A short period of dark-adaptation is sufficient to generate light-induced photoreceptor degeneration in pigmented zebrafish.

Light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) models are used to recapitulate the pathologies of retinal diseases that affect photoreceptors. Current LIRD models use a dark-adaptation period of 7-14 days followed by high-intensity light exposure. The purpose of this study was to determine whether photoreceptor damage and death would occur in pigmented zebrafish using a short period of dark-adaptation.

Human vascular endothelial cells transport foreign exosomes from cow's milk by endocytosis.

Encapsulation of microRNAs in exosomes confers protection against degradation and a vehicle for shuttling of microRNAs between cells and tissues, and cellular uptake by endocytosis. Exosomes can be found in foods including milk. Humans absorb cow's milk exosomes and deliver the microRNA cargo to peripheral tissues, consistent with gene regulation by dietary nucleic acids across species boundaries.

Loss of miRNAs during processing and storage of cow's (Bos taurus) milk.

MicroRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) play central roles in gene regulation. Previously, we reported that miRNAs from pasteurized, store-bought bovine milk have biological activity in humans. Here, we assessed the effects of milk processing, storage, somatic cell content, and handling by consumers on the degradation of miRNAs in milk; we also quantified miRNAs in dairy products.

The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid attenuates organic dust-induced airway inflammation.

Workers exposed to organic dusts from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are at risk for developing airway inflammatory diseases. Available preventative and therapeutic measures for alleviating dust-induced lung disease are inadequate. Because omega-3 fatty acids can mitigate inflammatory processes, we aimed to determine whether nutritional supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could reduce the airway inflammatory consequences of exposures to organic dust.