49 research outputs found
Cellulase activity and age-based variation of intestinal microbiota in Hezuo pigs
No full textIntroductionTo examine the fiber-degrading enzyme activity and the changes of intestinal microbiota in Hezuo pigs across different age stages.MethodsFecal samples from 36 semi-grazed Hezuo pigs across five growth stages were collected for cellulase activity and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the cellobiase activity in adult Hezuo pigs was markedly higher than in other groups (p < 0.01). The intestinal microbiota of Hezuo pigs was predominantly composed of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The prevalence of Proteobacteria of nursing piglets was significantly higher compared to other stages (p < 0.05), which might be related to protein degradation. Prevotella_NK3B31_group was a shared dominant genus across at all age stages, while Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 dominated during the weaning, growth, fattening and adult stages. Its cellulose-degrading enzyme secretion capacity enhanced with age to meet the high-fiber dietary demands of Hezuo pigs. Functional prediction of intestinal microbiota in adjacent age groups using PICRUSt revealed that the differences between lactating piglets and weaned piglets were primarily due to the enrichment of various metabolic pathways functional genes, while differences between fattening pigs and adult sows were negligible. Adult boars showed significant enrichment in amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism pathways compared to fattening piglets.DiscussionThese results reveal the age-related dynamic development of intestinal microbiota in Hezuo pigs, providing novel insights into the mechanism of their roughage tolerance
Gender-Specific DNA Methylation Profiles Associated with Adult Weight in Hezuo Pigs
No full textThe Hezuo pig, an important native Tibetan breed in China, exhibits differences in adult body weight, with females typically heavier than males. The underlying mechanisms for this disparity remain unclear. DNA methylation changes are known to influence animal growth and development and regulate Hezuo pig growth by altering gene expression related to these processes, thus differentially affecting adult body weight between genders. This study conducted DNA methylation analysis and expression profiling using pituitary tissues from male and female Hezuo pigs at 3 and 8 months old (M3M, M3F, M8M, and M8F). In total 346, 795, 371, and 839 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified in the M3M vs. M3F, M3F vs. M8F, M3M vs. M8M, and M8M vs. M8F groups, respectively. The comparative analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) genes and DEGs (differentially expressed regions) revealed that key genes involved in growth, hormone secretion, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are primarily enriched in signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, Hippo, and adrenergic. Further analysis combining methylation and transcriptomics identified five candidate methylated genes (CCL2, MYL2, GST, CTSH, and MCH) linked to adult body weight in Hezuo pigs. Additionally, the correlation analysis suggested that these genes influence growth and development in boars and sows by regulating the secretion and synthesis of related hormones, leading to heavier weights in females. In conclusion, variations in adult body weight between male and female pigs may stem from the impact of DNA methylation on gene expression related to growth and development. These findings offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation during weight gain in Hezuo pigs
Effect of the diet level of whole-plant corn silage on the colonic microflora of Hezuo pigs
No full textBackground Whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) is an important roughage source for livestock, and have critical influences on rumen or intestinal microbiota, thus affecting the growth performance and feed efficiency. Our previous studies showed that adding WPCS to the diet of Hezuo pigs could promote the growth and fiber digestibility. While the aim of this study is to understand the effect of dietary WPCS on the colonic microflora in Hezuo pigs, which is essential for improving the roughage exploitation of pigs. Methods Thirty-two Hezuo pigs with similar body weight (7.88 ± 0.81) kg were selected and randomly divided into four groups with eight pigs in each group. Pigs in the control group were fed a basal diet, pigs in the experimental groups (Groups I, II, and III) were fed basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% WPCS, respectively, under 120 d experimental period. Six pigs from each group were picked for collecting colonic contents samples. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the colonic microbiota of experimental pigs. Results The results showed that community richness indexes Chao1 and Observed_species in group III of Hezuo pig were significantly lower than that of the other three groups, community diversity indexes Shannon and Simpson were significantly higher in group I and II in comparison to the control group, and significantly lower in group III in comparison to the control group, group I and II. Adding WPCS to the diet of Hezuo pigs has no influence on the colonic dominant phylum, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group were most prevalent in the colon of Hezuo pig. When compared with the control group, the relative abundance of Streptococcus was significantly decreased in three experimental groups, while p-251-o5, Parabacteroides, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and F082 exhibited significantly higher relative abundances in at least two experimental groups. Fibrobacter, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group in group I, UCG-010 in group II, Bacteroides in group III exhibited increased relative abundance as compared with the control group. PICRUSt functional annotation indicated that the functions of cellular process and signaling were significantly increased in all WPCS-rationed groups, cancers, nervous system, immune system and environmental adaptation were all differed from groups I and II; three predominant pathways of translation, nucleotide metabolism and signal were only differed from the group II. Conclusions Feeding with 5% and 10% WPCS for Hezuo pigs could improve their colonic microflora diversity, and increase the relative abundance of fiber-digesting bacteria, which may potentially help to improve the fibre digestibility of Hezuo pigs by regulating the microbial function of cellular process and signaling, nucleotide metabolism, translation
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals an Atlas of Hezuo Pig Testis Cells
No full textSpermatogenesis is a complex biological process crucial for male reproduction and is characterized by intricate interactions between testicular somatic cells and germ cells. Due to the cellular heterogeneity of the testes, investigating different cell types across developmental stages has been challenging. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a valuable approach for addressing this limitation. Here, we conducted an unbiased transcriptomic study of spermatogenesis in sexually mature 4-month-old Hezuo pigs using 10× Genomics-based scRNA-seq. A total of 16,082 cells were collected from Hezuo pig testes, including germ cells (spermatogonia (SPG), spermatocytes (SPCs), spermatids (SPTs), and sperm (SP)) and somatic cells (Sertoli cells (SCs), Leydig cells (LCs), myoid cells (MCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and natural killer (NK) cells/macrophages). Pseudo-time analysis revealed that LCs and MCs originated from common progenitors in the Hezuo pig. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the different types of testicular germ cells were enriched in the PI3K–AKT, Wnt, HIF-1, and adherens junction signaling pathways, while the DEGs in testicular somatic cells were enriched in ECM–receptor interaction and antigen processing and presentation. Moreover, genes related to spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, sperm part, sperm flagellum, and peptide biosynthesis were expressed throughout spermatogenesis. Using immunohistochemistry, we verified several stage-specific marker genes (such as UCHL1, WT1, SOX9, and ACTA2) for SPG, SCs, and MCs. By exploring the changes in the transcription patterns of various cell types during spermatogenesis, our study provided novel insights into spermatogenesis and testicular cells in the Hezuo pig, thereby laying the foundation for the breeding and preservation of this breed
Transcriptional Regulation of HMOX1 Gene in Hezuo Tibetan Pigs: Roles of WT1, Sp1, and C/EBPα
No full textHeme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) is a stress-inducing enzyme with multiple cardiovascular protective functions, especially in hypoxia stress. However, transcriptional regulation of swine HMOX1 gene remains unclear. In the present study, we first detected tissue expression profiles of HMOX1 gene in adult Hezuo Tibetan pig and analyzed the gene structure. We found that the expression level of HMOX1 gene was highest in the spleen of the Hezuo Tibetan pig, followed by liver, lung, and kidney. A series of 5’ deletion promoter plasmids in pGL3-basic vector were used to identify the core promoter region and confirmed that the minimum core promoter region of swine HMOX1 gene was located at −387 bp to −158 bp region. Then we used bioinformatics analysis to predict transcription factors in this region. Combined with site-directed mutagenesis and RNA interference assays, it was demonstrated that the three transcription factors WT1, Sp1 and C/EBPα were important transcription regulators of HMOX1 gene. In summary, our study may lay the groundwork for further functional study of HMOX1 gene
Regulatory Effects of the Kiss1 Gene in the Testis on Puberty and Reproduction in Hezuo and Landrance Boars
No full textKisspeptin, a neuropeptide encoded by the Kiss1 gene, combines with its receptor Kiss1R to regulate the onset of puberty and male fertility by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. However, little is known regarding the expression signatures and molecular functions of Kiss1 in the testis. H&E staining revealed that well-arranged spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round and elongated spermatids, and spermatozoa, were observed in 4-, 6-, and 8-month-old testes compared to 1- and 3-month-old testes of Hezuo pigs; however, these were not observed in Landrance until 6 months. The diameter, perimeter, and cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubules and the perimeter and area of the tubular lumen increased gradually with age in both pigs. Still, Hezuo pigs grew faster than Landrance. The cloning results suggested that the Hezuo pigs’ Kiss1 CDS region is 417 bp in length, encodes 138 amino acids, and is highly conserved in the kisspeptin-10 region. qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that the expression trends of Kiss1 mRNA and protein were essentially identical, with higher expression levels at post-pubertal stages. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the Kiss1 protein was mainly located in Leydig cells and post-pubertal spermatogenic cells, ranging from round spermatids to spermatozoa. These studies suggest that Kiss1 is an essential regulator in the onset of puberty and spermatogenesis of boars
Chongqing: Model for a new economic and social policy?
No full textAnalysis by Romain Lafarguette based on:– Wang Yuguang, “Chongqing: Testing ground for new policies,” Caijing guojia zhoukan, February 2011.– Hu Shuli, Lu Yangzheng, Deng Hai, “New economic policies in Chongqing,” Zhongguo gaige – China Reform, November 2010.– Chen Lili, “Analysis of social housing model in Chongqing,” Hezuo jingji yu keji, 2011, no. 12, June 2011.– Zhou Min, Xiang Pengcheng, “Innovation and functioning of social housing model in Chongqing,” Hezuo jingji yu keji, 2011, no. 13..
Chongqing: Model for a new economic and social policy?
No full textBased on:– Wang Yuguang, “Chongqing: Testing ground for new policies,” Caijing guojia zhoukan, February 2011.– Hu Shuli, Lu Yangzheng, Deng Hai, “New economic policies in Chongqing,” Zhongguo gaige – China Reform, November 2010.– Chen Lili, “Analysis of social housing model in Chongqing,” Hezuo jingji yu keji, 2011, no. 12, June 2011.– Zhou Min, Xiang Pengcheng, “Innovation and functioning of social housing model in Chongqing,” Hezuo jingji yu keji, 2011, no. 13, June 2011
Retraction: Tocilizumab inhibits neuronal cell apoptosis and activates STAT3 in cerebral infarction rat model
No full textRetracted article: https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/853
Following publication, concerns were raised by readers and the public regarding the integrity of the data presented in two figures of this article:
Figure 2B: An unexpected overlap was found between an image presented in this study and figures published in other articles. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Figure 4: An unexpected overlap was detected within the Western blot panels, suggesting potential duplication or manipulation.
The editorial office contacted all authors on 13 January 2025 and 30 January 2025 to clarify these concerns. On 4 March 2025, the corresponding author was specifically approached through both the e-mail address provided upon article submission and an institutional e-mail located online. However, no response or explanation was ever received.
Following our journal’s policies and guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the editors have decided to retract the article from publication due to serious concerns about the reliability and originality of the data. This retraction is intended to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.
We apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused. We thank the individuals who brought these concerns to our attention.
The Editor-in-Chief has approved this retraction note.
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Effects of Whole-Plant Corn Silage on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, and Fecal Microorganisms in Hezuo Pigs
No full textIn this study, we investigated the effects of the dietary inclusion of different proportions of whole-plant corn silage on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal microorganisms in Hezuo pigs. Thirty-two two-month-old Hezuo pigs (body weight: 7.88 ± 0.81 kg) were randomly divided into four groups of eight pigs (half male, half female) each. The control (CON) group received a basal diet, while the three experimental groups were fed the basal diet, part of which had been replaced with 5%, 10%, and 15% whole-plant corn silage, respectively. The experiment lasted for 127 days, including 7 days of pre-testing and 120 days of formal testing. At the end of the experiment, blood and fecal samples were collected. Compared with the CON group, the feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower in the 10% test group (p 0.05), whereas the total protein, albumin, triglyceride, and glucose contents were significantly higher (p 0.05). No significant differences in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, urea, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were observed among the groups (p > 0.05). The addition of whole-plant corn silage to the diet significantly increased alpha diversity in the pig gut based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The principal coordinate analysis results showed significant clustering of the different groups (p 0.05). At the phylum level, the addition of whole-plant corn silage to the diet significantly decreased (p 0.05) the relative abundance of Firmicutes and significantly increased (p 0.05) that of Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Streptococcus significantly decreased (p 0.05) with increasing silage supplementation levels, whereas species diversity significantly increased (p 0.05). In conclusion, 10% is the recommended inclusion ratio for whole-plant corn silage in the diets of pigs
