Samar Lahmar1, Kaouthar Kessabi2, Imed Messaoudi2. 1. Université de Monastir, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-Ressources, 5000, Monastir, Tunisie. lsamar_slahmar@live.fr. 2. Université de Monastir, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Laboratoire LR11ES41 Génétique Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bio-Ressources, 5000, Monastir, Tunisie.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of Killifish with spinal deformities OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphology and molecular biology of Aphanius fasciatus with severe spine deformities. Idiopathic Scoliosis affects 3% of the population and is an abnormal three-dimensional curvature of the spine with unknown cause. The lack of a model system with naturally occurring spinal curvatures has hindered research on the etiology of IS. METHODS: The Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus, collected from the coast of Sfax (Tunisia), which has an inborn skeletal deformity was chosen. We used morphologic features to evaluate the severity of scoliosis according to the different types and performed a biochemical analysis using factors previously studied in humans (estradiol, melatonin and Insulin Growth Factor 1 "IGF-1"). RESULTS: We have detected relevant molecular deviations that occur in Killifish deformities and the fish with severe scoliosis are smaller and less old than the ones with milder scolioses. Furthermore, a significant change in levels of ovarian estradiol, liver IGF-1 and brain melatonin was noted between deformed and normal fish. CONCLUSIONS: Aphanius fasciatus could be used as a molecular model system to study the etiology of IS in humans as the characterization of the Aphanius fasciatus scoliosis syndrome has revealed morphological and biochemical parallels to IS. However, it is important to note the limitations of the proposed model, including the short lifespan of the fish. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of Killifish with spinal deformities OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphology and molecular biology of Aphanius fasciatus with severe spine deformities. Idiopathic Scoliosis affects 3% of the population and is an abnormal three-dimensional curvature of the spine with unknown cause. The lack of a model system with naturally occurring spinal curvatures has hindered research on the etiology of IS. METHODS: The Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus, collected from the coast of Sfax (Tunisia), which has an inborn skeletal deformity was chosen. We used morphologic features to evaluate the severity of scoliosis according to the different types and performed a biochemical analysis using factors previously studied in humans (estradiol, melatonin and Insulin Growth Factor 1 "IGF-1"). RESULTS: We have detected relevant molecular deviations that occur in Killifish deformities and the fish with severe scoliosis are smaller and less old than the ones with milder scolioses. Furthermore, a significant change in levels of ovarian estradiol, liver IGF-1 and brain melatonin was noted between deformed and normal fish. CONCLUSIONS: Aphanius fasciatus could be used as a molecular model system to study the etiology of IS in humans as the characterization of the Aphanius fasciatus scoliosis syndrome has revealed morphological and biochemical parallels to IS. However, it is important to note the limitations of the proposed model, including the short lifespan of the fish. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
Authors: Gengyun Le; Susan A Novotny; Tara L Mader; Sarah M Greising; Sunny S K Chan; Michael Kyba; Dawn A Lowe; Gordon L Warren Journal: J Physiol Date: 2018-08-24 Impact factor: 5.182
Authors: Per Gunnar Fjelldal; Sindre Grotmol; Harald Kryvi; Nils Roar Gjerdet; Geir Lasse Taranger; Tom Hansen; Mark J R Porter; Geir K Totland Journal: J Pineal Res Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 13.007