Relative Body Weight Research Articles

Modification of bone architecture following sleeve gastrectomy: a 5-year follow-up.

Bariatric surgery induces a decrease in areal bone mineral density (aBMD), but the long-term effect on trabecular and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) has not been well assessed. The main aim of this 5-year longitudinal study was to investigate the changes following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in aBMD, bone turnover markers and trabecular and cortical vBMD. Forty-five patients with obesity were assessed before and 1, 2 and 5years after SG. Trabecular and cortical vBMD, cortical thickness and structural parameters were assessed by 3D-Shaper® software at hip. Values of bone turnover markers peaked after 1year and decreased after 2 and 5years, but without returning to baseline values. aBMD decreased mostly at femoral neck(-9.7%) and total hip(-10.7%) over the 5years, with the greatest loss occurring at 1year(-5.9% and -6.3%, respectively). A similar profile of decrease was observed for integral hip vBMD with significant decreases of 6.6%, 7.7% and 10.7% after 1, 2 and 5years, mainly due to a reduction in the trabecular (10.5%, 12.0% and 17.2%, respectively) rather than cortical (1.4%, 1.9% and 2.9%, respectively) component. A modest decrease in mean cortical thickness (2.5%, 2.8% and 3.9%, respectively) and an alteration in the structural parameters were concomitantly observed. Older age and greater body weight loss were the factors most associated with an increased loss of aBMD and vBMD. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that SG induces not only an alteration in bone turnover and aBMD, but also a reduction in vBMD at hip, predominantly due to trabecular component deterioration as determined by 3D-Shaper® software. The maintenance of bone deterioration for at least 5years - that is, after 4years of relative body weight stabilization or minimal weight regain - suggests the need for a therapeutic approach to preserve bone health in patients who undergo SG.

Modulation of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Parmotrema reticulatum Derived Dioxepine Derivative and Benzoic Methyl Ester in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis.

The present investigation aims to study the therapeutic effect and to identify the lead molecules from lichen Parmotrema reticulatum (Pr) that can solve the complications associated with arthritis. Purification of Pr extract led to isolation of two lead molecules i.e. Compound A (a Dioxepine derivative) as 3-Hydroxy-9-hydroxymethyl-1,8-dimethyl-11-oxo-11H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxepine-4,7 dicarboxylic acid 7-methyl ester with molecular formula C19H16O9; molecular weight 388.34. Compound B as 3-Hydroxy-5-methoxy-4-methyl-benzoic acid (a Benzoic methyl ester) with molecular formula C9H10O4; molecular weight 182.2. In-silico investigation specific for inflammation revealed good binding affinity of both the compounds with the targeted proteins. Further continuous administration of Pr and novel compound A & B to CFA (Freund's complete adjuvant) induced arthritis rat revealed reduction in arthritis complication possibly by inhibiting the formation of edema. The variations in relative body weight along with paw swelling and arthritic scores were identified. Inhibition of expressions of RA markers like RF, CRP, TNF-𝛼, IL-1𝛽, IL-6, ALP, AST, ALT and LDH were observed there by inhibiting inflammation of synovial cavity and cartilage damage effectively. Hence from our results it is evident that Pr, Compound A & B has down regulated the inflammatory cytokines and can be a potential candidate to treat arthritis.

Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency Investigation In Patients Diagnosed With Primary Hyperlipidemia

Objective: Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is a disease where a considerable decrease in the activity of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) enzyme resulting from the mutation in lipa (lysosomal acid lipase) gene is observed, which goes along with dyslipidemia and involves a wide clinical condition ranging from hepatosteatosiz to liver fibrozis; and whose diagnosis is usually skipped. LAL deficiency should be taken into consideraiton for patients who are suffering from hepatosplenomegaly and/or high transaminase level, high ldl and/or low hdl without having problems of obesity or metabolic syndrome. Methods: Our study included 75 patients who applied to Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Clinic, 35 patients were excluded out of study because of having secondary hyperlipidemia, 15 patients were diagnosed with non-familial hyperlipidemia, and 25 patients were diagnosed with familial hyperlipidemia. Patients were divided into three groups according to phenotypes; type 2, type 3 and type 5, at the same time patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment as applying lipid aferesis, lipid lowering treatment and dieting, and only dieting group. Gender, age, height, weight, height standard deviation score, weight standard deviation score, follow-up period, complaints, relative body weight were recorded. Lipid profiles, transaminase levels, complete blood count, hormone profiles, bone densitometry (DEXA), echocardiography and LAL enzyme profiles of patients were evaluated. Blood samples were taken to filter paper from totally 40 patients; 15 patients with non-familial hyperlipidemia to eveluate LAL activity and also the same samples were taken from 15 patients with primary hyperlipidemia and 25 patients with familial hyperlipidemia to eveluate LAL levels. Results: We determined the LAL enzyme levels at the normal reference ranges in all of 40 patients with primary hyperlipidemia. Conclussion: In our study there was no relationship between familial hyperlipidemia and lal levels but we think results must be eveluated with the larger number of patients.

Kadukkai maathirai (Indian herbal drug) prevents hepatocellular cancer progression by enhancing GSTM1 expression and modulating β catenin transcription: in-silico and in-vivo study

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Hence cost-effective drugs with fewer side effects as a standard supportive therapy might yield substantial advantages in efficacy and safety. Kadukkai maathirai (KM) is being used as a supplement in hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated whether KM has any preventive action on cancer progression in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) - induced HCC in rats. Methods DEN was injected to produce HCC in rats, which was confirmed after 16 weeks. All the rats were orally administered KM for 4 weeks. Hepatoprotective potential (serum AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) and anticancer efficacy (body weight, nodule count, tumor progression by histopathology, expression of GSTM1 by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and In-silico analysis of phytoconstituents against β catenin and LRP analysis were evaluated. Results KM prevented cancer progression against DEN-induced HCC by an increase in GSTM1, a phase II detoxifying enzyme. It significantly reversed altered nodule count, relative liver weight, body weight, and histopathological features of HCC. In silico analysis of phytoconstituents of KM showed that they modulate the intracellular transcription process by inhibiting the armadillo repeat region of β catenin. Conclusions Our results elucidate the potential of KM as a supplement in HCC by reducing nodule count, protecting the liver from further damage, GSTM1 expression, and inhibiting armadillo repeat region of β catenin.

Radio-protective effects of melatonin therapy against testicular oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models.

Radiation exposure is a concern in today's world, given the widespread use of electronic devices and medical procedures involving ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Radiations may cause male infertility by inducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue. Melatonin has antioxidant properties. The authors systematically reviewed the literature for the studies that have investigated the effects of melatonin therapy on radiation-induced oxidative stress in rodents' testicular tissue. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant animal trials. Standardized mean difference and 95% CIs were used to pool the data. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were done. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE tool. Outcomes: histopathology and sperm analyses (testicular apoptotic cells, Johnsen's testicular biopsy score, seminiferous epithelial height, tubular diameter, sperm motility, viability, count, and morphology, concentration of spermatid, spermatocyte, and spermatogonia), body and testes weights (absolute and relative body and testicular weights), reproductive hormones (serum prolactin, FSH, and testosterone), and oxidative stress tissue markers (TBARS, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, and XO, and total antioxidant capacity). Rats and mice were exposed to electromagnetic radiations (gamma, roentgen, microwave, radiofrequency, and high-power line energy) and particle waves (radioiodine and carbon-ion). Melatonin therapy was significantly associated with improved male reproduction. Radiation exposure harms male fertility, but melatonin, as an antioxidant, is potentially associated with improved male reproductive function in rodents. Inconsistencies in research require further investigations.

Body Composition, Nutritional Status, and Socio-Demographic Factors Among University Students and Teachers in Bangladesh: A Pilot Study

BackgroundBody composition, particularly visceral fat content, is regarded as an important determinant of major metabolic disorder. People with similar BMI could have differential body fat and muscle composition with different metabolic outcome. Epidemiological research largely focuses on BMI or relative body weight across the range of height and waist hip ratio (WHR) as a index of central body shape; however, body composition has hitherto given little importance in Bangladesh. Therefore, we designed a small pilot cross sectional study to assess anthropometrics, the body composition by bioelectrical impedance and nutritional status and its differences among students and teacher of Islamic University, Bangladesh. MethodsA total of 133 participants (median age of 22.51±3.86 years), students and teachers, were recruited. In addition to BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR), a body composition analyzer (based on bioelectrical impedance) was used to determine the body composition parameter. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, T test and Pearson correlations were done. ResultsConsiderable differences were observed among various age groups and genders. Most of the respondents had a higher metabolic age (definition) than the chronological age, and 42.86% had high fat percentage. Male had lower body fat (19.56% vs 26.29%) but more visceral fat (4.96% vs 4.32) than female. Visceral fat was significantly (p<0.001) raised in older age groups than younger ones (10.26% vs 4.33%, P<0.05). The cut-off values of BMI were normal in range for both genders, and WHR for male and female were 0.83 and 0.81 respectively. Body protein, muscle, water, moisture, and abio-salt content were higher at the age of 40 years, and female respondents had the lowest ones compared to males. ConclusionUnhealthy visceral fat was higher in male and older age group. A healthy level of all body composition parameters was observed in young age groups compared to the older ones.

Parameters of physical development of term newborns with Intrauterine Growth Retardation, born in a 3B Level Perinatal Centre of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth retardation of a newborn child is an current problem in neonatology, obstetrics and pediatrics. Due to intrauterine development disorders, these newborns have increased morbidity and mortality rates. In the presence of Intrauterine growth retardation, the likelihood of developing complications in the early neonatal period increases (birth asphyxia, meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, etc.), and the risk of developing infections and neurological disorders) is increased. AIM: The aim of this study is to study the parameters of physical development of term newborns born in the Perinatal Centre 3B level of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year, to determine the frequency and structure of disorders associated with Intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition depending on the gestational age of term newborns for a differential approach in the management of children with Intrauterine growth retardation by neonatologists and paediatricians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were analyzed 1000 hospital neonatal records of newborns children born at the Perinatal Centre of Level 3B of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year. Of these, 55 term babies were born with Intrauterine growth retardation. The study examined the physical development of term newborns, determined the frequency and structure of disorders associated with intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition, depending on the gestational age of term newborns. RESULTS: Retardation of intrauterine growth and development in newborn children born in level 3B centres are represented by low body weight in relation to gestational age in 63.6% of cases, trophic disorders with normal body weight and reduced weight/length ratio in 34.6% of cases, and low height index with normal body weight in 1.8% of cases. Severe physical developmental disorders were found only in children with low body weight: in 13% of cases of low birth weight for gestational age, and in 55% of cases of small fetal size for gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: the distribution of physical development disorders (ICD code P05.2) in term infants, depending on the degree of maturity has a linear trend and occurs with maximum frequency (50%) in late term newborns, which is associated with the onset of aging of the placenta and the intensification of existing, even compensated, placental insufficiency.

Effect of selected environmental factors on the growth and survivability of the larvae of the Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski 1877

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the temperature (range 15 to 25°C), pH (6 to 9) and salinity of water (between 0 to 10‰) on the growth, condition and survival of larvae of the Chinese sleeper. During the 28‐day experimental rearing, the highest average body weight of 81.3 ± 16.3 mg was reached in fish from the group maintained at a water temperature 25°C, and was almost five times higher than the weight at the temperature of 15°C (15.6 ± 2.2 mg). A significantly higher body weight of Chinese sleeper larvae was also recorded in the group reared in alkaline water (pH 9), compared to those kept in acidic and neutral water. Statistically significant differences between the groups (p≤0.05) were recorded for the condition index (K) values and relative body weight (SGR) only in the experiment with different water temperatures of fish rearing. The highest number (16% of the initial stock) of abnormal larvae, associated with a lower jaw and vertebral structure deformities, was recorded in the group reared at 5‰ salinity (Z5). Simultaneously, 100% mortality of the stock was noted by the 10th day of rearing in the 10‰ salinity. The cumulative mortality of the Chinese sleeper larvae related to cannibalism Types I and II in all the experimental rearing was low, oscillating between 0.5% and 11.5% in the groups bred in water with a pH 9 and 0‰ salinity, respectively. The study results may help determine the critical values of water parameters that promote or limit development in the early stages of the Chinese sleeper and could be used in activities related to eradicating or significantly reducing the increasing abundance of this alien invasive fish species in freshwater ecosystems.

Oral vaccination with a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing the Eimeria tenella rhoptry neck 2 protein elicits protective immunity in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella

BackgroundChicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective measure for the prevention of coccidiosis. However, it provides limited protection with several drawbacks, such as poor immunological protection and potential reversion to virulence. Therefore, the development of effective and safe vaccines against chicken coccidiosis is still urgently needed.MethodsIn this study, a novel oral vaccine against Eimeria tenella was developed by constructing a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (NC8) strain expressing the E. tenella RON2 protein. We administered recombinant L. plantarum orally at 3, 4 and 5 days of age and again at 17, 18 and 19 days of age. Meanwhile, each chick in the commercial vaccine group was immunized with 3 × 102 live oocysts of coccidia. A total of 5 × 104 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella were inoculated in each chicken at 30 days. Then, the immunoprotection effect was evaluated after E. tenella infection.ResultsThe results showed that the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the proliferative ability of spleen lymphocytes, inflammatory cytokine levels and specific antibody titers of chicks immunized with recombinant L. plantarum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The relative body weight gains were increased and the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) was decreased after E. tenella challenge. Moreover, the lesion scores and histopathological cecum sections showed that recombinant L. plantarum can significantly relieve pathological damage in the cecum. The ACI was 170.89 in the recombinant L. plantarum group, which was higher than the 150.14 in the commercial vaccine group.ConclusionsThese above results indicate that L. plantarum expressing RON2 improved humoral and cellular immunity and enhanced immunoprotection against E. tenella. The protective efficacy was superior to that of vaccination with the commercial live oocyst vaccine. This study suggests that recombinant L. plantarum expressing the RON2 protein provides a promising strategy for vaccine development against coccidiosis.Graphical

Kadukkai maathirai (Indian herbal drug) prevents hepatocellular cancer progression by enhancing GSTM1 expression and modulating β catenin transcription: in-silico and in-vivo study

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Hence cost-effective drugs with fewer side effects as a standard supportive therapy might yield substantial advantages in efficacy and safety. Kadukkai maathirai (KM) is being used as a supplement in hepatocellular carcinoma. We evaluated whether KM has any preventive action on cancer progression in diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) - induced HCC in rats. Methods DEN was injected to produce HCC in rats, which was confirmed after 16 weeks. All the rats were orally administered KM for 4 weeks. Hepatoprotective potential (serum AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin) and anticancer efficacy (body weight, nodule count, tumor progression by histopathology, expression of GSTM1 by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and In-silico analysis of phytoconstituents against β catenin and LRP analysis were evaluated. Results KM prevented cancer progression against DEN-induced HCC by an increase in GSTM1, a phase II detoxifying enzyme. It significantly reversed altered nodule count, relative liver weight, body weight, and histopathological features of HCC. In silico analysis of phytoconstituents of KM showed that they modulate the intracellular transcription process by inhibiting the armadillo repeat region of β catenin. Conclusions Our results elucidate the potential of KM as a supplement in HCC by reducing nodule count, protecting the liver from further damage, GSTM1 expression, and inhibiting armadillo repeat region of β catenin.

Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide treatment in overweight or obese patients without type 2 diabetes. Randomized clinical trials that assessed the impact of once-weekly semaglutide on body weight and safety outcomes in overweight or obese patients were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and Lilacs up to November 2023. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0, and certainty of evidence (CoE) with GRADE. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Ten publications, with 22.155 patients, were included. Semaglutide decreased relative body weight (MD: -11.80; 95%CI: -13.53 to -10.07; CoE: High), absolute body weight (MD: -11.58; 95%CI: -13.25 to -9.90; CoE: High) and BMI (MD: -4.15; 95%CI: -4.85 to -3.45; CoE: High). Semaglutide also increased the proportion of patients who achieved 5%, 10%, and 15% of weight loss ([weight loss≥5%: RR 2.29, 95% CI: 1.88 to 2.80; CoE: High]; [weight loss≥10%: RR 4.54, 95% CI: 3.45 to 5.98; CoE: High]; [weight loss≥15%: RR 8.29, 95%CI: 5.54 to 12.39; CoE: High]). Semaglutide leads to small risk to adverse events (RR: 1.03; 95%CI: 1 to 1.06; CoE: High), no difference in the serious adverse events (RR: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.70 to 1.62; CoE: Low), but increases in the risk to discontinued treatment (RR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.87 to 2.20; CoE: High) and gastrointestinal adverse events (RR: 3.26; 95%CI: 1.99 to 5.34; CoE: Moderate). This up-to-date systematic review highlights that once-weekly semaglutide treatment resulted in clinically important weight loss, becoming a promising adjuvant therapy for obesity.

Susceptibility and cecal microbiota alteration to Eimeria-infection in Yellow-feathered broilers, Arbor Acres broilers and Lohmann pink layers

Coccidiosis, which is caused by Eimeria species, results in huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Arbor Acres (AA) broilers and yellow-feathered broilers are the dominant broilers in northern and southern China, respectively. However, their susceptibility to coccidiosis has not been fully compared. In this study, the susceptibility of yellow-feathered broilers, AA broilers and Lohmann pink layers to E. tenella was evaluated based on mortality rate, relative body weight gain rate, intestinal lesion score, oocyst output, anticoccidial index (ACI), and cecum weight and length. The yellow-feathered broilers were shown to produce significantly fewer oocysts with higher intestinal lesion score compared to AA broilers, which had the highest growth rates and ACI scores. Subsequently, changes in the cecal microbiota of the 3 chicken lines before and after high-dose infection (1 × 104 oocysts) with E. tenella were determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that composition of the microbiota changed dramatically after infection. The abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the infected chickens decreased, and Proteobacteria increased significantly among the different chicken lines. At the genus level, Escherichia increased significantly in all 3 groups of infected chickens, but Lactobacillus decreased to 0% in the infected yellow-feathered broilers. The results of the study indicate that the susceptibility to E. tenella varies among the 3 chicken lines, and that changes in intestinal microbiota by E. tenella-infection among the different chicken lines had a similar trend, but to different degrees. This study provides basic knowledge of the susceptibility in the 3 chicken lines, which can be helpful for the control and prevention of coccidiosis.

Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK.

The aims of the present study were to generate the first life tables for the UK companion cat population overall as well as broken down by sex and breed status, and to quantify associations between mortality and traits such as sex, neuter status, breed status and body weight in relation to mortality. Life table construction and modelling included data on 7936 confirmed deaths in cats under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme in 2019. The life tables were built for cats overall, female and male cats, and crossbred and purebred cats. Multivariable generalised linear regression models were generated to explore the risk factors for a shortened lifespan. Life expectancy at age 0 for UK companion cats overall was 11.74 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.61-11.87). The probability of death at each year interval increased with age from year interval 3-4, with the probability value not exceeding 0.05 before year 9. Female cats (12.51 years; 95% CI 12.32-12.69) had a 1.33-year longer life expectancy than male cats (11.18 years; 95% CI 11.01-11.38) at age 0. Among the 12 breeds (including crossbred) analysed, Burmese and Birman had the longest life expectancy at year 0, showing 14.42 years (95% CI 12.91-15.93) and 14.39 years (95% CI 12.87-15.91), respectively. Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy at year 0 among the analysed breeds at 6.68 years (95% CI 4.53-8.83). Being entire, purebred and with a non-ideal body weight were significantly linked to a decreased lifespan. The life tables presented here for companion cats in the UK overall, by sex, and by crossbred and purebred cats can contribute to a better understanding of the life trajectory of cats, helping with evidence-based decision-making for cat owners and the veterinary profession. We have also provided an updated life expectancy at age 0 for various cat breeds for 2019 and showed evidence of the association between non-ideal weight and a decreased lifespan.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated clinically important weight loss effects in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, its effects on sustained weight loss in patients without diabetes remains unclear. Our objective was to examine the long-term efficacy and safety of semaglutide use for weight loss in patients with overweight/obesity and without diabetes. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials that randomized participants with overweight/obesity and without diabetes to once-weekly 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide versus placebo, with a follow-up of at least 68 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in relative body weight from baseline to the longest follow-up. Random-effects models with inverse variance weighting were used to estimate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 4 randomized controlled trials (n = 3,087) were included. Of the 3 trials that provided body mass index by category (n = 2,783), 94.0% of the participants had a baseline body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. Compared with placebo, the use of semaglutide was associated with substantial decreases in long-term relative (WMD -12.1%, 95% CI -13.5 to -10.7) and absolute body weight (WMD -12.3 kg, 95% CI -13.6 to -11.0). At the longest follow-up, 33.4% of participants randomized to semaglutide achieved ≥20% weight loss compared with 2.2% with placebo (RR 15.08, 95% CI 9.31 to 24.43). The risk of gastrointestinal adverse events was higher in participants who took semaglutide than placebo (RR 1:47, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.68); however, the majority of these events were transient and mild-to-moderate in severity and did not require treatment discontinuation. In conclusion, semaglutide is efficacious for sustained weight loss in patients with overweight/obesity and without diabetes.

Blood Concentration of Macro- and Microelements in Women Who Are Overweight/Obesity and Their Associations with Serum Biochemistry.

Risk elements in blood matrices can affect human health status through associations with biomarkers at multiple levels. The aim of this study was to analyze 15 macro- and microelements in the blood serum of women with overweight (BMI of ≥25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI of ≥30 kg/m2) and to examine possible associations with biochemical, liver enzymatic parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Based on the power calculation, the study involved women (in the postmenopausal stage) with overweight (n = 26) and obesity (n = 22), aged between 50-65 years. Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure body composition parameters. Concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Hg was measured using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. Individuals with obesity, as indicated by a higher BMI, percentage of body fat, and visceral fat area, had elevated serum levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Sr, Pb, and Hg. Concentrations of Al, Cu, K, Sb, Zn, and Pb significantly affected biochemical and liver function markers in women with overweight or obesity. Elements such as Cu and Al were associated with increased total cholesterol. The correlation analysis between total antioxidant status and Cu, Al, and Ni confirmed associations in both groups. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing excess body weight and obesity in relation to risk elements. The results of the research could be beneficial in identifying potential targets for the treatment or prevention of comorbidities in people with obesity.

Interplay between diphenyl diselenide and copper: Impact on D. melanogaster survival, behavior, and biochemical parameters

Copper (Cu2+) is a biologically essential element that participates in numerous physiological processes. However, elevated concentrations of copper have been associated with cellular oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases. Organo‑selenium compounds such as diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. Hence, we hypothesized that DPDS may modulate the toxicity of Cu2+ in Drosophila melanogaster. The acute effects (4 days of exposure) caused by a high concentration of Cu2+ (3 mM) were studied using endpoints of toxicity such as survival and behavior in D. melanogaster. The potential protective effect of low concentration of DPDS (20 μM) against Cu2+ was also investigated. Adult flies aged 1–5 days post-eclosion (both sexes) were divided into four groups: Control, DPDS (20 μM), CuSO4 (3 mM), and the combined exposure of DPDS (20 μM) and CuSO4 (3 mM). Survival, biochemical, and behavioral parameters were determined. Co-exposure of DPDS and CuSO4 increased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS as determined by DFCH oxidation). Contrary to our expectation, the co-exposure reduced survival, body weight, locomotion, catalase activity, and cell viability in relation to control group. Taken together, DPDS potentiated the Cu2+ toxicity.

HIGH DOSES OF KETAMINE INFLICT MYOCARDIAL INJURY AND CAUSE CHANGES IN THE RELATIVE BODY WEIGHT TO HEART OF ADULT ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Objective: Ketamine is widely used as an anesthetic agent in surgery and emergency medicine. It is also used for procedural sedation, treatment of depression, pain management, and sometimes as a recreational drug. These uses, however, have recommended doses to prevent myocardial injury. This study, therefore, was designed to investigate the level of injury on the myocardium following the administration of high doses of ketamine and to determine the relative body weight to heart weight of the experimental animals. Method: A total of 12 male albino Wistar rats were used and grouped into four including the control group. They were weighed daily and administered 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg/kg/body weight of ketamine intraperitoneally for 2 weeks and weighed again. Experiment was terminated after 14 days and animals were sacrificed and the heart harvested for analysis. Results: Ketamine caused a significant myocardial injury with increase in the doses in different groups by causing inflammation, hypertrophy, vacuolar degenerative changes, atrophy, and extensive hemorrhage around the myocytes. Weight differentiation was noticed in all experimental groups with heart weight contributing to the total body weight by 1.63%, 1.7%, and 1.2% for the 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg/kg/body weight of ketamine groups, respectively. Conclusion: Higher doses of ketamine cause significant myocardial injury as well as differential changes in body weight and heart weight in experimental animals.

Antiurolithiatic effects of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit extracts on ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis in rats.

Urinary stones are a growing disease that results from pathological biomineralization. Cassia fistula Lin. is traditionally used to treat urinary stones. However, no scientific evidence is available to prove its antilithiatic effect. This study evaluates the antilithiatic potential of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula Lin. fruit (Cff) against calcium oxalate kidney stones. Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6/group): Group I (control), Group II (rats treated with ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride developed nephrolithiasis after 28 days), Group III (lithiatic rats receiving distilled water for 30 days), Group IV and V (lithiatic rats receiving aqueous extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively) and Group VI and VII (lithiatic rats receiving ethanolic extract of Cff at doses of 1 and 100 mg/kg body weight for 30 days, respectively). Some parameters of urine and serum, and also renal oxidative stress and histopathology were used to determine the antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Cff. Therefore, the types of extracts of Cff improved abnormal levels of urine, serum, and renal oxidative stress and histopathology parameters. This antilithiatic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cff, can be attributed to the anti-crystallization and antioxidant properties of the extracts and the ability to improve urine and serum biochemistry. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis, aggregation of calcium oxalate deposits, increase of some urinary and serum parameters, relative kidney weight, kidney size and MDA activity, decrease of some urinary parameters, relative body weight and SOD activity. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cassia fistula Lin. lead to the treatment of urolithic rats by decreasing levels of urinary oxalate, phosphate, urea, serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, MDA, kidney weight and kidney size, increasing levels of urinary calcium, creatinine, magnesium, citrate, body weight and SOD activity in the kidney, eliminating CaOx deposition (esp. ethanolic extract).

Comparison of necrotic enteritis effects on growth performance and intestinal health in two different meat-type chicken strains Athens Canadian Random Bred and Cobb 500

Chickens have undergone genetic improvements in the past few decades to maximize growth efficiency. However, necrotic enteritis (NE), an enteric disease primarily caused by C. perfringens, remains a significant problem in poultry production. A study investigated the differences in intestinal health between the nonselected meat-type chicken Athens Canadian Random Bred (ACRB) and the modern meat-type Cobb 500 broilers (Cobb) when challenged with experimental NE. The study utilized a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two main effects of chicken strain and NE challenge model (nonchallenged control, NC; NE challenge with 2,500/12,500 Eimeria maxima oocysts + 1 × 109C. perfringens, NE2.5/NE12.5). A total of 432 fourteen-day-old male ACRB and Cobb were used until 22 d (8 d postinoculation with E. maxima on d 14, dpi), and the chickens were euthanized on 6 and 8 dpi for the analysis. All data were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, and Student's t-test or Tukey's HSD test was applied when P < 0.05. The NE12.5 group showed significant decreases in growth performance and relative growth performance from d 14 to 20, regardless of chicken strain (P < 0.01). The ACRB group exhibited significant decreases in relative body weight and relative body weight gain compared to the Cobb group from d 14 to 22 (P < 0.01). On 6 and 8 dpi, both NE challenge groups showed significant decreases in intestinal villus height to crypt depth ratio, jejunal goblet cell count, and jejunal MUC2 and LEAP2 expression (P < 0.01). Additionally, the NE12.5 group had significantly higher intestinal NE lesion score, intestinal permeability, fecal E. maxima oocyst count, intestinal C. perfringens count, and jejunal IFNγ and CCL4 expression compared to the NC group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NE negatively impacts growth performance and intestinal health in broilers, parameters regardless of the strain.

Hypoglycemic Assessment of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Background: Moringa oleifera leaf is used for diabetes due to its pharmacologic effects. Patients with hyperglycemia experience beta cell destruction. However, no research on risk awareness has been done to ascertain its safety. The present study describes the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf, such as the protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, before addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Methods: Forty-five Wistar rats weighed 160 ± 10 g were divided into nine groups. All animal operations complied with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals as approved by the Animal Ethical Committee, University of Jos. Group I was normal control and Group II was diabetic animals induced with alloxan. Insulin and extract doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were given to diabetic Groups III-VI. Normal animals in Groups VII-IX were given extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. Tissues were retrieved for biochemical and histological investigations using standard techniques. Results: There was decrease relative body weight of diabetic animals (95.50 ± 5.50) when compared to normal control (142.75 ± 20.08) with increased levels of urea (control 6.13 ± 0.523 and diabetes 29.23 ± 1.267) and creatinine (control 0.70 ± 0.057 and diabetes 2.13 ± 0.185). Histology of the liver and pancreas also points to organ damage due to hyperglycemia. However, oral administration of extract showed antidiabetic effect with protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, no glycogen was deposited in the liver, addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Further discovery revealed that extract elevated antioxidant enzyme expression. Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.