Distribution and developmental changes of IL-21 immunopositive cells in the bursa of Fabricius of Jinhu silky chicken.

Bursa of Fabricius (BOF) is a unique immune organ of birds. It is the place where lymphocytes develop, differentiate and mature. Young chicken BOF is susceptible to infection and damage, and even atrophy, causing immune suppression, and bringing huge economic losses to chicken production. Therefore, studying the regulatory mechanism of chicken bursa development is of great practical significance for disease prevention and diagnosis. Jinhu silky chicken (JSC) is a local excellent breed in the Fujian Province of China and with strong disease resistance. However, studies on the disease resistance of JSC are scarce. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for reproduction and disease control of JSC. Developmental features of the structure and the IL-21-positive cell (IL-21 PC) distribution on the BOF in JSC were measured from 7 to 300 days of age. Bursas of chicken (n = 36) were taken at 7, 35, 70, 150, 240, and 300 days of age for preparation of paraffin sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry. The microstructure of JSC's BOF was similar to that of other poultry. The cortical-medullary boundary of the bursa nodule was not obvious at 7 days of age, but it was evident after 35 days of age. Before 70 days of age, IL-21 positive cells (PC) were scattered on the BOF. At 150 days of age, the number of IL-21 PC in the bursa were the highest and the nuclei were clear. The level of IL-21 PC gradually decreased with age. The BOF degenerated and disappeared in 300-day-old JSC. The histological structure of the BOF was similar to that of other poultry. IL-21 PC were widespread in the BOF at different ages, but the numbers were different.

Phytochemical Screening, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Caralluma edulis Plant.

The plant Caralluma edulis is traditionally used against diabetes and inflammatory conditions in Pakistan. This study was designed to provide scientific validation of the traditional use of Caralluma edulis. Phytochemicals were extracted from the plant by different solvents (distilled water, methanol, ethanol, and acetone) using the Soxhlet's extraction method. Bioactive compounds were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The in vitro anti-inflammatory activities (albumin denaturation, membrane stabilization, and proteinase inhibition) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH scavenging activity, FRAP reducing activity) of different extracts from Caralluma edulis were assessed. The antidiabetic potential of Caralluma edulis plant extracts was determined in acute and subacute diabetic rabbit models. Oxidative stress and enzymatic antioxidant status were also estimated in MDA, CAT, and SOD levels. Results showed that the methanol extract yielded the highest contents of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant potential of the methanol extract were the highest among the tested solvents. The tested extracts did not show any remarkable antidiabetic activity in the acute diabetic model. However, all tested extracts demonstrated antidiabetic potential in the subacute diabetic model. No adverse effect was observed at the tested dose (200 mg/kg) of Caralluma edulis extracts in experimental animals. It is concluded that methanol is the key solvent for extracting bioactive compounds from Caralluma edulis. The plant can be used against inflammatory disorders and may prove a potential candidate for drug development. Long-term use of Caralluma edulis at the tested dose (200 mg/kg) showed antidiabetic properties in the animal model.

Extracellular vesicles and exosome: insight from physiological regulatory perspectives

The current study highlights prospective mechanisms of biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and potential involvement in cellular signaling and transport with great emphasis to illustrate their role as biomarkers in certain pathologies. The current review highlights EVs, the heterogeneous entities secreted by cells in highly conserved manner. A series of consensus terminologies for various types is yet to be organized. Exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies are major populations among EVs. EVs are key regulators in cellular physiological homeostasis, disease progression and evolve either from plasma membrane (microvesicles) or fusion of endosomes with exosomes. However, how vesicular inclusions elicit a plethora of biological responses is still not much clear. However, how these vesicular inclusions get packaged and delivered by these EVs shows great involvement in inter- and intracellular cellular signaling and channeling of multiple proteins, variety of RNAs and certain fat molecules. It’s worth to mention that EVs carry small non-coding RNAs (snRNAs) which are involved in multiple cellular molecular events at targeted sites. Moreover, snRNA trafficking through exosomes and microvesicles depicts remarkable potential as non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical disorders especially immune system pathologies, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic syndromes. (AU)

Extracellular vesicles and exosome: insight from physiological regulatory perspectives.

The current study highlights prospective mechanisms of biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and potential involvement in cellular signaling and transport with great emphasis to illustrate their role as biomarkers in certain pathologies. The current review highlights EVs, the heterogeneous entities secreted by cells in highly conserved manner. A series of consensus terminologies for various types is yet to be organized. Exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies are major populations among EVs. EVs are key regulators in cellular physiological homeostasis, disease progression and evolve either from plasma membrane (microvesicles) or fusion of endosomes with exosomes. However, how vesicular inclusions elicit a plethora of biological responses is still not much clear. However, how these vesicular inclusions get packaged and delivered by these EVs shows great involvement in inter- and intracellular cellular signaling and channeling of multiple proteins, variety of RNAs and certain fat molecules. It's worth to mention that EVs carry small non-coding RNAs (snRNAs) which are involved in multiple cellular molecular events at targeted sites. Moreover, snRNA trafficking through exosomes and microvesicles depicts remarkable potential as non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical disorders especially immune system pathologies, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic syndromes.

Development of Iron Sequester Antioxidant Quercetin@ZnO Nanoparticles with Photoprotective Effects on UVA-Irradiated HaCaT Cells.

BACKGROUND: Solar ultraviolet radiation A (UVA, 320-400 nm) is a significant risk factor leading to various human skin conditions such as premature aging or photoaging. This condition is enhanced by UVA-mediated iron release from cellular iron proteins affecting huge populations across the globe. PURPOSE: Quercetin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (quercetin@ZnO NPs) were prepared to examine its cellular iron sequestration ability to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses in HaCaT cells. METHODS: Quercetin@ZnO NPs were synthesized through a homogenous precipitation method, and the functional groups were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) described the morphologies of NPs. MTT and qRT-PCR assays were used to examine cell viability and the expression levels of various inflammatory cytokines. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) was employed to evaluate the redox potential of quercetin-Fe3+/quercetin-Fe2+ complexes. RESULTS: The material characterization results supported the loading of quercetin molecules on ZnO NPs. The CV and redox potential assays gave Fe-binding capability of quercetin at 0.15 mM and 0.3 mM of Fe(NO3)3. Cytotoxicity assays using quercetin@ZnO NPs with human HaCaT cells showed no cytotoxic effects and help regain cell viability loss following UVA (150 kJ/m2). CONCLUSION: Quercetin@ZnO NPs showed that efficient quercetin release action is UV-controlled, and the released quercetin molecules have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and iron sequestration potential. Quercetin@ZnO NPs have superior biocompatibility to provide UVA protection and medication at once for antiphotoaging therapeutics.

Cellular Evidence of Exosomes in the Reproductive Tract of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis.

The oviduct is a location of egg production, fertilization, and sperm storage. While its secretions have broadly attributes toward different physiological functions. We examined the ultrastructure of oviduct epithelium and glands in relation to the secretions, particularly with exosomes origin in Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The ciliated epithelial and gland cells were involved in the release of exosomes and secretions into lumen throughout the year. The exosomes were either released directly from epithelium or in relation with multivesicular body (MVB). The average size of the particles varies between 50 and 130 nm. These exosomes were also widely distributed in the epithelial ciliated cells and pericytoplasm of glands lumen. Intracellular MVB was characterized by membrane-bounded exosomes of different sizes. Exosomes were also found in close contact with the cilia and sperm membrane in the lumen, which is suggestive of their fusogenic properties. Immunohistochemistry results showed strong to moderate positive expression of exosomes, in ciliated and gland cells, during January, September, and December, as it is the time of sperm storage in this turtle, whereas they showed moderate to weak level of expression during breeding season (May). This is first study about identification of the exosomes in female turtles. Epithelial and glandular exosomes, intracellular MVB, secretions, and secretory vesicles give this turtle specie a unique secretory morphology and a potential model for investigating the secretory nature of the oviduct.

Morphological and ultrastructural study of the efferent ductules in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis.

Comparative study of the turtle excurrent duct system increases our understanding the evolution of sperm motility and fertility maintenance in higher vertebrates. Therefore, in this study we observed the histology and ultrastructure organization of efferent ductules in the Pelodiscus sinensis using light and transmission electron microscopy. The efferent ductules are extra- testicular and 22-28 in number originate from rete testis. The epithelium is entirely composed of two types of cells, the predominant non-ciliated and ciliated cells. The ciliated cells have long cilia that protrude into the lumen to form a meshwork. These cells associated with clusters of mitochondria in the supranuclear cytoplasm and possess coated vesicles, vacuole, intracellular spaces, and junction complexes. Ciliated cells in the proximal portion of the ductules contain an endocytic apparatus with coated pits and tubules in the apical cytoplasm. Interdigitations and lipid droplets are predominantly present around the nuclei of these cells. The non-ciliated cells have clusters of mitochondria present in both the supranuclear and perinuclear cytoplasm whereas, the nuclei of these cells are lightly stained. Moreover, the contour of the epithelium towards lumen is irregular as it has a deep indentation. The apical cytoplasm goes deep into the lumen to form cytoplasmic processes. This is the first study to describe the detailed features of efferent ductules in Pelodiscus sinensis with, special focus on the morphology of ciliated cells, as these cells are involved in the mixing of luminal fluid and transport of spermatozoa towards the distal region.

Novel cellular evidence of oviduct secretions in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis.

The oviduct is the location of fertilization and sperm storage. We examined the ultrastructure of the oviduct epithelium and its glandular secretions in the isthmus, uterus and vagina of Chinese soft-shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis using light and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium in these segments is lined with ciliated, secretory and other cells; the first two cell types span the entire epithelium, with secretory cells being predominant. The ciliated cells are characterized by the presence of a secretory vacuole that releases apocrine secretions into the lumen, whereas the secretory cells contain typical biphasic granules with both dark and light aspects. The third type of cells observed have wider proximal portion, abundant mitochondria, vacuoles, and narrow nuclei. The storage of spermatozoa is restricted to the isthmus, uterus, and vagina. In addition, the gland cells show prominent features, including the presence of granules of different shapes, sizes, and electron densities. The synthesis of these granules is described for the first time in this study. Mitochondria appear to play an important role in the formation of dense granules, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and microfilaments may also play a role in the maturation of these dense granules. After completing the maturation process, these granules are released into the lumen of the gland cells.