Low-density lipoprotein receptor affects the fertility of female mice

Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) has been demonstrated to play a central role in lipoprotein metabolism, with Ldlr-deficient (Ldlr(-/-)) mice developing severe dyslipidemia. In the present study we investigated whether Ldlr knockout could harm female reproduction and explored the mechanisms involved. The results indicate that although the number of litters born to Ldlr(-/-) mice did not differ significantly from that born to controls, the number of pups per litter was significantly lower in the former group. Interestingly, although Ldlr(-/-) mice were obese, the weight of their ovaries was lower than that in control mice. Serum cholesterol levels was significantly higher in Ldlr(-/-) mice than in their wild-type counterparts. In contrast, there were significant decreases in cholesterol, triglyceride and total lipid levels in ovaries of Ldlr(-/-) mice. Both ovarian lipid deposition, as detected by Oil red O staining, and lipid droplets, as evaluated by transmission electron microscopy, supported decreased lipid levels in ovaries from Ldlr(-/-) mice. In addition, Ldlr(-/-) mice had fewer ovarian follicles, more atretic follicles, lower oestrogen levels and spent significantly less time in oestrus than did the controls. Superovulation assays indicated immature Ldlr(-/-) mice ovulated fewer ova than controls. These results indicate that lack of Ldlr results in dyslipidaemia and poor fertility.

Molecular mechanisms underlying stress response and adaptation

“…Bacterial infections are among significant infectious diseases . Despite the advent of vaccines and antibiotics, the activation of direct immunity enables more rapid and efficient responses to pathogens . Cyprinus carpio , an economically valuable commercial farming fish species, has a complicated innate immune system .…”

“…34,35 Despite the advent of vaccines and antibiotics, the activation of direct immunity enables more rapid and efficient responses to pathogens. [36][37][38][39][40] Cyprinus carpio, an economically valuable commercial farming fish species, has a complicated innate immune system. [41][42][43] Regulatory factors, such as interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), the Rig-I-like receptor Mda5, IRAK1, IgM-binding protein, and the cysteine-rich cationic antimicrobial peptide LEAP-2, play important roles in the immune defense system.…”

Non‐canonical functions of the mitotic kinesin Eg5

“…Given the vital role Eg5 plays during cell division, characterization of the regulation of Eg5 structure and function may promote a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie cell division. In animals, exploring the regulation of Eg5 may provide new knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases, leading to improved diagnosis and treatments . In plants, exploring the function, localization, and motor activity of Eg5 may provide important insights into its roles in plant growth and development; furthermore, these studies will provide new knowledge for Eg5 research in animals .…”

Antifatigue and antiaging effects of Chinese rice wine in mice

“…Yellow rice wine contains a large number of carbohydrates which are in the form of monosaccharide and can be directly absorbed, metabolism or turned to glycogen stored in liver and muscle to meet the energy needs of tissues (Nakatani et al., 1997). In addition, the abundant oligosaccharides and active peptides in CRW can improve the antifatigue ability of mice by increasing the oxygen‐resistant capacity of cells and the ability of muscle contraction and by promoting the repair of muscle cells during exercise and after exercise (Guo et al., 2015; Wang, Shieh, Kuo, Lee, & Pan, 2006). The increasing levels of BLA will decrease internal pH value in muscle tissue and blood, which could lead to fatigue (Lu et al., 2015).…”