Body Weight Loss Research Articles

Effect of combined GLP-1 analogue and bupropion/naltrexone on weight loss: a retrospective cohort study.

Little is known about the effect of a multi-drug weight loss strategy in obesity treatment, particularly combining bupropion/naltrexone and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if there are any additive effects of prescribing bupropion/naltrexone on top of GLP-1 analogue as weight loss therapy. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 prescribed GLP-1 analogue therapy at an obesity specialist clinic in Vancouver, Canada. We compared a 6 and 12-month change in total body weight loss (TBWL) for those receiving monotherapy from the initiation of GLP-1 analogue therapy with those receiving combination therapy from the initiation of bupropion/naltrexone added-on therapy. Patients prescribed combination therapy were stratified into responder (loss of ≥ 5% TBWL) and non-responder (TBWL < 5%) subgroups based on initial response to the GLP-1 analogue alone for any amount of time. The mean weight loss among patients prescribed GLP-1 analogue monotherapy at 12 months was 11.42 kg, SD 9.95 (9.6% TBWL). There was no significant difference between these two treatment strategies overall (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.14, p = 0.35). However, when stratified by response to initial GLP analogue therapy, the addition of bupropion/naltrexone was associated with a statistically significant reduction in weight in both the responder (4.3% TBWL (p < 0.01)) and non-responder groups (4.0% TBWL (p < 0.01)). GLP-1 analogues are an effective treatment for weight loss, and the addition of bupropion/naltrexone is associated with greater weight loss including in patients who are initially non-responsive to GLP-1 analogues.

Protective effect of soluble dietary fiber from Rosa roxburghii Tratt residue on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating serum metabolism and NF-κB pathway in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) refers to an idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease that starts with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Dietary fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal architecture of the intestinal mucosa. In this study, the protective effect and potential mechanism of soluble dietary fiber from Rosa roxburghii Tratt residue (SDFR) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice were explored. The results revealed that SDFR could ameliorate body weight loss and pathological injury, improve the structure and crypt destruction in colon in DSS-induced mice. Moreover, the levels of NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, MPO and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 were decreased after administration of SDFR. Notably, nontargeted metabolomics analysis indicated that there were significant differences in 51 potential metabolites in serum between the DSS and control groups. SDFR intervention could regulate aberrant alterations of these metabolites and mitigate UC via regulating metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. This study provides novel evidence that SDFR could be used as a potential modulator to relieve UC. Also, the results provide a theoretical basis for the utilization of byproducts in Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit processing. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hourly Feeding Regime of Modern Genetics Lactating Sows: Enhancing Productive Performance, Welfare, and Piglet Growth in Smart Farm-Based Systems

Effective management of lactating sows significantly influences various aspects of swine production. This study compared the impact of an hourly feeding regime and a five-times-daily feeding regime on the productive performance, body condition, and welfare of lactating sows, as well as on the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty-eight lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were divided into two groups: Group 1 was fed five times a day, and Group 2 was fed according to an hourly regime. The data were analyzed using independent-samples T-tests and the Mann–Whitney U test using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. An hourly feeding regime positively affected (p &lt; 0.05) sows’ feed intake and body condition, significantly reducing the days from the weaning-to-estrus interval. Group 1 exhibited significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) reductions in backfat thickness (BFT) and body condition score (BCS) during the weaning period compared to Group 2. Additionally, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in regard to sow body weight loss, feed intake, piglet livability and mortality rate at weaning, sow index, and calculated milk yield. Feeding sows according to an hourly regime positively impacted their productive performance compared to those fed five times daily. No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were recorded in regard to the total number of piglets born, live births, mummified piglets, stillbirths, piglet mortality, litter size at weaning, and sow feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) was numerically higher in Group 2 (p &gt; 0.05). The piglets from Group 2 had significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) weaning weights and exhibited lower feed intake, greater weight gain, improved average daily gain, and greater litter size weight gain than those from Group 1. Statistically, sows from Group 2 exhibited a higher frequency of standing (p &lt; 0.05), which potentially contributed to the reduction in shoulder skin lesions in sows (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, an hourly feeding regime could optimize sow productive performance, body condition, milk yield, welfare, and piglet growth in swine production.

The synergy of 177Lu-FAPI-46 with tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a sarcoma patient-derived xenograft mouse model

BackgroundGiven the heterogeneity and high mortality associated with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, this study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combining 177Lu-FAPI-46 with Pazopanib against this malignancy. MethodsPatient-derived xenograft (PDX)-bearing mice were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the 177Lu-FAPI-46 monotherapy group, and the 177Lu-FAPI-46 combined with Pazopanib therapy group. Therapeutic efficacy was regularly monitored. ResultsThe microPET imaging showed a 0.84-fold decrease in the T/M ratio of 68Ga-FAPI-46 on day 7/8 post combination therapy, while the control group exhibited a 1.23-fold increase. Combination therapy significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, as evidenced by reduced Ki-67 and increased caspase 3 expressions. Notably, there was no significant body weight loss observed in any group. ConclusionThis study successfully demonstrated the reduction in FAP expression and suppression of tumor volume in sarcoma PDX following the combination therapy of 177Lu-FAPI-46 with Pazopanib.

Mini-Beam Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy for Whole-Brain Re-Irradiation—A Pilot Toxicity Study in a Healthy Mouse Model

For patients with recurrent brain metastases, there is an urgent need for a more effective and less toxic treatment approach. Accumulating evidence has shown that spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) is able to provide a significantly higher therapeutic ratio with lower toxicity compared to conventional radiation using a uniform dose. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential low toxicity benefit of mini-beam radiotherapy (MBRT), a form of SFRT, for whole-brain re-irradiation in a healthy mouse model. Animals first received an initial 25 Gy of uniform whole-brain irradiation. Five weeks later, they were randomized into three groups to receive three different re-irradiation treatments as follows: (1) uniform irradiation at 25 Gy; (2) MBRT at a 25 Gy volume-averaged dose (106.1/8.8 Gy for peak/valley dose, 25 Gy-MBRT); and (3) MBRT at a 43 Gy volume-averaged dose (182.5/15.1 Gy for peak/valley dose, 43 Gy-MBRT). Animal survival and changes in body weight were monitored for signs of toxicity. Brains were harvested at 5 weeks after re-irradiation for histologic evaluation and immunostaining. The study showed that 25 Gy-MBRT resulted in significantly less body weight loss than 25 Gy uniform irradiation in whole-brain re-irradiation. Mice in the 25 Gy-MBRT group had a higher level of CD11b-stained microglia but also maintained more Ki67-stained proliferative progenitor cells in the brain compared to mice in the uniform irradiation group. However, the high-dose 43 Gy-MBRT group showed severe radiation toxicity compared to the low-dose 25 Gy-MBRT and uniform irradiation groups, indicating dose-dependent toxicity. Our study demonstrates that MBRT at an appropriate dose level has the potential to provide less toxic whole-brain re-irradiation. Future studies investigating the use of MBRT for brain metastases are warranted.

Modelling lung infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae after murine traumatic brain injury

Pneumonia is a common comorbidity in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, we established a model of intratracheal Klebsiella pneumoniae administration in young adult male and female mice, at 4 days following an experimental TBI, to investigate how K. pneumoniae infection influences acute post-TBI outcomes. A dose-response curve determined the optimal dose of K. pneumoniae for inoculation (1 x 10^6 colony forming units), and administration at 4 days post-TBI resulted in transient body weight loss and sickness behaviors (hypoactivity and acute dyspnea). K. pneumoniae infection led to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at 24 h post-infection, in both TBI and sham (uninjured) mice. By 7 days, when myeloperoxidase + neutrophil numbers had returned to baseline in all groups, lung histopathology was observed with an increase in airspace size in TBI + K. pneumoniae mice compared to TBI + vehicle mice. In the brain, increased neuroinflammatory gene expression was observed acutely in response to TBI, with an exacerbated increase in Ccl2 and Hmox1 in TBI + K. pneumoniae mice compared to either TBI or K. pneumoniae alone. However, the presence of neuroinflammatory immune cells in the injured brain, and the extent of damage to cortical and hippocampal brain tissue, was comparable between K. pneumoniae and vehicle-treated mice by 7 days. Examination of the fecal microbiome across a time course did not reveal any pronounced effects of either injury or K. pneumoniae on bacterial diversity or abundance. Together, these findings demonstrate that K. pneumoniae lung infection after TBI induces an acute and transient inflammatory response, primarily localized to the lungs with some systemic effects. However, this infection had minimal impact on secondary injury processes in the brain following TBI. Future studies are needed to evaluate the potential longer-term consequences of this dual-hit insult.

Anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory efficacy of Micromeria biflora Benth extract and its fractions in rats by restoring oxidative stress, metalloproteinases, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines network.

Micromeria biflora (M.B) Benth has proven anti-inflammatory efficacy, thereby, the goal of the current investigation was to assess the anti-arthritic potential of M.B ethanolic extract and fractions as well as to investigate the likely mechanism of action. The effectiveness of M.B against acute arthritic manifestations was assessed using an arthritic model prompted by formaldehyde, whereas a chronic model was developed using an adjuvant called Complete Freund's in Sprague-Dawley rats. Weekly evaluations were conducted for parameters involving paw volume, body weight, and arthritic score; at the completion of the CFA model, hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters as well as the level of various mediators (PGE2, IL-1β, TNFα, IL6, MMP2, 3, 9, VEGF, NF-ĸB, IL-10, and IL-4) were evaluated. The results demonstrated the plant's ability to treat arthritis by showing a significant decrease in paw volume, arthritic score, and histological characteristics. The levels of NF-ĸB, MMP2, 3, 9, IL6, IL1β, TNFα, and VEGF were all significantly reduced after treatment with plant extract and fractions. Plant extract and its fractions substantially preserved body weight loss, oxidative stress markers and levels of IL-4 and 1L-10. PGE2 levels were also shown to be reduced in the treatment groups, supporting the M.B immunomodulatory ability. Hematological and biochemical indicators were also normalized after M.B administration. Outcomes of the study validated the anti-arthritic and immunomodulatory attributes of M.B probably through modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers.

Monoclonal Antibodies Against Mature Interleukin-18 Ameliorate Colitis and Repair Goblet Cell Function

BackgroundNumerous biological interventions and small molecules are used to treat Crohn’s disease; however, the effectiveness of these treatments varies largely. Non-responsiveness to biological therapies is associated with interleukin (IL)-18 gene polymorphisms and high IL-18 expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease.AimsThe aim of this study was to elucidate the expression of precursor and mature IL-18 in patients with Crohn’s disease who exhibited varied responses to cytokine-targeted treatments and determine whether selective inhibition of mature IL-18 offers a novel therapeutic avenue.MethodsWe generated a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the neoepitope of caspase-cleaved mature IL-18. Expression of precursor and mature IL-18 was analyzed in patients with Crohn’s disease. Anti-mature IL-18 monoclonal antibodies were intraperitoneally administered in an acute colitis mouse model, and the disease activity index, body weight loss, tissue pathology, proinflammatory cytokine expression, goblet cell function, and microbiota composition were assessed.ResultsPrecursor and mature IL-18 expression was upregulated and goblet cell function was impaired in patients with Crohn’s disease who were unresponsive to biological therapies. Administration of anti-mature IL-18 antibodies ameliorated induced colitis by repairing goblet cell function and restoring the mucus layer.ConclusionsThe newly developed monoclonal antibody holds promise as a therapeutic alternative for Crohn’s disease.

Ziziphus jujuba Miller Ethanol Extract Restores Disrupted Intestinal Barrier Function via Tight Junction Recovery and Reduces Inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the disruption of the intestinal barrier. The intestinal barrier is maintained by tight junctions (TJs), which sustain intestinal homeostasis and prevent pathogens from entering the microbiome and mucosal tissues. Ziziphus jujuba Miller (Z. jujuba) is a natural substance that has been used in traditional medicine as a therapy for a variety of diseases. However, in IBD, the efficacy of Z. jujuba is unknown. Therefore, we evaluated ZJB in Caco2 cells and a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse model to demonstrate its efficacy in IBD. Z. jujuba extracts were prepared using 70% ethanol and were named ZJB. ZJB was found to be non-cytotoxic and to have excellent antioxidant effects. We confirmed its anti-inflammatory properties via the down-regulation of inflammatory factors, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). To evaluate the effects of ZJB on intestinal barrier function and TJ improvement, the trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa (FITC-Dextran 4) permeability were assessed. The TEER value increased by 61.389% and permeability decreased by 27.348% in the 200 μg/mL ZJB group compared with the 50 ng/mL IL-6 group after 24 h. Additionally, ZJB alleviated body weight loss, reduced the disease activity index (DAI) score, and induced colon shortening in 5% DSS-induced mice; inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6 were down-regulated in the serum. TJ proteins, such as Zonula occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin, were up-regulated by ZJB in an impaired Caco2 mouse model. Additionally, according to the liquid chromatography results, in tandem with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, seven active ingredients were detected in ZJB. In conclusion, ZJB down-regulated inflammatory factors, protected intestinal barrier function, and increased TJ proteins. It is thus a safe, natural substance with the potential to be used as a therapeutic agent in IBD treatment.

Weight loss outcomes with semaglutide based on diabetes severity using the individualized metabolic surgery score

Semaglutide demonstrated inferior weight loss responses in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to patients with obesity without T2D. The individualized metabolic surgery (IMS) score was validated to predict T2D remission after bariatric surgery. The parameters of the IMS are HbA1c (<7%), insulin use, T2D medications and T2D duration. We aim to assess weight loss outcomes of semaglutide based on IMS score in patients with obesity and T2D. This is a retrospective multicentered cohort study of patients with T2D and BMI≥ 27kg/m2 taking ≥1mg of semaglutide recruited from January 2020 to December 2022. We excluded patients with a history of bariatric surgery or taking other anti-obesity medications. IMS was calculated at baseline and patients weight change was recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. IMS was classified as mild (0-24.9 points), moderate (25-94.9 points), and severe (95-180 points). Analysis was performed based on IMS score quartiles and combination of Mild-Moderate vs Severe categories. We performed mixed linear regression models including age, sex, and baseline weight to assess associations between IMS categories with total body weight loss percentage (TBWL%). We included 297 patients (42% female, mean age 62±12 years) in the analysis. At 12 months, there was a stepwise decrease in weight loss outcomes when comparing patients by IMS quartiles (LS mean TBWL%± SE): 8.8±0.8% vs 6.9±0.8% vs 5.7±0.9% vs 5.0±0.8%. In the mixed linear model, patients in the mild-moderate category achieved significantly superior weight loss outcomes (LS mean TBWL± SE:-8.3±0.7%) than patients in the severe category (-5.5±0.6%; difference:-2.9, 95% CI:-5.2 to-0.5, p=0.006) at 12 months. There was no significant difference in glycemic improvement regardless of IMS severity at baseline. In our cohort, lower IMS severity was associated with more weight loss in patients with obesity and T2D. Further studies are needed to understand T2D severity and its effect on semaglutide outcomes. Beyond payment to the research staff by Mayo Clinic, this research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

A Japanese herbal medicine (kampo), hochuekkito (TJ-41), has anti-inflammatory effects on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mouse model

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that is characterized by chronic airway inflammation. A Japanese herbal medicine, hochuekkito (TJ-41), is prominently used for chronic inflammatory diseases in Japan. This study aimed to analyze the anti-inflammatory effect of TJ-41 in vivo and its underlying mechanisms. We created a COPD mouse model using intratracheal administration of porcine pancreatic elastase and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and analyzed them with and without TJ-41 administration. A TJ-41-containing diet reduced inflammatory cell infiltration of the lungs in the acute and chronic phases and body weight loss in the acute phase. In vitro experiments revealed that TJ-41 treatment suppressed the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, TJ-41 administration activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and inhibited the mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, both in cellular and mouse experiments. We concluded that TJ-41 administration reduced airway inflammation in the COPD mouse model, which might be regulated by the activated AMPK pathway, and inhibited the mTOR pathway.

Single-shot dendritic cell targeting SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate induces broad, durable and protective systemic and mucosal immunity in mice

Current coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines face limitations including waning immunity, immune escape by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, limited cellular response, and poor mucosal immunity. We engineered a Clec9A-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody construct that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 RBD to conventional type 1 dendritic cells. Compared with non-targeting approaches, single dose immunization in mice with Clec9A-RBD induced far higher RBD-specific antibody titers that were sustained for up to 21months after vaccination. Uniquely, increasing neutralizing and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity activities across the sarbecovirus family was observed, suggesting antibody affinity maturation over time. Consistently and remarkably, RBD-specific follicular T helper cells and germinal center B cells persisted up to 12months after immunization. Furthermore, Clec9A-RBD immunization induced a durable mono- and poly-functional T-helper 1-biased cellular response that was strongly cross-reactive against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron subvariants, and with a robust CD8+ Tcell signature. Uniquely, Clec9A-RBD single-shot systemic immunization effectively primed RBD-specific cellular and humoral immunity in lung and resulted in significant protection against homologous SARS-CoV-2 challenge as evidenced by limited body weight loss and approximately 2 log10 decrease in lung viral loads compared with non-immunized controls. Therefore, Clec9A-RBD immunization has the potential to trigger robust and sustained, systemic and mucosal protective immunity against rapidly evolving SARS-CoV2 variants.

Poria cocos Attenuated DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), as a chronic inflammatory disease, presents a global public health threat. However, the mechanism of Poria cocos (PC) in treating UC remains unclear. Here, LC-MS/MS was carried out to identify the components of PC. The protective effect of PC against UC was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon length and histological analysis in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice. ELISA, qPCR, and Western blot tests were conducted to assess the inflammatory state. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques were employed to evaluate the expression of tight junction proteins. The sequencing of 16S rRNA was utilized for the analysis of gut microbiota regulation. The results showed that a total of fifty-two nutrients and active components were identified in PC. After treatment, PC significantly alleviated UC-associated symptoms including body weight loss, shortened colon, an increase in DAI score, histopathologic lesions. PC also reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as evidenced by the suppressed NF-κB pathway, restored the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-1 in the colon, and promoted the diversity and abundance of beneficial gut microbiota. Collectively, these findings suggest that PC ameliorates colitis symptoms through the reduction in NF-κB signaling activation to mitigate inflammatory damage, thus repairing the intestinal barrier, and regulating the gut microbiota.

PSV-17 Glycerol monolaurate improves litter performance and modifies milk composition when fed to lactating sows

Abstract Glycerol monolaurate (GML) has proven antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and additionally has been shown to increase milk immunoglobulins and improve gut health. However, limited information is available on how feeding GML to the sow prior and during lactation can influence the performance of the nursing pig. The objective of this study was to determine if feeding GML to sows would help maintain body condition, increase lauric acid in milk and improve litter performance. A total of 50 sows were randomly assigned to either a control feed or to a control feed with 1.5 kgs/mT of GML (LipoVital GL-90) 3 to 5 dbefore farrowing. Sow and litter performance was measured until weaning at 25 d. On d 1, piglets were cross-fostered within treatment and weighed. Creep feed was offered. Milk samples were taken from 5 randomly selected sows per treatment on d 3 and 25. Glycerol monolaurate had no effect on number of pigs born alive, born dead, stillborn, or number weaned (P &amp;gt; 0.20). No treatment differences (P &amp;gt; 0.20) were observed for sow feed intake, loss of backfat thickness or body weight losses during the study. Control piglets tended to consume more creep feed than GML piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.15). Starting body weight was less for GML piglets (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Despite the decreased starting body weight, weaning weight was not different between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.20). Using starting body weight as a covariate, total body weight gain tended to be greater (P &amp;lt; 0.08) for GML piglets than the control piglets (5.01 kgs vs 4.89 kg, respectively). Glycerol monolaurate-fed pigs in the bottom quartile of starting body weights (&amp;lt; 1.3 kgs) numerically out gained their control counterparts (4.67 kgs vs 4.12 kgs). Milk from GML sows had 57% more lauric acid on d 3 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and 124% more lauric acid at weaning compared with control sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, GML maintained sow body condition, increased the content of lauric acid in milk and improved piglet body weight gain, especially in lighter body weight piglets. The results from this study demonstrate the application of GML in commercial sow herds will be beneficial to both sow and litter.

281 Effects of dietary Aspergillus oryzae postbiotic during gestation and lactation on sow and progeny performance

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate effects of Aspergillus oryzae postbiotic (AOP) supplementation in gestation and lactation diets on sow performance, litter performance, and offspring performance through the nursery period. Sows [n = 118; Landrace × Yorkshire; body weight (BW) = 238 ± 2.2 kg; parit y= 3.8 ± 0.32] were blocked by parity and assigned randomly to one of two treatments. Treatments were a control diet and a control diet supplemented with AOP (Biozyme Inc.) at 1.5 g/sow/d in gestation from 5 days before breeding until farrowing, and adjusted to 1.55 g•sow-1•d-1 during lactation. Sow BW and P2 backfat thickness were measured on d 0, 30, and 109 of gestation and 24 h postpartum and at weaning on d 20 ± 2. Litters were standardized to 13 piglets within 24 h of farrowing. Piglets were weighed individually at birth, after 24 h, and at weaning. At weaning, 369 pigs were allotted to pens within maternal dietary treatment (48 pens, with 7 or 8 pigs/pen) for a 42-d nursery trial. All pigs received a common nursery diet in 3 dietary phases. Sows fed AOP had a lighter (P &amp;lt; 0.01) BW than those in the control group on d 109 of gestation (234.1 vs 244.1 kg) and post-farrowing (227.4 vs 236.7 kg), respectively, but not at other time points. Moreover, sows fed AOP showed less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) BW loss from d 109 of gestation to weaning (-0.9 vs -7.8 kg) and from post-farrowing to weaning (4.1 vs -1.9 kg) compared with control sows. Total feed intake and average daily feed intake (Control: 6.0 vs AOP: 6.2 kg/d) during lactation were not impacted (P &amp;gt; 0.10) by dietary treatments. Supplementation of AOP did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.10) litter size (14.8 vs 16.0), litter birth weight (17.4 vs 18.2 kg), percentage of low birth weight piglets (13 vs 12.5 %) or normal birth weight piglets (87.0 vs 87.5 %), stillbirths (1.2 vs 1.2/litter), or mummies (0.9 vs 0.5/litter) for Control and AOP sows, respectively. Across treatments, no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed for litter weight gain (43.2 vs 40.4 kg), average piglet BW at weaning (5.1 vs 4.9 kg), or piglet mortality rate (12.4 vs 13.1 %) for Control and AOP sows, respectively. Piglets weaned from AOP sows tended (P = 0.07) to have an increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the first week after weaning compared with pigs weaned from Control sows (0.28 vs 0.26 kg), but AOP did not influence other performance parameters for the entire nursery period. There were no interactions between maternal dietary treatment and nursery phase (P &amp;gt; 0.10), suggesting consistent responses to maternal dietary treatments over time. In summary, feeding sows AOP reduced sow BW loss but had no impact on litter or nursery performance.

PSII-7 Effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue on body weight, vital signs, and liver function of beef heifers

Abstract Tall fescue was first introduced to the United States over 70 years ago. Since then, it has become the most common forage source for beef cattle in the Southeastern region of the US. Most tall fescue establishes a symbiotic relationship with a toxic fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala), which contributes to the improved vigor of the plant due to acquired resistance to grazing, insects, heat, and drought. However, when consumed by cattle, it may cause fescue toxicosis, a condition characterized by reduced feed intake, body weight (BW) loss, vasoconstriction, and impaired reproductive performance in livestock species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endophyte-infected tall fescue consumption on growth performance and health-related traits in beef cattle. For this purpose, 24 Simmental x Angus heifers were divided into two dietary treatments, in which 12 heifers received endophyte-free tall fescue seeds (E-) and 12 heifers were fed with endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds (E+, 6,764 ppb of ergovaline) mixed with the diet for 45 d. The E+ heifers received a daily dose of 20 μg of ergovaline per kg of BW. The E- heifers received the same quantity of seeds as the E+ heifers. For each heifer, phenotypes related to growth (BW), vital signs (respiration rate [RR], and body temperature [TEMP]), and liver functions (serum albumin [ALB], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT], cholesterol [COL], bilirubin [BIL], and triglycerides [TRI]) were analyzed at the end of the experiment. Phenotypes were analyzed using a linear model in R with diet included as a fixed effect. For analysis of BW, the BW at the beginning of the trial was included in the model as a covariate. Results showed that COL and ALP were significantly less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the E+ heifers compared with the E- (-32.92 ± 11.16 mg/dL and -32.33 ± 13.95 U/L, respectively). Conversely, E+ heifers had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW, RR, TEMP, and AST when compared with E- heifers (-17.82 ± 5.12 kg, 25.83 ± 5.52 breaths/min, 0.56 ± 0.12 oC, and 5.83 ± 2.18 U/L, respectively). Measurements of ALB, BIL, GGT, and TRI were not different between E+ and E- heifers. Our results suggest that heifers consuming endophyte-infected tall fescue have compromised vital signs and metabolically altered liver, which may impair growth performance. This study increases our understanding of the biological mechanisms affected by the fescue toxin in beef cattle.

287 The effect of cooling pad and Moringa oleifera on lactating sows under heat stress

Abstract Lactating sows and their litters are particularly vulnerable to heat stress (HS). HS decreases sow fertility, feed intake, milk production, and litter growth. Approaches are needed to mitigate the negative effects of HS on animal welfare and reduce oxidative damage to tissues associated with HS. Recently, electronic cooling pad (ECP) were designed to remove heat through conductive cooling. The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of ECP and feeding an antioxidant, Moringa oleifera (4% of the diet, M), to sows from late gestation to weaning on their welfare and production performance. A study was conducted using a 2 by 2 factorial arrangements of treatments with mixed parity Yorkshire x Landrace sows (n = 48) mated to Duroc sires. The sows were exposed to moderate HS conditions from gestation d 100 to d 21 of lactation (weaning). To achieve moderate HS analogous to a summer day, farrowing room temperature was increased incrementally from 800 to 1100 h to 32º C and slowly decreased to 26 ºC from 1700 to 2000 h. Sows were limit-fed their specific diets during gestation (1.36 kg 2X/d) and fed for ad-libitum feed intake post farrowing. Treatments included HS+control corn-soy meal diet (CS), HS+M, ECP+CS, ECP+M (n = 12/treatment). Sow RR and RT were measured four times daily (0600, 1300, 1600, 1900 h) and sow feed intake during lactation was measured along with body weight (BW) change from farrowing to weaning. Birth litter size was determined, and growth of standardized litters (n = 13 piglets/sow) was measured. Milk was collected during active farrowing (d 0) and on d 3 and d 14 post-farrowing and analyzed for macronutrient content. The use of ECP decreased lactating sow RR (Lsmeans HS = 66.5 bpm, ECP = 28.2 bpm, P ≤ 0.0001), RT (Lsmeans HS = 39.2 ºC, ECP = 38.8 ºC, P = 0.003), and lactation BW loss (Lsmeans HS = -21.67, ECP = -5.1 kg P = 0.002). ECP by time-of-day interactions (P &amp;lt; 0.01) existed for RR and RT with ECP having a greater impact from 1300 to 1900 h than at 0600 h. ECP increased lactation feed intake (P &amp;lt; 0.02). An ECP by diet interaction (P = 0.0004) indicated ECP increased lactation feed intake for the sows fed the CS diet (6.48 kg/d vs 4.42 kg/d, P = 0.0004) but did not affect feed intake of sows fed the M diet. Treatment did not affect litter weaning weight (P = 0.14). M increased percent fat in milk (Lsmeans M = 12.28, CS = 11.06, P = 0.05) across all days of lactation. The reduction in sow RR and RT combined with increased feed intake and decreased loss of BW during lactation indicate that ECP improved sow wellbeing in the HS environment. Neither cooling nor M affected litter growth, despite increased fat content of milk of M supplemented sows and increased feed intake of ECP-CS sows.

PSI-10 Combination of probiotic Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans in sow diets improves litter quality and piglet performance

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary two-strain probiotic on sows, and the subsequent effects on litter quality and piglet performance. The total trial duration was 32 d and started 7 d before farrowing. A total of 160 sows (DanBred x Duroc) were assigned into two dietary treatment groups (80 sows each), considering their body weight, body condition score, and parity (Ø 2.4). Sows in the control group received a basal pelleted diet lacking probiotic supplementation, whereas sows in the probiotic group received an identical diet but supplemented 7 d pre-partum and 25 d post-partum with a two-strain probiotic (total inclusion rate: 1.5 x 109 CFU/kg of feed, 0.3 x 109 CFU/kg CFU/kg of B. coagulans DSM 32016 and 1.2 x 109 CFU/kg of B. licheniformis DSM 33806) produced by Biochem Zusatzstoffe Handels- und Produktionsgesellschaft mbH, Germany. Within 24 h after birth, the litters of all sows in the trial were standardized to 13 piglets by removing weak and low weight individuals (≤ 0.7 kg). Cross-fostering was restricted to the experimental group. Data were subjected to t-Test or non-parametric Mann-Whitney-U-test, P ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results indicate a significant reduction of dead-born piglets (P = 0.01), increase of daily litter weight gain (P = 0.002), improvement of piglet weaning weight (P = 0.01), and increase of the total number of weaned piglets (P=0.001) in the probiotic group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the individual daily weight gain (P = 0.003) and final weight of piglets at weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.001) were significantly improved by probiotic supplementation. The body weight loss of sows and feed intake were not statistically different (Table 1). In conclusion, the probiotic combination of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus coagulans fed to sows improved litter quality and piglet performance.

114 Effects of greater levels of soy protein and methionine on periparturient health of sows

Abstract Sow prolificacy in the U.S. continues to trend greater, as does sow mortality. Replacement of soy protein (SBM) in sow diets with corn and purified amino acids (AA), may impact the health of highly prolific sows. In 2015, Denmark increased recommendations for SID methionine (MET) to SID lysine (LYS), MET:LYS to 32%, NRC (2012) recommend 27%. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate SBM and MET at greater levels for their effects on markers of health in the peripartum and lactation periods. A total of 38 parity 1 to 3 females (PIC 1050) were utilized with a starting body weight (BW) of 223.4kg ± 13.0 SD. On d 85 of gestation, sows were allocated by BW and parity to one of four treatments: 1 - 30% SBM (30% of diet), 36% MET:LYS; 2 - 15% SBM, 36% MET:LYS; 3 - 30% SBM, 27% MET:LYS; 4 - 15% SBM, 27% MET:LYS. Sows were fed dietary treatments 28 d pre-farrow, according to BW, and ad libitum throughout lactation. Body condition by caliper (BCS), BW, and backfat (BF) were measured on d 0, 21, 2 d post-farrow, and weaning. Sows were assigned a farrowing ease score of 1 to 4 (1-easy to 4-difficult) based on duration, restless activity, savaging, and assistance required. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) were placed on a subset of sows (n = 12) on d 113 of gestation through 3 d post-farrow. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS with sow serving as the experimental unit. A planned t-test was performed on CGM glucose data. Two sows were removed during lactation. The combined effect of 30% SBM and 36% MET:LYS produced an average lactation BW loss of 0.3 kg, while the 15% SBM and 27% MET:LYS treatment, diets similar to NRC, lost an average of 18.1kg. Sows fed the 30% SBM diets had less lactation BW loss than 15% SBM (Table 1; P &amp;lt; 0.10). Sows fed 36% MET:LYS lost less BW than those fed 27% MET:LYS (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The 36% MET:LYS group also lost less backfat during lactation and had lower pre- and post-farrow body temperatures than 27% MET:LYS (P &amp;lt; 0.01 and P &amp;lt; 0.05, respectively). While no differences in blood glucose were observed, in sows with CGM, greater levels of SBM decreased interstitial glucose concentrations (P = 0.055). In conclusion, greater inclusion of SBM and increasing the MET:LYS ratio in sow diets may improve periparturient changes in body condition and health outcomes.

Female obesity: clinical and psychological assessment toward the best treatment.

Obesity is a heterogeneous condition which results from complex interactions among sex/gender, sociocultural, environmental, and biological factors. Obesity is more prevalent in women in most developed countries, and several clinical and psychological obesity complications show sex-specific patterns. Females differ regarding fat distribution, with males tending to store more visceral fat, which is highly correlated to increased cardiovascular risk. Although women are more likely to be diagnosed with obesity and appear more motivated to lose weight, as confirmed by their greater representation in clinical trials, males show better outcomes in terms of body weight and intra-abdominal fat loss and improvements in the metabolic risk profile. However, only a few relatively recent studies have investigated gender differences in obesity, and sex/gender is rarely considered in the assessment and management of the disease. This review summarizes the evidence of gender differences in obesity prevalence, contributing factors, clinical complications, and psychological challenges. In addition, we explored gender differences in response to obesity treatments in the specific context of new anti-obesity drugs.