Microsatellite markers, commonly referred to as short tandem repeats (STRs) or simple sequence repeats, have been extensively utilized in population genetic studies of the Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa L., 1758), particularly for assessing genetic diversity, population structure, connectivity, relatedness, and admixture with domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus L., 1758). Despite the increasing availability of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based and whole-genome approaches, STR datasets remain valuable because of their high polymorphism, relatively low cost, and compatibility with legacy monitoring data. This review provides a critical synthesis of the use of microsatellite genotyping in wild boar research, with particular emphasis on the computational inference frameworks used to translate multi-locus genotypes into management-relevant information. We discuss the application of STR data to diversity and inbreeding metrics, clustering and assignment analyses, effective population size and bottleneck inference, parentage and kinship reconstruction, admixture detection, landscape genetics, and disease-related interpretation. Special emphasis is placed on the assumptions and limitations of microsatellite-based inference, including marker panel size and comparability, sampling design, allele binning, null alleles, genotyping error, allele-size homoplasy, and the temporal scale of interpretation. The review highlights that STRs provide substantial insights into recent and fine-scale population processes, regional monitoring, and preliminary admixture screening, whereas dense SNP panels or whole-genome data are required for precise introgression quantification, adaptive inference, complex demographic reconstruction, and deep phylogeographic analysis. Used within an integrative framework that combines genomic, landscape, epidemiological, and long-term monitoring data, STRs remain a cost-effective and informative component of genetic monitoring for S. scrofa across heterogeneous and human-modified landscapes.
Background Heavy metal mixture (HMM) exposure poses severe health risks by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The limitations of conventional chelation therapy necessitate exploring natural alternatives. Although Prosopis africana (PA) has antioxidant properties, its potential as a protective agent remains underexplored. This study investigated the protective mechanisms of PA against lead/ cadmium/arsenic-induced pulmonary and hematological toxicity. Material and methods Rats were treated with HMM alone or combined with PA (500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg). The evaluated parameters included lung and blood metal accumulation, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide), antioxidant defenses (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), transcription factors (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 [Nrf2], nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB]), caspase-3, hematological parameters, and lung histopathology. Multivariate analyses were applied to integrate biomarker patterns. Results HMM exposure significantly increased tissue metal levels, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and caspase-3 activity, while suppressing antioxidant defenses and disrupting hematological parameters and lung architecture. PA co-treatment reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner. At 1500 mg/kg, PA reduced blood metal levels by > 90%, normalized the oxidative-antioxidant balance, decreased IL-6 and TNF-α by 60–70%, suppressed caspase-3 activity by 90%, restored hematological indices, and ameliorated lung damage. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses clearly separated the HMM-exposed groups from the PA-treated groups based on their distinct oxidative, inflammatory, and protective profiles. Conclusions PA protects against HMM-induced toxicity by reducing metal bioavailability – potentially via chelation and/or altered absorption or excretion – coupled with Nrf2 activation and NF-κB/caspase-3 suppression. These findings suggest its potential as an adjunct therapy for heavy metal-induced pathologies.
Background The application of different light emitting diodes (LED) light colors in plant micropropagation is gaining prominence based on the morphological and physiological responses of plants when exposed to specific wavelengths and intensities of light. This study aimed to determine the effects of red, white, and blue LED light on the micropropagation of pascuita (Euphorbia leucocephala Lotsy), an ornamental plant native to Mexico and Central America. Material and methods Under in vitro conditions, the effects of the above mentioned three LED light colors at 90 µmol m–2/s–1 intensity were evaluated on callus formation, shoot induction, and plant growth. In the second phase, using the shoots developed in the previous stage, the influence of the three LED light colors on in vitro root induction was evaluated with or without indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) addition. Results Red light enhanced callus induction and growth, with plant responses observed from the initial days of culture, while blue light favored shoot formation. During the rooting phase, red light demonstrated superior efficacy by inducing the highest number of roots, achieving a 100% rooting rate, regardless of IAA presence. Conclusions The use of different LED light colors during pascuita micropropagation is an effective tool to modulate plant responses throughout the various stages of regeneration.
Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease involving complex immune pathways. Natural compounds derived from Aloe vera are attracting increasing attention for their potential in the treatment of dermatological disorders. Material and methods A virtual screening of 110 A. vera-derived phytoconstituents was performed against three key protein targets implicated in AD: interleukin-4 receptor alpha, Janus kinase 1, and phosphodiesterase 4D. The top-ranked compounds were further assessed using absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties to evaluate drug-likeness and safety profiles. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations over 100 ns were conducted to examine the structural stability of the selected ligand–protein complexes. Results Quercetin and kaempferol showed the highest binding affinities across all three targets. ADMET analysis confirmed their favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. MD simulations revealed stable and compact protein–ligand interactions, supporting their potential as multitarget inhibitors of AD. Conclusions Quercetin and kaempferol from A. vera emerge as promising multitarget lead candidates for AD treatment, particularly for topical therapeutic applications. These findings warrant further in vitro and in vivo validation to support their potential clinical translation.
Background Limited attention paid to acne vulgaris has hindered progress in studying its pathological mechanisms and developing new treatments. While direct evidence confirming Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) as the initial trigger of acne vulgaris is scarce, the bacterium clearly drives inflammation within acne lesions. Material and methods Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that C. acnes lipase digested triglycerides into various fatty acids, which increased sebum production in sebocytes. The secretory lipase was selected as an immunogenic antigen to generate antibodies in mice. Serum from mice vaccinated with C. acnes lipase was used to assess antibody titers via test strips. Pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Passive immunization with neutralization antibodies to lipase was conducted by administering anti-lipase serum co-cultured with C. acnes. Results Palmitic acid, a lipase-derived fatty acid, was identified as a major pro-inflammatory stimulus in sebocytes, confirming the central role of lipase in acne inflammation. Mice vaccinated with C. acnes lipase showed protection against C. acnes-induced inflammation in an ear model. Therefore, neutralization antibodies to lipase significantly reduced C. acnes-induced production of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and MIP-2. Conclusions The C. acnes secretory lipase is a key virulence factor contributing to acne inflammation. Vaccination with C. acnes lipase significantly reduced bacterial colonization and the production of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and MIP-2. These findings support the potential of C. acnes lipase-targeted vaccines as a novel, antigen-specific strategy for both the treatment and prevention of acne vulgaris.
