Analysis of differential survival of syngeneic islets transplanted into hyperglycemic C57BL/6J versus C57BL/KsJ mice

C57BL/KsJ (BKs) male mice were more sensitive to diabetes induction by administration of multiple low-doses of streptozotocin (Sz) than were C57BL/6J (B6) male mice. Analysis of islet size and insulin content of the two parental strains did not indicate that differences in drug sensitivity could be attributed to an effect of genetic background on islet size or insulin content. 50 BKs islets implanted into the spleens of BKs male mice made diabetic by Sz were eliminated within 12 days posttransplantation, whereas an equal number of B6 islets implanted into the spleens of diabetic B6 recipients were retained, even though the numbers of islets implanted were insufficient to effect remission from hyperglycemia. In contrast to the rapid loss of islets implanted into spleens of hyperglycemic BKs recipients, BKs islets implanted into spleens of normoglycemic recipients were not eliminated, thus suggesting that the basis for the differential survival between the B6 and BKs strains reflected their ability to survive hyperglycemic stress rather than a differential ability to replicate. Since BKs beta cells have been shown to respond to hyperglycemia by expression of an endogenous retroviral gene that cannot be expressed by B6 beta cells, the possibility that this differential survival represents a strain difference in autoreactivity against islet cells is raised.     

Diet-induced type II diabetes in C57BL/6J mice

We investigated the effects of diet-induced obesity on glucose metabolism in two strains of mice, C57BL/6J and A/J. Twenty animals from each strain received ad libitum exposure to a high-fat high-simple-carbohydrate diet or standard Purina Rodent Chow for 6 mo. Exposure to the high-fat, high-simple-carbohydrate, low-fiber diet produced obesity in both A/J and C57BL/6J mice. Whereas obesity was associated with only moderate glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in A/J mice, obese C57BL/6J mice showed clear-cut diabetes with fasting blood glucose levels of greater than 240 mg/dl and blood insulin levels of greater than 150 microU/ml. C57BL/6J mice showed larger glycemic responses to stress and epinephrine in the lean state than AJ mice, and these responses were exaggerated by obesity. These data suggest that the C57BL/6J mouse carries a genetic predisposition to develop non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes. Furthermore, altered glycemic response to adrenergic stimulation may be a biologic marker for this genetic predisposition to develop type II diabetes.     

Quantitative trait loci analysis of structural and material skeletal phenotypes in C57BL/6J and DBA/2 second-generation and recombinant inbred mice.

QTL analyses identified several chromosomal regions influencing skeletal phenotypes of the femur and tibia in BXD F2 and BXD RI populations of mice. QTLs for skeletal traits co-located with each other and with correlated traits such as body weight and length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase. INTRODUCTION: Past research has shown substantial genetic influence on bone quality, and the impact of reduced bone mass on our aging population has heightened the interest in skeletal genetic research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses were performed on morphologic measures and structural and material properties of the femur and tibia in 200-day-old C57BL/6J x DBA/2 (BXD) F2 (second filial generation; n = 400) and BXD recombinant inbred (RI; n = 23 strains) populations of mice. Body weight, body length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase were correlated phenotypes included in the analyses. RESULTS: Skeletal QTLs for morphologic bone measures such as length, width, cortical thickness, and cross-sectional area mapped to nearly every chromosome. QTLs for both structural properties (ultimate load, yield load, or stiffness) and material properties (stress and straincharacteristics and elastic modulus) mapped to chromosomes 4, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 18. QTLs that were specific to structural properties were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 17, and QTLs that were specific to skeletal material properties were identified on chromosomes 5, 11, 16, and 19. QTLs for body size (body weight, body length, and adipose mass) often mapped to the same chromosomal regions as those identified for skeletal traits, suggesting that several QTLs identified as influencing bone could be mediated through body size. CONCLUSION: New QTLs, not previously reported in the literature, were identified for structural and material properties and morphological measures of the mouse femur and tibia. Body weight and length, adipose mass, and serum alkaline phosphatase were correlated phenotypes that mapped in close proximity of skeletal chromosomal loci. The more specific measures of bone quality included in this investigation enhance our understanding of the functional significance of previously identified QTLs.     

Ultrafine mapping of SNPs from mouse strains C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and C57BLKS/J for loci contributing to diabetes and atherosclerosis susceptibility

The inbred mouse strain C57BLKS/J (BKS) carrying a mutation of the leptin receptor lepr(-/-) (BKS-db) is a classic mouse model of type 2 diabetes. While BKS was originally presumed to be a substrain of C57BL/6J (B6), it has become apparent that its genome contains introgressed regions from a DBA/2 (DBA)-like strain and perhaps other unidentified sources. It has been hypothesized that the strikingly enhanced diabetes susceptibility of BKS-db compared with B6-db is conferred by this introgressed DNA. Using high-density single nucleotide polymorphisms, we have mapped the DBA and other contaminating DNA regions present in BKS. Thus, approximately 70% of its genome appears to derive from B6, with approximately 20% from DBA and another 9% from an unidentified donor. Comparison with 56 diverse inbred strains suggests that this donor may be a less common inbred strain or an outbred or wild strain. Using expression data from a B6 x DBA cross, we identified differentially regulated genes between these two strains. Those cis-regulated genes located on DBA-like blocks in BKS constitute primary candidates for genes contributing to diabetes susceptibility in the BKS-db strain. To further prioritize these candidates, we identified those cis-acting expression quantitative trait loci whose expression significantly correlates with diabetes-related phenotypes.     

C57BL/6小鼠前列腺癌原位细胞移植动物模型的建立

目的 建立一种C57BL/6小鼠前列腺癌原位细胞移植动物模型.方法 C57BL/6小鼠30只,用微量注射器分别将0.5×106个RM-1细胞注射入前列腺左、右背侧叶包膜下.每3 d随机处死5只小鼠,动态观察小鼠前列腺癌局部生长、盆腔淋巴结转移和器官转移;术后15 d处死小鼠后,剩余5只常规饲养直至死亡,观察小鼠的平均荷瘤生存期.结果 C57BL/6小鼠前列腺原位移植RM-1细胞后第3、6、9、12、15天前列腺体积组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);术后第12天开始,出现明显尿潴留、双侧或单侧输尿管扩张、肾脏体积增大、肾盂扩张;组织学观察发现术后前列腺癌细胞逐渐取代正常的前列腺组织,术后第12天组可见肿瘤侵犯周围肌肉,术后第15天组可见肿瘤侵犯精囊和膀胱.术后第3、6、9天未见明显盆腔淋巴结转移,第12、15天盆腔淋巴结转移率均为80%.各组均未发现明显的远处器官转移.各组小鼠成瘤率均为100%.小鼠平均荷瘤生存期为(15.60±0.89)d.结论 虽然未见明确的器官转移情况,但该模型能够较好的模拟人类前列腺癌的发生、发展、局部侵袭及淋巴转移的过程,是一种较理想的前列腺癌动物模型.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the regularity in establishing the prostate cancer orthotopic transplantation model in C57BL/6 mice. Methods RM-1 cells (0.5×106)were injected into the right and left dorsal lateral prostate capsules of 30 C57BL/6 male mice respectively using micro-syringe. Five mice were sacrificed every three days to observe the local growth, the occurrence and development of prostate cancer, and the remaining five mice were fed to death to calculate the average survival period of tumorbearing mice. Results The volume of prostates was significantly different among the five groups. From the 12th day, significant retention of urine, ureterectasia (bilateral or unilateral ), increased kidney volume and pelviectasis were observed. The rate of tumor formation in the five groups which included the 3rd, 6th,9th, 12th d and 15th day was all 100%. HE staining showed that prostate cancer cells gradually replaced the normal prostate tissue. At the 12th day, muscle tissue around prostate was invaded by prostate cancer.In some samples there was metastasis of seminal vesicles and bladder at the 15th day. The rate of metastasis in pelvic lymph nodes at the 12th or 15th day was 80%. The average survival period of tumor-bearing mice was (15.60±0.89) days. Conclusion The prostate cancer orthotopic transplantation model in C57BL/6 mice can better simulate the process of occurrence, development, local invasion and lymph node metastasis of human prostate cancer and be suitably used as a model of prostate cancer research.     

Bone development and age-related bone loss in male C57BL/6J mice

The objective of this study was to examine changes in the long bones of male C57BL/6J mice with growth and aging, and to consider the applicability of this animal for use in studying Type II osteoporosis. Male C57BL/6J mice were aged in our colony between 4 and 104 weeks (n=9-15/group). The right femur and humeri were measured for length and subjected to mechanical testing (3-point flexure) and compositional analysis. The left femurs were embedded and thick slices at the mid-diaphysis were assessed for morphology, formation indices, and bone structure. In young mice, rapid growth was marked by substantial increases in bone size, mineral mass, and mechanical properties. Maturity occurred between 12 and 42 weeks of age with the maintenance of bone mass and mechanical properties. From peak levels, mice aged for 104 weeks experienced decreased whole femur mass (12.1 and 18.6% for dry and ash mass, respectively), percentage mineralization (7.4%), diminished whole bone stiffness (29.2%), energy to fracture (51.8%), and decreased cortical thickness (20.1%). Indices of surface-based formation decreased rapidly from the onset of the study. However, the periosteal perimeter and, consequently, the cross-sectional moments of inertia continued to increase through 104 weeks, thus maintaining structural properties. This compensated for cortical thinning and increased brittleness due to decreased mineralization and stiffness. The shape of the mid-diaphysis became increasingly less elliptical in aged mice, and endocortical resorption and evidence of subsequent formation were present in 20-50% of femurs aged > or =78 weeks. This, combined with the appearance of excessive endocortical resorption after 52 weeks, indicated a shift in normal mechanisms regulating bone shape and location, and was suggestive of remodeling. The pattern of bone loss at the femoral mid-diaphysis in this study is markedly similar to that seen in cortical bone in the human femoral neck in Type II osteoporosis. This study has thus demonstrated that the male C57BL/6J mouse is a novel and appropriate model for use in studying endogenous, aging-related osteopenia and may be a useful model for the study of Type II osteoporosis.     

C57BL/6 and 129/Sv mice: genetic difference to renal ischemia-reperfusion

Background: C57BL/6 and 129/Sv are the 2 most commonly used strains of mice in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) studies, yet there are currently no studies that contrast differences in the degree of renal injury after ischemia-reperfusion. Methods: To evaluate renal IRI in male C57BL/6 and 129/Sv mice, we performed unilateral clamping of the left renal pedicle for 45 minutes and compared the degree of renal tissue damage and function. To measure function and tissue damage we examined: glomerular filtration rate (GFR; by inulin clearance), renal blood flow (RBF; by p-aminohippurate [PAH] clearance), renal morphology, immunohistochemistry for infiltrating leukocytes, and fibrogenic markers by Sirius red staining. Results: After unilateral IRI, 129/sv mice had significantly less GFR and RBF disfunction at both day 14 (d14) and d28. 129/sv mice also had significantly less acute tubular necrosis on d1 and fewer infiltrating leukocytes on d28, as well as less collagen deposition on d28 than C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: C57BL/6 mice were much more sensitive to damage caused by renal IRI than are 129/Sv mice.     

A combination antioxidant therapy prevents age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice

Objective

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is characterized by gradual, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, which impairs communication, lending to clinical depression and social withdrawal. There are currently no effective treatments for ARHL. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of a combination antioxidant therapy in preventing ARHL.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Animal study.

Subjects and Methods

C57BL/6 mice, a recognized animal model of ARHL, were assigned to one of three groups: early treatment (n = 12), late treatment (n = 9), or control group (n = 9). Treatment groups of mice were fed with a combination agent comprising six antioxidant agents that target four sites within the oxidative pathway: L-cysteine-glutathione mixed disulfide, ribose-cysteine, NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, vitamin B12, folate, and ascorbic acid. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds were recorded at baseline and every three months following initiation of treatment.

Results

Threshold shifts from baseline were decreased in the treatment groups when compared to the control group at all tested frequencies (P < 0.001). The ABR threshold shift at 12 months of age for the control group was 34.7 dB with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of ±1.6. The mean threshold shifts for the early and late treatment groups were 7.5 dB (±0.87, 95% CI) and 9.2 dB (±1.6, 95% CI).

Conclusion

Combination antioxidant therapy effectively decreased threshold shifts on ABR within an animal model of ARHL. Combination antioxidant therapy, with further research and investigation, may provide a safe and cost-effective method of preventing presbycusis in the growing elderly population.     

Control of expression of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia by different genetic factors in diabetic C57BL/6J mice

The inheritance of the tendency to develop diet-induced non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes was analyzed in crosses between diabetes-prone C57BL/6J (BL/6) mice and diabetes-resistant A/J mice. The effects of a diabetogenic diet on blood glucose and insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and weight were evaluated in F1 and both (BL/6 X A/J) F1 X BL/6 and (BL/6 X A/J) F1 X A/J backcross mice. These results suggest that diet-induced hyperglycemia is largely determined by a recessive gene and diet-induced insulin resistance by a dominant gene. Analyses of both backcrosses indicated that insulin sensitivity and blood glucose levels were unrelated, suggesting that they are controlled by different genetic factors. This conclusion was supported by data from nine recombinant inbred BXA strains in which no correlation was observed between these variables. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity and body weight correlated differently in the two backcross groups, suggesting that insulin resistance is not simply a function of obesity. The number of genes that predominantly influence diabetic traits was estimated by comparing the variance observed in (BL/6 X A/J) F1 X BL/6 backcross mice with that observed in parental mice. The data suggest that relatively few genes predominantly affect the diabetic phenotype in this murine model.     

C57BL/6j小鼠异种移植瘤模型的建立

目的 建立C57BL/6j小鼠人神经母细胞瘤移植瘤模型.方法 取对数生长期SK-N-SH细胞1×107个/ml,分别接种3 d、7 d、3周、4周、5周、6周、7周C57BL/6j系小鼠及6周BALB/C系裸鼠,观察小鼠成瘤率、相对肿瘤体积(RTV)、相对肿瘤增长速率(K)、相对肿瘤倍增时间(Td)、宿主存活时间及移植瘤病理学情况.结果 C57BL/6j各年龄段及BALB/C持续成瘤率分别为:100%、100%、90%、70%、60%、0%、0%、100%.3周龄C57BL/6j与BALB/C比较RTV、K、Td及存活时间均差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 在C57BL/6j小鼠体内成功建立人类异种移植瘤模型,3周龄为最适宜接种时间点.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the feasibility of human neuroblastoma xenograft model in C57BL/6j mice. Methods Three-day, 7-day, 3-week, 4-week, 5-week, 6-week and 7-week age C57BL/6j and 6-week age BALB/C nude mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 1 × 107 cell/ml SK-NSH cells in logarithmic phase, respectively. The tumor generation rate, relative tumor volume ( RTV), relative growth rate (K), relative doubling time (Td), survival time and pathological changes were tested.Results The continuing tumor generation rate of C57BL/6j mice and BALB/C nude mice was 100% (10/10) at the 3rd day, 100% (10/10) at the 7th day, 90% (9/10) at the 3rd week and 70% (7/10) at the 4th week, 60%(6/10) at the 5th week, 0%(0/10) at the 6th week, 0%(0/10) at the 7th week, and 100% (10/10) at the 6th week, respectively. There was no significant difference in RTV, K, Td, and survival time (P＞0.05) between 3-week age C57 BL/6j mice and BALB/C nude mice. Conclusion Human neuroblastoma xenograft models were successfully established the in C57BL/6j mice, and 3-week age was the most appropriate opportunity of vaccination.     

Age-related changes in trabecular architecture differ in female and male C57BL/6J mice.

We used microCT and histomorphometry to assess age-related changes in bone architecture in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Deterioration in vertebral and femoral trabecular microarchitecture begins early, continues throughout life, is more pronounced at the femoral metaphysis than in the vertebrae, and is greater in females than males. INTRODUCTION: Despite widespread use of mice in the study of musculoskeletal disease, the age-related changes in murine bone structure and the relationship to whole body BMD changes are not well characterized. Thus, we assessed age-related changes in body composition, whole body BMD, and trabecular and cortical microarchitecture at axial and appendicular sites in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral DXA was used to assess body composition and whole body BMD in vivo, and microCT and histomorphometry were used to measure trabecular and cortical architecture in excised femora, tibia, and vertebrae in male and female C57BL/6J mice at eight time-points between 1 and 20 mo of age (n = 6-9/group). RESULTS: Body weight and total body BMD increased with age in male and female, with a marked increase in body fat between 6 and 12 mo of age. In contrast, trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) was greatest at 6-8 wk of age and declined steadily thereafter, particularly in the metaphyseal region of long bones. Age-related declines in BV/TV were greater in female than male. Trabecular bone loss was characterized by a rapid decrease in trabecular number between 2 and 6 mo of age, and a more gradual decline thereafter, whereas trabecular thickness increased slowly over life. Cortical thickness increased markedly from 1 to 3 mo of age and was maintained or slightly decreased thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: In C57BL/6J mice, despite increasing body weight and total body BMD, age-related declines in vertebral and distal femoral trabecular bone volume occur early and continue throughout life and are more pronounced in females than males. Awareness of these age-related changed in bone morphology are critical for interpreting the skeletal response to pharmacologic interventions or genetic manipulation in mice.     

Rejection of C57BL/6 skin grafts by (C57BL/6 X Mus musculus castaneus)F1 hybrids.

Hybrid offspring from C57BL/6(B6) females mated to males of the subspecies Mus musculus castaneus received B6 skin grafts. No strong Y chromosome-linked histocompatibility genes were detected, although occasional rejection of parental grafts by both male and female hybrids was observed after long periods. Rejection was attributed to interaction of B6 and Castaneus-derived genes in the hybrids.     

The effect of calmodulin antagonists on scoliosis: bipedal C57BL/6 mice model

C57BL6 mice are melatonin deficient from birth and have been shown to develop scoliosis when rendered bipedal. Our previous work suggested that tamoxifen and trifluoperozine may change the natural course of scoliosis in a chicken model. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the incidence of scoliosis or the magnitude of curves may be decreased by the administration of pharmacological agents tamoxifen or trifluoperozine in a mice scoliosis model. Sixty female 3-week-old C57BL6 mice underwent amputations of forelimbs and tails. Available 57 mice were divided into three groups, Group-I received no medications whereas Groups II and III received 10 mg TMX and 10 mg TMX + 10 mg TFP per liter of daily water supply, respectively. PA scoliosis X-rays were obtained at 20th and 40th weeks. Deformities were compared for incidence and the severity of the curves as well as disease progression or regression. At 20th week, overall, upper thoracic (UT), lower thoracic (T), and lumbar (L) scoliosis rates were similar (P = 0.531; P = 0.209; P = 0.926; P = 0.215, respectively) but thoraco-lumbar (TL) scoliosis rate was higher inTMX group (P = 0.036). However, at 40th week, although TL and L rates were similar (P = 0.628, P = 0.080), overall rate as well as the rates of UT and T scoliosis of TMX group were significantly lower (P = 0.001, P = 0.011, P = 0.001, respectively). As for curve magnitudes, T mean Cobb angle at 20th week was significantly higher in the C group (14 ± 2.55) compared to TMX + TFP group (9 ± 2.708; P = 0.033); at 40th week, TL mean Cobb angle was lower in the TMX + TFP group (17.50 ± 3.45) compared to C (29.40 ± 5.98; P = 0.031); and TMX group had lower TL Cobb angles compared to C (8.67 ± 11.72) although not significant (P = 0.109). Double curve incidence at 40th week was significantly lower in TMX group compared to other groups (P = 0.001), triple curve incidence was lower in TMX + TFP and TMX groups, albeit not significant (P = 0.167). Between the 20th and 40th weeks, overall, double curve, and UT scoliosis rates showed an increase in C and TMX + TFP groups whereas TMX group showed a decline (P = 0.01, P = 0.002, P = 0.007, respectively). When specific regions were compared a similar significant difference was observed (P = 0.012 for upper thoracic; P = 0.018 for thoracic; P = 0.047 for thoraco-lumbar). This study has demonstrated that TMX is effective in changing the natural history of scoliotic deformities in C57BL6 mice model favorably.     

A time course of bone response to jump exercise in C57BL/6J mice

 Exercise, by way of mechanical loading, provides a physiological stimulus to which bone tissue adapts by increased bone formation. The mechanical stimulus due to physical activity depends on both the magnitude and the duration of the exercise. Earlier studies have demonstrated that jump training for 4 weeks produces a significant bone formation response in C57BL/6J mice. An early time point with significant increase in bone formation response would be helpful in: (1) designing genetic quantitative trait loci (QTL) studies to investigate genes regulating the bone adaptive response to mechanical stimulus; and (2) mechanistic studies to investigate early stimulus to bone tissue. Consequently, we investigated the bone structural response after 2, 3, and 4 weeks of exercise with a loading cycle of ten jumps a day. We used biochemical markers and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of excised femur to measure bone density, bone mineral content (BMC), and area. Four-week-old mice were separated into control (n= 6) and jump groups (n= 6), and the latter groups of mice were subjected to jump exercise of 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week duration. Data (pQCT) from a mid-diaphyseal slice were used to compare bone formation parameters between exercise and control groups, and between different time points. There was no statistically significant change in bone response after 2 weeks of jump exercise as compared with the age-matched controls. After 3 weeks of jump exercise, the periosteal circumference, which is the most efficient means of measuring adaptation to exercise, was increased by 3% (P < 0.05), and total and cortical area were increased by 6% (P < 0.05) and 11% (P < 0.01), respectively. Total bone mineral density (BMD) increased by 11% (P < 0.01). The biggest changes were observed in cortical and total BMC, with the increase in total BMC being 12% (P < 0.01). Interestingly, the increase in BMC was observed throughout the length of the femur and was not confined to the mid-diaphysis. Consistent with earlier studies, mid-femur bone mass and area remained significantly elevated in the 4-week exercise group when compared with the control group of mice. The levels of the biochemical markers osteocalcin, skeletal alkaline phosphatase, and C-telopeptide were not significantly different between the exercise and control groups, indicating the absence of any systemic response due to the exercise. We conclude that a shorter exercise regimen, of 3 weeks, induced a bone response that was greater than or equal to that of 4 weeks of jump exercise reported earlier. Received: October 1, 2001 / Accepted: January 18, 2002     

Increased glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity in diabetes- and obesity-prone C57BL/6J mice.

Although the precise mechanisms contributing to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are unknown, it is believed that defects in downstream components of the insulin signaling pathway may be involved. In this work, we hypothesize that a serine/threonine kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), may be pertinent in this regard. To test this hypothesis, we examined GSK-3 activity in two inbred mouse strains known to be susceptible (C57BL/6J) or resistant (A/J) to diet-induced obesity and diabetes. Examination of GSK-3 in fat, liver, and muscle tissues of C57BL/6J mice revealed that GSK-3 activity increased twofold in the epididymal fat tissue and remained unchanged in muscle and liver of mice fed a high-fat diet, compared with their low-fat diet-fed counterparts. In contrast, GSK-3 activity did not change in the epididymal fat tissue of A/J mice, regardless of the type of diet they were fed. In addition, both basal and diet-induced GSK-3 activity was higher (2.3- and 3.2-fold, respectively) in the adipose tissue of C57BL/6J mice compared with that in A/J mice. Taken together, our studies suggest an unsuspected link between increased GSK-3 activity and development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in fat tissue of C57BL/6J mice, and implicate GSK-3 as a potential factor contributing to susceptibility of C57BL/6J mice to diet-induced diabetes.     

姜黄素在预防高脂饮食小鼠胆囊胆固醇性结石中的作用

目的研究姜黄素与高脂饮食小鼠胆囊胆固醇性结石关系及可能参与调控过程的因子。方法将C57BL6小鼠50只随机分为5组,其中一组予普通饲料,其余四组予高脂饮食饲料,同时灌喂不同剂量姜黄素[0、200、500、1 000 mg/(kg·d)],共4周。计算小鼠胆囊结石成石率,收集小鼠血液、胆囊胆汁、胆囊、肝脏以及小肠。计算胆囊容积,称量肝脏质量,检测血液及胆汁胆固醇、甘油三酯等生化指标。用Realtime PCR及Western blotting方法分别检测小鼠小肠上皮NPC1L1及SREBP2 m RNA及蛋白表达。结果姜黄素能够降低小鼠胆囊结石的发生,大剂量姜黄素可降低胆囊结石发生率达60%,同时降低肝脏脂肪变性程度,降低小鼠血液胆固醇饱和度。同时,姜黄素可以抑制高脂饮食所致的NPC1L1 m RNA表达上调[(2.65±0.04)vs(2.06±0.07),(1.69±0.06),(1.33±0.05),P0.01],且呈现剂量依赖关系,降低高脂饮食所致的NPC1L1蛋白高表达。姜黄素还可以抑制高脂饮食所致的SREBP2 m RNA表达上调[(1.34±0.08)vs(1.39±0.03),(1.19±0.01),(1.06±0.03),P0.05],且呈现剂量依赖关系,降低高脂饮食所致的SREBP2蛋白表达上调。结论姜黄素能够降低高脂饮食小鼠胆囊结石的形成,NPC1L1和SREBP2可能参与了这个过程。     

Strain differences in bone density and calcium metabolism between C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice.

Previous reports indicate that peak bone density is significantly higher in C3H/HeJ (C3H) than in C57BL/6J (C57BL) mice, making these two inbred strains useful models for studying the genetic basis for peak bone density. The following study was undertaken to examine whether strain differences in the bone density of C3H and C57BL mice are associated with differences in intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption. Calcium absorption was measured by the balance technique and animals received two injections of fluorochromes 5 days apart before killing. Subsequently, the femurs were removed and, following measurement of volumetric density, the left femur was divided into three equal parts and the middle third served as the femoral cortical diaphysis. Femur diaphyseal volumetric bone density, ash, and Ca content were 10%, 29%, and 29% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.001), respectively. Bone length, periosteal mineral apposition rate, and periosteal bone formation rate of femoral diaphyseal cortical bone were not significantly different between the two strains of mice, but the marrow area of C57BL mice was almost twofold that of C3H mice (p < 0.0001). Intestinal Ca absorption and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]-stimulated Ca2+ uptake by intestinal mucosal cells were 38% and 51% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice p < 0.001), respectively. Serum Ca and 1,25(OH)2D levels were 6% and 32% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.001), respectively, and the number of intestinal-occupied vitamin D receptors was 51% higher in C3H than in C57BL mice (p < 0.01). In a second experiment, three groups of C3H mice and three groups of C57BL mice were fed diets that contained 0.4%, 0.1%, or 0.02% Ca, and serum Ca, 1,25(OH)2D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and intestinal Ca absorption measured. At all dietary Ca levels, C3H mice maintained positive Ca absorption and absorbed significantly more Ca than C57BL mice. In contrast, at low dietary Ca levels (0.1% and 0.02% Ca), C57BL mice maintained negative Ca absorption. Low dietary Ca increased serum PTH significantly in C57BL but not in C3H mice, and decreased serum 1,25(OH)2D and Ca levels in both strains of mice. Our findings indicate that the C57BL mice relied more on the mobilization of Ca from bone to maintain extracellular Ca homeostasis than the C3H mice. We conclude that strain differences in bone mass and density between C3H and C57BL mice is expressed, in part, through the vitamin D and PTH endocrine systems and their effects on the maintenance of extracellular Ca homeostasis.     

Bone brittleness varies with genetic background in A/J and C57BL/6J inbred mice.

The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to variations in bone quality are understood poorly. We tested whether bone brittleness varies with genetic background using the A/J and C57BL/6J inbred mouse strains. Whole bone four-point bending tests revealed a 70% decrease in postyield deflection of A/J femurs compared with C57BL/6J, indicating that A/J femurs failed in a significantly more brittle manner. Cyclic loading studies indicated that A/J femurs accumulated damage differently than C57BL/6J femurs, consistent with their increased brittleness. Differences in matrix composition also were observed between the two mouse strains. A/J femurs had a 4.5% increase in ash content and an 11.8% decrease in collagen content. Interestingly, a reciprocal relationship was observed between femoral geometry and material stiffness; this relationship may have contributed to the brittle phenotype of A/J femurs. A/J femurs are more slender than those of C57BL/6J femurs; however, their 47% smaller moment of inertia appeared to be compensated by an increased tissue stiffness at the expense of altered tissue damageability. Importantly, these differences in whole bone mechanical properties between A/J and C57BL/6J femurs could not have been predicted from bone mass or density measures alone. The results indicated that bone brittleness is a genetically influenced trait and that it is associated with genetically determined differences in whole bone architecture, bone matrix composition, and mechanisms of cyclical damage accumulation.