Tenebrio molitor larvae meal inclusion affects hepatic proteome and apoptosis and/or autophagy of three farmed fish species

Herein, the effect of dietary inclusion of insect (Tenebrio molitor) meal on hepatic pathways of apoptosis and autophagy in three farmed fish species, gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), fed diets at 25%, 50% and 60% insect meal inclusion levels respectively, was investigated. Hepatic proteome was examined by liver protein profiles from the three fish species, obtained by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Although cellular stress was evident in the three teleost species following insect meal, inclusion by T. molitor, D. labrax and O. mykiss suppressed apoptosis through induction of hepatic autophagy, while in S. aurata both cellular procedures were activated. Protein abundance showed that a total of 30, 81 and 74 spots were altered significantly in seabream, European seabass and rainbow trout, respectively. Insect meal inclusion resulted in individual protein abundance changes, with less number of proteins altered in gilthead seabream compared to European seabass and rainbow trout. This is the first study demonstrating that insect meal in fish diets is causing changes in liver protein abundances. However, a species-specific response both in the above mentioned bioindicators, indicates the need to strategically manage fish meal replacement in fish diets per species.

Diagnostic Markers for Schistosome-Mediated Liver Disease

<p>Chronic schistosomiasis presents with either a moderate or a severe form, termed intestinal (INT) or hepatosplenic (HS) schistosomiasis, respectively. The Schistosoma mansoni-associated hepatomegaly is estimated in 8.5 million people and ultimately results from liver granulomas induced by trapped parasitic eggs. The CBA/J mouse model replicates these two human disease forms and was used to understand the progressive pathology that leads to HS and to identify potential biomarkers. In this model 20% of infected mice spontaneously develop hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS) by 20 weeks of infection while the remaining 80% develop moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS). Using this model, we compared the liver protein patterns of control mice and mice infected for 6, 8, 12, or 20 (MSS and HSS) weeks. Two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) was used to identify protein pattern variations and protein spots were identified using matrix adsorption laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In the first experiment, we found 124 protein spot unique changes for MSS and HSS compared to control mice of which 80 were identified and 35 changes were specific for HSS. In the second experiment, comparison between various time points with control mice revealed 76 significant protein spot changes of which 44 were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Importantly, we found that the abundance of liver keratin D, transferrin isoforms, collagen isoforms, hydroxyproline and Schistosoma mansoni-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increased while epoxide hydrolase isoforms, peroxiredoxin 6 and major urinary protein (MUP) isoforms decreased significantly with infection. To verify the changes in the liver 2D-DIGE analysis, candidate liver protein markers were measured in mouse serum using targeted biochemical assays. The mouse serum analysis showed MUP levels were decreased, while transferrin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), keratin D, hydroxyproline were increased in HSS mice compared to control mice or MSS mice supporting the liver 2D-DIGE analysis. Using targeted assays, serum samples from INT and HS patients were tested for the candidate liver protein markers: keratin D, CTGF, hydroxyproline and transferrin. The human serum analysis showed keratin D levels increased for HS compared to INT and normal sera. The CTGF levels were high in INT compared to HS and normal sera, while transferrin remained unchanged in INT and HS similar to normal sera. Additionally, in severe HS disease, serum hydroxyproline emerged as a strong indicator of fibrosis. We believe that these findings will have direct value in the development of diagnostic tools for early detection of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in humans.</p>

Diagnostic Markers for Schistosome-Mediated Liver Disease

<p>Chronic schistosomiasis presents with either a moderate or a severe form, termed intestinal (INT) or hepatosplenic (HS) schistosomiasis, respectively. The Schistosoma mansoni-associated hepatomegaly is estimated in 8.5 million people and ultimately results from liver granulomas induced by trapped parasitic eggs. The CBA/J mouse model replicates these two human disease forms and was used to understand the progressive pathology that leads to HS and to identify potential biomarkers. In this model 20% of infected mice spontaneously develop hypersplenomegaly syndrome (HSS) by 20 weeks of infection while the remaining 80% develop moderate splenomegaly syndrome (MSS). Using this model, we compared the liver protein patterns of control mice and mice infected for 6, 8, 12, or 20 (MSS and HSS) weeks. Two-dimensional differential in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) was used to identify protein pattern variations and protein spots were identified using matrix adsorption laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. In the first experiment, we found 124 protein spot unique changes for MSS and HSS compared to control mice of which 80 were identified and 35 changes were specific for HSS. In the second experiment, comparison between various time points with control mice revealed 76 significant protein spot changes of which 44 were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Importantly, we found that the abundance of liver keratin D, transferrin isoforms, collagen isoforms, hydroxyproline and Schistosoma mansoni-phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase increased while epoxide hydrolase isoforms, peroxiredoxin 6 and major urinary protein (MUP) isoforms decreased significantly with infection. To verify the changes in the liver 2D-DIGE analysis, candidate liver protein markers were measured in mouse serum using targeted biochemical assays. The mouse serum analysis showed MUP levels were decreased, while transferrin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), keratin D, hydroxyproline were increased in HSS mice compared to control mice or MSS mice supporting the liver 2D-DIGE analysis. Using targeted assays, serum samples from INT and HS patients were tested for the candidate liver protein markers: keratin D, CTGF, hydroxyproline and transferrin. The human serum analysis showed keratin D levels increased for HS compared to INT and normal sera. The CTGF levels were high in INT compared to HS and normal sera, while transferrin remained unchanged in INT and HS similar to normal sera. Additionally, in severe HS disease, serum hydroxyproline emerged as a strong indicator of fibrosis. We believe that these findings will have direct value in the development of diagnostic tools for early detection of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in humans.</p>

Protein Variation Associated With Facial Eczema Resistance or Susceptibility in Romney Sheep

<p>The detection of plasma and liver protein markers for facial eczema resistance or susceptibility in Romney sheep was undertaken. A pooling protocol was used to allow rapid comparison of variation between populations. A 2-D PAGE technigue was developed for protein separation. In general, proteins separated by 2-D PAGE were examined on Coomassie blue or silver stained gels. Greater sensitivity was achieved by labelling proteins with radioactive isotopes. Reductive methylation of the free amino groups of proteins with radioactively labelled formaldehyde and sodium cyanoborohydride was used for isotopic labelling of proteins. A double-labelling technique involving 14C and 3H was used to label plasma or liver proteins from facial eczema resistant and susceptible sheep. The labelled proteins were subsequently separated by 2-D PAGE and detected by autoradiography and fluorography. Any detected variation was further analysed for individuals on one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels which allowed more rapid analysis of multiple samples. No significant difference was detected among the liver proteins of resistant and susceptible sheep. However, among the approximately twenty major plasma protein families visualised on 2-D PAGE gels, significant variation between sheep selected for facial eczema resistance or susceptibility occurred at the transferrin locus. Sheep selected for resistance showed a predominance of acidic transferrins while sheep selected for susceptibility contained a basic transferrin in greater abundance. These results were confirmed and their significance was assessed by transferrin phenotyping on one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The transferrin A allele was more abundant in sheep selected for resistance while the transferrin D allele showed a greater association with facial eczema susceptibility. The A allele frequency was 0.57 in resistants and 0.05 in susceptibles while the D allele frequency was 0.18 in resistants and 0.68 in susceptibles. The results suggest some separation of transferrin A and D alleles between the animals selected for resistance and susceptibility. The basis of this variation is unknown. It may reflect either a physiological association of transferrin alleles with a character of importance in facial eczema resistance, or it may be a phenomenon unrelated to facial eczema resistance produced as a result of the way in which the facial eczema resistant and susceptible flocks were generated. It is expected that subsequent genetic studies will show whether transferrin phenotype can be used as a marker to select for facial eczema resistance as a means of controlling the disease.</p>

Protein Variation Associated With Facial Eczema Resistance or Susceptibility in Romney Sheep

<p>The detection of plasma and liver protein markers for facial eczema resistance or susceptibility in Romney sheep was undertaken. A pooling protocol was used to allow rapid comparison of variation between populations. A 2-D PAGE technigue was developed for protein separation. In general, proteins separated by 2-D PAGE were examined on Coomassie blue or silver stained gels. Greater sensitivity was achieved by labelling proteins with radioactive isotopes. Reductive methylation of the free amino groups of proteins with radioactively labelled formaldehyde and sodium cyanoborohydride was used for isotopic labelling of proteins. A double-labelling technique involving 14C and 3H was used to label plasma or liver proteins from facial eczema resistant and susceptible sheep. The labelled proteins were subsequently separated by 2-D PAGE and detected by autoradiography and fluorography. Any detected variation was further analysed for individuals on one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels which allowed more rapid analysis of multiple samples. No significant difference was detected among the liver proteins of resistant and susceptible sheep. However, among the approximately twenty major plasma protein families visualised on 2-D PAGE gels, significant variation between sheep selected for facial eczema resistance or susceptibility occurred at the transferrin locus. Sheep selected for resistance showed a predominance of acidic transferrins while sheep selected for susceptibility contained a basic transferrin in greater abundance. These results were confirmed and their significance was assessed by transferrin phenotyping on one-dimensional polyacrylamide gels. The transferrin A allele was more abundant in sheep selected for resistance while the transferrin D allele showed a greater association with facial eczema susceptibility. The A allele frequency was 0.57 in resistants and 0.05 in susceptibles while the D allele frequency was 0.18 in resistants and 0.68 in susceptibles. The results suggest some separation of transferrin A and D alleles between the animals selected for resistance and susceptibility. The basis of this variation is unknown. It may reflect either a physiological association of transferrin alleles with a character of importance in facial eczema resistance, or it may be a phenomenon unrelated to facial eczema resistance produced as a result of the way in which the facial eczema resistant and susceptible flocks were generated. It is expected that subsequent genetic studies will show whether transferrin phenotype can be used as a marker to select for facial eczema resistance as a means of controlling the disease.</p>

PSX-A-16 Late-Breaking: Maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation influences liver protein expression in fetal sheep

To determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction and re-alimentation on the fetal liver proteome, 48 pregnant ewes with singletons were fed a control diet [100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements (CON)] starting at the beginning of gestation. On day 50 of gestation, a subset of ewes were fed either CON or 60% NRC requirements (RES). A subset of ewes were euthanized at day 90 of gestation (n = 7/treatment), and fetal liver samples collected. Remaining ewes were maintained on the current diet (CON-CON, n=6; RES-RES, n = 7) or switched to alternative diet (CON-RES, RES-CON; n=7/treatment). On day 130 of gestation, remaining ewes were euthanized, and fetal samples collected. Fetal liver proteins were extracted, digested by trypsin and subjected to multiplexed, label-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis integrating Tandem Mass Tags. Proteins were identified and quantified using Proteome Discoverer (v2.5, Thermo Scientific) and differential abundance analysis was performed using ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s HSD test. Hierarchal clustering analysis showed clustering of treatments by day of gestation. However, differences were also observed between treatments. At day 90 of gestation, 23 proteins were differentially expressed in RES compared with CON among which glycyl tRNA synthetase and pyruvate carboxylase were increased 12% and 10%, respectively (P &lt; 0.03). At day 130 of gestation, 24, 5, and 71 proteins were differentially expressed in CON-RES, RES-CON, and RES-RES, respectively, compared with CON-CON. Carnosine dipeptidase 2 was decreased 7% in CON-RES and rho associated protein kinase and glycogen synthase 2 were increased 20% and 26% in RES-CON and RES-RES, respectively, compared with CON-CON (P &lt; 0.04). These results indicate that nutrient restriction during mid- and late-gestation impacts expression of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis, glycogenesis, and the formation of carnosine, an integral molecule in beta-oxidation, and that re-alimentation alters proteins involved in cell migration pathways. Supported by USDA-AFRI grants 2016-67016-24884 and 2017-67016-26568.

DIETARY INTAKE AND SUN EXPOSURE RELATED TO VITAMIN D CONCENTRATION IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Vitamin D has an important role in calcium homeostasis and bone minerals during rapid growth periods. Several studies have shown that deficiency of vitamin D occurs in thalassemia patient. The study used literature review to determine relation of dietary intake and sun exposure with vitamin D concentration in thalassemia patiens in 29 literatures. Those literatures were taken from books and articles published from 2010 to 2019 with the keywords “thalassemia”, “dietary intake”, “sun exposure” and “vitamin D” using database in Pubmed, Google Scholar and Medline. The results of 29 literatures showed that vitamin D deficiency is caused by reduced dietary intake and impaired vitamin D hydroxylation in the liver due to hemochromatosis resulting in high serum ferritin. Source of vitamin D comes from endogenous synthesis with sunlight exposure and little dietary source of vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Another food intake can also affect serum vitamin D concentration, mainly fat and protein intake. Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the fat for later metabolized in the liver. Protein is required to transport vitamin D to blood circulation, enzyme formation and vitamin D receptor (VDR). Thalassemia patients need to increase of macro and micronutrients requirement. Low Hb concentration causes fatigue, tired easily and decreased appetite. A lot of research on thalassemia children found that intake of energy and protein were lower than recommended and lack of sun exposure. These conditions will affect to vitamin D concentration. A comprehensive understanding in the relationship of dietary intake and sun exposure to vitamin D concentration in thalassemia patients is explained in this mini review. Maintaining normal vitamin D concentration through adequate dietary intake and sun exposure are very important to optimize growth in thalassemia patients.