Molecular characterization, tissue distribution patterns and nutritional regulation of IGFBP-1, -2, -3 and -5 in yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) play a vital role in regulating the biological activities of IGFs. In this study, we cloned and determined full-length cDNA sequences of yellowtail IGFBP-1, -2, -3 and -5. Their tissue distribution was determined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, which revealed that IGFBP-1, -2, -3 and -5 are widely distributed in yellowtail tissues. In yellowtail, both IGFBP-1 and –2 are highly expressed in the liver, IGFBP-3 is predominantly expressed in the heart and skin, with the lowest expression in the liver, and IGFBP-5 is highly expressed in the liver and kidneys. The widespread tissue expression of the yellowtail IGFBPs suggests that they may act in an autocrine and/or paracrine manner in the regulation of IGF activity. The effects of nutritional deprivation on yellowtail IGFBPs and IGF-I were also examined. During a 15-day starvation period, significant elevation was observed in hepatic yellowtail IGFBP-1. Refeeding restored its level to that of the control. No significant change was observed in the hepatic yellowtail IGFBP-2 mRNA levels in starved fish compared with control fish during the starvation period. Interestingly, during the early period of food deprivation, a significant increase was observed in hepatic yellowtail IGFBP-3 and -5 mRNA levels, concomitant to the significant elevation in hepatic IGF-I mRNA from day 3 to day 9. The unexpected increase in growth stimulatory IGFBPs and IGF-I during nutritional deprivation may represent a species-specific response to changes in nutritional condition.     

Laparoscopic resection for recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors and paraganglioma in a patient with Carney–Stratakis syndrome: A case report

Carney–Stratakis syndrome (CSS) is a familial syndrome characterized by gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and paragangliomas, often at multiple sites. A 34-year-old woman who had undergone resection of gastric GISTs, liver metastases, and a retroperitoneal paraganglioma in her previous hospital was referred to our hospital due to recurrence after 5 years. She presented with two gastric GISTs, a liver tumor, and a peritoneal tumor. As molecular-targeted agents are reported to be ineffective against CSS-related GISTs, we selected surgical resection for the recurrence. We performed laparoscopic local gastrectomy, liver S7 subsegmentectomy, and peritoneal tumor resection. Pathological findings revealed multiple gastric GISTs with liver metastasis and a paraganglioma. The laparoscopic approach could be performed safely, less invasively, and it could be more effective in such cases. This is the first case report of laparoscopic resection for recurrent CSS-related GISTs and paragangliomas.     

Evaluation of tooth eruption rate of incisor teeth in rats with estrogen deficiency

Objectives

To assess the influence of estrogen deficiency on tooth eruption rate (TER) and gene expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation in a rat model.

Materials and methods

Ovariectomies (OVX; n?=?25) and sham surgeries (SHAM; n?=?25) were performed in female Wistar rats when animals were 25 days old. The TER of the lower incisors, both in impeded (hyperfunction condition) and unimpeded (trimmed incisal edge—hypofunction condition) conditions, was evaluated using standardized digital photographs acquired every 48–72 h for 3 weeks (35th–53rd day of life), using a camera coupled to a stereomicroscope. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the relative gene expression of ERα and ERβ in the odontogenic region.

Results

The OVX group showed a significant reduction in TER when compared to the SHAM group, only in the impeded condition (p?=?0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in ERα gene expression (p?=?0.33). ERβ showed a significantly higher gene expression in the OVX group (p?≤?0.05).

Conclusions

Estrogen deficiency decreases TER in teeth under impeded condition. Estrogen deficiency also increases ERβ gene expression in the odontogenic region of teeth with continuous formation.

Clinical relevance

Hormonal disturbances affecting estrogen levels can cause alterations in dental formation and teeth eruption.