No abstract

miRNAs and lncRNAs do not encode proteins, but they play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. They differ in length, biogenesis, and mode of action. In this work, we focus on the selected miRNAs and lncRNAs involved in the regulation of myogenesis and muscle regeneration. We present selected miRNAs and lncRNAs that have been shown to control myogenic differentiation and show that manipulation of their levels could be used to improve myogenic differentiation of various types of stem and progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss how physical activity affects miRNA and lncRNA expression and how it affects muscle well-being.

Co-infections with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis are rarely reported in the literature and there is very limited knowledge of their impact on canine health. Central Poland is endemic for both parasites, posing a risk of co-infections in dogs. To evaluate the impact of co-infection with B. canis and D. repens on canine health, four groups of dogs were examined: healthy dogs, dogs infected with B. canis, dogs infected with D. repens and dogs co-infected with both species. Blood parameters indicative of anaemia, kidney and liver damage were analysed statistically. Additionally, expression levels of immune response genes were quantified and compared, to define the type of immune response typically encountered in single- and co-infections. In dogs infected with D. repens, no major alterations in blood parameters were observed. Dogs infected with B. canis suffered from anaemia, kidney and liver insufficiency. In contrast, dogs co-infected with D. repens and B. canis showed milder alternation in blood biochemical parameters associated with liver (ALP activity) and kidney (serum urea and creatinine levels) dysfunction, compared to dogs infected only with B. canis. The expression of genes associated with cellular (Th1-mediated) (STAT4 and INF-γ), humoral (Th2-mediated) (STAT6, GATA3, SOCS3, IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) responses was quantified. For this analysis, dogs infected with B. canis were divided into two groups—‘Babesia 1’ (mild babesiosis), ‘Babesia 2’ (severe babesiosis). All the tested factors, except INF-γ, were found to be expressed in dogs infected with D. repens. In ‘Babesia 1’ dogs, expression of GATA3 was highest, while in ‘Babesia 2’—INF-γ and SOCS3 dominated. IL-13 expression was predominant in dogs infected with D. repens, and STAT6 and IL-10 predominated in dogs with co-infections.

MikroRNA (miRNA) nie kodują białek, a jednak odgrywają ogromną rolę w wielu procesach biologicznych, w tym w rozwoju i regeneracji mięśni szkieletowych. miRNA regulują procesy zachodzące w trakcie rekonstrukcji mięśni, począwszy od utrzymywania komórek satelitowych w stanie spoczynkowym, przez ich aktywację, proliferację i różnicowanie w mioblasty, aż po fuzję tych komórek prowadzącą do powstania miotub. miRNA wpływają także na przebieg chorób degeneracyjnych mięśni szkieletowych, a ich poziom jest zmieniony w stanach chorobowych. Z tego powodu uważa się, że mogą być wykorzystane jako biomarkery chorób lub nawet cele terapeutyczne. Co ciekawe, aktywność fizyczna również wpływa na zmiany poziomu miRNA w tkance mięśniowej oraz krwiobiegu. Obserwowane różnice w profilach ekspresji tych cząsteczek są zależne od rodzaju, czasu trwania oraz intensywności treningu.