Β-endorphin Concentrations Research Articles

Investigating the impact of preslaughter handling intensity on goats: a study on behavior, physiology, blood enzymes, and hormonal responses.

The present study evaluated the effect of preslaughter stress intensities on the behavioral, physiological, blood biochemicals, and hormonal responses in goats. Twenty-seven intact male goats (Ardi breed, 10 months of age, 27 kg liveweight) were divided into three treatment groups viz., the control (C) group, ear pulling (EP) group, and leg pulling (LP) group. Various behavioral, physiological, blood biochemical and hormonal responses were recorded before and after handling. The EP and LP goats had a higher frequency and intensity of vocalization as compared to control goats. The preslaughter handling stress intensities had a significant effect on the before and after handling values of heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, and ear temperature. Further, among groups, the glucose value increased significantly upon preslaughter handling as compared to the baseline value. The LP goats had significantly higher after-handling value for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as compared to the before-handling value. The catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and β-endorphin concentrations increased significantly upon preslaughter handling. The higher physiological, behavioral, blood biochemical, and hormonal response indicated higher preslaughter stress in EP and LP goats. Both levels of intensity revealed unfavorable responses in goats that may adversely affect animal welfare and meat quality. Thus, to ensure minimal adverse effects on behavior, physiology, blood enzymes, and hormonal responses, it is recommended to follow animal welfare principles when implementing preslaughter handling practices.

Mechanism of acupoint penetration acupuncture therapy regulating chondrocyte autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in KOA rats

ObjectiveTo investigate whether acupoint penetration acupuncture (APA) could regulate chondrocyte autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway to reduce cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats. MethodsKOA was induced in rats via intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate resolution. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control, model, APA, electro-acupuncture (EA), and sham model groups (n = 8) and those in the APA and EA groups received their respective therapies. Following completion of the treatment course, histological examinations of cartilage and muscle were conducted. Levels of apoptosis- and autophagy-related factors, including Bax, Bcl-2, mTOR, ULK-1, and Beclin-1 protein, and mRNAs were assessed. Additionally, β-endorphin (β-EP) concentrations in the brain and serum were measured. ResultsHistological analysis revealed that APA alleviated cartilage and muscle damage compared with the model group. APA inhibited cartilage degeneration by modulating the expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins and mRNA, thus preventing chondrocyte apoptosis. In the APA group, Bax and mTOR protein levels were significantly lower than those in the model group (both P = .024). Conversely, the Bcl-2 expression level was significantly higher than that in the EA group (P = .035). Additionally, ULK-1 expression was significantly lower than that in the EA group (P = .045). The mRNA level of Bax was significantly higher than that in the blank control group (P < .001). However, Beclin-1 levels were significantly higher than those in both the model and EA groups (both P < .001). ELISA results showed a significant decrease in the concentration of β-EP in the brains of the rats in the APA group compared with those in the model group (P = .032). ConclusionsAPA reduced osteoarthritis-related pain and alleviated cartilage damage by upregulating chondrocyte autophagy and down-regulating apoptosis via signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt-mTOR in KOA rats.

Early-life exposure to sex hormones promotes voluntary ethanol intake in adulthood. A vulnerability factor to drug addiction.

While there is extensive research on alcohol dependence, the factors that make an individual vulnerable to developing alcoholism haven't been explored much. In this study, we aim to investigate how neonatal exposure to sex hormones affects alcohol intake and the regulation of the mesolimbic pathway in adulthood.The study aimed to investigate the impact of neonatal exposure to a single dose of testosterone propionate (TP) or estradiol valerate (EV) on ethanol consumption in adult rats. The rats were subjected to a two-bottle free-choice paradigm, and the content of dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) was measured using HPLC-ED. The expression of critical DA-related proteins in the mesolimbic pathway was evaluated through RT-qPCR and western blot analysis.Supraphysiological neonatal exposure to EV or TP resulted in increased ethanol intake over four weeks in adulthood. In addition, the DA and DOPAC content was reduced and increased in the NAcc of EV and TP-treated rats, and β-endorphin content in the hypothalamus decreased in EV-treated rats. The VTA μ receptor and DA type 2 form short receptor (D2S) expression were significantly reduced in EV and TP male rats. Finally, in an extended 6-week protocol, the increase in ethanol consumption induced by EV was mitigated during the initial two hours post-naloxone injection.Neonatal exposure to sex hormones is a detrimental stimulus for the brain, which can facilitate the development of addictive behaviors, including alcohol use disorder.

Characterizing the opioidergic mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced analgesia: a randomized controlled trial.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising technology to reduce chronic pain. Investigating the mechanisms of rTMS analgesia holds the potential to improve treatment efficacy. Using a double-blind and placebo-controlled design at both stimulation and pharmacologic ends, this study investigated the opioidergic mechanisms of rTMS analgesia by abolishing and recovering analgesia in 2 separate stages across brain regions and TMS doses. A group of 45 healthy participants were equally randomized to the primary motor cortex (M1), the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the Sham group. In each session, participants received an intravenous infusion of naloxone or saline before the first rTMS session. Participants then received a second dose of rTMS session after the drugs were metabolized at 90 minutes. M1-rTMS-induced analgesia was abolished by naloxone compared with saline and was recovered by the second rTMS run when naloxone was metabolized. In the DLPFC, double but not the first TMS session induced significant pain reduction in the saline condition, resulting in less pain compared with the naloxone condition. In addition, TMS over the M1 or DLPFC selectively increased plasma concentrations of β-endorphin or encephalin, respectively. Overall, we present causal evidence that opioidergic mechanisms are involved in both M1-induced and DLPFC-rTMS-induced analgesia; however, these are shaped by rTMS dosage and the release of different endogenous opioids.

Ultrasound Stimulation Potentiates Management of Diabetic Hyperglycemia.

Glucose homeostasis is the only way to manage diabetic progression as all medications used do not cure diabetes. This study was aimed at verifying the feasibility of lowering glucose with non-invasive ultrasonic stimulation. The ultrasonic device was homemade and controlled via a mobile application on the smartphone. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats through high-fat diets followed by streptozotocin injection. The treated acupoint CV12 was at the middle of the xiphoid and umbilicus of the diabetic rats. Parameters of ultrasonic stimulation were an operating frequency of 1 MHz, pulse repetition frequency of 15 Hz, duty cycle of 10% and sonication time of 30 min for a single treatment. The diabetic rats exhibited a significant decrease of 11.5% ± 3.6% in blood glucose in 5 min of ultrasonic stimulation (p < 0.001). After the single treatment on the first day, third day and fifth day in the first week, the treated diabetic rats had a significantly small area under the curve of the glucose tolerance test (p < 0.05) compared with the untreated diabetic rats in the sixth week. Hematological analyses indicated that the serum concentrations of β-endorphin were significantly increased by 58% ± 71.9% (p < 0.05) and the insulin level was increased by 56% ± 88.2% (p=0.15) without statistical significance after a single treatment. Therefore, non-invasive ultrasound stimulation at an appropriate dose can produce a hypoglycemic effect and improve glucose tolerance for glucose homeostasis and may play a role as adjuvant therapy with diabetic medications in the future.

Endogenous Opioid Imbalance as a Potential Factor Involved in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease-Associated Pruritus in Dialysis Patients.

Chronic pruritus is one of the most common symptoms of dermatological diseases. It may occur in the course of other disorders, such as kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) most often affects people with end-stage renal disease. The etiology of this condition is still not fully understood, but researchers are currently focusing on a thorough analysis of the association between disturbed opioid balance and increased neuronal signaling leading to pruritus. The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of endogenous opioids in dialysis patients with and without pruritus and in the control group, and to determine the correlation between the concentration of these substances and the occurrence and severity of itching. The study involved 126 dialysis patients and 50 healthy controls. Patients were divided into groups with pruritus (n = 62) and without pruritus (n = 64). The severity of pruritus was assessed using the NRS scale. The concentration of endogenous opioids was determined using the ELISA. The concentration of met-enkephalin was higher in the group of patients with pruritus compared to the control group. Moreover, significantly lower levels of β-endorphin and dynorphin A were observed in the group of dialysis patients compared to the control group. In addition, a statistically significant difference was seen between the β-endorphin concentration in the group of dialysis patients with pruritus compared to the group without pruritus. The ratio of β-endorphin/dynorphin A concentrations was significantly lower in the group of patients with pruritus compared to patients without pruritus and the control group. No correlations were found between serum level of studied opioids and the severity of pruritus. The concentrations of the studied opioids did not correlate with the severity of pruritus. Observed opioid imbalance may affect the occurrence of CKD-aP in dialysis patients, but a thorough understanding of the mechanism of action of these substances in the sensation of pruritus is necessary to assess the possibility of finding a new therapeutic target.

TPCS as a method for correcting cardiac arrhythmias after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with stenting in patients with myocardial infarction

Objective: To study the effect of transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) therapy on cardiac arrhythmias developed after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods: Characteristics of patient groups: the comparison group (n = 17) – with myocardial infarction, after PTCA with stenting, standard treatment; the main group (n = 21) – the same and tPCS therapy. Control points of the study: 1st day – Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiography (ECHO), Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB), Troponin-I, potassium, β-endorphin; 5th day – the same without ECHO; 10th day – the same and ECG with the determination of harmony and quantum of the electromagnetic flux of the cardiac cycle. PTCA was performed using drug-eluting stents. tPCS therapy was performed in pulsed bipolar mode, current strength 2 mA, current frequency 77.5 Hz, session duration 45 min.Results: In patients of the main group (against the background of tPCS therapy), the studied parameters of the cardiac cycle approached the optimal values. It was shown that intergroup differences in harmony (p = 0.002) and the size of the electromagnetic flux quantum of the cardiac cycle (p = 0.001) are statistically significant. Also, against the background of the tPCS therapy, the concentration of highly sensitive troponin-I is statistically significantly (p = 0.0042) lower by 109%. On the 5th and 10th days of the study, the serum concentration of β-endorphin in the main group was higher by 38.3 and 35.0% than in the comparison group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The results of the study clearly demonstrate the cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic potential of tPCS therapy in patients with myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmias after PTCA with stenting.

Evaluation of the Influence of Biological Factors during the Course of Treatment in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of β-endorphins and serotonin on the course of treatment, disease-free time, and overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer. This study may contribute to the identification of modifiable factors that may influence the treatment of ovarian cancer. The research was carried out in a group of 162 patients of which 139 respondents were included in the research; ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 78 of these patients. The study consisted of three stages. In the first stage of diagnostics, a survey among the patients was carried out. In the second stage—5 mL of blood was collected from each patient (n = 139) in the preoperative period to determine the concentration of β-endorphin and serotonin. In the third stage—blood samples were collected from those patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment or had surgery. Concentrations of β-endorphin and serotonin were measured by the Luminex method, using the commercial Luminex Human Discovery Assay kit. The average age of the patients was 62.99 years. The level of β-endorphin significantly differs among patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer and among patients in the control group (202.86; SD—15.78 vs. 302.00; SD—24.49). A lower level of β-endorphins was found in the patients with a recurrence of the neoplastic process compared to those without recurrence (178.84; SD—12.98 vs. 205.66; SD—13.37). On the other hand, the level of serotonin before chemotherapy was higher in the group of people with disease recurrence compared to those without recurrence (141.53; SD—15.33 vs. 134.99; SD—10.08). Statistically significantly positive correlations were found between the level of β-endorphin and both disease-free time (β-endorphin levels before chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.379, p < 0.027; β-endorphin levels after chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.734 p < 0.001) and survival time (β-endorphin levels before chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.267, p < 0.018; β-endorphin levels after chemotherapy: rho Spearman 0.654 p < 0.001). 1. The levels of serotonin and β-endorphin levels are significantly related to ovarian cancer and change during treatment. 2. High mean preoperative concentrations of β-endorphins were significantly related to overall survival and disease-free time.

Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine Combined With Ropivacaine in Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to find the best dose of dexmedetomidine in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.Methods120 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class I and II parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into four groups treated with intrathecal ropivacaine (12 mg) alone (Group R) or in combination with dexmedetomidine 5 μg (Group RD1), 7.5 μg (Group RD2) and 10 μg (Group RD3). Characteristics of spinal anesthesia, hemodynamic changes, adverse effects, stress reactions and neonatal outcomes were recorded in the four groups.ResultsPatients in Group RD1, RD2, and RD3 had significantly longer sustained sensory and motor block time than patients in Group R. All four groups had comparable onset times of sensory and motor block. The time for the level of sensory block to lower to S1 was longer in Group RD1 (411.07 ± 106.66 min), Group RD2 (397.03 ± 125.39 min) and Group RD3 (468.63 ± 116.43 min) than in Group R (273.60 ± 88.34 min) (p < 0.001). The time to recover from motor block to a Bromage score of IV was longer in Group RD1 (353.60.07 ± 137.28 min), Group RD2 (350.57 ± 118.01 min) and Group RD3 (404.67 ± 112.83 min) than in Group R (232.70 ± 93.29) (p < 0.01). The incidence of chills was significantly lower in the Group RD1, RD2, and RD3 than in the Group R (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, hypoxemia and pruritus in the four groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant visceral traction response or fentanyl use in the four groups (p > 0.05). Phenylephrine dosing was significantly higher in Group RD2 and RD3 than in Group R (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in phenylephrine dosing between Group RD1 and Group R (p > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in postnatal Apgar scores (1 min, 5 min after birth) (p > 0.05). The postoperative concentrations of β-endorphin (β-EP), cortisol (Cor) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the Group RD1, RD2, and RD3 were lower than that in Group R (p < 0.05).ConclusionIntrathecal 5μg of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine relieved intraoperative chills, did not increase intraoperative and postoperative adverse effects, did not increase the amount of intraoperative vasoconstrictor used, and reduced intraoperative stress reactions as well as prolonged the duration of maternal sensory and motor block, so this dose is appropriate for cesarean section.Clinical Trial Registration:[www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200056052].

Effects of Huolisu Oral Solution on Depression-Like Behavior in Rats: Neurotransmitter and HPA Axis.

Background: Depression is a common mental disorder, and its morbidity rate is expected to rank second among all mental disorders by 2020. Hence, traditional Chinese medicines gradually attract the attention of many researchers because of their various targets and low toxicity. Huolisu oral solution (HLS) is a Chinese medicine compound preparation, which is present in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is used clinically mainly for the treatment of neurasthenia, perimenopausal syndrome, and insomnia, or depression associated with cerebrovascular disease. Despite the fact that HLS has been used as an antidepressant in clinics, the underlying mechanism is still an untouched domain. To provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application, a series of assessment methods, such as the tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), and locomotor activity test in mice and rat models of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), have been conducted in our study. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the antidepressive effect and mechanism of HLS. Methods: CUMS was induced in rats to simulate a depression-like behavior. Neurotransmitters and hormones were detected by enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathomorphology examination of the hippocampus was obtained by using the TSView 7 image analysis system. The active ingredients of HLS were also determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: HLS could alleviate the depression-like behavior of the model rats. Biochemical analysis showed that HLS enhanced the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus and diminished these in the serum of the CUMS rats. HLS could also decrease the concentration of corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in blood. The pathohistological examination revealed that the hippocampus and adrenal gland were improved after treatment with HLS. Conclusions: This study concluded that HLS could alleviate depression-like behaviors in the rats exposed to CUMS, and the potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the monoamine neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and the β-EP. These findings hint that HLS is likely to be a potentially effective agent for treating depression.

Reactivity of stress-implementing system under conditions of light regime change in experiment

Influence of light exposure duration (model 18:6) on hormonal indices of stress-implementing system in laboratory animals blood is studied. Activity of stress systems central link was evaluated based on data on concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, melatonin and β-endorphin in blood serum, observed during enzyme immunoassay. Reaction of peripheric link of the stress-implementing system was evaluated in blood smears based on results of qualitative count of catecholamine granules in erythrocytes. It was established, that variations of hormonal indices of the stress systems for laboratory animals depend on trigger factor activity periods. With increase of the experiment duration to 21-st days the most pronounced reduction of melatonin, β-endorphin and increase of adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentration, as well as sharp increase of catecholamines level are observed in the blood serum. These hormonal changes develop as a result of failure of compensation mechanisms of the stress-implementing systems in connection with melatonin rhythms disturbance, that indicates the gradual development of the general adaptation syndrome. Keywords: endocrine profile, stress-implementing system, general adaptation syndrome, biorhythms, light desynchronosis.

Comparison of β-endorphin, Lactate and Cortisol Concentrations in Winning and Losing Racehorses

Understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in racehorses can be invaluable. Accurate information in this area could result in better understanding of needs of sport horses. The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions. In this study, β-endorphin was evaluated as an indicator of analgesia, lactate as an indicator of fatigue and cortisol as an indicator of stress in the first two horses and the last ones that cross the finish line. This study was performed on 44 horses participating in the 1000-meter national championship. In Group 1, 22 winners and second place horses were included; for Group 2, 22 last and penultimate horses were included. Blood samples were obtained in the doping room after race (T0) and 20 minutes after finishing (T20). Results for beta endorphin at T0 and T20 were higher (P > 0.05) for Group 1 compared to Group 2; on the contrary, lactate concentration was lower (P > 0.05) for Group 1 than Group 2 at T0 and T20. However, differences (P < 0.05) were obtained within groups at T0 and T20 for beta endorphin and lactate concentrations. No significant differences were found for cortisol concentration.The results of this study showed that winning horses had higher levels of β-endorphin and lower levels of lactate than losers. Further and deeper experimental studies are needed to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions.

Changes of Endothelin-1 and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Concentrations in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy after Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Hot Compression with Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Objective This study aimed at investigating the effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture-moxibustion and hot compression with Chinese herbal medicine on pain symptoms, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentrations of patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR). Methods A total of 82 patients with CR were randomly divided into the study group and control group, with 41 cases in each group. The control group was treated with standard treatment. In addition to standard treatment, the study group was additionally treated with wrist-ankle acupuncture-moxibustion and hot compression with Chinese herbal medicine. The ET-1 and CGRP concentrations in the plasma were measured by the radioimmunoassay method. Results The total response rate in the study group and the control group was 97.55% and 82.93%, respectively. The study group showed lower scores of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), numbness intensity assessment, and neck disability index (NDI) but higher scores of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire than the control group after treatment. Besides, the study group exhibited reduced ET-1 and substance P (SP) concentrations concomitant with increased CGRP and β-endorphin (β-EP) concentrations compared with the control group. Conclusion Wrist-ankle acupuncture-moxibustion and hot compression with Chinese herbal medicine could effectively alleviate the pain of CR patients, affect ET-1 and CGRP concentrations, promote the recovery of cervical function, and improve the quality of life.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone and β-endorphin concentration as a prognostic factor in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysmal rupture.

ObjectiveAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-endorphin are pituitary neuro-peptides released by acute stress. We determined why the prognosis of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) due to aneurysmal rupture is not always dependent on the Hunt–Hess grading system (HHS) and delta-National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), while studying endogenous neuropeptides, including ACTH and β-endorphin.MethodsWe analyzed blood samples collected from patients with SAH (SAH group; n=37) and those with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (control group; n=37). Blood sampling was performed before any procedure or chemical agents administration. The results of ACTH and β-endorphin measurements were compared using the delta-NIHSS and HHS. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and Pearson’s correlations.ResultsOf the 18 patients with low-grade HHS, 13 had low delta-NIHSS and five showed high delta-NIHSS. Of the 19 patients with high-grade HHS, the delta-NIHSS was ≥14 in the other five patients. ACTH concentration was high (497.3 pg/mL) in five patients with high-grade HHS and high delta-NIHSS. β-endorphin concentration was high (159.7 pg/mL) in 13 patients with low-grade HHS and low delta-NIHSS.ConclusionsHigh ACTH levels in patients with massive bleeding and poor neurological status suggests increasing ACTH secretion in response to bleeding stress, which may aggravate neurological status. Contrary to ACTH, high β-endorphin levels in patients with low-grade HHS implied the involvement of additional factors in predicting fair outcomes related to low delta-NIHSS. These results may provide insight into the varying prognostic potential of HHS in SAH patients.

Impact Of Saffron Supplementation And Resistance Training On Depression-related Markers In Untrained Young Males

Resistance training (RT) is known to improve mental well-being through reductions in depressive moods and anxiety while increasing levels of happiness. Recently, saffron supplementation has received considerable attention due to its antidepressant properties. However, the effect of the combination of these two interventions on markers implicated in depression and levels of happiness in humans is currently unknown. The addition of a nutritional supplement to RT may be essential to boost improvements in depression-related markers and happiness levels achieved by RT alone. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of six weeks of RT combined with saffron supplementation on depression-related markers and happiness levels in untrained young males. METHODS: Twenty-eight untrained young males [age (24 ± 2 years) and body mass index (24.6 ± 1.7 kg/m2)] were randomized to either a RT + saffron supplement (RS; n = 14) or RT + placebo (RP; n = 14) group for 6 weeks. Participants in the RS group took one 150 mg pill of pure saffron daily while those in the RP group took a dextrose pill identical in appearance. Whole-body supervised RT (6 exercises, 3 sets per exercise using 60-70% of 1-repetition maximum) was performed 4 x week. Concentrations of Anandamide (AEA), 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), serotonin, dopamine, β-endorphin, tryptophan, happiness levels and body composition were assessed before and after the 6 weeks. RESULTS: AEA (RS: 0.5 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 0.09 ± 0.2 ng/ml), 2-AG (RS: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. RP: 0.02 ± 0.05 ng/ml), dopamine (RS: 0.7 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 0.3 ± 0.6 ng/ml), and β-endorphin (RS: 9.4 ± 4.1 vs. RP: 4.1 ± 10 pg/ml) concentrations significantly improved in the RS (P < 0.05) while no changes were detected in the RP group. Serotonin (RS: 1.7 ± 0.6 vs. RP: 1.0 ± 0.9 ng/mL) concentrations and happiness levels (RS: 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. RP: 0.5 ± 0.4) significantly increased in both groups with greater changes in RS group. No significant changes were observed in tryptophan concentrations after 6 weeks. Total lean mass increased in both groups, but without significant between-group difference. CONCLUSIONS: Six weeks of RT combined with saffron supplementation improved depression-related markers in untrained young males. Moreover, the addition of a saffron supplement to chronic RT results in greater improvements in happiness levels than RT alone.

Therapeutic Riding Horses: using a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis measure to assess the physiological stress response to different riders

In this study, circulating β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were chosen as physiological markers of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress-related response in Therapeutic Riding Horses (TRHs). The aim of this research was to investigate HPA axis hormonal response in TRHs and check the effects of different kind of riders (mentally-impaired and able-minded riders). The main hypothesis was that, in TRHs, the HPA axis reaction would be less responsive to mentally-impaired than to able-minded riders, due to increasing levels of horse control by the able-minded riders. 6 TRHs were randomly ridden in the same setting by 2 groups of riders, adult mentally-impaired riders (Treatment Group A) and able-minded adult riders (Treatment Group B). Both groups consisted of inexperienced riders. Each rider rode 2 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The horses performed the same gaits and exercises at all sessions, with both Treatment Group A and Treatment Group B riders. All hormones’ concentrations were determined on a resting day (baseline, T0), before the session (T1), and at 5 min (T2) and 30 min (T3) after each session. Statistical analysis showed significant effects of the different Treatment Groups on the cortisol concentrations only, with lower cortisol concentrations both at T2 and at T3 in Treatment Group A than in Treatment Group B. Related to changes over the sampling time, ccortisol concentrations in horses were significantly higher at T1 than at T0 in Treatment Group A, and at T1, T2 and T3 than at T0, in Treatment Group B. ACTH concentrations were significantly higher at T1, T2 and T3 than at T0, only in Treatment Group B. β-endorphin concentrations at T3 were significantly higher than at T0, only in Treatment Group B. Results showed differences in the TRHs' stress levels between rider groups, with significantly lower cortisol concentrations in Treatment Group A than in Treatment Group B. Thus, although sessions’ workload stress was equivalent, the minor response of HPA axis could be related to different effects of horse-human interaction.

Effect of auricular point sticking therapy on perioperative pain in patients with partial lung resection

To observe the analgesic effect of auricular point sticking therapy during the perioperative stage in the patients with partial lung resection. A total of 92 patients with partial lung resection were randomized into an auricular point group (31 cases, 1 case dropped off), the sham-auricular point group (30 cases) and a medication group (31 cases, 1 case dropped off). The routine medication for analgesia was provided in all of the three groups. In the auricular point group, 1 day before operation, the auricular point sticking therapy was applied at shenmen (TF4), sympathetic (AH6a), subcortex (AT4), brain stem (AT3,4i), anterior ear lobe (LO4), chest (AH10) and lung (CO14), retained till the third day after operation. In the sham-auricular point group, the auricular adhesive tape without semen vaccariae was used at the same points as the auricular point group. Separately, the scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) in 8, 16, 24, 48 h and 72 h after operation, the time for obtaining the mean of the postoperative VAS score<3 points, the scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD) in 8, 72 h after operation and the plasma concentration of β-endorphin in 24, 48 h after operation, as well as the adverse reactions after operation were recorded in the patients of each group. In 8, 16, 24, 48 h and 72 h after operation, VAS scores in the auricular point group were lower than those in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group separately (P<0.05). In the auricular point group, 16 h after operation the mean of VAS score was less than 3 points, but in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group, 48 h after operation, such a mean score of VAS was obtained. In 8, 72 h after operation, HAD score in the auricular point group was lower than that in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group respectively. In 24, 48 h after operation, the concentration of plasmaβ-endorphin was all higher than that in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group respectively (P<0.05). In 24 h after operation, the plasma concentration ofβ-endorphin in the sham-auricular point group was higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reaction in the auricular point group was lower than that in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group respectively (P<0.05). Auricular point sticking therapy relieves perioperative pain, shortens analgesic time, releases anxious and depressive emotions and reduces postoperative adverse reaction in the patients with partial lung resection. The analgesic mechanism is probably related to the increase of plasma concentration of β-endorphin.

The Effects of Androstenone on the Plasma Serotonin, β-Endorphin, and Cortisol Concentrations in Thoroughbred Horses.

Simple SummaryThe development of horse managing tools is needed to prevent accidents and to improve welfare for domestic horses because the safety hazards for people who are exposed to horses are well documented. Androstenone, a pheromone secreted from boars, changes the behavior of dogs to become less excited. In horses, a previous study showed that a specific receptor for androstenone was expressed in the vomeronasal organ and nasal cavity. Horses treated with androstenone also showed more compliant behaviors. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of androstenone for changing horse behaviors. The change in the plasma concentrations of serotonin, β-endorphin, and cortisol in response to the treatment of androstenone was evaluated using an immunoassay. The results of this study demonstrated that androstenone may control the neuroendocrine system of horses, resulting in behavioral changes. This is the first work that studies the mechanism of pheromone treatment in horses and can be applied for further study about the effect of pheromone therapy on horses.Androstenone influences the changing behaviors of animals. Previous studies discovered that an androstenone receptor was expressed in horses and treatment with androstenone induced horses to be more compliant. As changes in the level of neuroendocrine factors result in animal behavioral changes, the objective of the study was to monitor the changes in the concentrations of 5-HT, β-endorphin, and cortisol in response to androstenone. Eight thoroughbred horses (five mares and three geldings) were treated with androstenone diluted in jojoba oil (10 µg/mL) and only oil for a control cross-overly. A handler applied the treatments to the horses′ nostril and rubbed for 5 s. Blood samples were collected before, 15, 30, and 60 min after each treatment. The concentrations of each neurotransmitter were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentrations of each neurotransmitter after the treatment were compared to its baseline concentration. The concentration of 5-HT of the androstenone-treated horses remained consistent throughout the experiment, while the concentration of the control group significantly decreased over time. The plasma concentration of β-endorphin in the androstenone-treated group also remained constant, whereas the concentration increased in the control group. Cortisol levels did not change in either the treated or untreated groups. An androstenone treatment triggers changes in the secretion of 5-HT and β-endorphin in horses.

20 The effects of androstenone on the plasma concentration of serotonin, β-endorphin, and cortisol in horses

The neuroendocrine system is the main factor that regulates animal behavior and is generally mediated by internal or external stimuli, including pheromones. Pheromones are volatile and non-volatile chemical molecules that usually trigger behavioral changes in other animals of the same species. Androstenone is a pheromone known to change behaviors of animals. Recently, the expression of androstenone receptor was discovered in horses. Consequently, behavioral changes in response to androstenone may be regulated by the neuroendocrine system. Thus, the objective of this study was to monitor the neuroendocrinal changes induced by treatment with androstenone. A total of 8 Thoroughbred horses consisting of 5 females and 3 males were used with a crossover study design. Horses were treated with androstenone diluted with jojoba oil (10 ug/ml) and only oil for negative control. A handler applied oil with or without androstenone to horses's nostril and rubbed for 5 s wearing latex gloves. Blood samples were collected before, 15, 30, and 60 min after androstenone treatment. The plasma concentration of 5-HT, β-endorphin, and cortisol were analyzed using ELISA kits. The interaction effect of each treatment of androstenone on the level of neurotransmitters was accessed by Mixed GLM model using SAS. A Least square(LS) post-hoc test was applied to test the significant difference in the plasma concentration of neurotransmitters between treatment and control group at the same sampling time. Time-dependent hormonal changes were also compared using LS means comparison. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The concentration of 5-HT of androstenone-treated horses remained consistent throughout the experiment, while the concentration of the control group significantly decreased over time. The plasma concentration of β-endorphin in the treatment group also remained constant, however, it was increased in the control group compared with the before treatment. Cortisol levels did not change in either treated and untreated groups. In conclusion, the androstenone treatment appears to regulate 5-HT, and β-endorphin system in horses.

Hormonal and neural responses to restraint stress in an animal model of perimenopause in female rats.

The present study investigated the hormonal and neural responses to stress in a perimenopause animal model induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), which induces progressive follicular depletion in rodents, allowing studies on the transition to ovarian failure. Female rats, aged 28days old, were s.c. injected for 15 consecutive days with corn oil or VCD. At 85±5days after the onset of treatment, the jugular vein was cannulated in the afternoon of metoestrus and in next morning (dioestrus) at 10.00am, rats were subjected to 30minutes of restraint stress. Blood samples were withdrawn before (-5minutes), during (2, 5, 15 and 30minutes) and after (45, 60 and 90minutes) stress and plasma prolactin, progesterone and corticosterone levels were measured. Animals were perfused, brains processed for c-Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the locus coeruleus (LC) and c-Fos/corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In unstressed rats the density of β-endorphin fibres was assessed in LC and PVN. In VCD-treated rats, stress-induced prolactin peak was higher, basal and peak progesterone levels were lower, and both levels of corticosterone were similar to controls. However, the recovery period was longer for both adrenal hormones. In VCD-treated rats the number of c-Fos/TH and c-Fos/CRF-immunoreactive neurones was higher whereas the density of β-endorphin fibres was lower in LC and PVN. We surmise that the hyperactivity of the LC and PVN neurones in VCD-treated rats may be a result of the lower progesterone levels that resulted in the decrease of β-endorphin content in both nuclei, thus impairing the negative-feedback mechanism in the recovery period.