Plasma Calcium Concentrations Research Articles

A Comparative Study of Seminal Plasma and Blood Serum Macro and Trace Elements in the the Breeding (October) and the Non-Breeding (April) Seasons in Merino Ram

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the concentrations of macro and trace elements in seminal plasma and blood serum in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons in Merino Ram. Nineteen Merino Rams, aged 18-24 months, were involved in the study. Blood (once) and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in the breeding (October) and the non-breeding (April) seasons. Blood serum, seminal plasma and diet Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Zinc, Selenium, Chrome, Manganese, Nickel, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were determined by ICP-AES. In blood serum, Sodium and Selenium concentrations were higher (p<0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the the breeding season than in non-breeding season, whereas Potassium, Chromium and Boron concentrations were lower (p<0.05, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. In seminal plasma Calcium, Sodium, Zinc and Manganese concentrations were higher (p<0.05, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, whereas Phosphorus, Chrome, Molybdenum and Boron concentrations were lower (p<0.001, 0.001, 0.05 and 0.001, respectively) in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season. No difference was detected regarding the other elements. The higher levels of Cr and B in the non-breeding season compared to the breeding season both in serum and seminal plasma, regardless of diet intake, suggest that these elements may play a crutial role on male fertility in Merino Ram.

Blood Biochemical, Hormonal and Mineral Status of Cyclic, Acyclic, Endometriotic and Pregnant Crossbred Cows

A study was carried out on infertile (acyclic and endometriotic) crossbred cows under field and normal cyclic (all 4 phases of cycle) as well as pregnant (3, 6, 9 month) crossbred cows of University farm to evaluate the plasma progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) hormones by RIA, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus concentrations by using assay kits on chemistry analyzer. The mean progesterone levels in cows during the diestrus phase and in pregnancy were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than those during proestrus, estrus, metestrus, anestrus, and endometritis status. At six month of gestation, the mean P4 level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than at early or late gestation. The mean E2 values at estrus and 9th month of gestation were highest (p less than 0.01) as compared to another status. The mean plasma total protein and cholesterol levels were significantly (p less than 0.05) lower during six and nine months of pregnancy than during cyclic and acyclic stages. The cholesterol profile of all three stages of pregnancy and endometriotic cows were statistically similar, though distinctly low at 9 month of pregnancy. Plasma levels of P4 and E2 thus correlated with the physiological and clinical status of cows, while cholesterol levels reflected steroidogenic status. The mean plasma calcium and inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cyclic, acyclic, pregnant and endometriotic cows, however, did not differ significantly.

OR30-5 Germline Ablation of G-Protein Subunit Alpha-11 in Mice Causes Hypercalcemia That Is Rectified by Treatment with Cinacalcet

G-protein subunit α-11 (Gα11) is a signalling partner of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which is a G-protein coupled receptor that plays a major role in calcium homeostasis by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, urinary calcium excretion and skeletal development. Although loss-of-function point mutations of the GNA11 gene, which encodes Gα11, have been shown to increase plasma calcium concentrations and cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 2 (FHH2), the overall contribution of Gα11 to the parathyroid, bone and renal regulation of calcium homeostasis remains to be established. The aim of this study was to characterise the impact of selective germline ablation of Gα11 on plasma concentrations of albumin-adjusted calcium (adj-calcium) and PTH, 24-hour urinary calcium excretion, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adult male and female heterozygous and homozygous Gna11 null C57BL/6N mice (n=13-16 mice per genotype), which had been previously generated by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC). These mice were also treated with cinacalcet to assess whether this CaSR positive allosteric modulator can rectify any alterations in calcium homeostasis. All studies were conducted in accordance with institutional welfare guidelines. Male and female heterozygous Gna11 null (Gna11+/-) mice were viable and significantly hypercalcemic (plasma adj-calcium = 2.47±0.02 mM) compared to wild-type (WT) mice (plasma adj-calcium = 2.33±0.01 mM, p<0.0001). Gna11+/- mice showed no alterations in plasma PTH or 24-hour urinary calcium. In contrast, homozygous Gna11 null (Gna11-/-) mice showed reduced viability and the proportion of viable Gna11-/- mice was >25% less than would be expected from a Mendelian pattern of inheritance (p=0.01, Chi-squared analysis). Moreover, male and female Gna11-/- mice had significantly reduced body weight and were significantly more hypercalcemic (plasma adj-calcium = 2.70±0.02 mM) than Gna11+/- or WT mice (p<0.0001). Female Gna11-/- mice also showed significant increases in plasma PTH and 24-hour urinary calcium compared to female Gna11+/- and WT mice. However, no alterations in BMD were observed in male and female Gna11+/- or Gna11-/- mice. Administration of a single oral 30mg/kg cinacalcet dose significantly reduced plasma adj-calcium and PTH in Gna11+/- and Gna11-/- mice, and normalised plasma adj-calcium concentrations in Gna11-/- mice at 1-hour post-dose. Thus, these findings demonstrate that Gα11 plays a major role in regulating plasma calcium concentrations, but does not influence BMD, nor represent a key mediator of urinary calcium excretion. Furthermore, cinacalcet rectifies the hypercalcemia of Gna11 null mice, thus indicating that this CaSR-targeted compound may modulate parathyroid gland function in a Gα11-independent manner.

The association between iron, calcium, and oxidative stress in seminal plasma and sperm quality.

The present study aimed to determine the level of iron and calcium in the seminal plasma of men with different fertility potentials and to examine its relationship with oxidative stress. Seventy-nine sub-fertile patients with asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), n 27; teratoleucozoospermia (TL), n 20; teratozoospermia (Terato), n 32; and 29 healthy donors were included. The ability of spermatozoa to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) staining. The lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the trace element levels (iron and calcium) were measured spectrophotometrically. Iron and calcium concentrations in seminal plasma of the patient groups were significantly more elevated than the normal group. Nevertheless, both calcium and iron showed strong negative correlations with the total sperm motility and normal sperm morphology, but only iron was positively and significantly associated with multiple anomalies index and seminal leucocyte concentration. On the other hand, the rates of MDA and ROS production in semen were significantly higher in the three abnormal groups than in controls. These two oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly associated with the percentage of atypical forms in semen. However, only semen ROS level was significantly associated with the decreased sperm motility and the sperm leucocytes concentration. Meanwhile, there are positive correlations between seminal iron and calcium content and the studied oxidative stress biomarkers. Oxidative stress and trace element excess are implicated in low sperm quality. Iron and calcium might be the mediators of the effects of oxidative damage and induces lipid peroxidation.

Proteinuria in relation to age-dependent changes in the plasma and urine concentrations of some electrolytes and hematological indices in Wistar rats

The study was carried out to determine the influence of proteinuria on plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes and hematological indices in Wistar rats of different age groups.Eighty Wistar rats of both sexes were used for this study. Groups 1 and 2 each consisted of 8 one month old male and female rats; 3 and 4 had 8 three month old rats; 5 and 6 had 8 six month old rats; 7 and 8 had 8 nine month old rats; 9 and 10 had 8 twelve month old rats.The plasma sodium, potassium and calcium concentrations of 3 month old rats were significantly lower when compared with 1, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Similarly, rats aged 3 months had significantly lower urine concentrations of sodium, potassium and calcium than rats of other age groups. A strong correlation was observed between the urine protein and urine sodium of the female rats at ages 3, 9 and 12 months but it was only significant at age 12 months (p = 0.105 and p = 0.021, respectively). Also, the female rats aged 3 and 12 months had a strong correlation between their urine protein and urine calcium (p = 0.002 and p = 0.131, respectively).The red blood cells, lymphocyte and monocyte counts of the rats increased gradually and peaked at age 9 months with a subsequent decline at 12 months of age.It was concluded that the influence of proteinuria on electrolytes was least observed in the rats aged 3 months, since they had reduced and consistent plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes measured when compared with other age groups. This implies that long-term renal studies involving the use of rats must be carefully interpreted because of the changes in plasma and urine concentrations of electrolytes as the rats age.

Effects of the SGLT-2 Inhibitor Canagliflozin on Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats.

SGLT-2 inhibitors have been shown to be nephroprotective in diabetes. Here, we examined if one of these drugs (canagliflozin) could also ameliorate non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD was induced in rats by feeding them adenine (0.25%w/w for 35 days) and canagliflozin (10 or 25 mg/kg, by gavage) was given with or without adenine. Several conventional and novel plasma and urine biomarkers and tissues morphology were used to investigate the canagliflozin effect on kidney structure and function. Rats fed adenine showed the typical features of CKD that included elevation of blood pressure, decreased food intake and growth, increased water intake and urine output, decrease in creatinine clearance, and increase in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, liver-type fatty acid binding protein, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, calcium, indoxyl sulfate and phosphorus concentrations. Adenine also increased concentrations of several biomarkers of inflammation such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, clusterin, cystatin C and interleukin-1β, and decreased some oxidative biomarkers in kidney homogenate, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, total antioxidant activity, and also urinary 8-isoprostane and urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine. Adenine significantly increased the renal protein content of Nrf2, caused renal tubular necrosis and fibrosis. Given alone, canagliflozin at the two doses used did not significantly alter any of the parameters mentioned above. When canagliflozin was given concomitantly with adenine, it significantly and dose - dependently ameliorated all the measured adenine - induced actions. Canagliflozin ameliorated adenine - induced CKD in rats, through reduction of several inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and other indices such as uremic toxins, and by antagonizing the increase in the renal content of the transcription factor Nrf2. The drug caused no overt or significant untoward effects, and its trial in patients with CKD may be warranted.

Calcium particle size and feeding time influence egg shell quality in laying hens

An experiment with Leghorn laying hens was undertaken to determine the effect of oyster shell particle size and feeding time on different production variables, calcium retention, plasma calcium content and egg internal and external quality. Two hundred Leghorn layers (40 weeks old old) were allocated in five dietary treatments with four replicates during ten weeks. Two particle size combinations (wherein 50% of calcium substituted by medium or coarse particles (1-2 mmand 2-4 mmrespectively) and two feeding time (8-pm or 9-am) were compared against a control diet (100% ground, 0.05). Hens fed diets containing coarse Ca had significantly greater feed intake and calcium content of excreta (p > 0.05), whereas medium particle size reduced feed intake compared to control. Coarse particle size and feeding time at 9-pm significantly increased the calcium content of egg shell, egg shell thickness, egg surface area (ESA) and shell weight per unit surface area (SWUSA) (p 0.05). Providing of calcium at 9-pm resulted an increase of egg shell (%), shell weight and thickness (p < 0.05). The results have shown that substitution of fine oyster shell with 50% coarse particles (2-4 mm) and feeding time at 9-pm have better effects on egg shell quality.

Hungry bone syndrome: biochemical and clinical risk factors

Primary hyperparathyroidismremains the first cause of hypercalcaemia. Parathyroid surgery is the most efficient treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism, however surgery entails risk of development of a Hungry Bone Syndrome (HBS) – rapid, profound, and prolonged hypocalcaemia. The risk factors of HBS are significantly elevated calcium and PTH concentration in plasma, large tumor mass, previously diagnosed osteoporosis and age over 61 years old before surgery. Pre-surgery supplementation of vitamin D3 and long-term therapy with bisphosphonate allows for more efficient control of hypocalcemia and bone metabolism after surgery.

Determination of Calcium in Blood

Human blood is tested in clinical diagnostic laboratories for numerous indicators. One of these indicators is the concentration of calcium. This review presents a chronological development of procedures for determining the concentration of calcium in plasma, serum, and whole blood, which are based on various analytical methods such as titrimetry, manometry, X-ray fluorescence, flame photometry, spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, potentiometry, flame atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. A brief overview of these methods and the results of comparative tests are given. Currently, potentiometric procedures for determining the concentration of calcium in plasma, serum, and whole blood are the most widespread in small, medium, and large clinical diagnostic laboratories. Flame photometric procedures often act as expert methods. Mass spectrometric procedures are used to validate reference sample solutions, while inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric procedures and chromatographic procedures are used in research organizations.

Nutritional Infertility and Ameliorative Measures in Dairy Animals of Middle Gujarat

Fertility improvement camps were organized in different villages of middle Gujarat covering 1481 breedable cattle and buffaloes with the history of impaired fertility. The reproductive status of animals was ascertained through gynaeco-clinical examination per rectum. Blood sampling (n=305) was done from representative groups of animals to know the nutritional status. All non-infectious infertile animals were dewormed using either Inj. Ivermectin 100 mg s/c or bolus Fenbendazole + Ivermectin 3.0 g orally. Anestrus animals (n=265) were then nutritionally supplemented either with chelated area specific mineral mixture (ASMM, 50-60 g/d/h) or multi-minerals boli - one on alternate day, with and without bypass fat (75-80 g/d/h) for one month along with an advice to improve feeding level, estrus detection and timely breeding. Revisits were made after 2.5-3.0 months to check the reproductive status. The mean blood glucose concentrations were significantly lower (p less than 0.05), while total cholesterol and zinc levels were higher (p less than 0.05) in anestrus than in subestrus and/or repeat breeding cows and buffaloes. Moreover, the plasma total cholesterol levels in buffaloes were just one half to those of cows. Further, the plasma total protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper and cobalt concentrations were found to be nonsignificantly higher in repeat breeders than in anestrus or subestrus cows and buffaloes. Calcium was deficient in some 20% animals and calcium: phosphorus ratio varied from 1:1 to 1.8:1 in animals under different areas of study indicating its role in causing infertility in dairy animals. Supplementation of ASMM, multi-mineral boli alone or in combination with bypass fat in pubertal /postpartum anestrus animals resulted in 34-56% estrus induction response and 33-50% conception rate, both being better with mineral plus bypass fat supplementation than minerals alone.

Hematology and plasma chemistry reference intervals for wild population of Alburnus chalcoides (Guldenstadt, 1772): Influence of sex, habitat and seasonal variation

The study was aimed to establish reference interval for some blood biochemical (sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) and hematological (total count of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils) indices in both sexes of Alburnus chalcoides in response to its habitats with different physiochemical conditions and to seasonal variation. Fish samples were collected from its seasonal habitats, including river, estuary, and Caspian Sea. The mean concentration of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in plasma of fish were 134.69±13.61 (mmol/l), 3.26±0.83 (mmol/l), 11.65±1.82 (mg/dl) and 2.13±1.12 (mmol/l), respectively. These electrolytes demonstrated significant differences between the male and female as well as between the fish collected from different habitats. Total WBCs count was 6045.35±960.25 (per mm 3 ) and the mean percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were 26.55±3.37%, 67.74±3.72%, 3.04±0.70% and 0.98±0.04%, respectively. WBCs generally showed considerable differences between male and female. Furthermore, a higher percentage of monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were observed in the fish collected from river and estuary during spring and summer. The study demonstrated that differences in sex, habitat and seasonal variation cause variation in hematology and plasma chemistry reference intervals for wild population of A. chalcoides when migrating between its natural habitats.

Effects of gelatin prepared from calf bones rich in phosphorus on broiler performance, bone characteristics and digestive enzymes activity

ABSTRACT1. Gelatin prepared from calf bones (GCB) is a novel source of high-quality protein and phosphorus. Its inclusion in broiler chicken diets may improve bone strength, plasma and digestive alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), phosphorus digestibility and performance of broilers. Therefore, di-calcium phosphate in a corn-soy control diet was replaced with 12, 24, and 36 g/kg of GCB in a completely randomised design with four treatments of six replicates and 10 chicks in each pen. The trial lasted from 1 to 42 d of age.2. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly. Plasma calcium and phosphorus concentration along with plasma and digestive ALP were assayed throughout the trial. Trypsin, α-amylase, lipase and total protease activity were assayed at 14 and 28 d of age. Tibia ash, calcium and phosphorus content and breaking strength were measured at 14, 28 and 42 d of age. Phosphorus digestibility was measured at 36 d of age.3. Body weight and feed intake showed no significant differences between controls and diets containing 12 and 36 g/kg GCB. Tibia ash and tibia length were increased by supplementation of GCB (P ≤ 0.001). Tibia calcium and phosphorus content were increased by GCB inclusion at 14 d of age (P ≤ 0.001). Digestive alkaline phosphatase activity was increased and trypsin activity was reduced by inclusion of GCB (P ≤ 0.001; P ≤ 0.004). α-amylase activity decreased by inclusion of 12 and 24 g/kg GCB, whereas an increase in α-amylase activity was observed by inclusion of 36 g/kg GCB (P ≤ 0.001). Supplementation of diets with GCB increased phosphorus digestibility (P ≤ 0.01) and suppressed ileum growth during the experimental period.4. Results of the current study showed that phosphorus from gelatin can greatly improve broiler bone characteristics and phosphorus digestibility and complete elimination of inorganic phosphate sources from broiler diets is feasible with inclusion of 36 g/kg high phosphorus gelatin.

Epidemiology of subclinical hypocalcemia in early-lactation Holstein dairy cows: The temporal associations of plasma calcium concentration in the first 4 days in milk with disease and milk production

The objectives of this study were to characterize the epidemiology of subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) in Holstein dairy cows by assessing the temporal associations of plasma Ca concentrations in the first 4 d in milk (DIM) with the risk of cows being diagnosed with metritis or displaced abomasum (or both), and milk production across the first 15 wk of lactation. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 dairy herds in New York State, in which cows had a blood sample collected daily for the first 4 DIM. A total of 396 Holstein cows (137 primiparous and 259 multiparous) were enrolled. Multivariable Poisson regression models were built to evaluate the associations of plasma Ca concentration at each of the 4 d following parturition with the risk of primiparous cows being diagnosed with metritis and multiparous cows being diagnosed with metritis, displaced abomasum, or both. Similarly, generalized linear mixed models were built to evaluate the associations of plasma Ca concentration with milk production across the first 15 wk of lactation. Plasma Ca concentration was assessed on a continuous scale in all models; dichotomization and SCH classification only occurred in the final models if the Ca concentration variable was meaningful by creating an optimized threshold based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Plasma Ca concentration assessed at 1 DIM was not associated with the risk of metritis in primiparous cows, but an association was observed at 2, 3, and 4 DIM (critical thresholds were plasma Ca concentration ≤2.15, 2.10, and 2.15 mmol/L, respectively). Plasma Ca concentration was associated with the risk of metritis or displaced abomasum diagnosis (or both) for 2nd parity animals at 2 DIM (threshold ≤1.97 mmol/L), and at 4 DIM for 3rd and greater lactations (threshold ≤2.20 mmol/L). Reduced plasma Ca concentration was associated with higher milk production when assessed at 1 DIM in primiparous and multiparous cows, and lower milk production when assessed at 4 DIM in multiparous cows only. For primiparous cows, plasma Ca concentration was not associated with lower milk production at any of the DIM assessed. In conclusion, assessments of SCH at the individual cow level must take into account the DIM of Ca concentration measurement and parity of the cow, as the epidemiology of the disorder was demonstrated to be highly dependent on these variables. This study advances the knowledge of the epidemiology of SCH and better establishes thresholds for optimizing SCH diagnosis.

Some physiological and chemical properties of horse and cow blood samples under effect of some different types of anticoagulants

The purpose of the present study is to determine and compare the anticoagulants, Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, Sodium oxalate, Sodium citrate and heparin in blood samples of horse and bull, through estimation of (Hemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume and Plasma Platelets Count) and plasma physical properties (clarity and volume) and some chemical properties (pH and calcium ion concentration). Five Blood samples were obtained from five stallions and five bulls (20 ml/sample) and were divided as 5 ml in four test tubes containing Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, sodium oxalate, sodium citrate and heparin at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Diyala. Hemoglobin and packed cell volume were estimated immediately and then the blood samples were centrifuged for 15 min. at 3000 rpm to obtain plasma for evaluating the physical and chemical properties specified above. The horse blood samples pertaining data had no significant elevation in hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume in Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid group as compared to other groups, beside having no significant changes in pH between the four treated groups while there was a significant increase in plasma volume of oxalate and citrate as compared to Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid and heparin, and there was a significant increase in plasma platelet count of Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid group as compared to heparin. As well there was a significant decrease of calcium ion concentration in Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid, oxalate and citrate as compared to heparin, while the results of bull blood samples revealed that the hemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume were significantly higher in heparin group than in the oxalate and citrate groups with non significant differences with Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid group. The plasma obtained from different types of anticoagulants appeared with a high degree of clarity, and the volume of plasma had no significant increase in oxalate and citrate group as compared to other groups. The Plasma Platelet Count and calcium concentration significantly increased in heparin group as compared to other groups. In conclusion, the Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid was more reliable for horse blood samples while the anticoagulant heparin was more reliable anticoagulant for bull blood samples.

Effects of drinking water defluoridation on mineral and haemato-biochemical status in fluorotic buffaloes

Effects of drinking water defluoridation with alum (1.5 g/liter) and lime (200 mg/liter) were assessed on mineral, biochemical status and health of fluorotic buffaloes in fluoride endemic South-West Punjab, India. The fluorotic buffaloes (n=16; plasma fluoride: 0.44-0.97 ppm, urinary fluoride: 18.90-39.30 ppm) were randomly divided into two equal groups (Treatment: TRT; Control: CRL). The TRT was offered defluoridated water while CRL was offered non-treated water, adlib for drinking for 135 days. Other feeding and management practices were similar for both the groups. Plasma and urine samples were collected on day 0, 45, 90 and 135 and health of the buffaloes were monitored. The drinking water defluoridation resulted in significant (p Lass Than 0.01) decline in water fluoride contents from 10.64±0.09 to 1.24±0.03 ppm. There was significant (p Lass Than 0.01) decline in plasma and urinary fluoride concentrations and significant (p Lass Than 0.01) increase in plasma calcium, copper and zinc concentrations in the TRT group. There was no effect of water defluoridation on plasma inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, Hb and TEC, however PCV increased and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased significantly (p Lass Than 0.01) in TRT group. Two buffaloes from CRL showed stiffness on day 64 and 81, respectively, while all the buffaloes from the TRT group remained healthy during the study period. It is concluded that defluoridation of drinking water with alum and lime was effective in reducing water fluoride contents to permissible levels and it improved mineral, biochemical status and health of fluorotic buffaloes.

Pro-FHH: A Risk Equation to Facilitate the Diagnosis of Parathyroid-Related Hypercalcemia

Parathyroid-related hypercalcemia is due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH). PHPT can lead to complications that necessitate parathyroidectomy. FHH is a rare genetic disease resembling PHPT; surgery is ineffective. A reliable method for distinguishing FHH from PHPT is needed. To develop an easy-to-use tool to predict if a patient has PHPT. Retrospective analysis of two prospective cohorts. Development of an unsupervised risk equation (Pro-FHH). University hospitals in Paris, France, and Aarhus, Denmark. Patients (Paris: 65 with FHH, 85 with PHPT; Aarhus: 38 with FHH, 55 with PHPT) were adults with hypercalcemia and PTH concentration within normal range. Performance of Pro-FHH to predict PHPT. Pro-FHH takes into account plasma calcium, PTH, and serum osteocalcin concentrations, and calcium-to-creatinine clearance ratio calculated from 24-hour urine collection (24h-CCCR). In the Paris cohort, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of Pro-FHH was 0.961, higher than that of 24h-CCCR. With a cutoff value of 0.928, Pro-FHH had 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value for the diagnosis of PHPT; it correctly categorized 51 of 85 patients with PHPT; the remaining 34 were recommended to undergo genetic testing. No patients with FHH were wrongly categorized. In an independent cohort from Aarhus, AUROC of Pro-FHH was 0.951, higher than that of 24h-CCCR. Pro-FHH effectively predicted whether a patient has PHPT. A prospective trial is necessary to assess its usefulness in a larger population and in patients with elevated PTH concentration.

Effect of daily milk production levels on plasma calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine the serum level of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) and hence determine the relationship and the effect of daily milk production on the mentioned essential macro elements. The metabolism and neurohumoral regulation of Ca, P and Mg are closely related, and the metabolic disorder of one of these electrolytes inevitably affects the metabolism of the other two. The study was carried out in the winter period of animal keeping and nutrition, and it included 63 Holstein-Friesian breed cows in the northern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, aged 2-9 years in different lactation stages (1-8). The largest number of cows, eighteen of them, were in the second, third and fourth lactation stage, while nine cows were in the first lactation stage. This study was conducted on three different groups of cows corresponding to the amount of daily milk production. First was the group of lower daily milk production n=21, the second group of examined cows was the group of medium daily milk production n=23 and third was the group of higher daily milk production n=19. Ca, P and Mg were determined in blood plasma using the Beckmann spectrophotometer. By examining the obtained results and the dynamics of the tested mineral substances, we point out the different behaviour of the Ca-P relationship in correlation with the different level of daily milk produced. Although the average values ​​of both minerals are lowered with an increase in daily milk production, the analysis of single linear regression shows that there is a negative correlation between P concentration in blood plasma and the amount of daily milk produced, while for Ca it has not been established. Although the concentration of Mg in the blood plasma increases as the daily milk production increases, the analysis of single linear regression does not show a significant interconnection of these two values. Lower average values of Ca and P concentrations in the blood of cows with higher daily milk production may be associated with increased total excretion of these minerals through milk, unlike the cows which daily produced lower amounts of milk.

α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone promotes bone resorption resulting from increased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in goldfish

We examined the effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on bone metabolism using regenerating goldfish scales. Normally developed scales on the bodies of goldfish were removed to allow the regeneration of scales under anesthesia. Thereafter, the influence of α-MSH on the regeneration of goldfish scales was investigated in vivo. In brief, α-MSH was injected at a low dose (0.1 μg/g body weight) or a high dose (1 μg/g body weight) into goldfish every other day. Ten days after removing the scales, we collected regenerating scales and analyzed osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities as respective marker enzyme (alkaline phosphatase for osteoblasts, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase for osteoclasts) activity in the regenerating scales as well as plasma calcium levels. At both doses, osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the regenerating scales increased significantly. Plasma calcium concentrations in the α-MSH-treated group (high doses) were significantly higher than those in the control group. Next, in vitro experiments were performed to confirm the results of in vivo experiments. In the cultured regenerating scales, osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities significantly increased with α-MSH (10−7 and 10−6 M) treatment. In addition, real-time PCR analysis indicated that osteoclastogenesis in α-MSH-treated scales was induced by the receptor activator of the NF-κB/receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin pathway. Furthermore, we found that α-MSH receptors (melanocortin receptors 4 and 5) were detected in the regenerating scales. Thus, in teleosts, we are the first to demonstrate that α-MSH functions in bone metabolism and promotes bone resorption via melatonin receptors 4 and/or 5.

Calcium metabolism-related hormonal changes in layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum

The present study was conducted to investigate the calcium metabolism-related hormonal changes in layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. A total of 20 18-week-old ISA brown layers were purchased from a commercial poultry farm in Kujama farm, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The birds were allowed to acclimatize for a period of 4 weeks prior to commencement of the experiment. On the day of infection with Salmonella Gallinarum, the birds were randomly divided into two groups, infected and control, of 10 birds each. To establish the infection, each bird in the infected group was orally administered 0.5 ml of the inoculum containing 9 × 108 CFU/ml. Similarly, birds in the control group were each administered 0.5 ml normal saline only. Following the inoculation, all experimental birds were closely monitored for clinical signs of fowl typhoid. Blood samples were collected from each group and was dispensed into heparinized bottles for plasma separation at day zero (day 0), 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 post-infection (pi) and was used for determination of hormones and electrolyte parameters. By day 7 post-infection, all birds in the infected group showed clinical signs typical of fowl typhoid, namely weakness, ruffled feathers, huddling together, somnolence, greenish-yellow diarrhea, weight loss, drop in egg production, decrease in feed and water consumption, and mortality rate (50%). There were, however, significant decrease in plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations and significant increase in plasma estrogen and parathyroid hormone concentration in the Salmonella Gallinarum-infected layers. In conclusion, the decrease in plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations observed in the Salmonella Gallinarum experimentally infected layers was a consequence of hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal lesions and not due to endocrine dysfunction as plasma levels of the hormones did not suggest so.

Differential effects of a single dose of oral calcium based on postpartum plasma calcium concentration in Holstein cows

Our objectives were to determine (1) the effect of a single dose of an oral Ca bolus within 24 h after parturition on plasma Ca concentration, (2) the response of primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows to this supplementation strategy, and (3) differential responses based on plasma Ca at enrollment. For objective 1, cows from 1 commercial dairy in New York State were enrolled within 19 h after parturition (mean ± standard deviation = 8.3 ± 5.3 h) and randomized within parity group (first, second, and ≥third) to control [CON (n = 25); no placebo] or a single dose bolus treatment [BOL (n = 25); 3 oral Ca boluses supplying 54 to 64 g of Ca]. Plasma Ca was measured repeatedly between 1 and 24 h following treatment. For objectives 2 and 3, cows on 6 commercial farms in New York State were assigned to treatment as for objective 1 (CON, n = 1,973; BOL, n = 1,976). Herd records for health, reproduction, and Dairy Herd Improvement Association test day milk production were collected. Mixed effect multivariable models were developed using repeated measures ANOVA, Poisson regression, or proportional hazard models. Objective 2 analyses considered treatment with periparturient risk factors, whereas objective 3 analyses also considered Ca status. No difference was observed for plasma Ca between 1 and 24 h after treatment. Primiparous cows assigned to BOL calving at >712 d old had decreased risk of one or more health disorders [≤30 d in milk; risk ratio (RR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51 to 0.84] and those with body condition score >3.5 responded to BOL with increased milk production (CON = 31.7 ± 1.1, BOL = 35.1 ± 1.1 kg/d), as did those with days carried calf >277 (CON = 31.9 ± 1.0, BOL = 34.7 ± 1.0 kg/d). Reduced risk of one or more health disorders was observed in parity ≥3 (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.89) and MP cows with body condition score >3.5 (retained placenta; RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.58 to 0.84) or that were lame (displaced abomasum; RR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.75). Differential responses for PP cows by Ca status were minimal. For MP cows with low plasma Ca, BOL decreased risk of additional Ca treatment (≤1.8 mmol/L; RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.80) as well as risk of one or more health disorders (≤2.15 mmol/L; RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.85 to 0.95). Supplementation with a single oral dose of Ca could be targeted to periparturient risk groups for improved health. Calcium status did not differentiate responses of PP cows, but MP cows with low Ca at parturition had improved health status when supplemented.