Association between mechanical power during one-lung ventilation and pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic lung resection surgery: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The role of mechanical power on pulmonary outcomes after thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation was unclear. We investigated the association between mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection surgery. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective observational study, 622 patients scheduled for thoracoscopic lung resection surgery were included. Volume control mode with lung protective ventilation strategies were implemented in all participants. The primary endpoint was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications during hospital stay. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between mechanical power and outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of pulmonary complications after surgery during hospital stay was 24.6% (150 of 609 patients). The multivariable analysis showed that there was no link between mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection with standardized lung-protective ventilation, no association was found between mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: ChiCTR2200058528, date of registration: April 10, 2022.

mRNA-Seq of testis and liver tissues reveals a testis-specific gene and alternative splicing associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo.

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in the co-transcription and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during mammalian spermatogenesis. The dzo is the male F1 offspring of an interspecific hybrid between a domestic bull (Bos taurus ♂) and a yak (Bos grunniens ♀) which exhibits male sterility. This study aimed to identify the testis-specific genes and AS associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo. The iDEP90 program and rMATS software were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differential alternative splicing genes (DSG) based on RNA-seq data from the liver (n = 9) and testis (n = 6) tissues of domestic cattle, yak, and dzo. Splicing factors (SF) were obtained from the AmiGO2 and the NCBI databases, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the differentially expressed SFs and DSGs. We focused on the testis-specific DEGs and DSGs between dzo and cattle and yak. Among the top 3,000 genes with the most significant variations between these 15 samples, a large number of genes showed testis-specific expression involved with spermatogenesis. Cluster analysis showed that the expression levels of these testis-specific genes were dysregulated during mitosis with a burst downregulation during the pachynema spermatocyte stage. The occurrence of AS events in the testis was about 2.5 fold greater than in the liver, with exon skipping being the major AS event (81.89% to 82.73%). A total of 74 DSGs were specifically expressed in the testis and were significantly enriched during meiosis I, synapsis, and in the piRNA biosynthesis pathways. Notably, STAG3 and DDX4 were of the exon skipping type, and DMC1 was a mutually exclusive exon. A total of 36 SFs were significantly different in dzo testis, compared with cattle and yak. DDX4, SUGP1, and EFTUD2 were potential SFs leading to abnormal AS of testis-specific genes in dzo. These results show that AS of testis-specific genes can affect synapsis and the piRNA biosynthetic processes in dzo, which may be important factors associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo.

The interspecific hybrid offspring of a domestic bull (Bos taurus) and a yak (Bos grunniens) display heterosis in meat and milk production. The hybrid offspring are particularly adaptable to the harsh environments of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, the male F1 to F3 offspring of this interspecies hybrid are infertile, and spermatogenesis is arrested at meiosis preventing the prolonged utilization of the benefits of heterosis. This study aimed to identify the testis-specific genes and alternative splicing (AS) associated with hybrid male sterility using RNA-Seq data from the liver and testis tissues of domestic cattle, yaks, and their F1 offspring (dzo). The expression of the testis-specific genes became disordered during mitosis and meiosis in dzo. Their testis-specific genes with AS events were enriched during synapsis and in the piRNA biosynthetic processes. In addition, we identified the potential splicing factors associated with abnormal testis-specific AS gene expression in dzo. These results reveal the important role of AS in the meiotic arrest of dzo.

Effects of organic and inorganic copper on cecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in growing rabbits.

Introduction: Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for the growth of rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different Cu sources on intestinal microorganisms and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in growing rabbits. Methods: The experimental animals were randomly divided into four experimental groups, each group comprised eight replicates, with six rabbits (half male and half female) per replicate. And they were fed diets was composed by mixing the basal diet with 20 mg/kg Cu from one of the two inorganic Cu (cupric sulfate and dicopper chloride trihydroxide) or two organic Cu (cupric citrate and copper glycinate). Cecal contents of four rabbits were collected from four experimental groups for 16S rDNA gene amplification sequencing and gas chromatography analysis. Results: Our results indicate that the organic Cu groups were less variable than the inorganic Cu groups. Compared with the inorganic Cu groups, the CuCit group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Rikenella Tissierella, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Enterococcus, and Paeniclostridium, while the relative abundance of Novosphingobium and Ruminococcus were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The SCFAs level decreased in the organic Cu groups than in the inorganic Cu groups. Among the SCFAs, the butyric acid level significantly decreased in the CuCit group than in the CuSO4 and CuCl2 groups. The relative abundance of Rikenella and Turicibacter genera was significantly negatively correlated with the butyric acid level in the CuCit group compared with both inorganic Cu groups. These results revealed that the organic Cu (CuCit) group had an increased abundance of Rikenella, Enterococcus, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, and Turicibacter genera in the rabbit cecum. Discussion: In summary, this study found that organic Cu and inorganic Cu sources had different effects on cecal microbiota composition and SCFAs in rabbits. The CuCit group had the unique higher relative abundance of genera Rikenella and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, which might be beneficial to the lower incidence of diarrhea in rabbits.

Evaluation of MYBL1 as the master regulator for pachytene spermatocyte genes dysregulated in interspecific hybrid dzo.

Misregulation of spermatogenesis transcription factors (TF) in hybrids can lead to misexpression, which is a mechanism for hybrid male sterility (HMS). We used dzo (male offspring of Bos taurus ♂ × Bos grunniens ♀) in bovines to investigate the relationship of the key TF with HMS via RNA sequencing and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing analyses. RNA sequencing showed that the widespread misexpression in dzo was associated with spermatogenesis-related genes and somatic or progenitor genes. The transition from leptotene or zygotene spermatocytes to pachytene spermatocytes may be the key stage for meiosis arrest in dzo. The analysis of TF-binding motif enrichment revealed that the male meiosis-specific master TF MYB proto-oncogene like 1 (MYBL1, known as A-MYB) motif was enriched on the promoters of downregulated pachytene spermatocyte genes in dzo. Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing revealed that TF-binding sites for MYBL1, nuclear transcription factor Y, and regulatory factor X were enriched in the low-chromatin accessibility region of dzo. The target genes of the MYBL1-binding motif were associated with meiosis-specific genes and significantly downregulated in dzo testis. The transcription factor MYBL1 may be the candidate master regulator for pachytene spermatocyte genes dysregulated in interspecific HMS dzo. This study reported that a few upstream TF regulation changes might exert a cascading effect downstream in a regulatory network as a mechanism for HMS.

N6-methyladenosine RNA demethylase ALKBH5 is testis-specifically downregulated in hybrid male sterile dzo and is a target gene of bta-miR-200a.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA methylation modification in mammals, which is controlled in the male germline to ensure coordinated gene expression in the entire process of spermatogenesis. Dzo is the male offspring of a cross between the domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens), and is sterile. This study aimed to investigate whether m6A-associated genes are linked with dzo male sterility. The mRNA expression pattern of m6A-associated genes and spermatogenesis-related genes modified by m6A was characterized in cattle, yak, and dzo. Compared with fertile cattle and yak, m6A erasing (ALKBH5 and FTO), writing (METTL14, WTAP, and ZC3H13), and reading (YTHDC2, YTHDF1, and YTHDF2) were testis-specifically downregulated in infertile dzo. The expression of m6A target genes in spermatogonial self-renewal and proliferation (BCL6B, FOXO1, TAF4B, and FGFR1) and differentiation genes (DNMT3B and SOHLH2) were dereguleted in dzo testis. Immunofluorescent staining showed that intense ALKBH5 immunoreactivity was present in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and round spermatids of cattle and yak testis. However, the number of ALKBH5 immunoreactive-positive cells were significantly reduced in dzo testis, especially in primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. Whole genome bisulfite-seq data showed that the promoter regions of FTO and YTHDC2 genes were hypermethylated in dzo testis. Moreover, bta-miR-200a was significantly downregulated in dzo testis, and it targeted the m6A-associated genes such as ALKBH5, FTO, WTAP, and YTHDF2. In conclusion, mRNA of ALKBH5 was testis-specifically downregulated in dzo, which may be because fewer specific spermatogenic cells express this gene. The role of m6A-associated genes in dzo male sterility and the interaction of DNA methylation and miRNA with m6A-associated protein expression need to be further explored.

[Progress on meiotic gene expression and epigenetic regulation of male sterility in Dzo cattle].

Interspecific hybrid male sterility is a common occurrence in nature and plays an important role in species reproductive isolation. Dzo (cattle-yak), the offspring of interspecific cross between domestic yak (Bos grunniens) and cattle (Bos taurus), is a unique animal model for investigating interspecific hybrid male sterility. Dzo females are completely fertile while the males are sterile. In recent years, molecular studies have demonstrated that the expressions of genes were dysregulated during meiosis in Dzo testis, as compared to those in cattle or yak. Other studies have revealed that epigenetic factors/events, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, are also involved in spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the dysregulation of gene expression, DNA methylation, microRNA (miRNA), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and histone methylation modification during meiosis in Dzo testis. These results highlighted the potential roles of genetic and epigenetic regulations of meiosis in Dzo testis, thereby providing a more detailed understanding on the molecular mechanisms of interspecific hybrid male sterility.

Inheritance patterns of leukocyte gene expression under heat stress in F1 hybrid cattle and their parents.

Crossbreeding capitalizes on heterosis effects and results in increased performance of crossbred animals. Dominance hypothesis and overdominance hypothesis are 2 common models proposed to explain heterosis. Differential gene expression between parents and hybrids is hypothesized to be responsible for heterosis. This study aimed to investigate the heat tolerance and inheritance patterns of leukocyte transcriptomics in F1 hybrid cattle (Angus males × Droughtmaster females) and their parents Red Angus (AN) and Droughtmaster (DR) under heat stress. According to the respiratory rate and heat tolerance coefficient index, DR was better adapted to heat stress than AN. The physiological responses to heat stress of F1 hybrids were similar to AN. We identified 802 differentially expressed genes in leukocytes between AN and DR under heat stress using mRNA sequencing. Compared with AN, upregulated genes in DR were enriched in biological processes of response to stress, external and chemical stimulus, and cytokine, cell surface receptor signaling pathway, and cardiovascular system development. In contrast, upregulated genes in AN were enriched in B cell activation and regulation of B cell activation. Gene expression levels can be inherited additively or nonadditively and are classified into additive (35%), dominance (44%), and overdominance and underdominance (18%) modes in F1 hybrids and their parents. Inheritance patterns of gene expression showed that 97% (249/255) of the dominant genes were classified as paternal AN dominant in hybrids. The paternal imprinted PEG10 gene and its regulatory transcription factor MYC showed an AN dominant expression pattern. The MYC interacted with most AN dominant genes. These transcriptomic analyses revealed that DR and AN had specific cellular and humoral immunity and cardiovascular systems development function under heat stress. Inheritance pattern analyses from gene expression partly explained phenotypic differences between parents and F1 hybrids. The paternal imprinted PEG10 gene interaction with transcription factor MYC may contribute to explaining paternal dominant gene expression in hybrids.

Promoter hypermethylation of PIWI/piRNA pathway genes associated with diminished pachytene piRNA production in bovine hybrid male sterility.

Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a postzygotic reproductive isolation mechanism that enforces speciation. A bovine example of HMS is the yattle (also called dzo), an interspecies hybrid of taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens). The molecular mechanisms underlying HMS of yattle are not well understood. Epigenetic modifications of DNA methylation and P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNA (piRNAs) are important regulators in spermatogenesis. In this study, we investigated DNA methylation patterns and piRNA expression in adult testes in hybrid infertile yattle bulls and fertile cattle and yak bulls using whole genome bisulphite-seq and small RNA-seq. Promoter hypermethylation in yattle were associated with DNA methylation involved in gamete generation, piRNA metabolic processes, spermatogenesis, and spermatid development (P < 2.6 × 10-5). Male infertility in yattle was associated with the promoter hypermethylation-associated silencing of PIWI/piRNA pathway genes including PIWIL1, DDX4, PLD6, MAEL, FKBP6, TDRD1 and TDRD5. The downstream effects of silencing these genes were diminished production of 29- to 31- nucleotide pachytene piRNAs in yattle testes. Hypermethylation events at transposable element loci (LINEs, SINEs, and LTRs) were found in yattle. LINE-derived prepachytene piRNAs increased and SINE-derived prepachytene piRNAs were reduced in yattle testes. Our data suggests that DNA methylation affects the PIWI/piRNA pathway and is involved in gene expression and pachytene piRNA production during spermatogenesis in bovine HMS. DNA hypermethylation and disruption of piRNA production contributed to unsuccessful germ cell development that may drive bovine HMS.

Comparison of Y-chromosome-linked TSPY, TSPY2, and PRAMEY genes in Taurus cattle, yaks, and interspecific hybrid bulls.

Domestic yaks (Bos grunniens) and domestic Taurus cattle (Bos taurus) are closely related. An interesting phenomenon in interspecific crossings is male sterility in the F1 hybrid (yattle) and F2 backcross, with no late meiotic cells or spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. The mammalian Y chromosome is crucial for spermatogenesis and male fertility. This study investigated the copy number variations and mRNA of Y-transitional region genes TSPY2 (testis specific protein, Y-linked 2 and testis-specific Y-encoded protein 3-like) and PRAMEY (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma, Y-linked), and Y-ampliconic region genes TSPY (testis-specific Y-encoded protein 1-like), ZNF280BY (zinc finger protein 280B, Y-linked) and HSFY (heat-shock transcription factor, Y-linked) in mature testes from Taurus cattle, yaks, and yattle. Phylogenetic trees divided 33 copies of TSPY into major 2 types (TSPY-T1 and TSPY-T2), 19 copies of TSPY2 into 2 types (TSPY2-T1 and T2), and 8 copies of PRAMEY into 4 types (PRAMEY-T1 to T4). Searching by the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool of the TSPY2 coding sequences in GenBank revealed that TSPY2 was conserved in Bovidae. The TSPY2-T2 sequences were absent, whereas PRAMEY-T2 and PRAMEY-T4 were amplified on the yak Y chromosome. The average copy numbers of TSPY-T2 and ZNF280BY were significantly different between cattle and yaks. The TSPY-T2, TSPY2, PRAMEY, ZNF280BY, and HSFY genes were uniquely or predominantly expressed in testes. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR showed that the TSPY-T2, PRAMEY-T2, HSFY, ZNF280BY, protamine 1 (PRM1), and protamine 2 (PRM2) genes were almost not expressed in yattle. The PRM1 and PRM2 genes are used as positive markers for spermatozoa. Thus, our results showed that the genomic structure of the Y-transitional and Y-ampliconic region differed between Taurus cattle and yaks. Dysregulated expression of Y-ampliconic region genes TSPY-T2, HSPY, ZNF280BY, and Y-transitional region gene PRAMEY-T2 may be associated with hybrid male sterility in yattle.

Gut microbiota profiling with differential tolerance against the reduced dietary fibre level in rabbit.

Dietary fibre is well acknowledged to be critical in maintaining the gut homeostasis in human and other monogastric animals. As a small monogastric herbivorous animal, rabbit is much sensitive to the reduced intake of dietary fibre and more interestingly shows individual difference in clinical tolerance. In the present study, we fed rabbits with fibre-deficiency diet for two weeks and successfully distinguished the individual tolerances according to clinical signs and gastrointestinal gross lesions. A total of 40 treatments were classified into three groups of the full health (N = 10), moderate intestinal disorder (N = 11) and severe intestinal disorder (N = 19). Together with three controls, 43 individuals were subjected to gut microbiota profiling by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. It was revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio steadily decreased from 1.74 in healthy group to 1.03 in severe group. However, the healthy individuals that showed complete tolerance still remained a comparable Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio with controls. Notably, the class Alphaproteobacteria was found to be higher abundance in healthy group than controls and other treatment groups. The results would improve our understanding of the relationship among dietary fibre, gut microbiota and host health.

MiR-1246 is upregulated and regulates lung cell apoptosis during heat stress in feedlot cattle.

Globally, heat stress seriously threatens productivity of cattle. The objective of this study was to identify novel miRNAs that regulated heat stress in feedlot cattle. Experiment was conducted under heat stress and normal conditions. With profiling miRNAs of each feedlot cattle, our results showed the level of miR-1246 was significantly increased in these heat-stressed cattle (P < 0.05). Furthermore, by using bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays combined with qPCR and western blot, we found miR-1246 negatively regulated poly (C) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) and cAMP response element binding protein-like 2 (CREBL2) mRNA and protein levels through binding to the 3'-UTR region (P < 0.05); further, it inhibited heat-induced apoptosis in lung cells. Finally, our results suggested that miR-1246 plays an important role in heat stress and it has the potential to be a novel modulation factor for heat stress in feedlot cattle.

Simultaneous introgression of three POLLED mutations into a synthetic breed of Chinese cattle.

The polled phenotype of cattle is increasingly becoming favourable mainly because of the enhanced emphasis on animal welfare, for which the causative mutations have been reported during the past years. The Shuxuan cattle are a new synthetic breed by crossing the indigenous cattle with both Simmental and Holstein semen in Sichuan of Southwest China, in which about 15% of polled individuals have newly emerged. Because official record about POLLED genotypes for the historically imported sires is unavailable, we therefore genotyped the proposed POLLED variants of P202ID, P80kbID and P219ID among 48 polled and 16 horned Shuxuan cattle. It was first revealed that all three candidate mutations have been simultaneously introgressed into Shuxuan cattle, whereas the P202ID mutation is dominant. Furthermore, one polled animal still remains to carry none of the three candidate mutations, which suggests that further mutation(s) would also exist. Additionally, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA and found that Shuxuan cattle are composed of two matrilineal origins of Bos taurus (65.6%) and B. indicus (34.4%); and there is no origin-biased distribution of polled phenotype. In conclusion, our study first supports the recently reported novel candidate mutation of P219ID and detects simultaneous presences of all three known POLLED mutations within a cattle breed.

Association between the IRS1 and FTO genes regulates body weight in rabbits.

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins play key roles in signal transduction in insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling to control postnatal growth. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) protein also play an essential role in postnatal growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the IRS1 and FTO genes and the regulation of growth traits in rabbits. A total of nine synonymous SNPs were detected in the IRS1 coding sequence using direct sequencing, and the c.189G>T and c.2574G>A SNPs from two linkage disequilibrium blocks were further genotyped for association analysis in 216 New Zealand rabbits. The association results revealed that the TT genotype of c.189G>T and the AA genotype of c.2574G>A were significantly associated with higher body weight at 70 (BW70) and 84 (BW84) days of age and with higher average daily gain (P<0.05). Linear-regression analysis revealed that the two-gene combination model of FTO c.499G>A and IRS1 c.2574G>A was associated with BW70 and BW84. The combination model of the GA genotype of FTO c.499G>A with the AA genotype of IRS1 c.2574G>A was associated with preferred values for BW70 and BW84. The performance values for the FTO c.499G>A genotypes after stratification with regard to the IRS1 c.189G>T genotypes revealed that the TT genotype of IRS1 c.189G>T reduced the FTO c.499G>A significance associated with BW70 and BW84. Together, our data indicated that the IRS1 gene was associated with growth traits in rabbits. The IRS1 and FTO combination model may be exploited to assist breeders in selecting rabbits with preferred body weight.

Expression of cathelicidins mRNA in the goat mammary gland and effect of the intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide on milk cathelicidin-2 concentration.

Cathelicidins are a family of antimicrobial peptides found in neutrophils and the epithelium that have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria. This study aimed to investigative the mRNA expression of cathelicidins and protein localization of cathelicidin-2 in the goat mammary gland and its secretion into milk. The mRNA expression of cathelicidins was examined in different regions of the mammary gland by reverse transcription PCR. A cathelicidin-2 antibody was raised in rabbits by immunization with a synthetic cathelicidin-2 peptide consisting of 17 amino acids. The protein localization of cathelicidin-2 was investigated in the mammary gland by immunohistochemistry. Skim milk was collected before (0 h) and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24h after the intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide and saline, and the concentration of cathelicidin-2 was examined by an enzyme immunoassay. The mRNAs of cathelicidin-1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 were expressed in both the teat and deep region of the mammary gland from healthy and mastitic goats. Immunoreactive cathelicidin-2 was not localized in the epithelial cells of the teat skin, teat cistern, or mammary alveoli, whereas it was localized in polymorphonuclear cells in the mammary gland and those collected from the blood and milk. Cathelicidin-2 was detected in skim milk by Western blotting. The concentration of cathelicidin-2 in milk increased 4h after the intramammary infusion of lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that cathelicidin-2 is expressed in polymorphonuclear cells and is secreted into milk in goat.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the FTO gene and their association with growth and meat quality traits in rabbits.

Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is an excellent candidate to affect the fatness and growth-related traits in pig and cattle. The aim of this study was to reveal the association between FTO and growth and meat quality traits in rabbits. A total of eight coding SNPs were detected, and four SNPs of them in exon 3 were further genotyped for association analysis in 442 rabbits from three breeds, including 248 New Zealand rabbits, 92 Ira rabbits, and 102 Champagne rabbits. Because there were significant differences for the allele and genotype frequencies among breeds, the association analysis was independently conducted in each breed only for these SNPs with minor allele frequency >5.0%. The results revealed that non-synonymous SNP c.499G>A (p.A167T) was significantly associated with body weight (BW) at 35, 70, and 84 days of age in New Zealand rabbits (P<0.01). The CC genotype of synonymous SNP c.660T>C was significantly associated with higher BW84, average daily weight gain, and intramuscular fat content of longissimus lumborum than TT and TC genotypes in Ira rabbits (P<0.05). There were no associations between the four SNPs and growth and meat quality traits in Champagne rabbits. Meanwhile, FTO SNPs were not associated with meat pH value. Our data indicated that FTO gene could be a candidate gene associated with growth and meat quality traits in rabbits. However, the breed-specific effect should be carefully taken into consideration.

Case-control study and mRNA expression analysis reveal the MyD88 gene is associated with digestive disorders in rabbit.

As in humans, significant associations between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and digestive disorders have been identified in rabbit and dog. However, as an essential adaptor downstream of TLR4, the genetic variation of myeloid differentiating factor 88 (MyD88) and its association with digestive disorders have remained unknown. In this study, we detected 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the entire genomic region of rabbit MyD88. The genetic variation in susceptibility to digestive disorders for the only coding SNP (synonymous c.699T>C) was studied in Yaan (183 cases and 142 controls) and Chengdu populations (145 cases and 140 controls). A case-control association study revealed that individuals with the C allele had significant protection against digestive disorders in the Yaan population (OR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51-0.99; P < 0.05), the Chengdu population (OR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39-0.78; P < 0.01) and for joint analysis (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.79; P < 0.01). We also experimentally induced digestive disorders by feeding a fiber-deficient diet and found that increased susceptibility was significantly associated with higher MyD88 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). The lowest MyD88 mRNA expression was observed in individuals carrying the protective CC genotype. These results suggest that MyD88 is one of the most plausible candidate genes in relation to digestive disorders in rabbit. Further studies are required to explore the biological implications of MyD88 in the pathogenesis of digestive disorders.