Relationship between cardiac autonomic regulation and auditory mechanisms: Importance for growth and development

The literature has already demonstrated that auditory stimulation with music influences the cardiovascular system. In this study, we performed a literature review in order to investigate the relationship between auditory mechanisms and cardiac autonomic regulation. The selected studies indicated that there is a strong correlation between noise intensity and vagal-sympathetic balance. Also, it was reported that music therapy improved heart rate variability in anthracycline-treated breast cancer patients. It was hypothesized that dopamine release in the striatal system induced by pleasure songs are involved in the cardiac autonomic regulation. Further studies are necessary to add new elements in the literature to improve new therapies to treat cardiovascular disorders.

Effect of glycerol on GHR and IGF-1 gene expression in breast muscle and on growth of Japanese meat quails

We evaluated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the growth-hormone (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) genes in 28-day-old Japanese meat quails fed diets containing 0, 8, or 12% dietary glycerol in substitution of corn. Total RNA was extracted from the breast muscle and the DNA was amplified with specific primers using real-time PCR. Feed conversion ratio and feed intake were evaluated. The birds fed 8 and 12% glycerol presented higher IGF-1 mRNA expression [0.059 and 0.049 arbitrary units (AU), respectively] relative to those not fed with glycerol (0.029 AU), while 12% glycerol reduced GHR mRNA expression (0.022 AU). Dietary inclusion of 8% glycerol promoted similar performance results (feed conversion) as the diet with no glycerol. We conclude that inclusion of glycerol in the diet affects GHR and IGF-1 gene expression in Japanese meat quails. However, considering the performance results and the expression of the GHR and IGF-1 genes, 8% glycerol may be safely included in the diet of meat quails. © FUNPEC-RP.

Expression, purification and molecular analysis of the human ZNF706 protein

Background: The ZNF706 gene encodes a protein that belongs to the zinc finger family of proteins and was found to be highly expressed in laryngeal cancer, making the structure and function of ZNF706 worthy of investigation. In this study, we expressed and purified recombinant human ZNF706 that was suitable for structural analysis in Escherichia coli BL21(DH3). Findings. ZNF706 mRNA was extracted from a larynx tissue sample, and cDNA was ligated into a cloning vector using the TOPO method. ZNF706 protein was expressed according to the E. coli expression system procedures and was purified using a nickel-affinity column. The structural qualities of recombinant ZNF706 and quantification alpha, beta sheet, and other structures were obtained by spectroscopy of circular dichroism. ZNF706's structural modeling showed that it is composed of α-helices (28.3%), β-strands (19.4%), and turns (20.9%), in agreement with the spectral data from the dichroism analysis. Conclusions: We used circular dichroism and molecular modeling to examine the structure of ZNF706. The results suggest that human recombinant ZNF706 keeps its secondary structures and is appropriate for functional and structural studies. The method of expressing ZNF706 protein used in this study can be used to direct various functional and structural studies that will contribute to the understanding of its function as well as its relationship with other biological molecules and its putative role in carcinogenesis. © 2013 Colombo et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) e grupo racial sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de caprinos em crescimento

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Condicionamento com ácido cítrico e os efeitos biológicos na aplicação tópica de bFGF e BMP-7 em células relevantes para a regeneração periodontal

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A bioquímica do envelhecimento e obesidade

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) nos não-componentes da carcaça de cabritos de três genótipos

This study was developed with the aim of evaluating recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on non-carcass components of goat kids of three genotypes. It was used 23 male goat kids of three genotypes, being 8 Alpine, 4 ½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA) and 11 ¾ Boer + ¼Alpine (¾ BA), from which 12 received rbST e 11 control. The growth hormone used was the recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and animals of treatment 1 received the hormone in the amount of 0.3 mg/kg live weight, from 45 days, adjusted in intervals of 14 days. Animals of treatment 2 (control) received saline solution in the same dosage and interval. The ½ BA goats presented a higher proportion of external non-carcass components (head, feet and skin) in relation to Alpine goats. Regarding the vital organs, such as lungs, kidneys and spleen, and the non-carcass components blood, internal fat and perinephric fat, Alpine goats presented higher values than ¾ BA goats. The administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) did not produce effect on proportions and weight of non-carcass components. Proportions and weight of non-carcass components varied in function of genotypes, although animals were slaughtered at similar live weight.

Bone morphogenetic proteins: promising molecules for bone healing, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Avaliação da sensibilidade à insulina e concentração do cortisol salivar em gestantes com doença periodontal

Pós-graduação em Odontologia Preventiva e Social - FOA

Desempenho de caprinos de três genótipos recebendo somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST)

Forty-three animals of three genotypes, wich 13 Alpine (8 males and 5 females), 9 ½ Boer + ½ Alpine (4 males and 5 females) e 21 ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine (11 males and 10 females), wich 21 received rbST and 22 control.The growth hormone used was the bovine recombinant somatotropin (rbST) and the animals of treatment 1 received the hormone in the adjusted amount from 0,3 mg/kg of live weight in intervals of 14 days. Animals of treatment 2 (control) had received saline solution in the same dosage and interval. There was no influence of the recombinant bovine somatotropin in the evaluated characteristics of performance. Males had been higher to females in weight gain of application of hormone to 120 days of age, as well as in daily average weight gain of 60 to 90, 90 to 120 and of application to 120 days of age. Weight to 90 and 120 days of age of females had been smaller in relation to males.

Somatotropina bovina (rbST) recombinante sobre as características físico-químicas da carne de cabritos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Recombinant Factors for Hemostasis

Trauma deaths are a result of hemorrhage in 37% of civilians and 47% military personnel and are the primary cause of death for individuals under 44 years of age. Current techniques used to treat hemorrhage are inadequate for severe bleeding. Preliminary research indicates that fibrin sealants (FS) alone or in combination with a dressing may be more effective; however, it has not been economically feasible for widespread use because of prohibitive costs related to procuring the proteins. To meet future demands for hemostatic therapies, FS will likely include recombinant human fibrinogen (rFI) and recombinant human Factor XIII (rFXIII). The underlying hypothesis of the research presented in this dissertation is that a liquid fibrin sealant (LFS) composed of recombinant FI, FXIII and FIIa in optimized proportions can assist hemostasis in the presence and absence of a bioresorbable bandage while using considerably fewer biologics than commercial products currently available. This dissertation characterized rFI produced in the milk of transgenic cows, plasma-derived thrombin (pdFIIa) activated by sodium citrate and rFXIIIa expressed in genetically engineered Pichia pastoris with respect to their capacity to serve as components in a LFS. The ratios of these factors were optimized to yield a LFS with a rapid clot formation rate and high viscoelastic strength. This optimized LFS was preliminarily tested ex vivo and in vivo. The clotting kinetics and viscoelastic strength of our optimized LFS was equivalent to those of a commercially available LFS; however, it uses approximately 75% less fibrinogen and thrombin. Our optimal LFS successfully achieved hemostasis in a significant number of the wounds that included extensive tissue and vascular damage. LFS applied without the assistance of a dressing was able to stop bleeding of oozing wounds or those with small vessels; however, a scaffold was needed when wounds contained large vasculature.

Expression of soluble and functional full-length human matrix metalloproteinase-2 in Escherichia coli

Characterization of the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) substrates and understanding of its function remain difficult because up to date preparations containing minor amounts of other eukaryotic proteins that are co-purified with MMP-2 are still used. In this work, the expression of a soluble and functional full-length recombinant human MMP-2 (rhMMP-2) in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli is reported, and the purification of this metalloproteinase is described. Culture of this bacterium at 18 degrees C culminated in maintenance of the soluble and functional rhMMP-2 in the soluble fraction of the E. coli lysate and its purification by affinity with gelatin-sepharose yielded approximately 0.12 mg/L of medium. Western Blotting and zymographic analysis revealed that the most abundant form was the 72-kDa MMP-2, but some gelatinolytic bands corresponding to proteins with lower molecular weight were also detected. The obtained rhMMP-2 was demonstrated to be functional in a gelatinolytic fluorimetric assay, suggesting that the purified rhMMP-2 was correctly folded. The method described here involves fewer steps, is less expensive, and is less prone to contamination with other proteinases and MMP inhibitors as compared to expression of rhMMP-2 in eukaryotic tissue culture. This protocol will facilitate the use of the full-length rhMMP-2 expressed in bacteria and will certainly help researchers to acquire new knowledge about the substrates and biological activities of this important proteinase. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Positive effects of zinc supplementation on growth, GH, IGF1, and IGFBP3 in eutrophic children

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for growth and development. Its deficiency causes growth retardation in children and adolescents. The present study analyzes the effect of zinc on growth hormone (GH) secretion, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in normal children before puberty. Thirty normal children were studied, 15 boys and 15 girls, aged 6-9 years. They were orally supplemented with 5 mg Zn/day for 3 months and 0.06537 mg Zn/kg body weight was injected before and after oral supplementation. Dietary intake and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and end of study. Plasma GH levels increased during intravenous zinc administration and IGF1 and IGFBP3 increased after oral zinc supplementation. There was a positive correlation between the areas under the curves of GH and zinc after oral supplementation. Zinc supplementation was possibly effective in improving the body zinc status of the children, secretory levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3, GH potentialization, and height.

Approach to and Treatment of Goiters

The main causes of simple diffuse goiter (SDG) and multinodular goiter (MNG) are iodine deficiency, increase in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, natural goitrogens, smoking, chronic malnutrition, and lack of selenium, iron, and zinc. Increasing evidence suggests that heredity is equally important. Treatment of SDG and MNG still focuses on L-thyroxine-suppressive therapy surgery. Radioiodine alone or preceded by recombinant human TSH stimulation is widely used in Europe and other countries. Each of these therapeutic options has advantages and disadvantages, with acute and long-term side effects.