Effect of resveratrol analogue, DMU-212, on antioxidant status and apoptosis-related genes in rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis.

The aim of the study was to examine whether antioxidant properties of 3,4,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene (DMU-212) contribute to its anticarcinogenic activity and whether DMU-212 affects the expression of apoptosis-related genes. Two-stage model of hepatocarcinogenesis was used; male Wistar rats were challenged with N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneal, then phenobarbital (PB) in drinking water (0.05%) was administered. Simultaneously, DMU-212 was given per os at a dose 20 or 50 mg/kg b.w. two times a week for 16 weeks. DMU-212 caused a moderate decrease in hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls concentration elevated in rats treated with NDEA/PB. The activity of antioxidant enzymes examined reduced by NDEA/PB treatment was not restored in rats coadministered with DMU-212. Effects of DMU-212 on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of antioxidant enzymes in rats challenged with NDEA/PB were diversified; no changes in their protein expression were noted in any of the groups. The expression of 17,000 genes was analyzed by Affymetrix® Rat Gene 1.1 ST Array; 15 apoptosis-related genes were selected and validated by RT-q PCR. The combined treatment with NDEA/PB and DMU-212 increased the mRNA level of some genes driving mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, whereas the mRNA expression of some anti-apoptotic genes triggering receptor-mediated apoptosis was reduced. The expression of genes encoding caspases-4, -8, -9, and -12 was also increased in rats treated with DMU-212. Although antioxidant effect of DMU-212 in rats challenged with NDEA/PB was moderate, its potential anticarcinogenic properties were demonstrated as evidenced by modulation of apoptosis-related genes.

Microfluidic versus molecular assays - different approaches in assessing oocyte developmental competence.

In recent years, molecular techniques have brought about new solutions that focus on the developmental capacity of female oocytes and reproductive performance in the mammalian species. The developmental potency is the ability of oocytes to reach the MII stage following the long stages of folliculo- and oogenesis. The main proteins involved in this process belong to the connexin (Cx) family, which are responsible for the formation of gap junction (GJC) connections between the female gamete and surrounding somatic cells. The Cx are involved in bi-directional transport of small molecules and are therefore responsible for correct oocyte-somatic cell nutrition, proliferation, and differentiation. However, the application of certain molecular techniques often leads to destabilization or destruction of the materials of interest, such as cells or whole tissues. Therefore, the applications of microfluidic methods, which are non-invasive and quantitative, give new opportunities to further this area of biomedical research. Microfluidic research is based on real-time experiments that allow for control and/ or observation of the results during each step. The purpose of this review is to present both positive and negative aspects of molecular-microfluidic methods while describing the role of connexins in oocyte developmental capacity.

The differentiation of mammalian ovarian granulosa cells – living in the shadow of cellular developmental capacity.

The mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex (COCs) promotes oocyte growth and development during long stages of folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Before ovulation, the follicle is formed by a variety of fully differentiated cell populations; cumulus cells (CCs) that tightly surround the female gamete, granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs) which build the internal and external mass of the follicular wall. It is well documented that CCs surrounding the oocyte are necessary for resumption of meiosis and full maturation of the gamete. However, the role of the granulosa cells in acquisition of MII stage and/or full fertilization ability is not yet entirely known. In this article, we present an overview of mammalian oocytes and their relationship to the surrounding cumulus and granulosa cells. We also describe the processes of GCs differentiation and developmental capacity. Finally, we describe several markers of mammalian GCs, which could be used for positive identification of isolated cells. The developmental capacity of oocytes and surrounding somatic cells – a “fingerprint” of folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

Epithelialization and stromalization of porcine follicular granulosa cells during real-time proliferation - a primary cell culture approach.

The process of oocyte growth and development takes place during long stages of folliculogenesis and oogenesis. This is accompanied by biochemical and morphological changes, occurring from the preantral to antral stages during ovarian follicle differentiation. It is well known that the process of follicle growth is associated with morphological modifications of theca (TCs) and granulosa cells (GCs). However, the relationship between proliferation and/or differentiation of porcine GCs during long-term in vitro culture requires further investigation. Moreover, the expression of cytokeratins and vimentin in porcine GCs, in relation to real-time cell proliferation, has yet to be explored. Utilizing confocal microscopy, we analyzed cytokeratin 18 (CK18), cytokeratin 8 + 18 + 19 (panCK), and vimentin (Vim) expression, as well as their protein distribution, within GCs isolated from slaughtered ovarian follicles. The cells were cultured for 168 h with protein expression and cell proliferation index analyzed at 24-h intervals. We found the highest expression of CK18, panCK, and Vim occurred at 120 h of in vitro culture (IVC) as compared with other experimental time intervals. All of the investigated proteins displayed cytoplasmic distribution. Analysis of real-time cell proliferation revealed an increased cell index after the first 24 h of IVC. Additionally, during each period between 24-168 h of IVC, a significant difference in the proliferation profile, expressed as the cell index, was also observed. We concluded that higher expression of vimentin at 120 h of in vitro proliferation might explain the culmination of the stromalization process associated with growth and domination of stromal cells in GC culture. Cytokeratin expression within GC cytoplasm confirms the presence of epithelial cells as well as epithelial-related GC development during IVC. Moreover, expression of both cytokeratins and vimentin during short-term culture suggests that the process of GC proliferation is also highly associated with porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cell differentiation in vitro.

Association between expression of cumulus expansion markers and real-time proliferation of porcine follicular granulosa cells in a primary cell culture model.

Folliculogenesis is a compound process that involves both ovarian follicle growth and oocyte development, which is tightly attached to the follicular wall. During this process, cells that form the follicle structure undergo substantial morphological and molecular modifications that finally lead to differentiation and specialization of ovarian follicular cells. The differentiation of ovarian cells encompasses formation of follicle, which is composed of theca (TCs), mural granulosa (GCs), and cumulus cells (CCs). It was previously hypothesized that GCs and CCs represent undifferentiated and highly specialized follicular cells, respectively, which may have similar primordial cell origins. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of cumulus expansion markers such as COX2, HAS2, PTX3, and TSG6 in porcine GCs during short-term, in vitro culture. We hypothesized that these genes may display an important function in GCs in relation to cellular real-time proliferation. The expression pattern of COX2, HAS2, PTX3, and TSG6 was evaluated after using RT-qPCR in relation to confocal microscopy observations of protein expression and distribution during real-time proliferation of porcine follicular GCs. The COX2 and HAS2 mRNAs were highly expressed after 120 h of in vitro culture (IVC), whereas PTX3 and TSG6 mRNAs were increased during the first 24-48 h of IVC (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01). Conversely, all of the encoded proteins were highly expressed after 144-168 h of IVC as compared to other culture periods (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01). When analyzing the realtime proliferation of GCs in vitro, we observed a logarithmic increase of cell proliferation between 0 h and 120 h of IVC. However, after 120-168 h of IVC, the cells reached the lag phase of proliferation. Since it is well accepted that porcine GCs undergo luteinization shortly after 24-48 h of IVC, the expression pattern of investigated genes indicated that Cox2 and Has2 are independent from the LH surge, but their increased levels may be upregulated by cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, higher expression of PTX3 and TSG6 during first 24 h and/or 48 h of IVC suggested that their levels are accompanied by porcine GCs luteinization process.

Association between progesterone and estradiol-17beta treatment and protein expression of pgr and PGRMC1 in porcine luminal epithelial cells: a real-time cell proliferation approach.

The correct functionality (sensitivity and receptivity) of endometrial tissue is regulated by paracrine and endocrine pathways that activate several mediators or metabolic pathways and gene cascades. This study aimed to investigate the influence of E2 and P4 on progesterone receptor (PGR) and progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) protein expression in porcine luminal epithelial cells and their influence on the proliferation of these cells in real-time. Surface uterine luminal epithelial cells were removed using sterile surgical blades from uterine horns of ten crossbred anestrus gilts. Following treatment with collagenase I, cells were separated and transferred into 48-well E-Plates for use in a realtime cell analyzer (RTCA). The luminal epithelial cells were cultured in vitro (IVC) in standard DMEM cell culture medium and incubated with E2 (10 pg/ml, 40 pg/ml, 500 pg/ml) and P4 (10 ng/ml, 40 ng/ ml, 500 ng/ml). The cell proliferation index was analyzed after 0-240 h, 0-120 h, 120-240 h. After using the RTCA analysis we found increased proliferation of luminal epithelial cells after treatment of low doses of P4 (10 and 40 ng/ml), (P < 0.001). Higher doses of P4 led to decrease of proliferation (P < 0.001). Conversely, higher doses of E2 (500 pg/ml) increased the proliferation index as compared to low doses (10 pg/ml) and control (P < 0.001). Confocal microscopic observations revealed that higher concentrations of E2 upregulate the expression of both PGR and PGRMC1. Additionally, P4 used in lower concentrations stimulated the expression of these receptors, too. Our study presents a new influence of E2 and P4 on the expression of PGR and PGRMC1 and on the real-time proliferation of porcine luminal epithelial cells. The relationship between PGR or PGRMC1 expression and the proliferation of luminal epithelial cells may be influenced (up- or down regulated) by E2 or P4 in a steroid type- and dose-dependent manner.

Association between the expression of LHR, FSHR and CYP19 genes, cellular distribution of encoded proteins and proliferation of porcine granulosa cells in real-time.

The process of granulosa cell luteinization is part of the main process determining growth, differentiation and proliferation of these cells. Although the mechanisms underlying the regulation of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and cytochrome P450 aromatase expression in mammalian granulosa cells is well understood, still little is known about the expression of mRNA and encoded proteins in relation to cell proliferation and luteinization in vitro. Porcine granulosa cells were observed in vitro at a168-h period while undergoing real-time proliferation using an RTCA system. Furthermore, LHR, FSHR and CYP19 mRNA expression were detected using RQ-PCR after 168 h of in vitro culture (IVC) at 24-h intervals, and LHR, FSHR and P450arom were examined by confocal microscopic observation at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 96 h, and 168 h of IVC. We found increased expression of LHR and CYP19 mRNA at 24 h and 48 h of IVC compared to the other stages (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.001), whereas FSHR mRNA was higher only at 0 h (P less than 0.001). In contrast, LHR, FSHR and P450arom protein expression was significantly higher at the end of the 168-h IVC period compared to 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h (P less than 0.001). LHR, FSHR and P450arom were distributed in the cytoplasm of porcine GCs at each time point of IVC. When analyzing cell proliferation, differences in cell index were observed (at least P less than 0.05) between the first (0-24 h) and the last period (144-168 h) of IVC; however, soon after 24 h of IVC a logarithmic increase in proliferation was also seen. We assume that the expression of LHR, FSHR and CYP19 mRNAs depends on the period of in vitro cultivation and may be linked with the luteinization process of porcine GCs. Furthermore, the patterns of mRNA and protein expression suggest a post-transcriptional regulation of LHR, FSHR and P450arom. In summary, it can be presumed that mRNA and protein expression and in vitro luteinization and proliferation of porcine GCs are regulated by different mechanisms, because not all of these processes are correlated.

Study on connexin gene and protein expression and cellular distribution in relation to real-time proliferation of porcine granulosa cells.

Granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role during follicle growth and development in preovulatory stage. Moreover, the proteins such as connexins are responsible for formation of protein channel between follicular-cumulus cells and oocyte. This study was aimed to investigate the role of connexin expression in porcine GCs in relation to their cellular distribution and real-time cell proliferation. In the present study, porcine GCs were isolated from the follicles of puberal gilts and then cultured in a real-time cellular analyzer (RTCA) system for 168 h. The expression levels of connexins (Cxs) Cx36, Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 mRNA were measured by RQ-PCR analysis, and differences in the expression and distribution of Cx30, Cx31, Cx37, Cx43 and Cx45 proteins were analyzed by confocal microscopic visualization. We found higher level of Cx36, Cx37, and Cx43 mRNA expression in GCs at recovery (at 0 h of in vitro culture, IVC) compared to all analyzed time periods of IVC (24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168 h; P<0.001). On the other hand, the expression level of Cx40 transcripts was higher after 24 h of IVC compared to 0 h and the other times of IVC (P<0.001). Similarly to mRNAs, the expression levels of Cx31, Cx37 and Cx45 proteins were higher before (0 h) compared to after 168 h of IVC. The expression of Cx30 and Cx43, however, did not vary between the groups. In all, the proteins were distributed throughout the cell membrane rather than in the cytoplasm both before and after IVC. After 24 h of IVC, we observed a significant increase in the proliferation of GCs (log phase). We found differences in the proliferation index between 72-96 and 96- 140 h within the same population of GCs. In conclusion, the decrease in the expression of Cx mRNAs and proteins following IVC could be associated with a breakdown in gap-junction connections (GJCs), and leads to the decreased of their activity, which may be a reason of non-functional existence of connexon in follicular granulosa cells. These data indicated that the differentiation and proliferation of GCs and lutein cells are regulated by distinct mechanisms in pigs.

Microarray analysis of inflammatory response-related gene expression in the uteri of dogs with pyometra.

Pyometra, which is accompanied by bacterial contamination of the uterus, is defined as a complex disease associated with the activation of several systems, including the immune system. The objective of the study was to evaluate the gene expression profile in dogs with pyometra compared with those that were clinically normal. The study included uteri from 43 mongrel bitches (23 with pyometra, 20 clinically healthy). RNA used for the microarray study was pooled to four separated vials for control and pyometra. A total of 17,138 different transcripts were analyzed on the uteri of female dogs with pyometra and of healthy controls. From 264 inflammatory response-related transcripts, we found 23 transcripts that revealed a 10- to 77-fold increased expression. Thereby, the expression of interleukin 8 (IL8), interleukin-1-beta (IL1B), interleukin 18 receptor (IL18RAP), interleukin 1-alpha (IL1A), interleukin receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and interleukin 6 (IL6) increased 77-, 20-, 17-, 13-, 13- and 11-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of the calcium binding proteins S100A8 was 44-fold higher, and that of S100A12 and S100A9 37-fold, respectively, in the uteri of canines with pyometra compared with that of the controls. Moreover, the expression of the transcripts of toll-like receptors (TLR8 and TLR2), integrin beta 2 (ITGB2), chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3), semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A), CD14 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was increased between 10- and 18-fold. Furthermore, after using RT-qPCR we found an increased expression of AOAH, IL1A, IL8, CCL3, IL1RN and SERPINE 1 mRNAs which can be served also as markers of the occurrence of pyometra in domestic bitches. In summary, it is concluded that up-regulation of interleukins may be used as a marker of the inflammatory response in dogs with pyometra. Moreover, all of the 23 up-regulated transcripts may be novel molecular markers of the pathogenesis of canine pyometra. Several proteins--–products of these genes--may be recognized as potential biomarkers of this disease or as therapeutic targets in other mammalian species, including humans.

The in vitro culture supplements and selected aspects of canine oocytes maturation.

The maturation of oocytes is one of the most important steps determining their developmental competence. Due to the low percentage of oocytes of bitches that reach the MII stage, searching for reagents that may stimulate the growth and maturation of oocytes is still present in this species of mammals. The most important media supplements include gonadotropins (LH, FSH, hCG), growth factors (IGF, TGF, EGF, FGF), progesterone and follicular fluid. It is suggested that the supplement of EGF, and/or follicular cells may have an important influence on the percentage of cells that reach the MII stage. Despite plenty of research based on the improvement of bitch oocytes in vitro culture, the results obtained are still unsatisfactory. Moreover, in the long stages of canine oocytes maturation many molecular and morphological modifications (including changes in mitochondria structure and configuration in the cytoplasm) are involved. In this article, the influence of selected media supplements on the efficiency of bitch oocytes in vitro maturation was described. The molecular and morphological modifications during canine oocytes maturation were also considered in the text.

The expression of genes encoding zona pellucida glycoproteins in canine cumulus-oocyte complexes cultured in vitro in media supplemented with progesterone and estradiol.

The role of progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17beta (E2) on the efficiency of canine oocyte maturation in vitro is recognized, but little is known about the influence of both steroids on the expression of zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins. It has been shown that E2 and P4 used in the IVC significantly influenced canine oocytes meiotic competence, although the effect is specifically related to the combination of hormones used in the experiment. Because both of these steroids may stimulate or inhibit maturation competence of oocytes in a dose-dependent manner, there is a high possibility that they also influence the fertilization ability of canine oocytes. Our study was aimed to analyze whether genes, encoding ZP glycoproteins, are regulated by P4 or E2. Canine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from anestrous mongrel bitches after ovariohysterectomy and cultured in serum-free tissue culture medium 199. The expression pattern of ZP glycoproteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3) mRNAs, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), and of ZP3 and ZP4 proteins, using Western blot analyses, was examined in oocytes after the supplementation of the culture medium with (1) 0.5 µg/mL, 1.0 µg/mL, and 2.0 µg/mL of P4 (experiment 1), or with (2) 2.0 µg/mL E2, and with (3) a combination of E2 (2.0 µg/mL) and P4 (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 µg/mL, respectively; experiment 2). The analysis revealed an inhibited expression of ZP2 mRNA in oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM) with different P4 supplementations as compared with oocytes before IVM. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was stimulated (P < 0.01) by the supplementation of 1.0 µg/mL P4. The expression of both ZP3 and ZP4 proteins was also stimulated after the treatment with 1.0 µg/mL P4. On the other hand, the level of ZP2 mRNA was inhibited (P < 0.01) after the supplementation with E2 or with combinations of E2 and P4 as compared with control oocytes. The expression of ZP3 mRNA was significantly higher after the supplementation with E2 and 0.5 µg/mL P4. Similarly, ZP3 and ZP4 proteins were highly expressed (P < 0.01) after such hormone supplementation. The results clearly show that in vitro, P4 regulates the expression of ZP glycoproteins in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrated that E2 used alone and in combination with P4 upregulates the expression of ZP3 mRNA as well as ZP3 and ZP4 protein in canine oocytes. ZP2 mRNA is downregulated by E2 alone and in combination with E2 and P4. Furthermore, ZP glycoproteins expression is regulated by E2 alone or in combination with P4, and such synergistic or adverse effect is P4 concentration-dependent.

Analysis of integrins and vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms mRNA expression in the canine uterus during perimplantation period.

Integrins are the major receptors within the extracellular matrix (ECM) that mediate several functions connected with cell life and metabolism, such as cell adhesion, migration, cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important angiogenic factors. It has been suggested that the expression of this gene may play crucial physiological roles in reproductive organs. All investigated endometrial tissues were isolated on day 10-12 after mating. Control bitches, used in this study, were in metestrus, which was determined according to the vaginal cytology and progesterone level in blood. Early pregnancy was verified by flushing the uterine horns with PBS. Total RNA was isolated from the bitches endometrium by means of the Chomczynski and Sacchi method, treated by DNase I, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. A quantitative analysis of integrins alpha2b, beta2 and beta3, VEGF 164, 182 and 188 cDNA was performed by RT-PCR. In results we have shown an increased expression of all investigated genes (integrins alpha2b, beta2 and beta3, VEGF 164, 182, and 188) in pregnant bitches uterus as compared to non-pregnant females (P < 0.001). Our results indicated that the expression of genes encoding integrins and vascular endothelial growth factors is different in relation to the time of the embryo implantation and it is increased in the first period of this process. This may be associated with the induction of specific mechanisms responsible for receptivity of uterus following the embryo attachment. In addition, all of investigated genes are up-regulated in a pregnancy-specific manner and the increased expression of these genes may regulate the uterus function during the implantation of canine embryos.

Differential expression of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor beta isoforms in dog endometrium during different periods of the estrus cycle.

Both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF) play an important physiological role in the processes of proliferation and differentiation of several different cell types. However, the expression profiles of these factors in domestic bitches endometrium are still poorly recognized. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze the differential expression of these factors in various stages of the estrus cycle. Endometrial tissue from proestrus (n = 17), estrus (n = 10), day 10 diestrus (n = 15), day 35 diestrus (n = 18) and anestrus (n = 25) was collected soon after ovariohysterectomy. Total RNA was isolated from the endometrium by means of Chomczynski and Sacchi method, treated by DNase I, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative analysis of EGF, TGFbeta1, TGFbeta2, and TGFbeta3 cDNA was performed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). EGF expression in canine endometrium was increased in the estrus stage as compared to proestrus (P < 0.05), day 10 diestrus (P < 0.05), day 35 diestrus (P < 0.01) and anestrus (P < 0.001). We also found the differences in EGF expression between day 10 and day 35 of estrus as well as between day 35 of estrus with anestrus (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). The TGFf1 transcript contents were also higher in estrus as compared to other stages (P < 0.01). The TGFbeta2 and TGFbeta3 in the estrus stage was increased compared to proestrus, day 10 diestrus, day 35 diestrus and anestrus (P < 0.05). We proved that expression of EGF and TGFbeta transcript isoforms is related to the phase of estrus in bitches and therefore may be regulated by specific hormone concentrations during these periods. Our results confirm the hypothesis that these growth factors play a role in the regulation of biochemical changes in the endometrial tissues during the estrus cycle.

Zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3) and integrin ß2 (ITGB2) mRNA and protein expression in porcine oocytes after single and double exposure to brilliant cresyl blue test.

Brilliant cresyl blues (BCB) staining test is a useful tool in assessing the competence of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) in several mammalian species. It is mostly used to select gametes after they are recovered from the ovary or before and after IVM to isolate those oocytes that reach developmental competency. However, there is evidence that double exposure to BCB test may lead to impaired fertilization or even have a toxic effect on cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of sperm-egg interaction molecules in oocytes after single and double exposure to BCB test. Follicles were dissected from porcine ovaries after slaughter and aspirated COCs were cultured in standard porcine IVM culture medium (TCM 199) for 44 h. The BCB test was applied to COCs before and after IVM. In developmentally competent oocytes, assessed by determining the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; BCB test), real-time quantitative PCR reaction methods, western blot and confocal microscopy analysis were applied to determine the transcript levels of porcine zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (pZP3), and integrin beta 2 (ITGB2), as well as the levels of pZP3 and ITGB2 proteins. In the control group, assessment of the expression of the investigated genes was performed before and after IVM without BCB test. We observed a significantly higher level of pZP3 mRNA in oocytes after single exposure to BCB test compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001), and to double staining (P < 0.05). The level of ITGB2 mRNA was also increased in gametes after single exposure to BCB test as compared to control before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively), and double staining (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis demonstrated a higher level of pZP3 protein in oocytes after single staining with BCB as compared to control both before and after IVM (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) and double staining (P < 0.05). Confocal microscopic observations have revealed the same pattern of increased level of pZP3 and ITGB2 expression after single exposure to BCB test. In both cases we detected specific cytoplasmic localization of both proteins. The ITGB2 protein has zona pellucida and membrane localization in control oocytes before IVM. After IVM and after single exposure to BCB, ITGB2 was also strongly detected in the cytoplasm. In both cases, after double exposure to BCB both proteins were detected only partially in the cytoplasm. Our results suggest that (i) single exposure to BCB increased the expression of sperm-oocyte interaction genes, (ii) double exposure to BCB leads to only partial expression of pZP3 and ITGB2 in oocyte cytoplasm, (iii) the BCB staining test itself may be a cause of specific pZP3 translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm, and that (iv) in vitro maturation of oocytes may increase ITGB2 expression and translocation from the zona pellucida to the cytoplasm.

Trichostatin A, sodium butyrate, and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine alter the expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha and beta isoforms in Hut-78 T- and Raji B-lymphoma cell lines.

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is mainly expressed as nine-exon alternatively spliced variants, encoding functional GRalpha and nonfunctional GRbeta. Overexpression of GRbeta splice variant was found in glucocorticoid-resistant patients with some autoimmune diseases and hematological malignancies. Employing reverse transcription, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blot analysis, we determined an effect of trichostatin A (TSA), sodium butyrate (NaBu) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-dAzaC) on GRalpha and GRbeta expression in Hut-78 T- and Raji B-lymphoma cell lines. We found that TSA, NaBu, and 5-dAzaC significantly increase the expression of GRalpha transcript and protein, whereas GRbeta transcript and protein expression was profoundly decreased in Hut-78 T- and Raji B- lymphoma cell lines. Our observation suggests that changes of epigenetic milieu inside cells may alter the expression of GRalpha and GRbeta isoforms.

[Primary distal renal tubular acidosis coexisting with malabsorption syndrome]. / Pierwotna kwasica cewkowa dystalna wspólistniejaca z zespolem uposledzonego wchlaniania jelitowego.

The authors present the case of 54-old man primary tubular acidosis coexisting with malabsorption syndrome. Deviation were: extension of QT interval, low level of potassium and calcium in the blood, perturbations of calcium metabolism and high level of PTH. Glucose, lactose and iron absorption curves were flat. The final diagnosis was given as a result of analysis of findings and literature. The patient underwent the vitamin D3, calcium and potassium preparations, hydrochlorotiazyd treatment. Megaloblastic anaemia was treated with vitamin B12 and folic acid. Such therapy gave considerable improvement in patient's general condition and normalisation of lab tests results. The authors try explain the etiopathogenesis of bones changes and high level of parathormone. They assume the attitude towards methods of therapy and necessary medicaments doses. Relationship between described syndromes remains inextricable. Roentgen image of ileum which suggests occlusion is still unexplainable. Described case seemed to be very interesting considering rarity of primary tubular acidosis and its coexistence with malabsorption syndrome.

[A case of post-traumatic pancreatitis]. / Przypadek pourazowego zapalenia trzustki.

The authors present a case of a 16-year-old female patient with acute pancreatitis, being a complication of blunt abdominal trauma. This case is considered as interesting in view of the aetiology, rarely taken into account in clinical differentiation. A review is also done of the literature on this subject which suggests the possibility of such aetiology in 20% of cases of acute pancreatitis in children and youths.