• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.440-446
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• 2005

A cDNA that was rapidly induced upon abscisic acid, cold, drought, mechanical wounding and to a lesser extent, by high salinity treatment, was isolated from Arabidopsis seedlings. It was classified as DREB subfamily member based on multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic characterization. Since it encoded a protein with a typical ERF/AP2 DNA-binding domain and was closely related to the TINY gene, we named it TINY2. Gel retardation assay revealed that TINY2 was able to form a specific complex with the previously characterized DRE element while showed only residual affinity to the GCC box. When fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, either full-length or its C-terminus functioned effectively as a trans-activator in the yeast one-hybrid assay while its N-terminus was completely inactive. Our data indicate that TINY2 could be a new member of the AP2/EREBP transcription factor family involved in activation of down-stream genes in response to environmental stress.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.321-326
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• 2004

The study of p53 tumor suppressor protein is one of most important subjects in an environmental toxicology as well as in cancer biology. Generally, p53 has been known to involve the cell cycle regulation and apoptosis by the activation of its target genes such as p21 and bax in a number of cellular stress responses. In addition, associations of p53 with cellular proteins presumably reflect the involvement of p53 in critical cellular processes such as DNA repair. The complex formation of p53 and exogenous proteins such as viral or cellular proteins has been shown in many cases to play important roles in carcinogenic processes against environmental mutagen. Recently, the disruption of p53 protein by oxidative stress has been also reported to have relevance to carcinogenesis. These findings suggested that the maintaining of stability and functional activity of p53 protein was also important aspect to play as a tumor suppressor protein. Therefore, the detection of functional status of p53 proteins might be an effective biomarker for the cancer and human diseases under the environmental toxicologic carcinogen.

• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1039-1049
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• 2007

Overdoses of acetaminophen cause hepato-renal oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of a 43 kDa protein isolated from the herb Cajanus indicus, against acetaminophen-induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Male albino mice were treated with the protein for 4 days (intraperitoneally, 2 mg/kg body wt) prior or post to oral administration of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg body wt) for 2 days. Levels of different marker enzymes (namely, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured in the experimental sera. Intracellular reactive oxygen species production and total antioxidant activity were also determined from acetaminophen and protein treated hepatocytes. Indices of different antioxidant enzymes (namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase) as well as lipid peroxidation end-products and glutathione were determined in both liver and kidney homogenates. In addition, Cytochrome P450 activity was also measured from liver microsomes. Finally, histopathological studies were performed from liver sections of control, acetaminophen-treated and protein pre- and post-treated (along with acetaminophen) mice. Administration of acetaminophen increased all the serum markers and creatinine levels in mice sera along with the enhancement of hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation. Besides, application of acetaminophen to hepatocytes increased reactive oxygen species production and reduced the total antioxidant activity of the treated hepatocytes. It also reduced the levels of antioxidant enzymes and cellular reserves of glutathione in liver and kidney. In addition, acetaminophen enhanced the cytochrome P450 activity of liver microsomes. Treatment with the protein significantly reversed these changes to almost normal. Apart from these, histopathological changes also revealed the protective nature of the protein against acetaminophen induced necrotic damage of the liver tissues. Results suggest that the protein protects hepatic and renal tissues against oxidative damages and could be used as an effective protector against acetaminophen induced hepato-nephrotoxicity.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.248-257
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• 2018

Overexpression of AtCYP78A7, a gene encoding a cytochrome P450 protein, has been reported to improve tolerance to drought stress in genetically modified (GM) rice (Oryza sativa L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential allergenicity and acute oral toxicity of the AtCYP78A7 protein expressed in GM rice. Bioinformatics analysis of the amino acid sequence of AtCYP78A7 did not identify any similarities with any known allergens or toxins. It showed that no known allergen had more than a 35% amino acid sequence homology with the AtCYP78A7 protein over an 80 amino acid window or more than 8 consecutive identical amino acids. The gene encoding the AtCYP78A7 protein was cloned in the pGEX-4T-1 vector and expressed in E. coli. Then, the AtCYP78A7 protein was purified and analyzed for acute oral toxicity. The AtCYP78A7 protein was fed at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight in mice, and the changes in mortalities, clinical findings, and body weight were monitored for 14 days after the dosing. Necropsy was carried out on day 14. The protein did not cause any adverse effects when it was orally administered to mice at 2000 mg/kg body weight. These results indicate that the AtCYP78A7 protein expressed in GM rice would not be a potential allergen or toxin.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.529-536
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• 2005

Viral infection causes stress to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The response to endoplasmic reticulum stress, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), is designed to eliminate misfolded proteins and allow the cell to recover. The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein NS4B, a component of the HCV replicons that induce UPR, is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that HCV NS4B could induce activating transcription factor (ATF6) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), to favor the HCV subreplicon and HCV viral replication. HCV NS4B activated the IRE1 pathway, as indicated by splicing of X box-binding protein (Xbp-1) mRNA. However, transcriptional activation of the XBP-1 target gene, EDEM (ER degradation-enhancing $\alpha-mannosidase-like$ protein, a protein degradation factor), was inhibited. These results imply that NS4B might induce UPR through ATF6 and IRE1-XBP1 pathways, but might also modify the outcome to benefit HCV or HCV subreplicon replication.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.43-54
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• 2019

We examined the effects of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor treatment during the micromanipulation of porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on the in vitro development of SCNT embryos. ER stress inhibitors such as salubrinal (200 nM) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA; $100{\mu}M$) were added to the micromanipulation medium and holding medium. The expression of X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1), ER-stress-associated genes, and apoptotic genes in SCNT embryos was confirmed at the one-cell and blastocyst stages. Levels of Xbp1 splicing and expression of ER-stress-associated genes in SCNT embryos at the one-cell stage decreased significantly with TUDCA treatment (p<0.05). The expression of ER-stress-associated genes also decreased slightly with the addition of both salubrinal and TUDCA (Sal+TUD). The expression levels of caspase-3 and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) mRNA were also significantly lower in the TUDCA and Sal+TUD treatments (p<0.05). At the blastocyst stage, there were no differences in levels of Xbp1 splicing, and transcription of ER-stress-associated genes and apoptosis genes between control and treatment groups. However, the blastocyst formation rate (20.2%) and mean blastocyst cell number ($63.0{\pm}7.2$) were significantly higher (p<0.05) for embryos in the TUDCA treatment compared with those for control (12.6% and $41.7{\pm}3.1$, respectively). These results indicate that the addition of ER-stress inhibitors, especially TUDCA, during micromanipulation can inhibit cellular damage and enhance in vitro development of SCNT embryos by reducing stress levels in the ER.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.1038-1047
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• 2008

This study aimed at targeting fixed increases in body weight (100 g/wk) by quantitatively regulating energy allowances (ME) in broiler breeders from 5 to 20 wks of age. Four energy regimes were tested: 1. The energy required for maintenance, activity and growth was calculated for 100 g increases in body weight/wk and a measured quantity of grower diet (160 g protein and 2,600 kcal ME/kg) was offered to the control group (ME-100) to achieve the anticipated weight gain. The energy allowances increased with age from 132 to 294 kcal/d. 2. Additionally, three energy regimes were considered, quantitatively reducing ME by 10% (ME-90) or 20% (ME-80) and increasing by10% (ME-110) over the control group. Each test group had 23 replicates5 female chicks housed in cages. The influence of energy regimes and age on growth, nutrient digestibility, carcass attributes, bone parameters and stress was evaluated at 4 wk intervals. Quantitative ME restriction by 10% (119-265 kcal/d) produced an average weight gain of 98.1 g/wk, which was closer to the targeted increase of 100 g/wk, whereas the control group attained it nine days earlier. Restriction of energy by 10 or 20% produced better conversion efficiency of feed, energy and protein and apparent digestibility of protein, Ca and P than 10% excess ME. Energy regimes did not influence eviscerated meat yield, but higher energy allowances (ME-110) significantly increased abdominal fat pad and liver weights and decreased giblet weight, percent muscle protein and tibia ash. Relatively higher stress was recorded in ME-restricted groups, as reflected by wider heterophil and lymphocyte ratios and increased bursa weight. Early age (5-12 wk) significantly influenced bone mineralization, conversion efficiency of feed, energy and protein and apparent digestibility of protein, Ca and P, while later ages (13-20 wk) increased eviscerated meat yield, abdominal fat, tibia weight and muscle protein and reduced stress. Energy regime x age interactions were significant and are discussed. In conclusion, the synthetic broiler line used in our study responded positively to controlled energy feeding during the rearing period. Breeders offered 119-265 kcal/d, a reduction of 10% energy over the control group, were more effective in regulating grower performance than the latter. In addition to energy regimes, age intervals also exhibited significant influence on specific parameters during the grower phase.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.1403-1414
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• 2021

Objective: This study explored the mechanism of the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway under conditions of zearalenone (ZEA)-induced oxidative stress in the duodenum of post-weaning gilts. Methods: Forty post-weaning gilts were randomly allocated to four groups and fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg ZEA. Results: The results showed significant reductions in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increases the malondialdehyde content with increasing concentrations of dietary ZEA. Immunohistochemical analysis supported these findings by showing a significantly increased expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) with increasing concentrations of ZEA. The relative mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, GPX1 increased linearly (p<0.05) and quadratically (p<0.05), which was consistent with the immunohistochemical results. The relative mRNA expression of Keap1 decreased linearly (p<0.05) and quadratically (p<0.05) in the duodenum as the ZEA concentration increased in the diet. The relative mRNA expression of modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLM) increased quadratically (p<0.05) in all ZEA treatment groups and the relative mRNA expression of quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase decreased linearly (p<0.05) and quadratically (p<0.05) in the ZEA1.0 group and ZEA1.5 group. The relative protein expression of Keap1 and GCLM decreased quadratically (p<0.05) in the duodenum as the ZEA concentration increased in the diet, respectively. The relative protein expression of NQO1 increased linearly (p<0.05) and quadratically (p<0.05) in all ZEA treatment groups in the duodenum. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ZEA regulates the expression of key factors of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway in the duodenum, which enables resistance to ZEA-induced oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to examine the effects of ZEA induced oxidative stress on other tissues and organs in post-weaning gilts.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.923-931
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• 1999

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of lysine on performance and carcass composition of broilers under heat stress during the grower period (3-6 weeks). A factorial arrangement of three levels of dietary protein (18, 20, and 22%), three levels of dietary lysine (1.26, 1.39, and 1.52%), and two rearing temperature regimens were used in this study. Birds were kept under either moderate temperature ($24{\pm}1^{\circ}C/24h$) or hot cycling temperature ($26-34^{\circ}C/6h$, $34{\pm}1^{\circ}C/12h$, and $34-26^{\circ}C/6h$). Body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FE), carcass weight (CW), carcass yield (CY), and percentages of breast meat (BM), abdominal fat (AF), drumsticks (DS), and thighs (TH) were determined at the end of experiment. Exposure to high ambient temperature significantly (p<0.05) decreased BW, WG, FI, FE, CW, BM, AF, and increased CY, DS, and TH. High dietary protein significantly (p<0.05) decreased AF and TH, and improved CW only under moderate temperature, resulting in significant (p<0.05) protein by temperature interaction. High dietary lysine significantly (p<0.05) decreased BW, WG, FI, CW, CY and AF, while BM was reduced only when high dietary protein was fed, resulting in significant (p<0.05) protein by lysine interaction. It is concluded that increasing dietary lysine adversely affected broilers' performance and carcass composition irrespective of rearing temperature.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.110-122
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• 2022

The reduction of milk yield caused by heat stress in summer is the main condition restricting the economic benefits of dairy farms. To examine the impact of hyperthermia on bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells, we incubated the MAC-T cells at thermal-neutral (37℃, CON group) and hyperthermic (42℃, HS group) temperatures for 6 h. Subsequently, the cell viability and apoptotic rate of MAC-T cells, apoptosis-related genes expression, casein and amino acid transporter genes, and the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins were examined. Compared with the CON group, hyperthermia significantly decreased the cell viability (p < 0.05) and elevated the apoptotic rate (p < 0.05) of MAC-T cells. Moreover, the expression of heat shock protein (HSP)70, HSP90B1, Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 genes was upregulated (p < 0.05). The expression of HSP70 and BAX (pro-apoptotic) proteins was upregulated (p < 0.05) while that of B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2 (antiapoptotic) protein was downregulated (p < 0.05) by hyperthermia. Decreased mRNA expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related genes, amino acid transporter genes (SLC7A5, SLC38A3, SLC38A2, and SLC38A9), and casein genes (CSNS1, CSN2, and CSN3) was found in the heat stress (HS) group (p < 0.05) in contrast with the CON group. These findings illustrated that hyperthermia promoted cell apoptosis and reduced the transport of amino acids into cells, which inhibited the milk proteins synthesis in MAC-T cells.