Biochemical Indices Research Articles

Association and interaction between overweight/obesity and suicide attempts in young first-episode and drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder

AimsThis research's objective was to explore the correlation of overweight/obesity and suicide attempts in young patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and the related factors of suicide attempts in patients with/without overweight/obesity. MethodsThis study included 520 young patients with MDD who were first-episode and drug-naïve (FEDN), with an average age of 20.50 ± 2.36 years. Height and weight of each subject were measured, and overweight was classified as 24≤BMI<28, and obesity as BMI≥28.Biochemical indicators were detected including blood glucose, lipid, and thyroid function indicators. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and psychotic symptoms were evaluated using Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale, respectively. ResultsOverweight/obesity was a separate factor influencing suicide attempts in subjects(p < 0.05, OR = 0.57, 95%CI: 0.34–0.95). Higher HAMD, HAMA scores, levels of total cholesterol (TC), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and prevalence of thyroid peroxidase antibody abnormalities were seen in overweight/obese individuals who attempted suicide(all p values < 0.01).While in patients without overweight/obesity, those who attempted suicide had higher HAMD, HAMA, PANSS positive subscale scores, levels of TSH, fasting blood glucose, TC, blood pressure, prevalence of TSH abnormalities, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(all p values < 0.01). ConclusionsIn young FEDN patients with MDD, overweight/obesity might influence the incidence of suicide attempts and related influences.

Impact of comb type on production performance, egg production quality, reproductive performance, and blood biochemical indexes in Tianfu chickens

Impact of comb type on production performance, egg production quality, reproductive performance, and blood biochemical indexes in Tianfu chickens

The Acetylated 2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-Glucoside Improved Pharmacokinetics and Enhanced Anti-Osteoporosis Effects

Background: Osteoporosis has emerged as a significant global public health concern, predominantly affecting postmenopausal women. Its pathogenesis is intricate and the disease course is protracted, imposing substantial medical burden on both society and individuals. Objective: To investigate the effects of 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (TSG) and acetylated-TSG (Ac-TSG) on osteoblast viability, in vivo pharmacokinetics in rats and anti-osteoporotic effects in ovariectomized rat model. Methods: Ac-TSG was obtained by acetylation of TSG, and the purity and structure of Ac-TSG were determined by HPLC and 1H NMR. The effects of TSG and Ac-TSG on MC3T3-E1 cell viability, pharmacokinetics in rats, blood biochemical indexes of OVX model rats were detected. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was used to observe bone tissue morphology, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to observe osteoclast morphology, micro-CT was used to perform three-dimensional reconstruction of femur, and femur parameters were analyzed. Results: The structure of the compound is Ac-TSG and the purity is more than 98%. Both TSG and Ac-TSG could reduce the damage of oxidative stress to MC3T3-E1 cells and effectively improve the levels of Ca, P, ALP and BGP in serum of OVX rats. Compared with TSG, Ac-TSG has a longer action time in vivo and can improve the femoral structure, the number of trabecular bone and the number of osteoclasts in rats. Conclusion: Ac-TSG conferred protection to MC3T3-E1 cells against oxidative stress-induced damage and enhanced their bioavailability. Simultaneously, Ac-TSG ameliorated abnormal bone metabolism and mitigated bone microstructural changes in OVX rats, exhibiting a protective effect against osteoporosis.

Efficacy and safety of Qishen Yiqi dropping pills combined with modern medicine for coronary heart disease with ischemic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Qishen Yiqi dropping pills combined with modern medicine have been widely used as a treatment for coronary heart disease with ischemic heart failure. Currently, there have been no robust studies addressing the efficacy and safety of Qishen Yiqi dropping pills combined with modern medicine for coronary heart disease with ischemic heart failure. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis are conducted to fill in the gaps mentioned above. This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant studies published from inception to April 17, 2023, in the 5 electronic databases: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and the Wanfang database were comprehensively searched. Weighted mean difference was used as the effect size for the continuous variables. Pooled odd ratios are presented if the results are binary variables. Additionally, we performed subgroup and sensitivity analyses to examine the source of heterogeneity. The funnel plot and the Egger test were used to estimate publication bias. This meta-analysis included 46 studies involving 5843 participants. There is a significant difference in clinical efficacy, the 6-minute walk test (weighted mean difference = 50.10; 95% CI 28.19 to 72.02; I2 = 98.9%, P = .000), the indexes of ultrasonic cardiogram, blood biochemical indexes, and adverse effects (odds ratios = 0.46; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.75; I2 = 35.9%, P = .142). The sensitivity analysis and publication bias have demonstrated the robustness of the results (P = .702). Qishen Yiqi dropping pills combined with modern medicine could significantly improve clinical efficacy without incasement adverse effects. Further studies are required to identify the more comprise efficacy and safety results.

Influence of in ovoAdministration of Varying Levels of Glucose on the Serum Biochemical Indices and Haematological Parameters of Arbor Acre Broiler Chickens.

In ovo feeding is a nutritional strategy employed during the embryonic stage to optimise growth performance and immune functions for sustainable poultry production. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of in ovoadministration of varying levels of glucose on serum biochemical indices and haematological parameters of Arbor Acre broiler chickens. Two hundred (200) fertile eggs of Arbor Acres strain of broiler chickens were used for the Experiment. Candling was done on the 14th day of incubation and viable eggs were distributed into five(5) treatment groups consisting of the control -T1 (no in ovo injection), T2 (Sham group-0.5 ml of sterile water/egg); T3 (50 mg glucose per egg); T4 (75 mg glucose per egg); T5 (100 mg glucose per egg) in a completely randomized design. The in ovoinjection was carried out on 18th day of incubation before being transferred tothe hatcher. The post-hatch chicks were replicated based on the number of chicks hatchedfrom each treatment. Data collected on blood profilewere analysed using SAS (2007).Results showed that serum and haematological indices were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced, notable among them were: cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase and packed cell volume, red blood cell.The study concluded that glucose can be injected in ovoat 50-100 mg per egg to prevent adverse effects on broiler chickens.

Effects of cassava pellets and enzymes addition on growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices and cecum microbiota of broilers

The composition of feed significantly influences the growth performance and gut microbiota of broiler chicks, impacting their overall health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cassava pellets and enzymes supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial community of broiler chicks. A total of 144 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to six dietary groups: basal diet (K1), basal diet + 5 % cassava pellets (K2), basal diet + 10 % cassava pellets (K3), basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets (K4), basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets + 0.3 % tannase (K5), and basal diet + 20 % cassava pellets + 0.3 % tannase + 2500 U/kg α-amylase (K6). At 21 days, growth performance, meat quality, serum biochemical indices, and cecal microbial composition were analyzed. Compared to K1, the end weight was significantly higher in the K3 and K5 groups (P < 0.05); average daily weight gain was significantly higher in the K3 and K6 groups (P < 0.05); and the feed-to-weight ratio was lower in the K3 group (P < 0.05). Cecal microbiota analysis revealed that the Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla. Alpha diversity showed a significant increase in the Chao index in the K3 group and in the Shannon and Simpson indices in the K6 group compared to the K1 group (P < 0.05). Beta diversity indicated similar microbial compositions across groups. LEfSe analysis showed increased numbers of specific bacteria in treated groups. Serum analysis revealed significantly higher ALT levels in the K4 group and higher IBIL levels in the K5 group (P < 0.05), with Bacteroides plebeius and Megamonas positively correlated with ALT (P < 0.05). The addition of 10 % cassava pellets to the diet improved the growth performance and meat quality of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age and enhanced the microbial composition, providing valuable insights for optimizing broiler diets and improving economic returns.

Serum biomarkers in neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy.

Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI) is a form of childhood interstitial lung disease of unknown origin associated with hyperplasia of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs). Diagnosis is based on the characteristic clinical picture and typical radiological imaging, and, in some cases, on lung biopsies. To date, no biochemical indicators of the disease have been identified. We aimed to determine biomarkers that could be useful in the management of children diagnosed with NEHI. Patients with NEHI and healthy children were enrolled. Concentrations of serum biomarkers secreted by PNECs (calcitonin gene-related peptide and gastrin-releasing peptide) and biomarkers of the destruction of alveolar capillary membrane (surfactant proteins A and D [SP-A and SP-D]; glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen-6 [KL-6]; metalloproteinases 7 and 9 [MMP-7 and MMP-9]; tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1) were measured. Fifty-two children with NEHI and 23 healthy children were included in the study. The median age of children with NEHI was 3.9 years. There were no differences in serum levels of biomarkers secreted by PNECs between groups. KL-6 levels were significantly higher in children with NEHI than in healthy ones (median 119.6 vs. 92.1 U/mL, p = 0.003); however, concentrations of KL-6 were low in both groups. No significant differences existed between groups for the remaining biomarkers associated with the destruction of the alveolar-capillary membrane. Measurement of serum biomarkers released by PNECs and those associated with the destruction of the alveolar-capillary membrane does not appear to be useful in the management of children with NEHI.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals osmoregulatory mechanisms of juvenile Lateolabrax maculatus responses to long term hypotonic and hypertonic acclimation

Salinity limits the abundance and distribution of some fishes in a particular ecological niche. The spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus), an euryhaline species, exhibits remarkable adaptability to various salinity levels. To elucidate the osmoregulation mechanisms of this species, the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and gill transcriptomic profiles of the juvenile spotted sea bass subjected to long term hypotonic (0 ppt) and hypertonic environment (30 and 45 ppt), with the isotonic environment (12 ppt) as the control, were investigated. During the 30 days' salinity acclimation, the growth performance of the juvenile sea bass was inhibited significantly (P < 0.05) at hypertonic condition of 45 ppt, while no significant differences were observed among those at 0, 12, and 30 ppt. The serum biochemical indicators of plasma osmolality, concentration of Na+, Cl−, glucose, urea, total protein, and ALT and AST activities significantly increased during the hypertonic acclimation. Transcriptome analysis identified 1179, 103, and 443 differentially expressed genes in the 0, 30, and 45 ppt salinity groups, respectively, compared to the isotonic (12 ppt) group. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that signal transduction pathways were promoted during hypotonic acclimation, while energy metabolism pathways were activated during hypertonic acclimation. Protein-protein interaction and WGCNA analysis identified hub genes that may play important functions during acclimation. Among them, protein synthesis related-genes including Rps15, Rps16, Rps9, Rpl4, Rpl15, Rpl30, Rpl31, Rpl13a and Eef2 were down-regulated under hypotonic acclimation, metabolic related-genes including Cs, Idh2, Idh3, Mdh2, Pck1, Pck2, Pdha1 and Ldhb were up-regulated under the hypertonic condition. Rac1 were up-regulated in both conditions. This study provides new insights into the osmoregulatory mechanisms of spotted sea bass in response to long-term hypotonic and hypertonic acclimation.

Taurocholic acid represents an earlier and more sensitive biomarker and promotes cholestatic hepatotoxicity in ANIT-treated rats.

Bile acid homeostasis is crucial for the normal physiological functioning of the liver. Disruptions in bile acid profiles are closely linked to the occurrence of cholestatic liver injury. As part of our diagnostic and therapeutic approach, we aimed to investigate the disturbance in bile acid profiles during cholestasis and its correlation with cholestatic liver injury. Before the occurrence of liver injury, alterations in bile acid profiles were detected in both plasma and liver between 8 and 16 h, persisting up to 96 h. TCA, TCDCA, and TUDCA in the plasma, as well as TCA, TUDCA, TCDCA, TDCA, TLCA, and THDCA in the liver, emerged as early sensitive and potential markers for diagnosing ANIT-induced cholestasis at 8-16 h. The distinguishing features of ANIT-induced liver injury were as follows: T-BAs exceeding G-BAs and serum biochemical indicators surpassing free bile acids. Notably, plasma T-BAs, particularly TCA, exhibited higher sensitivity to cholestatic hepatotoxicity compared with serum enzyme activity and liver histopathology. Further investigation revealed that TCA exacerbated ANIT-induced liver injury by elevating liver function enzyme activity, inflammation, and bile duct proliferation and promoting the migration of bile duct epithelial cell. Nevertheless, no morphological changes or alterations in transaminase activity indicative of liver damage were observed in the rats treated with TCA alone. Additionally, there were no changes in bile acid profiles or inflammatory responses under physiological conditions with maintained bile acid homeostasis. In summary, our findings suggest that taurine-conjugated bile acids in both plasma and liver, particularly TCA, can serve as early and sensitive markers for predicting intrahepatic cholestatic drugs and can act as potent exacerbators of cholestatic liver injury progression. However, exogenous TCA does not induce liver injury under physiological conditions where bile acid homeostasis is maintained.

Energy-Based Skin Rejuvenation: A Review of Mechanisms and Thermal Effects.

Energy-based photoelectric and ultrasonic devices are essential for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing in the field of plastic surgery and dermatology. Both functionality and appearance are impacted by factors that cause skin to age, and various energy types have variable skin penetration depths and modes of transmission. The objective is to advise safe and efficient antiaging treatment while precisely and sensitively controlling and assessing the extent of thermal damage to tissues caused by different kinds of energy-based devices. A literature search was conducted on PubMed to review the mechanisms of action and thermal effects of photoelectric and ultrasonic devices in skin remodeling applications. This paper reviews the thermal effects of energy-based devices in skin resurfacing applications, including the tissue level and molecular biochemical level. It seeks to summarize the distribution form, depth of action, and influencing factors of thermal effects in combination with the mechanisms of action of various types of devices. Accurate control of thermal damage is crucial for safe and effective skin remodeling treatments. Thorough investigation of molecular biochemical indicators and signaling pathways is needed for real-time monitoring and prevention of severe thermal injury. Ongoing research and technological advancements will improve the accuracy and control of thermal damage during treatments.

Sex differences of visceral fat with cardiac structure and function in type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study is to analyze the associations among fat distribution, left ventricular (LV) structure, and function in T2DM patients and further assess the sex differences among them. Two thousand and one hundred seven T2DM patients were enrolled to this study. Patients' height, weight, BMI, visceral fat area (VFA), baPWV, parameters of cardiac structure and function, and clinical biochemical indicators were measured and collected. There were significant differences between male and female T2DM patients in age, duration of diabetes, complication ratio of hypertension and dyslipidemia, smoking history, visceral fat, baPWV, and ventricular structure and function (p < 0.05). Compared with the Q1 group, female patients in the highest quartile (Q4) of VFA had a decreased LVEF and significantly increased baPWV (p < 0.05), whereas no such changes were found in males. The correlation analysis showed that LVEF in male patients was negatively correlated with hypertension history, using of CCBs, GLP-1RA, lipid-lowering medications, BMI, WC, WHR, FPG, FC-P, HbA1c, GA, HOMA-IR, Cr, and baPWV, while the LVEF in female patients was negatively correlated with VFA, VSR, VFA/BMI, VFA/H2, VFA/weight in females (p < 0.05). LVMI was positively associated with diabetes duration, age, hypertension history, WC, WHR, VFA, SFA, VFA/BMI, VFA/H2, VFA/weight, and baPWV in both males and females. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression analysis showed that VFA was independently associated with LVEF (β = - 0.096, p = 0.010), LVMI (β = 0.083, p = 0.038), and baPWV (β = 0.120, p = 0.003) in females. Values of VFA were independently associated with LVEF, LVMI, and baPWV in women, but not in men, in patients with T2DM.

The Neuroprotection of 1,2,4-Triazole Derivative by Inhibiting Inflammation and Protecting BBB Integrity in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are important factors in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our former study showed the 1,2,4- triazole derivative (SYS18) had obviously neuroprotection by anti- oxidative stress on rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. In this study, we continue to investigate its neuroprotection by anti-inflammatory effects and protecting BBB integrity in AIS. First, its effect on acute inflammation was evaluated by the mice model of increased peritoneal capillary permeability. Then, the MCAO cerebral edema models were built to evaluate its neuroprotection by reducing the neurological score, cerebral edema, improving the biochemical indicators, and pathological damage of brain tissue. At the same time, its protection on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was proved by decreasing the BBB permeability and inhibiting glycocalyx degradation and regulating the BBB tight junction proteins expression of matrix metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP- 9) and claudin- 5 in brain tissue. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetic experiments showed that the compound had good BBB penetration. It has some advantages in the intensity of efficacy compared with the marketed drug edaravone. Based on these findings, SYS18 has a strong potential to become a neuroprotectant in the future.

YKL-40 as a risk stratification marker in acute pancreatitis: a prospective study

Background/objectives. Increased systemic concentrations of YKL-40 are seen in various inflammatory conditions. We explored the relationship between the serum YKL-40 concentrations and subsequent disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). MethodsConsecutive adults with AP were prospectively enrolled, and classified as having mild, moderate or severe disease. On admission and 48 hours later, C-reactive protein (CRP), YKL-40, interleukin-6 and 8 (IL-6, IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were measured. Patients were also classified as those with low (<50 ng/mL, in the range seen in 30 age and sex-matched non-AP subjects), high (≥190 ng/mL, seen in most of the other inflammatory conditions), and intermediate YKL-40 (50-189 ng/mL). ResultsIncidence of mild, moderate and severe AP among the 150 enrolled patients was 80 (53.3%), 59 (39.3%), and 11 (7.4%), respectively. Both on admission and 48 hours later, high YKL-40 (vs. intermediate or low) was strongly associated with higher odds of a more severe AP, independently of the concurrent IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations (OR around 3.5-4.0, or higher). On admission, the association was independent also of the concurrent CRP, whereas the association between the later concentrations and the outcome was conditional on CRP – uncertain at low, strong at high CRP. The high YKL-40 – outcome association at both time-points was conditional on concurrent IL-6: uncertain if IL-6 was low, strong if IL-6 was high. ConclusionsSerum YKL-40 is a plausible candidate for further evaluation as an early biochemical indicator of subsequent AP severity, particularly if considered jointly with CRP and/or IL-6.

The influence of relative humidity during the first 21 days post-hatch on the production performance, biochemical indices, and meat quality of Pekin ducks

This study aims to investigate the effects of different relative humidity (RH) during 4-21d of Beijing ducks on their condition at 42 d. A total of 48 Pekin duck were randomly allotted into 4 treatments (A:RH60 %, B:RH67 %,C:RH74 %,D:RH81 %), each having 3 replicates of 4 ducks. Different humidity treatments were applied from 4 to 21 days. At 42 d, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the 4 groups. Oblique body length in D was significantly higher than that in A (P < 0.05). Compared with A, the chest depth of the other groups was significantly increased, and the abdominal fat weight of B and C was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Liver weight and liver index in C and D significantly higher than that in B (p < 0.05). Abdominal fat ratio in B was significantly higher than that in A (P < 0.05). Cholesterol (CHOL) in D was significantly higher than that in A and C (P < 0.05), triglyceride (TG) in C was significantly higher than that in A and B (P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in B was significantly higher than that in A, C, and D (P < 0.05). pH in B was significantly higher than that in A (P < 0.05), brightness (L*) in A was significantly higher than that in B and C (P < 0.05), redness (a*) in B and C was significantly higher than that in A and D (P < 0.05), and yellowness (b*) in C was significantly lower than that in A and D (P < 0.05).The results indicate that the RH of environment during the brooding period has no impact on duck production performance but induces some oxidative stress damage and changes in meat quality. Additionally, ducks subjected to different RH treatments during the brooding period exhibit varying adaptability to the same environment as they mature.

Toxicological Evaluation of Sargassum polycystum in Mice with Loperamide-Induced Constipation

Constipation gradually increases in people after the age of 50 years leading to difficulty in stool passage. Until now, there have been no effective drugs without side effects. This study investigated the preventive potential and toxicity of Sargassum polycystum extract (SPE) against loperamide-induced constipation in mice. Daily oral administration of SPE (100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 14 days significantly increased defecation frequency in constipation mice. Additionally, no significant differences in blood haematological and biochemical indices between the control, constipation and SPE-treated groups were detected. Histopathological examinations revealed non-toxic effects in liver, kidney and colon tissue samples from the SPE-treated groups compared with the control and constipation groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that the administration of SPE significantly modulated Saa3, Odc1 and Clu expressions that promote the health of living organisms compared with the control group. Overall, this study showed that daily oral administration of Sargassum polycystumfor 14 days could prevent constipation without any adverse effects. Sargassum polycystumis suitable for further use as a supplement or drug to manage constipation.

Effects of substituting soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal mixture on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, blood biochemical indices and intestinal barrier function in Langshan Chickens

This study aimed to explore the effects of substituting soybean meal with a mixture of solid-state fermented rapeseed meal, apple pomace, and wheat bran on the growth performance, slaughter performance, meat quality, blood biochemical indices and intestinal barrier function of Langshan chickens. A total of 144 30-day-old Langshan chickens with similar body weights were randomly divided into three treatment groups, with six replicates per group and eight chickens per replicate: the control group (CON) was fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, while the rapeseed meal mixture group (RSM) and the fermented rapeseed meal mixture group (FRSM) were fed diets substituting 5 % of soybean meal with rapeseed meal mixture and fermented rapeseed meal mixture, respectively. The trial lasted from 30 to 58 days of age. The results showed that compared to the CON group, the RSM group exhibited no significant changes in average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) (P > 0.05); the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated yield and eviscerated yield decreased (P < 0.05); the pH24h and yellowness of breast muscle increased (P < 0.05); the crypt depth of the jejunum decreased, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio increased (P < 0.05); the serum D-lactic acid content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, the FRSM group exhibited no significant changes in ADFI, ADG and F/G (P > 0.05); the eviscerated yield increased (P < 0.05); the serum glucose and uric acid levels decreased (P < 0.05); the crypt depth of the jejunum decreased, and the villus height/crypt depth ratio increased (P < 0.05); the serum D-lactic acid content decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the RSM group, the FRSM group exhibited no significant changes in ADFI, ADG and F/G (P > 0.05); the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated yield and eviscerated yield increased (P < 0.05); the pH24h of breast muscle decreased; the serum glucose and uric acid levels decreased (P < 0.05).In conclusion, RSM reduced the slaughter performance of Langshan chickens, while FRSM improved their slaughter performance. Both RSM and FRSM improved the jejunal morphology and intestinal permeability in Langshan chickens. In conclusion, fermentation improved the feed value of the rapeseed meal mixture; replacing part of the soybean meal diet with fermented rapeseed meal mixture helped improve the slaughter performance and intestinal barrier of Langshan chickens.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Clara Cell Secretory Protein Level in an Experimental Blunt Chest Trauma Model

Objective: Blunt chest trauma is a significant clinical problem leading to injury of the lungs that may be fatal. Experimental blunt chest trauma is well established in animal models. This study aimed to investigate whether Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) can be a biomarker in an experimentally created blunt chest trauma model. Material and Methods: A total of 30 rabbits were used in our study. A modified bilateral blunt thoracic trauma model was used to produce different levels of lung contusion. We divided the rabbits into four groups according to the energy level at which blunt thoracic trauma was applied. Blood samples were taken from the control and trauma groups to evaluate CC16 levels at 0, 12, and 24 hours. Results: The CC16 levels measured at the start of the experiment were significantly lower in the control and low-energy groups compared to the medium- and high-energy groups (p =.002). While there was a significant difference in CC16 levels measured at the 12th hour (p =.004), no significant difference was found among the groups at the 24th hour. Upon analyzing the change in CC16 levels over time within the groups, we observed that CC16 levels decreased from 0–12 hours and subsequently increased after the 12th hour. Histopathologically, we observed that the level of contusion increased in proportion to the severity of trauma across the different groups. Conclusion: With the designed platform, we created a reproducible experimental model of pulmonary contusion from blunt thoracic trauma in rabbits. Increased levels of CC16 following a lung contusion could serve as a foundation for clinical decision-making. Thus, CC16 has the potential to serve as a rapid and simple biochemical indicator for acute traumatic lung injury.

High-Fructose Diet and Chronic Unpredictable Stress Modify Each Other's Neurobehavioral Effects in Female Rats.

A pervasive exposure to stressors and the consumption of fructose-containing beverages usually go hand-in-hand in everyday life. In contrast to their metabolic outcomes, their impact on the brain and behavior is still understudied. We examined the behavioral response to a novelty (open field test), the expression of biochemical indicators of neuronal activity (Egr1 and FosB/ΔFosB), the synaptic potentiation (CaMKIIα and pCaMKIIThr286), the synaptic plasticity (synaptophysin, PSD95, gephyrin, and drebrin), and the GABAergic system (parvalbumin and GAD67), along with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AMPK, in the medial prefrontal cortex of female Wistar rats subjected to liquid fructose supplementation (F), chronic unpredictable stress (S), or both (SF) over 9 weeks. The only hallmark of the F group was an increased expression of pCaMKIIThr286, which was also observed in the S group, but not in the SF group. The SF group did not show hyperactivity, a decreased expression of FosB, or an increased expression of parvalbumin, as the S group did. The SF group, as with the S group, showed a decreased expression of the GR, although the basal level of corticosterone was unchanged. The SF group showed, as de novo marks, thigmotactic behavior, increased drebrin, and decreased gephyrin expression. These findings suggest that the long-term consumption of fructose, which itself has subtle neurobehavioral consequences, in combination with stress prevents some of its effects, but also contributes to novel outcomes not seen in single treatments.

Serum autotaxin positively associates with hypertension in postmenopausal women: a single center study in China.

Autotaxin is an adipokine involved in metabolic disorders. The aim of the current study was to evaluate serum autotaxin levels in hypertensive postmenopausal women and establish a relationship between autotaxin and other comorbidities in this special group. This single-center study included postmenopausal women who received annual health examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University in Zhejiang, China. The metabolic and demographic characteristics of the subjects, including age, sex, height, weight, blood pressure, and biochemical indices, were collected. The serum autotaxin level was measured via ELISA. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were adopted for statistical analysis. This pilot observational study included 25 hypertensive postmenopausal women and 25 age-matched normotensive controls. Hypertensive patients presented significant metabolic disturbances with greater comorbidities such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, overweight, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia (P < 0.05), impaired renal health with higher uric acid levels (P < 0.001), and slightly elevated creatinine levels (P = 0.156) with lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) (P = 0.195). The serum autotaxin level was markedly greater in the hypertensive group (239.0±59.6 ng/ml vs. 192.7 ± 49.0 ng/ml; P < 0.01) and was positively associated with systolic blood pressure; diastolic blood pressure; and alanine transaminase, triglycerides (TG), creatinine, and uric acid levels and inversely associated with the eGFR (P < 0.05) among postmenopausal women. Serum autotaxin levels positively predicted hypertension, with an AU-ROC of 0.750 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.613-0.888] and a Youden index of 0.480 at a cutoff of 225 ng/ml. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for demographic and metabolic parameters (including age, BMI, ALT, TB, uric acid, FBG, TG, LDL and creatinine), autotaxin (ATX) remained independently positively correlated with the risk of hypertension [odds ratio: 1.016, 95% CI 1.001-1.031; P < 0.05). Among postmenopausal women, the serum autotaxin level is significantly elevated in the hypertensive group compared with age-matched normotensive controls. ATX is related to multiple metabolic disorders and renal health, suggesting that autotaxin has potential as a multiorgan therapeutic target for cardiovascular-metabolic-renal disorders.

Extraction and In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Polyphenols from Lychee Pericarp

Background Finding a new promising plant antioxidant to combat or prevent cardiovascular disease remains a major challenge for researchers. Lychee pericarp, which includes a variety of polyphenols, is a prospective source of botanical antioxidants. Purpose In response to this issue, we assessed the effect of lychee bark extract on oxygen radical scavenging capacity and separate vascular protective ability in vivo. Methods In the current study, the lychee pericarp enrichment product (RLP) was obtained by optimizing an extraction method and separated using modern separation methods. The structure of the isolated compounds was assessed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, and the content of polyphenols obtained from the extract was quantified using the area normalization method. In addition, the capacity of RLP to scavenge oxygen radicals in vitro was assessed using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and T-AOC (total antioxidant capacity) techniques. Furthermore, an isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO)-induced rat model of acute myocardial ischemia was established, and four biochemical indicators were used to assess the effect of lychee bark extract on oxygen radical scavenging capacity and cardiovascular protective ability in vivo. Results RLP extraction produced 11 chemicals, 6 of which were structurally assessed. Quantitative analysis revealed that epicatechin, PC-C(epicatechin-(4β↓8,2β↓O↓7)-epicatechin-(4β↓8)-epicatechin), type A proanthocyanidin trimer, proanthocyanidin A2, and type B proanthocyanidin dimer were the most abundant polyphenols. The in vitro DPPH and T-AOC findings revealed that RLP exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity, approximately 1.5-fold that of vitamin C. The four biochemical indicators confirmed the antioxidant activity and cardiovascular protective ability of RLP in vivo. Conclusion RLP has good in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activity, confirming lychee pericarp as a prospective source of botanical antioxidants.