Effect of folic acid supplemented feed on metabolic and redox balance, and sperm movement in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) males.

Factors associated with chronic low back pain and central sensitization in office workers: a multidimensional analysis.

The pneumonia mixture has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects against pneumonia; however, its active compounds remain poorly understood. The spectrum-effect relationship is a method for studying correlations between chemical spectra and pharmacological effects. In the present study, a pneumonia rat model was established via intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. After molding, the pneumonia mixture was administered by gavage. The lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and plasma samples were collected for determination of pharmacodynamic indices. UPLC-MS/MS detected eight compounds in the plasma, and these were used as indicators for quality control of the pneumonia mixture (Q-maker). Correlation analysis using partial least square regression (PLSR) established the relationship between the constituents of the pneumonia mixture absorbed into the blood and pharmacodynamic parameters, thereby facilitating the identification of potential active ingredients. In total, seven components were detected in rat plasma, among which six showed significant positive/negative relations (variable importance in projection > 1) with one or more of the pharmacodynamic indices. Thus, the active compounds of the pneumonia mixture were identified based on the spectrum-effect relationship. This study provides a robust framework for evaluating the material basis and efficacy of the pneumonia mixture and a group of similar medicines.

Liver disease remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality and predominantly originates from chronic liver cirrhosis. Current surveillance strategies often suffer from suboptimal sensitivity which necessitates the discovery of robust biomarkers for early detection. In this study we utilized blood resources from the National Biobank of Korea to evaluate the diagnostic potential of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy-based metabolomics in patients with cirrhosis and liver cancer. We aimed to identify specific biomarkers and investigate their correlation with clinical blood parameters by comparing the metabolic profiles of disease and healthy control groups. Multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated significant metabolic distinctions between liver disease patients and healthy controls. While the models successfully differentiated disease states the global metabolic landscape exhibited an overlap between cirrhosis and cancer groups suggesting a shared pathological background driven by systemic metabolic shifts. Quantitative assessment identified specific metabolic alterations characterizing the disease progression. We observed a marked accumulation of lactate and phenylalanine reflecting the Warburg effect and impaired hepatic hydroxylation capacity. Conversely branched chain amino acids specifically valine and isoleucine were significantly depleted in the disease groups indicating systemic metabolic stress. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a combinatorial biomarker panel yielded superior diagnostic accuracy compared to single markers. Furthermore, the validity of our metabolic profiling was corroborated by a strong correlation between the values predicted from metabolic profiles and clinically measured physiological parameters. Overall, our findings confirm the feasibility of utilizing retrospective biobank resources for high resolution metabolic phenotyping.

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently encountered malignant tumour in women around the world with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. The concept of being able to prognosticate breast cancer based on routine peripheral blood examinations is attractive given the ease of access, replicability, and lower cost. Aim: To estimate the Systemic Immune-inflammatory Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast and to study association between SII and SIRI with prognostic parameters such as molecular subtypes, Grade and Stage of the disease. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Departments of Pathology and Surgical Oncology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical college, Tamaka, Karnataka, India, from February 2024 to August 2024 it included 90 histopathologically confirmed cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast diagnosed between January 2018 and December 2020. Clinicopathological data such as age, tumour grade, stage, and molecular subtype were obtained from medical records. Neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts were obtained from case files. The SII and SIRI were calculated using standard formulas. Optimal cut-off values were derived using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and patients were categorised into high and low index groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Associations between inflammatory indices and prognostic parameters were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 90 patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast were included in the study. Based on ROC analysis, the cut-off values for SII and SIRI were 568.83 and 0.831, respectively. High SII levels showed a statistically significant association with histological grade (p=0.002). However, no significant association was observed between SII and tumour stage (p=0.235) or molecular subtype (p=0.770). Similarly, elevated SIRI levels were significantly associated with histological grade (p=0.013) and tumour stage (p=0.022). No significant association was observed between SIRI and molecular subtypes (p=0.734). Conclusion: Systemic inflammatory indices such as the SII and SIRI represent accessible, inexpensive, and non invasive tools that may aid in prognostic assessment and risk stratification in patients with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Their evaluation using routine peripheral blood parameters highlights the potential clinical utility of inflammation-based biomarkers in the overall management and prognostication of breast cancer.

Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease linked to systemic immune activation and associated with various chronic conditions. Blood-derived inflammatory markers, such as the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), may offer insights into systemic inflammation related to periodontitis, yet their role remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between AGR and other inflammatory markers with periodontitis in a representative U.S. adult population. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009 to 2014, including 10,135 adults aged ≥ 30years with complete periodontal and laboratory data. Periodontitis was defined using CDC/AAP criteria. AGR, systemic immune-inflammatory index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated from routine blood parameters. Associations between periodontitis and those inflammatory markers were assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, metabolic factors, systemic conditions, and liver function markers. Non-linear relationships were explored with restricted cubic splines. AGR was inversely associated with periodontitis in all models (Model 3: OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.78; P < 0.001). A significant L-shaped non-linear relationship was observed, with a threshold at AGR = 1.778. Below this value, each unit increase in AGR was associated with a 54% lower odds of periodontitis (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.34-0.63). No significant non-linear associations were found for albumin, globulin, SII, PLR, or LMR. A significant gender interaction was detected (P < 0.001). Lower AGR was independently associated with greater odds of periodontitis, highlighting the potential role of systemic inflammatory biomarker in the pathophysiology of periodontitis. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality.

Hematological parameters in sows with normal and prolonged farrowing duration and in neonatal piglets with varying degrees of vitality.

The abundance and affordability of cassava root, a carbohydrate-dense tuber, in tropical regions have drawn attention to it as a possible substitute of conventional energy source in poultry ration. This study investigated the impact of substituting maize meal with varying amounts of cassava root meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, hemato-biochemical parameters, meat composition and sensory properties of broiler chickens. In this study, 400 broiler chicks (Arbor Acres) were assigned to four treatment groups: T1 (0%, diet without cassava root meal; CRM) and T2, T3 and T4 containing 10%, 20%, and 30% cassava root meal, respectively. Each group had five replicates consisting of 20 birds each, and trial ran for 35 days. The results indicated that broilers in the T2 group had significantly higher body weight, feed intake and feed efficiency ratio, with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR). T2 also showed exceptional carcass characteristics without adversely affecting meat quality and blood parameters of broilers. The proximate composition of breast and thigh muscles showed significant changes (p < 0.05). In breast muscle, crude protein (CP), ash, and metabolizable energy (ME) increased with higher cassava root meal (CRM) inclusion, peaking in T4. In thigh muscle, crude protein (CP) significantly improved in all CRM-based diets compared to the control (15.30%), reaching a maximum in T3 (20.28%). The diet having 10% cassava root meal (CRM) had the highest amount of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and DPPH scavenging activity along with the best overall acceptability. The results indicate that cassava root meal can be used as a substitute for maize grains in broiler diets, without any adverse effects on the broiler's growth performance and general health status. It is suggested that maize can be replaced by 10% cassava root meal (CRM) for promoting the growth, meat quality and healthy blood profile of broilers.

Background: The perimenopausal period, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 years, represents a critical transitional stage in women’s physiology characterized by profound hormonal, metabolic, and systemic adaptations. While the endocrine aspects of this transition have been extensively investigated, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the role of micronutrient homeostasis in maintaining metabolic health and physical performance during this period. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge regarding microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their potential impact on metabolic health and physical performance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential applications of VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry, including diagnostic platforms, such as SO/CHECK, as innovative tools for functional metabolic assessment. Materials and methods: This narrative review is based on literature concerning perimenopause, micronutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier function, physical performance, and visible and near-infrared (VIS–NIR) tissue spectrophotometry. The reviewed literature includes experimental, clinical, and review studies addressing essential microelements and functional diagnostic approaches, including platforms such as SO/CHECK. Results: Essential microelements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and phosphorus participate in numerous biochemical processes including mitochondrial energy production, enzymatic regulation, antioxidant defense, and hormonal metabolism. Deficiencies in these elements may contribute to impaired mitochondrial function, increased oxidative stress, disturbances in intestinal barrier integrity, and reduced exercise tolerance. Functional metabolic disturbances may develop before measurable changes in blood parameters. VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry represents a promising non-invasive approach for assessing metabolic status at the tissue level. Conclusions: Micronutrient status plays a key role in metabolic health during perimenopause. Integration of functional diagnostic approaches, including VIS–NIR-based systems, such as the SO/CHECK platform, may support early detection of metabolic disturbances and personalized interventions.

The application of natural plant-based medicine has sparked a great interest in Fagonia cretica, a traditional herb with medicinal properties. However comprehensive evidence regarding anti-inflammatory mechanism remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate phytochemical, anti-inflammatory and toxicological profiles of Fagonia cretica ethanolic extract (EEFC). EEFC was prepared by Soxhlet extraction, and bioactive components were identified using GC-MS analysis. According to OECD guidelines, Swiss albino rats were orally administered at different doses in acute and subacute toxicity. GC-MS analysis revealed 30 phytocompounds with Octan-2-yl palmitate, Pyridine-3-carboxamide, and 2-Ethylhexyl stearate present abundantly. In acute and subacute toxicity, EEFC did not induce any toxicity or mortality, as well as no significant change in blood parameters. Bovine serum albumin assay (BSA), EEFC manifested significant concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation at 50,100, 250, 500, and 1000µg/ml (IC50= 34.79µg/ml) as compared to the SC group (p < 0.05) (IC50= 22.51µg/ml). In the COX-1 and COX-2 assays, EEFC has significant inhibitory activity as compared to the standard drug DS. In the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, 100mg/kg (5.71 ± 0.02), 200mg/kg (5.26 ± 0.03) and 400mg/kg (4.46 ± 0.01) reduced paw edema in a dose-dependent manner, showing a biphasic process. Furthermore, following Swiss ADME and toxicity analysis, molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities with COX-1 (6Y3C) and COX-2 (5KIR), with in the range - 7.7 and - 8.0, respectively. In conclusion, EEFC exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity and demonstrated favorable preclinical safety profile.

The article presents the results of a study on the effects of the feed additive “Eco Feed”, produced from food waste, on the indicators of natural resistance and the morphological condition of the internal organs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The experiment was conducted for 90 days at the facilities of TENGRYFISH LLP. Three groups of rainbow trout, each consisting of 50 individuals, were formed for the study. The control group received a standard diet, while the experimental groups were additionally supplemented with the “Eco Feed” feed additive at levels of 3% and 5% of the basal feed weight. The results demonstrated that the use of the feed additive contributed to the improvement of hematological blood parameters. The experimental groups showed increased erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit levels compared with the control group. Biochemical analyses revealed an increase in total serum protein concentration accompanied by a decrease in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Indicators of natural resistance also exhibited positive dynamics: lysozyme activity increased to 32.4%, while the phagocytic activity of leukocytes reached 44.8%. Histological examination of the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestine, myocardium, and skeletal muscles revealed no signs of inflammation, necrosis, or pronounced degenerative changes. The morphological structure of the examined organs corresponded to physiological norms, indicating the absence of any toxic effects of the feed additive on the fish organism. The obtained results confirm the safety of the “Eco Feed” feed additive for rainbow trout and demonstrate its positive effect on the indicators of natural resistance.

Pilose antler proteins attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression in mice and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

This study established hematological reference intervals (RI) and examined the influence of season, sex, age and management systems on the blood parameters of clinically healthy mithuns. Baseline values (mean ± SD) such as WBC (11.6 ± 2.7 × 10³/µL), RBC (6.2 ± 2.0 × 10⁶/µL), hemoglobin (10.0 ± 3.4g/dL), hematocrit (31.9 ± 8.3%) and platelets (271 ± 132 × 10³/µL) were estimated. Seasonal variation was characterized by significant increases in MCV, MCH, and MPV during the winter while lymphocytes and RDW-CV increased in summer. Sex-related analysis revealed that the females had higher MCHC whereas the males exhibited higher monocytes and RDW indices. Older animals (> 3 years) displayed significantly higher WBC and RBC counts, with higher RDW-CV, whereas younger animals (≤ 3 years) showed macrocytic erythrocytes with higher MCV and MCH. Management system comparisons showed the mithuns under the semi-intensive system rearing had significantly higher MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, lymphocytes and pro-thrombocytic indices as compared to the free-ranging animals. These findings established robust hematological reference intervals for mithun and demonstrated clear modulation of hematological traits, providing a scientific basis for health monitoring, disease diagnosis, and improved management of this unique species.

The effects of organic zinc supplementation on performance, whole blood parameters, and ovarian function of heat-stressed female Awassi lambs raised under high summer ambient temperature was determined. Twenty-four female lambs (∼10 months of age; live weight = 27.7 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) a control diet (including zinc oxide 10 mg/Kg dry matter (DM); n = 12) or 2) a control diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg DM of organic zinc (n = 12) for five weeks during natural summer conditions (ambient temperature range= 25-46Co and temperature humidity index range = 72.6-92.2%). Relative to control, organic zinc supplementation improved growth performance (higher final live weight, P = 0.01; greater weight gain, P ≤ 0.001) and carcass characteristics (increased carcass weight, P ≤ 0.001; higher dressing percentage, P ≤ 0.001), along with better thermoregulation (lower rectal temperature by 1.7Co, P ≤ 0.01). Whole blood analysis revealed that organic zinc supplementation increased red blood cell count (P = 0.02), concentration of hemoglobin (P = 0.01), albumin, total protein, and glucose (P ≤ 0.01) while decreasing white blood cells (P = 0.02) and lymphocyte counts (P = 0.02). The organic zinc supplementation group had 1.5-fold greater follicular fluid estradiol concentrations (P ≤ 0.001) and elevated mRNA expression of key genes (StAR, FSHR, CYP19A1, and FOS; P ≤ 0.001) involved in steroidogenesis. The organic zinc supplementation also enhanced follicle development, increasing surface antral follicle counts (P ≤ 0.001) and number of secondary (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it reduced ovarian fibrosis (P ≤ 0.001) and increased ovarian size (P = 0.01) and weight (P = 0.01). In summary, organic zinc supplementation effectively mitigated the high summer ambient temperature in Awassi female lambs by improving thermoregulation and ovarian function, thereby benefiting production and reproductive performance.

Objective To evaluate whether the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), derived from blood parameters, can distinguish first-episode psychosis (FEP) from healthy controls (HCs) and to compare its performance with other indices. Methods In this retrospective study, 68 drug-naïve patients with FEP and 83 healthy controls were included. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), and PIV were calculated from complete blood count and biochemistry. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified the optimal PIV cut-off, and its diagnostic value was tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Mean PIV values were 378.10 in the FEP group and 170.07 in HCs, with significantly higher levels in patients (p < 0.001). PIV showed the highest discriminative ability (The area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.755 (95% CI: 0.674–0.837)). A cut-off of 170.7 yielded 75.0% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity. Individuals with PIV ≥ 170.7 had increased odds of FEP (univariate OR = 7.83; multivariate OR = 9.31 after adjustment for age and sex; p < 0.001). Other indices were also significant but showed lower AUCs. Conclusion PIV may outperform traditional inflammation indices in distinguishing drug-naïve FEP patients from HCs and could support risk stratification.

While nickel is required in trace amounts for human health, excessive exposure can be harmful. It can cause significant damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs, depending on the route of exposure. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of the Silybum marianum L. seeds and leaves on the liver and kidneys as well as blood parameters. The purpose is to examine whether a one-month dietary supplementation with Silybum marianum L. seeds and leaves could prevent and prepare the body to resist nickel-induced damage. Seed and leaf extracts were administered orally to albino rats for one month. The rats were then exposed intraperitoneally to nickel chloride NiCl2 for 10 days. Hematological and biochemical parameters as well as biomarkers for oxidative stress were measured in this investigation. Injection of Nickel-chloride showed significant alterations along the period of exposure. Seed extract exerted a marked protective effect on the biochemical, hematological, and oxidative stress parameters. In contrast, the leaf extract showed only partial protection for some parameters, while other parameters showed no significant protection, which highlights the differences in efficacy among plant parts. These results were supported by histological analysis which demonstrated that exposure to NiCl2 resulted in notable renal and hepatic lesions, such as hydropic degeneration, necrosis, sinusoidal congestion, and tubular damage. Seed extract has completely prevented these alterations, whereas leaf extract has conferred only partial protection. Molecular docking analysis confirms that Silybin predominantly modulates AMPK and that Silydianin preferentially engages SIRT1, whereas Silychristin exhibits a dual-target modulatory activity.

ObjectiveTo identify biomarkers for pre-diabetes mellitus (PreDM) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in high-altitude Tibetan populations through integrated analysis of body fat composition (BFC), haematologic parameters, and metabolomics.Methods904 Tibetan participants were included. T-tests and Wilcoxon tests assessed differences in 21 blood parameters, 15 BFC measures, 7 anthropometrics, 332 metabolites among Control, PreDM and DM. Key biomarkers were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using logistic regression, reporting precision, F1-score, sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsPreliminary analysis showed significant differences in 302 metabolites, 6 anthropometric, 14 biochemical and 15 BFC indicators between disease and control groups (p<0.05). Based on LASSO, RF and XGBoost methods, the biomarkers including body mass index, waist, visceral fat level (VFL), blood cholesterol, cholesteryl esters-to-total lipids ratio in low-density lipoprotein 6 (LDL6), phospholipid-to-total lipids ratio in intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) (IDPLp), polyunsaturated fatty acid/total fatty acid (PUFAp), triglycerides in LDL1, free cholesterol to total lipids ratio in LDL6, hypersensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), red blood cell distribution width and LDL1 particle number showed differences between Control and PreDM; body mass index, waist, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, hsCRP, VFL and particle number in IDL (IDPN) showed differences between Control and DM; IDPN, triglycerides-to-total lipids ratio in LDL3, cholesteryl esters-to-total lipids ratio in LDL1, and 3-hydroxybutyrate showed differences between PreDM and DM. Selected biomarkers demonstrated high diagnostic performance. AUROCs were 0.919 (0.883 to 0.954) for PreDM versus Control, 0.980 (0.943 to 1.000) for DM versus Control, 0.694 (0.597 to 0.783) for DM versus PreDM.ConclusionsThis study identified metabolic biomarkers (eg, IDPLp, PUFAp, hsCRP, VFL) that distinguish normoglycaemia from dysglycaemia in high-altitude Tibetans, but not preDM from DM. These findings provide insights into high-altitude metabolic dysregulation and lay a foundation for future altitude-specific screening.

Abuse of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) to enhance muscularity has become a global health problem. Gym participants may abuse AAS under the influence of performance goals, body image concerns, and ethnocultural masculinity norms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AAS-users among Turkish male gym participants and to compare their blood parameters with those of non-users. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis identified recreational male gym athletes aged 18–50 years who underwent measurement of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and total testosterone (TT) between 2015 and 2025. Athletes with gonadotropin (LH and FSH) suppression were defined as “AAS-users”. A total of 161 athletes were included in the study, and 57 (35.4%) were AAS-users with severe gonadal suppression (median LH= 0.12 IU/L and FSH= 0.17 IU/L). AAS-users were predominantly young adults aged 18–25 years (54.5%). Compared with non-users, AAS-users had significantly higher levels of TT, vitamin-B12, creatinine, liver transaminases, red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets, and significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Vitamin-B12 showed the strongest inverse correlation with gonadotropin levels, whereas HDL showed the strongest positive correlation. The findings indicate that approximately one-third of Turkish gym participants were AAS-users. They exhibited AAS-related renal, hepatic, polycythemic, thrombocytic, and dyslipidemic alterations, along with a higher tendency to use vitamin supplements. The pursuit of a muscular physique is associated with substantial cardiometabolic risk among male AAS-users, particularly young adults. This underscores the need for targeted educational interventions to improve benefit–risk awareness.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of ruminally protected lysine (AjiPro-L) supplementation on performance and nitrogen (N) balance of feedlot cattle fed decreasing concentrations of dietary protein. Diets contained (DM basis) 68.3% to 72.2% corn, 10% grass silage, 5.5% supplement, and soybean co-products (meal, hulls). Treatments consisted of a standard protein control diet (14.4% CP, CON), a reduced crude protein (CP) diet supplemented with 0.163% AjiPro-L (12.4% CP, RCP1), and a reduced CP diet supplemented with 0.315% AjiPro-L (11.6% CP, RCP2). In experiment one, 90 steers were allotted by weight (352 ± 13.8 kg) to 1 of 3 treatments to determine the effect of diets on performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were slaughtered at a target BW of 642 kg. In experiment two, 6 heifers (393 ± 10.9 kg) were allotted to the same diets in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design (28-d periods) to determine the effect of diets on N balance. Urine and feces were collected and quantified daily during the last 4 days of each period using a urinary catheter and fecal bag. Statistical analyses were conducted using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Decreasing CP and adding lysine to high grain feedlot diets did not affect weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, gain:feed, or days on feed (P ≥ 0.11) and did not affect blood concentrations of total protein, urea N, alanine aminotransferase, or triglyceride (P ≥ 0.54). Diet did not affect hot carcass weight, fat depth, longissimus muscle area, KPH%, or marbling score (P ≥ 0.22). Steers fed RCP2 had a decreased dressing percentage compared to steers fed CON and RCP1 (P = 0.01). Steers fed RCP1 and RCP2 tended produced carcasses with a decreased yield grade (P = 0.10) compared with steers fed the CON diet. Heifers fed RCP2 excreted less total N (P = 0.04) and tended to excrete less urinary N (P = 0.07) compared with heifers fed CON. Total and urinary N excretion did not differ for heifers fed RCP1 compared to heifers fed CON or RCP2 (P ≥ 0.10). The percentage of N excreted in feces was greater for heifers fed RCP2 compared with heifers fed CON or RCP1 (P = 0.04). In conclusion, decreasing dietary CP to 11.6% in high grain feedlot diets and adding lysine to meet amino acid requirements decreased N excretion, improved carcass leanness, and did not alter animal performance or blood parameters.

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) are a key element of regenerative medicine due to their ability to secrete growth factors that stimulate proliferation and angiogenesis, and modulate the inflammatory response. Despite their widespread use, the influence of the perinatal microenvironment on their biological properties remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pH and blood gas parameters in umbilical cord blood on the global transcriptomic profile of UC-MSCs and to analyze the correlation between the metabolic status of the newborn and the expression of key trophic factors: EGF, FGF2, FGFR1, FGFR3, GDNF, HGF, IGF1, NES, NGF, and PGF. Methods: The study was conducted in two stages. In the first phase, transcriptomic screening was performed using Affymetrix HuGene 2.0 ST microarray on cells isolated from three environmental groups defined by cord blood pH: acidic (pH < 7.35), physiological (7.35-7.39), and alkaline (pH ≥ 7.4). In the second phase, the results were validated using qPCR on an expanded study group (N = 50). Gene expression levels (RQ) were related to blood gas parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2, cHCO3) and the presence of clinical features of threatened neonatal asphyxia. Results: Microarray analysis revealed that environmental pH acts as a molecular phenotypic switch. Under low pH conditions (<7.35), a shift in cell profile from proliferative to structural-migratory was observed. Significant overexpression of genes responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and adhesion (e.g., COMP, DCN, LUM, FMOD) was observed, while pathways related to cell cycle and cell division (↓CDK1, AURKA, TOP2A) were downregulated. qPCR validation confirmed these observations, demonstrating a strong positive correlation between blood pH and the expression of regenerative mediators: FGFR1 (r = 0.28), EGF (r = 0.30), NGF (r = 0.39), and IGF1 (r = 0.30). A negative correlation was also found between carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) and the expression of NGF, FGFR1, and EGF. A significant clinical finding was that in newborns diagnosed with threatened asphyxia, EGF, FGFR1, and NGF gene expression was significantly reduced, indicating impaired trophic potential of the cells in response to metabolic stress. Conclusions: These results indicate that cord blood gas parameters are critical regulators of the genetic activity of UC-MSCs. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis not only inhibit the cells' proliferative potential but also force them into a matrix remodeling mode, permanently modifying their transcriptomic profile. This suggests that the neonatal acid-base status may serve as an objective indicator of the "biological quality" of isolated stromal cells, which has significant implications for their future applications in cell therapies.