Engineering the glycogen metabolism in cyanobacterial photosynthetic cell factories: a review / 生物工程学报

Cyanobacteria are important photosynthetic autotrophic microorganisms and are considered as one of the most promising microbial chassises for photosynthetic cell factories. Glycogen is the most important natural carbon sink of cyanobacteria, playing important roles in regulating its intracellular carbon distributions. In order to optimize the performances of cyanobacterial photosynthetic cell factories and drive more photosynthetic carbon flow toward the synthesis of desired metabolites, many strategies and approaches have been developed to manipulate the glycogen metabolism in cyanobacteria. However, the disturbances on glycogen metabolism usually cause complex effects on the physiology and metabolism of cyanobacterial cells. Moreover, the effects on synthesis efficiencies of different photosynthetic cell factories usually differ. In this manuscript, we summarized the recent progress on engineering cyanobacterial glycogen metabolism, analyzed and compared the physiological and metabolism effects caused by engineering glycogen metabolism in different cyanobacteria species, and prospected the future trends of this strategy on optimizing cyanobacterial photosynthetic cell factories.

Progress in the role of endometrial glucose metabolism in embryo implantation / 生理学报

The synthesis and decomposition of glycogen adjust the blood glucose dynamically to maintain the energy supply required by the cells. As the only hormone that lowers blood sugar in the body, insulin can promote glycogen synthesis by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway and increasing glucose transporter translocation, and inhibit gluconeogenesis to lower blood glucose. In the endometrium, glycogen metabolism is active, but gluconeogenesis does not occur. The glycogen metabolism in the endometrium is controlled not only by the classical glucose regulating hormones, but also by the ovarian hormones. The functional activities related to implantation of the endometrium during the implantation window require glucose as energy source. A large amount of glucose is used to synthesize glycogen in the endometrium before implantation, which could meet the increased energy demand for embryo implantation. In diabetes, glycogen metabolism in the endometrium is impaired, which frequently leads to implantation failure and early abortion. This article reviews the glycogen metabolism in the endometrium and discusses its role in embryo implantation, which provide new ideas for embryo implantation research and infertility treatment.

Glycogen storage syndrome type 0 caused by GYS2 gene variation and phenotypic differences between two siblings / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To provide a basis for genetic counseling and clinical precision therapy by exploring the genetic etiology of a child with recurrent hypoglycemia convulsion accompanied by language retardation.@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband, his sister and his parents. Whole genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by the whole exon gene sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The proband and his sister were found to carry compound heterozygous variants c.731T>A (p.M244L) and c.928G>A (p.G244S) of the GYS2 gene, which had not been reported in the past, the c.731T>A (p.M244L) site was derived from the maternal heterozygous mutation, while c.928G>A (p.G244S) site from the father heterozygous mutation.@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants c.731T>A (p.M244L) and c.928G>A (p.G244S) of the GYS2 gene were the genetic cause of glycogen storage syndrome type 0 in children, providing basis for family genetic counseling. When the patient had Hypoglycemia often accompanied with convulsions, which was easy to be misdiagnosed as seizures, and the antiepileptic treatment was ineffective. After genetic diagnosis, the seizure can be controlled by improving diet to maintain blood glucose stability.

Hepatotoxicity-induced by the therapeutic dose of acetaminophen and the ameliorative effect of oral co-administration of selenium/Tribulus terrestris extract in rats / Hepatotoxicidad inducida por la dosis terapéutica de acetaminofén y el efecto de mejora de la administración conjunta de extracto de selenio Tribulus terrestris en ratas

SUMMARY: Over dose or long-term clinical use of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen (APAP) causes hepatotoxicity. Various strategies attempted to ameliorate APAP-hepatotoxicity have been found to be unsuitable for clinical practice. This study was aimed to illustrate the histopathological changes induced by therapeutic dose of APAP and investigate the hepatoprotective role of oral co-administration of selenium/ Tribulus terrestris (TT) extract concurrently against hepatotoxicity induced by APAP in rats. Fifty-four healthy male albino Wistar rats were randomized into nine groups (G1-G9) of six rats each, and administered with APAP and TT orally for 30 days as follows: Control (2ml normal saline), APAP (470 mg/kg), APAP (470 mg/kg) + selenium (2 mg/kg), APAP (470 mg/kg) + TT (98 mg/kg), APAP (470 mg/kg) + selenium (2mg/kg) + TT (98 mg/kg), APAP (470 mg/kg) + silymarin (200 mg/kg), selenium (2 mg/ kg), TT (98 mg/kg) and silymarin (200 mg/kg) groups. The results demonstrated that exposure of rats to therapeutic dose of APAP for 30 days caused significant histopathological changes parallel to elevated blood chemistry parameters. Co-administration of selenium/TT extract showed significantly reduced histopathological lesions and, restored or decreased levels of the examined blood chemistry parameters. Liver histology in selenium/TT extract showed normal hepatic architecture with mild changes and silymarin treated rats showed no histopathological changes. Histochemically PAS staining, showed that APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was characterized by hepatocytes glycogen depletion. Selenium/TT co-supplementation plays a potential role in preventing APAP-induced glycogen depletion by increasing detoxification and scavenging the reactive metabolites. Selenium/TT extract oral co-administration possesses a significant hepatoprotective property and mitigates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing its antioxidant role and improving tissue integrity. Selenium/TT supplementation could represent an effective treatment against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanism underlying the protective role of TT extract.

RESUMEN: La dosis excesiva o el uso clínico a largo plazo de dosis terapéuticas de acetaminofeno (APAP) causa hepatotoxicidad. Se ha descubierto que varias estrategias que intentaron mejorar la hepatotoxicidad por APAP no son adecuadas para la práctica clínica. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo ilustrar los cambios histopatológicos inducidos por la dosis terapéutica de APAP e investigar el papel hepatoprotector de la administración conjunta de extracto de selenio / Tribulus terrestris (TT) simultá- neamente contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por APAP en ratas. Cincuenta y cuatro ratas Wistar albino machos sanas se aleatorizaron en nueve grupos (G1 - G9) de seis ratas cada una, y se administraron con APAP y TT por vía oral durante 30 días de la siguiente manera: Control (2 ml de solución salina normal), APAP (470 mg / kg), APAP (470 mg / kg) + selenio (2 mg / kg), APAP (470 mg / kg) + TT (98 mg / kg), APAP (470 mg / kg) + selenio (2 mg / kg) + TT (98 mg / kg), APAP (470 mg / kg) + silimarina (200 mg / kg), selenio (2 mg / kg), TT (98 mg / kg) y silimarina (200 mg / kg). Los resultados demostraron que la exposición de las ratas a la dosis terapéutica de APAP durante 30 días causó cambios histopatológicos significativos paralelos a parámetros elevados de química sanguínea. La administración conjunta de extracto de selenio / TT mostró lesiones histopatológicas significativamente reducidas y niveles restaurados o disminuidos de los parámetros de química sanguínea. La histología hepática en el extracto de selenio / TT mostró una arquitectura hepática normal con cambios leves y las ratas tratadas con silimarina no mostraron cambios histopatológicos. La tinción histoquímica de PAS mostró que la hepatotoxicidad inducida por APAP se caracterizó por la pérdida de glucógeno de los hepatocitos. La suplementación con selenio / TT juega un papel potencial en la prevención de la pérdida de glucógeno inducido por APAP al aumentar la desintoxicación y eliminar los metabolitos reactivos. La administración conjunta de extracto de selenio / TT posee una propiedad hepatoprotectora significativa y mitiga la hepatotoxicidad inducida por APAP al mejorar su papel antioxidante y la integridad del tejido. La suplementación con selenio / TT podría representar un tratamiento efectivo contra la hepatotoxicidad inducida por APAP. Se necesitan más estudios para dilucidar el mecanismo exacto que subyace a la función protectora del extracto TT.

Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Glycogen Storage Disease: a Single Center Retrospective Study

Comparação do número máximo de repetições em séries múltiplas entre indivíduos com diferentes tempos de experiência no treinamento de força / Comparison of the maximum number of repetitions in multiple series between individuals with different times of experience in resistance training

O treinamento de força (TF) proporciona adaptações centrais e morfológicas que influenciam no processo de produção de força. Em função destas adaptações é esperado que ocorram diferenças no desempenho de força entre homens com diferentes tempos de experiência no TF quanto testados em séries múltiplas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o número máximo de repetições (NMR) realizadas em 3 séries entre indivíduos com diferentes tempos de experiência no TF. Para isso, vinte e dois homens foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tempo de experiência no TF. O Grupo Muito Experiente (GME) foi representado por homens com mais de 5 anos no TF. O Grupo Pouco Experiente (GPE) foi composto por homens com 1 a 6 meses de experiência no TF. Os grupos foram submetidos à realização do maior número de repetições em três séries a 80% de 1RM no exercício supino reto. Além disso, a duração média da repetição (DMR) foi registrada e comparada em cada série intra e inter grupos. Para as comparações foram utilizadas duas ANOVAs com única variável (NMR ou DMR) e dois fatores (fator 1 = experiência, fator 2 = série). Na análise do NMR foi detectada uma interação entre os fatores, sendo que o número máximo de repetições realizado pelo GME foi maior do que o GPE apenas na primeira série (p = 0,017). Quanto à DMR, não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos (p = 0,80) e séries (p= 0,06). Conclui-se que o tempo de experiência no TF interferiu na realização do número máximo de repetições apenas na primeira série... (AU)

Strength training (TF) provides central and morphological adaptations that influence the process of force production. Due to these adaptations, it is expected that differences in force performance occurred between men with different times of experience in the TF when tested in multiple series. Thus, this study had as objective to compare the maximum number of repetitions (NMR) performed in 3 sets between individuals with different times of experience in the TF. For this, twenty-two men were split into two groups according to the time of experience in the TF. The Very Experienced Group (GME) was represented by men older with at least 5 years in TF. The Little Experienced Group (GPE) was composed of men with 1 to 6 months of experience in TF. The groups were submitted to perform the highest number of repetitions in three sets at 80% of 1RM in the bench press exercise. In addition, mean repetition duration (DMR) was recorded and compared in each set and group. For the comparison, two ANOVAs with a single variable (NMR or DMR) and two factors (factor 1 = experience, factor 2 = set) were used. In the NMR analysis, an interaction between the factors was detected, and the NMR performed by the GME was higher than the GPE only at the first set (p = 0.017). Regarding DMR, no differences were found between groups (p = 0.80) and sets (p = 0,06). It is concluded that the time of experience in the TF interfered in the Performance of the maximum number of repetitions only at the first set...(AU)

5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide modify functional activity in submandibular gland of rats / El 5-fluorouracilo y la ciclofosfamida modifican la actividad funcional en la glándula submandibular de las ratas

Objective: Chemotherapy treatment against cancer produce systemic toxicities, among which are those related to important structures of the stomatognathic system and its functional activity. 5 Fluorouracil (5-FU) and cyclophosphamide (Cf) are drugs widely used in solid tumors and in bone marrow transplantation, respectively. The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of these drugs regarding functional activity of the submandibular glands, by measuring the percentage of glycogen consumption in two experimental models. Material and Methods: 84 male Wistar rats aged three months were used, housed in individual cages, with controlled temperature and lighting and ad libitum diet. They were divided into four experimental groups: 1) Control (C); 2) Treated with 5-FU+leucovorin (LV) at 20 and 10mg/Kg of body weight respectively for five consecutive days; 3) treated with Cf i.p. at 50mg/Kg of body weight for two consecutive days; and 4) rats with paired feeding (PF): for five and two days respectively, the amount administered resulted from the average of the ingested food of groups 2 and 3. Both submandibular glands were excised. The submandibular glycogen concentration was analyzed at initial time (t0) and after 60 minutes of mechanical stimulation (t60). Results: the average variation changed significantly between time 0 and 60 in the groups C and PF. (p-value=0.0001), the 5-FU + LV treatment group had an average concentration higher at t0 than groups C and PF, without significant consumption at T60. While group Cf showed a lower average concentration at time 0 with respect to groups C and PF, without significant consumption at T60. Conclusion: 5-FU+LV and Cf affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, decreasing the use of glycogen as a metabolic substrate. In the present experimental model, the toxicity of these drugs affected the functional activity of the submandibular gland.

Objetivo: el tratamiento de quimioterapia contra el cáncer produce toxicidades sistémicas, entre las que se encuentran las relacionadas con estructuras importantes del sistema estomatognático y su actividad funcional. El 5-fluorouracilo (5-FU) y la ciclofosfamida (Cf ) son fármacos ampliamente utilizados en tumores sólidos y en trasplantes de médula ósea, respectivamente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la toxicidad de estos fármacos con respecto a la actividad funcional de las glándulas submandibulares, midiendo el porcentaje de consumo de glucógeno en dos modelos experimentales. Material y Métodos: se utilizaron 84 ratas Wistar machos de tres meses de edad, alojadas en jaulas individuales, con temperatura e iluminación controladas y dieta ad libitum. Se dividieron en cuatro grupos experimentales: 1) Control (C); 2) Tratados con 5-FU+leucovorina (LV) a 20 y 10mg/Kg de peso corporal, respectivamente, durante cinco días consecutivos; 3) tratados con Cf i.p. a 50mg/Kg de peso corporal durante dos días consecutivos; y 4) ratas con alimentación por parejas (PF): durante cinco y dos días respectivamente, la cantidad administrada resultó del promedio de los alimentos ingeridos de los grupos 2 y 3. Ambas glándulas submandibulares fueron extirpadas. La concentración de glucógeno submandibular se analizó en el momento inicial (t0) y después de 60 minutos de estimulación mecánica (t60). Resultados: la variación promedio cambió significativamente entre el tiempo 0 y 60 en los grupos C y PF. (p=0,0001), el grupo de tratamiento 5-FU+LV tuvo una concentración promedio más alta en t0 que los grupos C y PF, sin un consumo significativo en T60. Mientras que el grupo Cf mostró una concentración promedio más baja en el tiempo 0 con respecto a los grupos C y PF, sin un consumo significativo en T60. Conclusión: 5-FU + LV y Cf afectan el metabolismo de los carbohidratos, disminuyendo el uso de glucógeno como sustrato metabólico. En el presente modelo experimental, la toxicidad de estos medicamentos afectó la actividad funcional de la glándula submandibular.

Resveratrol modulates the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model / 한국실험동물학회지

Cerebral ischemia is a major cause of neurodegenerative disease. It induces neuronal vulnerability and susceptibility, and leads to neuronal cell death. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that acts as an anti-oxidant. It exerts a neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemic injury. Akt signaling pathway is accepted as a representative cell survival pathway, including proliferation, growth, and glycogen synthesis. This study investigated whether resveratrol regulates Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced ischemic brain injury. Adult male rats were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or resveratrol (30 mg/kg) and cerebral cortices were isolated 24 h after MCAO. Neurological behavior test, corner test, brain edema measurment, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were performed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of resveratrol. Phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3β expression levels were measured using Western blot analysis. MCAO injury led to severe neurobehavioral deficit, infraction, and histopathological changes in cerebral cortex. However, resveratrol treatment alleviated these changes caused by MCAO injury. Moreover, MCAO injury induced decreases in phospho-Akt and phospho-GSK-3β protein levels, whereas resveratrol attenuated these decreases. Phosphorylations of Akt and GSK-3β act as a critical role for the suppression of apoptotic cell death. Thus, our finding suggests that resveratrol attenuates neuronal cell death in MCAO-induced cerebral ischemia and Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway contributes to the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol.

The Use of Foxa2-Overexpressing Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in a Scaffold System Attenuates Acute Liver Injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS: For the clinical application of stem cell therapy, functional enhancement is needed to increase the survival rate and the engraftment rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate functional enhancement of the paracrine effect using stem cells and hepatocyte-like cells and to minimize stem cell homing by using a scaffold system in a liver disease model. METHODS: A microporator was used to overexpress Foxa2 in adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which were cultured in a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold. Later, the ADSCs were cultured in hepatic differentiation medium for 2 weeks by a 3-step method. For in vivo experiments, Foxa2-overexpressing ADSCs were loaded in the scaffold, cultured in hepatic differentiation medium and later were implanted in the dorsa of nude mice subjected to acute liver injury (thioacetamide intraperitoneal injection). RESULTS: Foxa2-overexpressing ADSCs showed greater increases in hepatocyte-specific gene markers (alpha fetoprotein [AFP], cytokeratin 18 [CK18], and albumin), cytoplasmic glycogen storage, and cytochrome P450 expression than cells that underwent the conventional differentiation method. In vivo experiments using the nude mouse model showed that 2 weeks after scaffold implantation, the mRNA expression of AFP, CK18, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (CD26), and connexin 32 (CX32) was higher in the Foxa2-overexpressing ADSCs group than in the ADSCs group. The Foxa2-overexpressing ADSCs scaffold treatment group showed attenuated liver injury without stem cell homing in the thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury model. CONCLUSIONS: Foxa2-overexpressing ADSCs applied in a scaffold system enhanced hepatocyte-like differentiation and attenuated acute liver damage in an acute liver injury model without homing effects.

Protein and lipid metabolism adjustments in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) during different periods of fasting and refeeding / Ajustes no metabolismo de proteínas e lipídios no jundiá (Rhamdia quelen) durante diferentes períodos de jejum e realimentação

Abstract The fish may experience periods of food deprivation or starvation which produce metabolic changes. In this study, adult Rhamdia quelen males were subjected to fasting periods of 1, 7, 14, and 21 days and of refeeding 2, 4, 6, and 12 days. The results demonstrated that liver protein was depleted after 1 day of fasting, but recovered after 6 days of refeeding. After 14 days of fasting, mobilization in the lipids of the muscular tissue took place, and these reserves began to re-establish themselves after 4 days of refeeding. Plasmatic triglycerides increased after 1 day of fasting, and decreased following 2 days of refeeding. The glycerol in the plasma oscillated constantly during the different periods of fasting and refeeding. Changes in the metabolism of both protein and lipids during these periods can be considered as survival strategies used by R. quelen. The difference in the metabolic profile of the tissues, the influence of the period of fasting, and the type of reserves mobilized were all in evidence.

Resumo Os peixes podem sofrer períodos de privação de alimentos ou de fome, que produzem mudanças metabólicas. Neste estudo, jundiás machos adultos foram submetidos a jejum períodos de 1, 7, 14 e 21 dias e realimentação 2, 4, 6, e 12 dias. Os resultados demonstraram que a proteína do fígado foi esgotada depois de um dia de jejum, mas restabeleceu após 6 dias de realimentação. Após 14 dias de jejum, ocorreu a mobilização dos lípidos no tecido muscular sendo que estas reservas começaram a re-estabelecer-se após 4 dias de realimentação. Os triglicérides plasmáticos aumentam após um dia de jejum, e diminuiram após 2 dias de realimentação. O glicerol no plasma oscilou constantemente durante os diferentes períodos de jejum e realimentação. As alterações no metabolismo de proteína e lipídios durante estes períodos podem ser consideradas uma estratégias de sobrevivência utilizada pelo Rhamdia quelen. Sendo que a diferença no perfil metabólico tecidual bem como a influência do período de jejum e o tipo de reserva a ser mobilizada foram observadas neste estudo.

Avaliação do índice de rigor mortis e da evolução do pH da musculatura de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) durante estocagem em gelo sob refrigeração / Evaluation of rigor mortis index and pH evolution of Nile tilapia musculature (Oreochromis niloticus) during refrigerated ice storage

A avaliação do rigor mortis em peixes representa elevada importância para a cadeia produtiva, visto que a rápida instalação deste é um indicativo de estresse, tendo influência na qualidade do produto final. Considerando isso, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o estabelecimento do pleno rigor mortis e o comportamento do pH de tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), abatidas por secção da medula e estocadas em gelo sob refrigeração (0ºC± 3ºC) em dois períodos distintos (seca e chuva). As amostras foram coletadas em pesque-pagues situados no Estado de São Paulo, correspondendo a 60 amostras. Verificou-se que não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os períodos analisados para o estabelecimento do pleno rigor mortis e do pH da musculatura dorsal da espécie analisada. Apesar de sutis diferenças para as amostras dos diferentes períodos, tanto nos valores da angulação mensurada, quanto do pH, verificou-se que, em ambos os casos, o tempo de estabelecimento do pleno rigor mortis (100%) foi de aproximadamente cinco horas e, sem a definição do pH final do músculo nesse tempo. Para tanto, independente do período o tempo de instalação do rigor mortis, o abate pelo método de secção medular, foi considerado uma boa opção para o abate de tilápias, porém são necessários trabalhos complementares.

The evaluation of rigor-mortis in fishes has high importance to the productive chain, once the fast installation of it is a stress indicative, influencing the quality of the final product. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the constitution of full rigor mortis and pH behavior of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), slaughtered by medullar detachment and stored in ice under refrigeration (0ºC ± 3ºC) in two distinct periods (dry and rainy). The samples were collected in fee-fishing ponds located in the State of São Paulo, corresponding to 60 samples. It was verified that there wasn't any significant difference (p> 0.05) between the analyzed periods for the constitution of full rigor mortis and the dorsal musculature pH of the analyzed samples. Despite of the differences for the samples of the different periods were subtle in both the measured and the pH values, it was observed that in both cases the full rigor-mortis constitution time (100%) was approximately five hours, without defining the muscle final pH at that time. Therefore, regardless of the time of installation of rigor-mortis, the slaughter by the medullar detachment method was considered a good alternative for tilapia slaughtering, but complementary research is necessary.

Mobilization of energetic substrates in the endangered catfish Steindachneridion parahybae (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae): changes in annual reproductive cycle in captivity

This study aimed at analyzing the energetic substrate (ES) in the main storage tissues of Steindachneridion parahybae, throughout the reproductive cycle in captivity. Differently from wild, in captivity, feeding is not interrupted during the reproductive period, the females do not spawn spontaneously, and they are sedentary. Adult females were sampled monthly and based on their histology and gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovaries were classified into: previtellogenic (PRV), vitellogenic (VTG), and regression (REG) stages. Ovaries at the VTG stage showed higher protein and lipids levels than at the PRV stage with a positive correlation between these substrates and the GSI. Muscle was the main source of proteins transferred to the ovaries, according to the negative correlation between these organs. Lipids remained unchanged in the liver, which is an important supplier in vitellogenesis, a pattern that probably occurs due to the continuous feeding. Muscular glycogen levels were higher at the VTG and REG than at the PRV stages. Plasma triglycerides were also higher during REG, while glucose levels were more elevated during the VTG stage. These results suggest that with constant food supply, the pattern of deposition of ES in S. parahybae is different from that described for other wild potamodromous species.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a composição do substrato energético (SE) nos principais tecidos de armazenamento de Steindachneridion parahybae, durante todo o ciclo reprodutivo em cativeiro. Diferentemente do ambiente natural, em cativeiro, a alimentação desses animais não é interrompida durante o período reprodutivo, as fêmeas não desovam espontaneamente, e são sedentárias. Fêmeas adultas foram amostradas mensalmente e baseada na histologia e no índice gonadossomático (IGS), os ovários foram classificados: estádios pré-vitelogênico (PRV), vitelogênico (VTG) e regressão (REG). Os ovários no estádio VTG apresentaram uma maior concentração de lipídeos e proteínas em relação ao estágio PRV. Esses substratos correlacionaram-se positivamente com o IGS. O músculo foi a principal fonte de proteína transferida aos ovários, como foi confirmado pela análise de correlação negativa entre esses órgãos. Os lipídeos mantiveram-se inalterados no fígado, considerado um importante órgão fornecedor de lipídeos para a vitelogênese, padrão que possivelmente ocorreu devido à contínua alimentação. A concentração do glicogênio muscular foi mais elevada durante os estágios VTG e REG em relação ao PRV. A concentração de triglicerídeos plasmática apresentou maiores valores no estádio REG enquanto a concentração de glicose no plasma foi maior durante os estádios VTG. Esses resultados sugerem que com alimentação constante, as fêmeas de S. parahybae apresentam um distinto padrão de mobilização dos substratos energéticos em relação ao que já foi descrito para outras espécies potamódromas de ambiente natural.(AU)

This study aimed at analyzing the energetic substrate (ES) in the main storage tissues of Steindachneridion parahybae, throughout the reproductive cycle in captivity. Differently from wild, in captivity, feeding is not interrupted during the reproductive period, the females do not spawn spontaneously, and they are sedentary. Adult females were sampled monthly and based on their histology and gonadosomatic index (GSI), ovaries were classified into: previtellogenic (PRV), vitellogenic (VTG), and regression (REG) stages. Ovaries at the VTG stage showed higher protein and lipids levels than at the PRV stage with a positive correlation between these substrates and the GSI. Muscle was the main source of proteins transferred to the ovaries, according to the negative correlation between these organs. Lipids remained unchanged in the liver, which is an important supplier in vitellogenesis, a pattern that probably occurs due to the continuous feeding. Muscular glycogen levels were higher at the VTG and REG than at the PRV stages. Plasma triglycerides were also higher during REG, while glucose levels were more elevated during the VTG stage. These results suggest that with constant food supply, the pattern of deposition of ES in S. parahybae is different from that described for other wild potamodromous species.(AU)

A Case of Glycogen Storage Disease IV with Rare Homozygous Mutations in the Glycogen Branching Enzyme Gene / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) IV is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder caused by mutations in the gene coding for glycogen branching enzyme leading to progressive liver disease. GSD IV is associated with mutations in GBE1, which encodes the glycogen branching enzyme. We report a case of GSD IV with rare homozygous mutations in the GBE1 gene (c.791G>A (p.Gly264Glu), which was successfully treated by liver transplantation.

Rice bran oil ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance in fructose fed-rats

Background: Insulin resistance is a pathological condition characterized by inadequate peripheral tissue metabolic response to circulating insulin. High dietary fructose causes insulin resistance syndrome, primarily due to simultaneous induction of genes involved in glucose, lipid and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Rice bran oil [RBO] is a rich source of antioxidants which contribute to higher oxidative stability and longer shelf life than other edible oils

Aim of the work: The current study investigated the effects of the daily intake of RBO on insulin resistant rat liver, as a central organ in carbohydrate metabolism

Materials and methods: Rats were allocated in 5 groups. Animals in groups 1 and 2 received standard diet and standard diet containing RBO, respectively. Group 3: animals fed high fructose diet [HFD], which was categorized into: rats fed HFD either for one month [HFD1] or for 2 months [HFD2]. Group 4, rats were fed HFD containing RBO for one month [HFD1+RBO], while rats in group 5 were fed HFD for 30 days then RBO was added to the diet for another 30 days [HFD2+RBO]

Results and conclusion: addition of RBO to this model improved insulin sensitivity in liver

High Estradiol Differentially Affects the Expression of the Glucose Transporter Type 4 in Pelvic Floor Muscles of Rats / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To characterize the relationship between serum estradiol levels and the expression of glucose transporter type 4 (Glut4) in the pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles in female rats. METHODS: The muscles were excised from virgin rats during the metestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous cycle, and from sham and ovariectomized rats implanted with empty or estradiol benzoate–filled capsules. The expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) was inspected in the muscles at metestrus and proestrus. Relative Glut4 expression, glycogen content, and serum glucose levels were measured. Appropriate statistical tests were done to identify significant differences (P≤0.05). RESULTS: The pubococcygeus and iliococcygeus muscles expressed ERα and ERβ. Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle were higher at proestrus than at metestrus. No significant changes were observed in the iliococcygeus muscle. In ovariectomized rats, the administration of estradiol benzoate increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle alone. CONCLUSIONS: High serum estradiol levels increased Glut4 expression and glycogen content in the pubococcygeus muscle, but not in the iliococcygeus muscle.

Inclusión de semillas de aguacate (Persea americana) en la dieta para mejorar el metabolismo de carbohidratos y lípidos en ratas / Inclusion of avocado (Persea americana) seeds in the diet to improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in rats

The effects of avocado seeds (A) inclusion (2%, 4% and 8%) in diets on cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism in normal rats Sprague Dawley (SD) fed on basal diet (BD) or high sucrose diet (HSD) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) fed on BD were studied. The inclusion of avocado seeds in the diet influences the feeding and growth performance in rats. The inclusion of A lowered (p < 0.05) cholesterol at 2% and 4% doses and glucose at 2% in serum of SD rats fed on BD, whereas only serum cholesterol level was reduced at all the three doses in SHR. Increased liver glycogen (p < 0.05) was noted in SD rats fed on BD with 8% A. All avocado seeds doses increased (p < 0.05) liver glycogen storage in SHR fed on BD and SD rats fed on HSD. Avocado seeds can lower blood glucose and cholesterol and enhance liver glycogen storage in rats.

Los efectos de la inclusión de semillas de aguacate (A) (2%, 4% y 8%) en dietas sobre el metabolismo del colesterol y carbohidratos en ratas normales Sprague Dawley (SD) alimentados con dieta basal (BD) o dieta con alto contenido en sacarosa (HSD) se estudiaron las ratas hipertensas (SHR) alimentadas con BD. La inclusión de las semillas de aguacate en la dieta influye en la alimentación y el crecimiento en ratas. La inclusión de A disminuyó (p < 0,05) el colesterol a dosis del 2 y el 4% y glucosa al 2% en suero de ratas SD alimentadas con BD, mientras que solo el nivel de colesterol sérico se redujo en todas las 3 dosis en SHR. Se observó un aumento del glucógeno hepático (p < 0,05) en ratas SD alimentadas con BD con un 8% de A. Todas las dosis de semillas de aguacate aumentaron (p< 0,05) el almacenamiento de glucógeno hepático en SHR alimentado con BD y SD alimentadas con HSD. Las semillas de aguacate pueden reducir la glucosa y el colesterol en la sangre, y aumentar el almacenamiento de glucógeno hepático en ratas.

A possible relationship between gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism in rabbits during myocardial ischemia

ABSTRACT Ischemia is responsible for many metabolic abnormalities in the heart, causing changes in organ function. One of modifications occurring in the ischemic cell is changing from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. This change causes the predominance of the use of carbohydrates as an energy substrate instead of lipids. In this case, the glycogen is essential to the maintenance of heart energy intake, being an important reserve to resist the stress caused by hypoxia, using glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation. In order to study the glucose anaerobic pathways utilization and understand the metabolic adaptations, New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to ischemia caused by Inflow occlusion technique. The animals were monitored during surgery by pH and lactate levels. Transcription analysis of the pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase enzymes were performed by qRT-PCR, and glycogen quantification was determined enzymatically. Pyruvate kinase transcription increased during ischemia, followed by glycogen consumption content. The gluconeogenesis increased in control and ischemia moments, suggesting a relationship between gluconeogenesis and glycogen metabolism. This result shows the significant contribution of these substrates in the organ energy supply and demonstrates the capacity of the heart to adapt the metabolism after this injury, sustaining the homeostasis during short-term myocardial ischemia.

Physiological response of invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) submitted to transport and experimental conditions / Resposta fisiológica do mexilhão invasor Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) (Bilvalvia: Mytilidae) submetido ao transporte e condições experimentais

Abstract Successful animal rearing under laboratory conditions for commercial processes or laboratory experiments is a complex chain that includes several stressors (e.g., sampling and transport) and incurs, as a consequence, the reduction of natural animal conditions, economic losses and inconsistent and unreliable biological results. Since the invasion of the bivalve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in South America, several studies have been performed to help control and manage this fouling pest in industrial plants that use raw water. Relatively little attention has been given to the laboratory rearing procedure of L. fortunei, its condition when exposed to a stressor or its acclimation into laboratory conditions. Considering this issue, the aims of this study are to (i) investigate L. fortunei physiological responses when submitted to the depuration process and subsequent air transport (without water/dry condition) at two temperatures, based on glycogen concentrations, and (ii) monitor the glycogen concentrations in different groups when maintained for 28 days under laboratory conditions. Based on the obtained results, depuration did not affect either of the groups when they were submitted to approximately eight hours of transport. The variation in glycogen concentration among the specimens that were obtained from the field under depurated and non-depurated conditions was significant only in the first week of laboratory growth for the non-depurated group and in the second week for the depurated group. In addition, the tested temperature did not affect either of the groups that were submitted to transport. The glycogen concentrations were similar to those of the specimens that were obtained from the field in third week, which suggests that the specimens acclimated to laboratory conditions during this period of time. Thus, the results indicate that the air transport and acclimation time can be successfully incorporated into experimental studies of L. fortunei. Finally, the tolerance of L. fortunei specimens to the stressor tested herein can help us understand the invasive capacity of this mussel during the establishment process.

Resumo A criação bem sucedida de animais em condições de laboratório para processos comerciais ou experimentais é uma cadeia complexa que inclui vários fatores de estresse (ex. coleta e transporte) que tem como consequência a redução das condições naturais do animal, prejuízos econômicos e resultados biológicos inconsistentes. Desde a invasão do bivalve Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) na América do Sul, vários estudos têm sido realizados para ajudar no controle e gestão dessa praga em plantas industriais que utilizam água. Relativamente pouca atenção tem sido dada ao processo de criação de L. fortunei em laboratório, sua condição quando exposta ao estresse e sua aclimatação a condições de laboratório. Considerando estes aspectos, os objetivos deste estudo foram: (i) investigar as respostas fisiológicas de L. fortunei submetidos ao processo de depuração e subsequente transporte (sem água/condição seca) em duas temperaturas, analisando as diferentes concentrações de glicogênio e (ii) monitorar as concentrações de glicogênio nos diferentes grupos, quando mantidos por 28 dias em condições de laboratório. Com base nos resultados obtidos, a depuração não afetou nenhum grupo quando eles foram submetidos a oito horas de transporte. A variação da concentração de glicogênio entre os espécimes do campo quando depurados e não depurados, foi significativa apenas em relação à primeira semana em laboratório para o grupo não depurado e à segunda semana para o grupo depurado. Além disto, a temperatura testada não afetou os grupos submetidos ao transporte. As concentrações de glicogénio foram semelhantes as dos espécimes do campo a partir da terceira semana, o que sugere que os espécimes estão aclimatados às condições de laboratoriais neste período de tempo. Assim, os resultados indicam que o transporte ao ar e o tempo de aclimatação podem ser incorporados com sucesso aos estudos experimentais com L. fortunei. Finalmente, o conhecimento sobre a tolerância de L. fortunei ao estresse pode ajudar a entender a capacidade invasiva deste durante o processo de estabelecimento.

Diabetes and Endocrine Disease / 임상당뇨병

Impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance are the two main mechanisms leading to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin exerts multiple effects upon target cells, especially skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. In general, insulin promotes storage of glucose and inhibits the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose. The counter regulatory hormones glucagon, catecholamine, cortisol and growth hormone are released during hypoglycemia and under other stress conditions. These hormones have insulin-antagonistic effects both in the liver and in the peripheral tissues. A significant number of endocrine disorders is associated with varying degrees of glucose intolerance, with which sustained excess of these hormones is associated. Indeed, type 2 diabetes is frequently observed in patients with various hormonal diseases including acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, and glucagonoma. In particular, improvement of glycemic control following treatment for these hormonal diseases confirms a causal relationship between excess of these hormones and diabetes. In this review, there will be a discussion over these endocrine diseases in relation to diabetes.

Differentiation Potential of Breast Milk-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Hepatocyte-Like Cells

Human breast milk stem cells (hBSCs) contain a population of cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell lineages for cell therapy applications. The current study examined the differentiation potential of hBSCs into hepatocytes- like cells. The cells were isolated from the breast milk and were treated with hepatogenic medium containing hepatocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and dexamethasone for 7 days subsequently; Oncostatin M was added to the culture media. RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the hepatogenic markers. The glycogen storage and the ability of the cells to absorb and release indocynanin green were also tested. The data showed that most of the differentiated cells formed cell aggregates after the 30th day, with more cells accumulated to form spheroids. RT-PCR revealed the expression of the hepatic nuclear factor, albumin, cytokeratin 18 and 19, cytochrome P2B6, glucose-6-phospahtase and claudin. The functional assays also showed glycogen storage and omission of indicynine green. Our study demonstrated hBSCs are novel population that can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells.