Induction of a thoracolumbar supernumerary rib in rat developmental toxicity studies: A short discussion on the critical window.

Thoracolumbar supernumerary ribs (TSRs) are classified as less severe skeletal anomalies in rat developmental toxicity studies, although their incidence is relatively high in rodent studies. To investigate the characteristics of the critical window for chemically-induced TSR, in this study, rats were administered 5-fluorocytocine (5-FC) or sodium salicylate (SAL) at one of three time periods on gestational day (GD) 9, early morning (7:00 am), midday (12:00 pm to 1:00 pm), or late afternoon (4:00 pm or 7:00 pm). The incidence of TSR and other anomalies were assessed in GD20 fetuses.

[New Approach to the Investigation of DOHaD Using X-inactivation Gene Expression System].

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) occurs during the gestation period to compensate for the dosage of X-linked genes in female mammals. Xist RNA is a long noncoding RNA with a global epigenetic function and is indispensable for XCI from the initiation to establishment and maintenance phases. The X chromosome contains over 1,000 genes that are essential for proper development, especially that of the brain, immune system, metabolism and reproductive functions.

Effect of fetal exposure to bisphenol A on brain mediated by X-chromosome inactivation.

Recent studies have reported that bisphenol A (BPA) influences brain development in fetal exposure to mice. The X-chromosome codes many neurodevelopment-related genes leading to abnormal development, such as mental retardation and intellectual deficiency. For females, most of expressions of X-linked genes are regulated by X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), which occurs during fetal period, and this mechanism is regulated by Xist and its antisense, Tsix.

Fetal exposure to diesel exhaust affects X-chromosome inactivation factor expression in mice.

Several studies have shown effects of diesel exhaust (DE) on the central nervous system, but the mechanism is unclear. Fetal mice were exposed to whole DE (contains gases and particles) in an inhalation chamber, and cerebrum gene expression changes were examined by gene assay (microarray and quantitative real-time PCR). By microarray, upregulation of Xist, B-raf and Drwms2 were detected.

Reoperation for coronary artery disease: devised management for reoperation including digital subtraction angiography.

Between December 1990 and August 1999, a consecutive series of 494 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, while 19 (3.8%) patients underwent isolated reoperative coronary bypass grafting. The mean age of 16 males and 3 females who underwent reoperation was 63.