Effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the regulatory factors involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue

Yang Huan,Ma Chi,Zi Yang,Zhang Min,Liu Yingchun,Wu Kaifeng,Gao Feng 아세아·태평양축산학회 2022 Animal Bioscience Vol.35 No.7

Objective: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the expressions of genes involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue (BAT). Methods: Eighteen ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ metabolisable energy [ME]/kg body weight [BW]0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6), and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg BW0.75/d, n = 6). The fetuses were removed at day 140 of pregnancy. All data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance procedure. Results: The perirenal fat weight (p = 0.0077) and perirenal fat growth rate (p = 0.0074) were reduced in RG2 compared to CG. In fetal perirenal BAT, the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (p = 0.0001) was lower in RG1 and RG2 compared with CG and UCP1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0265) was decreased in RG2. The protein level of myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) was also decreased in RG2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, mRNA expressions of CyclinA (p = 0.0109), CyclinB (p = 0.0019), CyclinD (p = 0.0015), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) (p = 0.0001), E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) (p = 0.0323), E2F4 (p = 0.0101), and E2F5 (p = 0.0018) were lower in RG1 and RG2. There were decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p = 0.0043) and mRNA expression of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) (p = 0.0307) in RG2 and decreased PPARγ mRNA expression (p = 0.0008) and C/EBPα protein expression (p = 0.0015) in both RG2 and RG1. Furthermore, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) (p = 0.0083) and BMP7 (p = 0.0330) decreased in RG2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) reduced in RG2 and RG1. Conclusion: Our observations support that repression of regulatory factors promoting differentiation and development results in the inhibition of BAT maturation in fetal perirenal fat during late pregnancy with maternal undernutrition. Objective: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy on the expressions of genes involved in growth and development in ovine fetal perirenal brown adipose tissue (BAT).Methods: Eighteen ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.33 MJ metabolisable energy [ME]/kg body weight [BW]^0.75/d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.18 MJ ME/kg BW^0.75/d, n = 6), and a control group (CG, <i>ad libitum</i>, 0.67 MJ ME/kg BW^0.75/d, n = 6). The fetuses were removed at day 140 of pregnancy. All data were analyzed by using the analysis of variance procedure.Results: The perirenal fat weight (p = 0.0077) and perirenal fat growth rate (p = 0.0074) were reduced in RG2 compared to CG. In fetal perirenal BAT, the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) (p = 0.0001) was lower in RG1 and RG2 compared with CG and UCP1 mRNA expression (p = 0.0265) was decreased in RG2. The protein level of myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) was also decreased in RG2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, mRNA expressions of <i>CyclinA</i> (p = 0.0109), <i>CyclinB</i> (p = 0.0019), <i>CyclinD</i> (p = 0.0015), cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (<i>CDK1</i>) (p = 0.0001), E2F transcription factor 1 (<i>E2F1</i>) (p = 0.0323), <i>E2F4</i> (p = 0.0101), and <i>E2F5</i> (p = 0.0018) were lower in RG1 and RG2. There were decreased protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) (p = 0.0043) and mRNA expression of CCAAT/ enhancer-binding protein-α (<i>C/EBPα</i>) (p = 0.0307) in RG2 and decreased <i>PPARγ</i> mRNA expression (p = 0.0008) and C/EBPα protein expression (p = 0.0015) in both RG2 and RG1. Furthermore, mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (<i>BMP4</i>) (p = 0.0083) and <i>BMP7</i> (p = 0.0330) decreased in RG2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor co-activator-1α (<i>PGC-1α</i>) reduced in RG2 and RG1.Conclusion: Our observations support that repression of regulatory factors promoting differentiation and development results in the inhibition of BAT maturation in fetal perirenal fat during late pregnancy with maternal undernutrition.

A Comparative Analysis of Government Responses to COVID-19 in the United States, China, and South Korea: Lessons from the Early Stage of the Pandemic

Haeil Jung(Haeil Jung),Ki Woong Cho(Ki Woong Cho),Kaifeng Yang(Kaifeng Yang),Sun Young Kim(Sun Young Kim),Yihong Liu(Yihong Liu) 한국학술연구원 2023 Korea Observer Vol.54 No.1

COVID-19 has spread quickly worldwide, presenting unprecedented challenges to countries all over the globe. To understand how different countries have responded to COVID-19 during the early stage of the outbreak, we develop a comprehensive research framework drawing on the literature on wicked problems. Specifically, we comparatively investigate the government responses of the United States, China, and South Korea and examine why and how these countries have adopted and implemented various strategies authoritative, collaborative, and competitive — —depending on their policy environment. Although scholars have argued that collaborative strategies are the preferred approach to dealing with wicked problems, it is found that the most applicable, implementable, and effective strategies vary according to the country's cultural, economic, and political contexts. In addition, the urgency and timing of the crisis may affect the choice of appropriate strategies. Our findings can provide lessons for public administration and policy to cope with other wicked problems.

Effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver

Huan Yang,Ying Wang,Chi Ma,Chuan Sun,Yingchun Liu,Kaifeng Wu,Ming Li,Gerelt Borjigin,Feng Gao 아세아·태평양축산학회 2019 Animal Bioscience Vol.32 No.2

Objective: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed intake restriction during late pregnancy on the function, anti-oxidation capability and acute phase protein synthesis of ovine liver. Methods: Eighteen time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.18 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.33 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d), n = 6) and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/kg W0.75 d, n = 6). The feed restriction period was from 90 days to 140 days of pregnancy. Results: The ewe’s body weight, liver weights, water, and protein content of liver in the restricted groups were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05), but the liver fat contents in the RG1 group were higher than those of the CG group (p<0.05). The increased hepatic collagen fibers and reticular fibers were observed in the restricted groups with the reduction of energy intake. The concentrations of nonesterified free fatty acids in the RG1 and RG2 groups were higher than those of the CG group with the reduction of energy intake (p<0.05), but there were decreased concentrations of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in both restricted groups compared with the CG group (p<0.05). In addition, the increased concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity and activities of superoxide dismutase activity and catalase were found in the RG1 group, and the concentrations of cholinesterase in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group (p<0.05). For the concentrations of acute phase proteins, the C-reactive protein (CRP) in the RG1 group were reduced compared with the CG group, but there were no differences in haptoglobin relative to the controls (p>0.05). Conclusion: The fat accumulation, increased hepatic fibrosis, antioxidant imbalance and modified synthesis of acute phase proteins were induced in ewe’s liver by maternal malnutrition during late pregnancy, which were detrimental for liver function to accommodate pregnancy.

Microbial composition in different gut locations of weaning piglets receiving antibiotics

Li, Kaifeng,Xiao, Yingping,Chen, Jiucheng,Chen, Jinggang,He, Xiangxiang,Yang, Hua Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.1

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine shifts in the composition of the bacterial population in the intestinal tracts (ITs) of weaning piglets by antibiotic treatment using high-throughput sequencing. Methods: Sixty 28-d-old weaning piglets were randomly divided into two treatment groups. The Control group was treated with a basal diet without antibiotics. The Antibiotic group's basal diet contained colistin sulfate at a concentration of 20 g per ton and bacitracin zinc at a concentration of 40 g per ton. All of the pigs were fed for 28 days. Then, three pigs were killed, and the luminal contents of the jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon were collected for DNA extraction and high-throughput sequencing. Results: The results showed that the average daily weight gain of the antibiotic group was significantly greater (p<0.05), and the incidence of diarrhea lower (p>0.05), than the control group. A total of 812,607 valid reads were generated. Thirty-eight operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that were found in all of the samples were defined as core OTUs. Twenty-one phyla were identified, and approximately 90% of the classifiable sequences belonged to the phylum Firmicutes. Forty-two classes were identified. Of the 232 genera identified, nine genera were identified as the core gut microbiome because they existed in all of the tracts. The proportion of the nine core bacteria varied at the different tract sites. A heat map was used to understand how the numbers of the abundant genera shifted between the two treatment groups. Conclusion: At different tract sites the relative abundance of gut microbiota was different. Antibiotics could cause shifts in the microorganism composition and affect the composition of gut microbiota in the different tracts of weaning piglets.

Tailored therapy and long-term surveillance of malignant germ cell tumors in the female genital system: 10-year experience

Qianying Zhao,Jiaxin Yang,Dongyan Cao,Jiangna Han,Kaifeng Xu,Yongjian Liu,Keng Shen 대한부인종양학회 2016 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.27 No.3

Objective: To explore the appropriate treatment of malignant germ cell tumor (MGCT) in thefemale genital system, and to analyze the factors influencing both therapeutic response andsurvival outcome. Methods: A cohort of 230-Chinese women diagnosed with MGCT of the genital systemwas retrospectively reviewed and prospectively followed. The demographic and pathologicalfeatures, extent of disease and surgery, treatment efficiency, recurrence and survival wereanalyzed. Results: MGCTs from different genital origins shared a similar therapeutic strategy andresponse, except that all eight vaginal cases were infantile yolk sac tumors. The patients’ curerate following the initial treatment, 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival (DFS)were 85.02%, 95.00%, and 86.00%, respectively. Although more extensive excision couldenhance the remission rate; it did not improve the patients’ survival. Instead, the level of themedical institution, extent of surgery and disease were independent prognostic factors forrelapse (p<0.05). Approximately 20% of patients had recurrent or refractory disease, morethan half of whom were in remission following secondary cytoreductive surgery with salvagechemotherapy. Conclusion: Fertility-sparing surgery with or without standardized PEB/PVB (cisplatin,etoposide/vincristine, and bleomycin) chemotherapy is applicable for female MGCTsof different origins. Comprehensive staging is not required; nor is excessive debulkingsuggested. Appropriate cytoreduction by surgery and antineoplastic medicine at anexperienced medical institution can bring about an excellent prognosis for these patients.

LncRNA-GAS5/miR-382-3p axis inhibits pulmonary artery remodeling and promotes autophagy in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Feng Xiaona,Wang Kaifeng,Yang Ting,Liu Yanhui,Wang Xiaodong 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.4

Background: We have clarified the role of miR-382-3p in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but what is less clear lies in its upstream regulatory mechanism. Objective: To explore the regulation mechanism of GAS5/miR-382-3p axis on CTEPH. Methods: In vitro, we constructed cell models by treating Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells (PASMCs) with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The effects of different concentrations of PDGF-BB on the activity of PASMCs were tested by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The upstream lncRNA of miR-382-3p was screened and confirmed through bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull-down, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), dual luciferase reporter gene and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The effects of GAS5/miR-382-3p axis on the viability, migration, and expressions of autophagy- and angiogenesis-related proteins were confirmed by rescue experiments (CCK-8, wound healing and western blot). In vivo, animal models by perfusing autologous blood vessels, the effects of GAS5 overexpression or silencing on the expressions of miR-382-3p, angiogenesis- and autophagy-related genes, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary artery wall were determined by biological signal acquisition system, hematoxylin-eosin staining, qRT-PCR and western blot. Results: PDGF-BB dose-dependently promoted PASMCs viability. XIST and GAS5 expressions in PASMCs were affected by the concentration of PDGF-BB, but only GAS5 can be pulled down by miR-382-3p probe. GAS5 targeted miR-382-3p to inhibit the viability and migration of PAMSCs, mPAP in CTEPH rats, pulmonary artery wall thickening and angiogenesis, and promote autophagy. Conclusions: GAS5/miR-382-3p axis is involved in the regulation of pulmonary artery remodeling and autophagy in CTEPH.

The fecal microbiota composition of boar Duroc, Yorkshire, Landrace and Hampshire pigs

Xiao, Yingping,Li, Kaifeng,Xiang, Yun,Zhou, Weidong,Gui, Guohong,Yang, Hua Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2017 Animal Bioscience Vol.30 No.10

Objective: To investigate the effect of host genetics on gut microbial diversity, we performed a structural survey of the fecal microbiota of four purebred boar pig lines: Duroc, Landrace, Hampshire, and Yorkshire. Methods: The V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. Results: A total of 783 operational taxonomic units were shared by all breeds, whereas others were breed-specific. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominated the majority of the fecal microbiota; Clostridia, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia were the major classes. Nine predominant genera were observed in all breeds and eight of them can produce short-chain fatty acids. Some bacteria can secrete cellulase to aid fiber digestion by the host. Butyric, isobutyric, valeric, and isovaleric acid levels were highest in Landrace pigs, whereas acetic and propionic acid were highest in the Hampshire breed. Heatmap was used to revealed breed-specific bacteria. Principal coordinate analysis of fecal bacteria revealed that the Landrace and Yorkshire breeds had high similarity and were clearly separated from the Duroc and Hampshire breeds. Conclusion: Overall, this study is the first time to compare the fecal microbiomes of four breeds of boar pig by high-throughput sequencing and to use Spearman's rank correlation to analyze competition and cooperation among the core bacteria.

Untangling the Association between Goal Ambiguity and Public Service Motivation with Moderating Role of Value Congruence

GOOK JIN KIM(김국진),TAEWON YOON,KAIFENG YANG,SANJAY PANDEY 한국공공관리학회 2019 한국공공관리학회 학술대회 Vol.2019 No.6