Porcine parvovirus infection activates inflammatory cytokine production through Toll-like receptor 9 and NF-κB signaling pathways in porcine kidney cells.

Porcine parvovirus virus (PPV) is an animal virus that has caused high economic losses for the swine industry worldwide. Previous studies demonstrated that PPV infection induced significant production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in vitro and in vivo. However, the inflammatory cytokines and specific signaling pathways induced during PPV infection remain largely unknown.

The role of leptin in striped hamsters subjected to food restriction and refeeding.

Food restriction (FR) and refeeding (Re) have been suggested to impair body mass regulation and thereby making it easier to regain the lost weight and develop over-weight when FR ends. However, it is unclear if this is the case in small mammals showing seasonal forging behaviors. In the present study, energy budget, body fat and serum leptin level were measured in striped hamsters that were exposed to FR-Re.