Association between a non-synonymous HSD17B4 single nucleotide polymorphism and meat-quality traits in Berkshire pigs.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are useful genetic markers that allow correlation of genetic sequences with phenotypic traits. It is shown here that HSD17B4, a bifunctional enzyme mediating dehydrogenation and anhydration during ß-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, contains a non-synonymous SNP (nsSNP) of chr2:128,825,976A>G, c.2137A>G, I690V, within the sterol carrier protein-2 domain of the HSD17B4 gene, by RNA-Seq of liver RNA. The HSD17B4 mRNA was highly expressed in the kidney and liver among various other tissues in four pig breeds, namely, Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire. The nsSNP was significantly associated with carcass weight, backfat thickness, and drip loss (P < 0.05). Furthermore, HSD17B4 may play a crucial role during the early stages of myogenesis when expression of its mRNA was significantly high. In conclusion, HSD17B4 may serve as a possible regulator of muscle development, and its identification should help to select for improved economic traits of Berkshire pigs such as carcass weight, backfat thickness, and drip loss.

Role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors in ischaemic pain: Potential interactions with ASIC and P2X receptors.

BACKGROUND: The role of peripheral sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1Rs) in normal nociception and in pathologically induced pain conditions has not been thoroughly investigated. Since there is mounting evidence that Sig-1Rs modulate ischaemia-induced pathological conditions, we investigated the role of Sig-1Rs in ischaemia-induced mechanical allodynia (MA) and addressed their possible interaction with acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and P2X receptors at the ischaemic site. METHODS: We used a rodent model of hindlimb thrombus-induced ischaemic pain (TIIP) to investigate their role. Western blot was performed to observe changes in Sig-1R expression in peripheral nervous tissues. MA was measured after intraplantar (i.pl.) injections of antagonists for the Sig-1, ASIC and P2X receptors in TIIP rats or agonists of each receptor in naïve rats. RESULTS: Sig-1R expression significantly increased in skin, sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia at 3 days post-TIIP surgery. I.pl. injections of the Sig-1R antagonist, BD-1047 on post-operative days 0-3 significantly attenuated the development of MA during the induction phase, but had no effect on MA when given during the maintenance phase (days 3-6 post-surgery). BD-1047 synergistically increased amiloride (an ASICs blocker)- and TNP-ATP (a P2X antagonist)-induced analgesic effects in TIIP rats. In naïve rats, i.pl. injection of Sig-1R agonist PRE-084 alone did not produce MA; but it did induce MA when co-administered with either an acidic pH solution or a sub-effective dose of αßmeATP. CONCLUSION: Peripheral Sig-1Rs contribute to the induction of ischaemia-induced MA via facilitation of ASICs and P2X receptors. Thus, peripheral Sig-1Rs represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ischaemic pain.

σ1 receptors activate astrocytes via p38 MAPK phosphorylation leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to the genesis of mechanical allodynia (MA) in neuropathic pain. We recently demonstrated that the spinal sigma non-opioid intracellular receptor 1 (σ1 receptor) modulates p38 MAPK phosphorylation (p-p38), which plays a critical role in the induction of MA in neuropathic rats. However, the histological and physiological relationships among σ1, p-p38 and astrocyte activation is unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We investigated: (i) the precise location of σ1 receptors and p-p38 in spinal dorsal horn; (ii) whether the inhibition of σ1 receptors or p38 modulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced astrocyte activation; and (iii) whether this modulation of astrocyte activity is associated with MA development in CCI mice. KEY RESULTS: The expression of σ1 receptors was significantly increased in astrocytes on day 3 following CCI surgery. Sustained intrathecal treatment with the σ1 antagonist, BD-1047, attenuated CCI-induced increase in GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes, and the treatment combined with fluorocitrate, an astrocyte metabolic inhibitor, synergistically reduced the development of MA, but not thermal hyperalgesia. The number of p-p38-ir astrocytes and neurons, but not microglia was significantly increased. Interestingly, intrathecal BD-1047 attenuated the expression of p-p38 selectively in astrocytes but not in neurons. Moreover, intrathecal treatment with a p38 inhibitor attenuated the GFAP expression, and this treatment combined with fluorocitrate synergistically blocked the induction of MA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Spinal σ1 receptors are localized in astrocytes and blockade of σ1 receptors inhibits the pathological activation of astrocytes via modulation of p-p38, which ultimately prevents the development of MA in neuropathic mice.

Combined use of normal mode and Q-switched ruby lasers in the treatment of congenital melanocytic naevi.

Melanocytic naevi are common and they are often removed for cosmetic purposes. In recent years, both the normal mode ruby laser and the Q-switched ruby laser have been used, either alone or in combination, for the removal of congenital melanocytic naevi. However, their success was restricted to partial lightening and incomplete histological clearance. We report a new approach, with combined use of normal mode and Q-switched ruby lasers, that improves the effectiveness of the laser removal of pigmentation in congenital melanocytic naevi.

Selective transport of cesium ion in polymeric CTA membrane containing calixcrown ethers.

A series of calixcrown ethers for which the cavity size of the crown ring is varied from crown-6 to crown-7 to crown-8 were examined for the transport abilities toward alkali metal ions. These ligands were incorporated into supported liquid membranes (SLMs) and into polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) composed of cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a support and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) as a plasticizer. In both membrane systems, calixcrown-6 showed the best selectivity toward a cesium ion over other alkali metal ions. The polymeric CTA membrane showed more rapid transport rate as well as higher durability than did the SLMs.