Posthatch Thermal Conditioning Reduces Heat Stress In Three Broiler Strains

Heat stress is an increasing challenge to the sustainability of poultry production in the tropics due to global warming. This study determined the effect of posthatch thermal conditioning on heat stress indices, haematological parameters and expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene in three meat type chickens; Cobb 500 (C500), Ross 308 (R308) and improved Nigerian indigenous broiler - FUNAAB Alpha (FA). The interplay of individual bird’s genetics and thermal treatment at critical periods on thermoregulation was largely unpublished as at the time this study was conducted. Thermal conditioning was carried out on day 6 by exposing 20 chicks from each strain to high temperature of 40±1 °C for 3 hours. Both conditioned and unconditioned chicks were exposed to acute heat challenge of 40±1 °C for 15 minutes on day 10. Blood samples were collected to determine haematological parameters. Tissue samples were collected from which RNA were extracted, synthesized into cDNA and subjected to qPCR. Strain and thermal conditioning interaction was significant (p<0.05) on haematological parameters with conditioned C500 having the highest means for packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell counts. Interactive effect was also significant (p<0.05) on BDNF gene expression, with conditioned FA having the highest. The study concluded that variation in traits due to thermal treatment is strain-specific and thermal conditioning is recommended for commercial broilers in southwestern Nigeria.

Effects of Chlorogenic Acid on Epileptic Behavior and mRNA Expressions of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Brain of Aged Rats

Introduction: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chlorogenic acid (CA) and Diazepam (DZP) on epileptic complication that induced by repetitive intra-peritoneal injections of pentylenetetrazle (PTZ) in aged rats. Methods: Twenty-four month-old male Wistar rats (age > 12 months, 300-350 g) were divided in 4 experimental groups. Animal in control group (PTZ + Vehicle) received only PTZ. Animal in treated groups (PTZ + DZP, PTZ + CA10 and PTZ + 25) received diazepam 2 mg/kg, CA 10 mg/kg, or CA 25 mg/kg. All drugs injection were performed 30 min prior to each PTZ injection. Epilepsy was induced by injection of subconvulsive dose of PTZ every other day until the rats were completely kindled or epileptic. After each PTZ injection, animal was monitored for 40 min and epileptic behaviors were scored. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed and the brains removed for evaluation of histological changes and Brain Derived Neurothrophic Factor (BDNF) gene expression. Results: CA at dose of 25 mg/kg reduced percent of generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) in aged rats (24%) in compared to control group (50%) (p < 0.05). The latencies to the start of GTCS were decreased in both dose of CA (p < 0.05). Also, the percent of survived neurons in rats treated with CA (154%) were significantly higher relative to that of control animals (100%) (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of BDNF significantly increased in CA treated rats (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, these findings revealed that CA have antiepileptic, neuroprotective and trophic effects in aged rats. CA can protect aged brain from deteriorative processes and save neurons during epilepsy in rats.

In Search for Biomarkers in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: New Evidence on Saliva as a Practical Source of DNA to Assess Epigenetic Regulation

Background: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a promising candidate biomarker in both the development and aetiology of different neuropsychiatric conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Most of the studies in the field have been carried out in blood cells, including peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs), although DNA of high quality can be easily isolated from saliva. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the epigenetic regulation of the BDNF gene in the saliva of a clinical sample of OCD patients in order to assess this source as an alternative to blood. Methods: We first analyzed DNA methylation levels at BDNF in the saliva of subjects suffering from OCD (n= 50) and healthy controls (n=50). Then, we compared these data with the results previously obtained for the same genomic region in blood samples from the same patients and controls (CTRL). Results: Our preliminary data showed a significant reduction of 5mC levels at BDNF gene (OCD: 1.23 ± 0.45; CTRL: 1.85 ± 0.64; p < 0.0001) and a significant correlation between DNA methylation in PBMCs and saliva (Spearman r = 0.2788). Conclusion: We support the perspective that saliva could be a possible, reliable source, and a substitute for blood, in search of epigenetic biomarkers in OCD.

Study on the Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Disorders, BDNF Gene, TPH-2 Gene, and Mental Health in Coal Mine Workers in China

Background: Coal is the core energy source of the global energy system. To ensure the sustainable development of the coal industry, the mental health of coal miners is crucial. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2018 and June 2019. A total of 1,675 coal miners were surveyed using the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). At the same time, polymorphisms in the BDNF gene (rs6265, rs10835210) and TPH2 gene (rs4570625, rs4131347) in whole blood DNA were detected to analyze the influence of a gene-environment interaction on mental health. Results: The results showed that the mental health status of coal miners was poorer than the Chinese norm (P < 0.05). The mental health status of workers with MSDs was lower; MSDs interact with the BDNF gene rs6265 and TPH2 gene rs4570625, which affects mental health. Conclusions: It is suggested that employers should improve the working environment of workers, shorten the working time, pay attention to the mental health of workers, and provide timely psychological counseling to workers who suffer from mental health problems, so as to improve workers’ mental health and working ability, as well as their quality of life.

Association Analysis of Polymorphic Variants of the BDNF Gene in Athletes

As BDNF is one of the group of neurotrophins highly influencing the processes happening in the brain, such as the processes of learning and personality creation, we decided to look closer at its genetic variations in association with the personality of a group of athletes and their controls. The study group consisted of 305 volunteers: martial arts athletes (n = 153; mean age = 24.06) and healthy non-athletes as controls (n = 152; mean age = 22.23). Thirty-eight percent of the martial arts group achieved the championship level. Both the martial arts and control subjects were examined using the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. The results of the NEO-FFI and STAI inventories were given as sten scores. The conversion of the raw score to the sten scale was performed according to Polish norms for adults. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood leukocytes and then genotyped using a PCR method for the following polymorphisms: BDNF rs10767664 and BDNF rs2030323. We observed statistical significance for both polymorphisms when comparing martial arts athletes with the control group in relation to the conscientiousness and extraversion scales. However, since few extant articles consider this association, our results still require further analysis, probably by considering a larger group.