect strongly correlated with neglect in the right hemispace. Men were significantly more accurate in the left hemispace than women, whereas no difference was seen between the sexes in the right hemispace. Although we found some indirect evidence from which to infer that the men's brain may be functionally more lateralized than the women's for this spatial task, there was no significant difference between the sexes in correct responses for the left hemispace, i.e., right pseudoneglect. Therefore, the results suggest that pseudoneglect phenomenon can be partly explained by a functional asymmetric feature of the brain, and the other factors probably play a role in producing the similar patterns of asymmetric perception of space in males and females.

scholarly journals Early Parkinson’s Disease-Like Pathology in a Transgenic Mouse Model Involves a Decreased Cst3 mRNA Expression But Not Neuroinflammatory Response in the Brain

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-78
Author(s):  
T.A. Korolenko ◽  
A.B. Shintyapina ◽  
V.M. Belichenko ◽  
A.B. Pupyshev ◽  
A.A. Akopyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Cystatin C ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Cysteine Protease Inhibitor ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Clearance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Brain

AbstractPathological aggregation and accumulation of α-synuclein in neurons play a core role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) while its overexpression is a common PD model. Autophagy-lysosomal pathways are general intraneural mechanisms of protein clearance. Earlier a suppressed autophagy in the brain of young transgenic mice overexpressing the А53Т-mutant human α-synuclein (mut(PD)) was revealed. Previous studies have recognized that Cystatin C displays protective activity against neurodegeneration. This cysteine protease inhibitor attracts particular attention as a potential target for PD treatment related to autophagy modulation. Here we evaluated the mRNA levels of Cst3 encoding Cystatin C in different brain structures of 5 m.o. mut(PD) mice at standard conditions and after the chronic treatment with a neuroprotective agent, ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg, 36 days). The inflammatory markers, namely, microglial activation by IBA1 expression and mRNA levels of two chitinases genes (Chit1, Chia1), were also assessed but no significant difference was found between control and transgenic mice. Cst3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the striatum and amygdala in the transgenic PD model. Furthermore, this was associated with autophagy decline and might be added to early signs of synucleinopathy development. We first demonstrated the modulation of mRNA levels of Cst3 and autophagy marker Becn1 in the brain by ceftriaxone treatment. Taken together, the results support the potential of autophagy modulation through Cystatin C at early stages of PD-like pathology.

An Objective Measure of the Subjective Pain Response Resulting from Lumbar Muscle Fatigue Due to Lifting

2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (14) ◽  
pp. 869-873
Author(s):  
Susan Kotowski ◽  
Kermit Davis ◽  
Lisa Lemen
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Pain ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
The Body ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Brain Response ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pain Pathway ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Lifting Task ◽  
The Brain

Pain is one of the body's least understood biological responses. Pain measurement often relies on the perception of the individual without any link to known objective responses within the body. The objective of the study was to relate a quantitative measurement of pain obtained by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), which analyzes chemical shifts in the brain, to perceived pain responses, as measured by ratings of pain. A lifting task was performed to achieve lumbar musculature fatigue, and induce muscle pain. Prior to, immediately following, and 24-hours post, MRS scans were recorded to document chemicals in the brain. All of the participants elicited significant fatigue during the lifting task that resulted in significant pain immediately following and 24-hrs after fatiguing exertions. However, for the majority of brain chemical responses, there was not a significant pattern. The exception was the significant difference in brain response between males and females. Although the results were not completely conclusive in establishing a pain pathway, several key conclusions can be drawn: 1) pain processing appears to be different between males and females, 2) pain pathway to the brain is complex and maybe the underlying reason why low back pain is so elusive, and 3) chemical response may be different, depending upon the location in the brain. Future work will need to better delineate the latency period for muscle pain and changes in the neurosensory system in the brain.

MICROSCOPIC AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF Ascaridia spp. IN DOMESTIC PIGEONS(Columba livia domestica) IN BAGHDAD CITY,IRAQ

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1220-1225
Author(s):  
Faraj & Al- Amery
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Ascaridia Galli ◽  
Molecular Assay ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Domestic Pigeons

Ascaridiosis is a very important parasitic disease of birds, it is caused by Ascaridia. This study was conducted to identify the Ascaridia species by microscopic and molecular assay in Baghdad city. One hundred and sixty fecal samples were collected from domestic pigeons during the period from 1/1/ 2019 to 31/3/ 2019.  Results showed that the rate of infection for Ascaridia spp. 15.62% by microscopic examination.  Significant difference was observed in infection rates between males and females pigeons. Fifty samples randomly selected and subjected to molecular diagnosis of Ascaridia  spp.. Molecular examination results, the total infection rate showed 16%(8/50). The eight  positive PCR products were sequenced and deposited in Gene bank data base, phylogenic analysis demonstrated that 4 sequences belongs to Ascaridia galli ( MK918635.1, MK918636.1, MK918847.1, MK919081.1), while 2 (MK919199.1, MK919200.1) belong to  Ascaridia nymphii and 2 (MK919207.1, MK919264.1)  belong to Ascaridia numidae. It is the first study in Iraq to diagnosis of  Ascaridia nymphii and Ascaridia numidae  in domesticed pigeons by using conventional PCR.

scholarly journals Assessment of new-onset depression and anxiety associated with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Hurissi ◽  
Ethar Abu-jabir ◽  
Amnah Mohammed ◽  
Mashael Mahnashi ◽  
Sana Alharbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Arabian Population ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Background Psychological disorders are common among individuals who experienced COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that females report higher depression and anxiety than males. The present study aims to test the differences in depression and anxiety between males and females who have experienced COVID-19. This a descriptive, observational, comparative study, among Saudi Arabian population. A total of 686 participants have been recruited. Participants completed an online questionnaire that contains questions about sociodemographic, COVID-19, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure anxiety and depression, respectively. Results Twenty-six percent of the participants were excluded and our final sample consisted of 507 participants (median age 23; 65% females). Of the final sample, 23% (118) have been previously diagnosed with COVID-19. There is no significant difference in GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores between COVID-19- positive and COVID-19-negative populations. However, females who have experienced COVID-19 reported significantly higher GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores compared to males. Conclusion The results of our study show that females are significantly at a higher risk for depression and anxiety as a result of COVID-19 infection compared to males. Further epidemiological studies are required for a better understanding of this correlation.

scholarly journals GMP-compliant fully automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FEPPA for PET/MRI imaging of regional brain TSPO expression

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Wei Chang ◽  
Chuang-Hsin Chiu ◽  
Ming-Hsien Lin ◽  
Hung-Ming Wu ◽  
Tsung-Hsun Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Automated Radiosynthesis ◽  
Lps Challenge ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Tspo Expression

Abstract Background Expression of translocator protein (TSPO) on the outer mitochondrial membrane of activated microglia is strongly associated with neuroinflammation. The second-generation PET ligand [18F]FEPPA specifically binds TSPO to enable in vivo visualization and quantification of neuroinflammation. We optimized a fully automated radiosynthesis method and evaluated the utility of [18F]FEPPA, the second-generation PET ligand specifically binds TSPO, in a mouse model of systemic LPS challenge to detect TSPO-associated signals of central and peripheral inflammation. In vivo dynamic PET/MR imaging was performed in LPS-induced and control mice after [18F]FEPPA administration. The relationship between the [18F]FEPPA signal and the dose of LPS was assessed. The cytokine levels (i.e., TNF-α, Il-1β, Il-6) in LPS-induced mice were measured by RT-PCR. Standard uptake value (SUV), total volume of distribution (VT) and area under the curve (AUC) were determined based on the metabolite-uncorrected plasma input function. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to measure TSPO expression in the brain. Results The fully automated [18F]FEPPA radiosynthesis produced an uncorrected radiochemical yield of 30 ± 2% within 80 min, with a radiochemical purity greater than 99% and specific activity of 148.9‒216.8 GBq/µmol. Significant differences were observed in the brain after [18F]FEPPA administration: SUV, VT and AUC were 1.61 ± 0.1, 1.25 ± 0.12 and 1.58 ± 0.09-fold higher in LPS-injected mice than controls. TNF-α, Il-1β and Il-6 mRNA levels were also elevated in the brains of LPS-injected mice. Western blotting revealed TSPO (p < 0.05) and Iba-1 (p < 0.01) were upregulated in the brain after LPS administration. In LPS-injected mice, TSPO immunoactivity colocalized with Iba-1 in the cerebrum and TSPO was significantly overexpressed in the hippocampus and cerebellum. The peripheral organs (heart, lung) of LPS-injected mice had higher [18F]FEPPA signal-to-noise ratios than control mice. Conclusions Based on the current data on ligand specificity and selectivity in central tissues using 7 T PET/MR imaging, we demonstrate that [18F]FEPPA accumulations significant increased in the specific brain regions of systemic LPS-induced neuroinflammation (5 mg/kg). Future investigations are needed to determine the sensitivity of [18F]FEPPA as a biomarker of neuroinflammation as well as the correlation between the PET signal intensity and the expression levels of TSPO.

scholarly journals Inter-Limb Jump Asymmetries and Their Association with Sport-Specific Performance in Young Male and Female Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7324
Author(s):  
Max I. Phukan ◽  
Rohit K. Thapa ◽  
Gopal Kumar ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Helmi Chaabene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Specific Performance ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Level Of Agreement

This study aimed to examine inter-limb jump asymmetries and their association with sport-specific performance in young swimmers. Thirty-eight (male, n = 19; female, n = 19) regional/national level young swimmers (age: 12.3 ± 1.2 years; height: 159.6 ± 8.2 cm; body mass: 52.5 ± 9.2 kg) participated in this study. Inter-limb asymmetries were assessed for single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and single-leg standing long jump (SLSLJ). Sport-specific performance was evaluated using front crawl (i.e., 50 m and 25 m) and front crawl kick (i.e., 50 m and 25 m). The kappa coefficient revealed a “slight” level of agreement (Κ = 0.156, 0.184, and 0.197 for female, male, and all, respectively) between the direction of asymmetry for SLCMJ and SLSLJ, indicating that asymmetries rarely favored the same limb during both tests. A paired sample t-test showed a significant difference (p = 0.025) between asymmetry scores obtained in SLCMJ and SLSLJ. No significant difference was found in asymmetry scores between males and females (p = 0.099 to 0.977). Additionally, no association between asymmetry scores and sport-specific performance was observed (p > 0.05). Our findings highlight the independent nature of inter-limb asymmetries derived from SLCMJ and SLSLJ among young male and female swimmers. Further, our results suggest no association between jumping asymmetries and sport-specific performance.

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