CON Group Research Articles

Effect of a single dose of letrozole on ejaculation time, semen quality, and testicular hemodynamics in goat bucks subjected to heat stress.

Letrozole (LTZ) is an aromatase inhibitor that limits estrogen (E2) production and increases testosterone (T) levels. This research aimed to examine the impact of a single dose of LTZ on testicular hemodynamics, ejaculation time, and semen quality in goats under heat stress (HS). Therefore, Doppler examination and semen evaluation were performed on twelve mature bucks for two weeks (W-1, W-2) as pre-heat stress control during winter. Then during summer HS bucks were subjected to Doppler examination, semen evaluation, and hormonal analysis (T, E2, and LH) at 0h. Afterward, bucks were assigned into two groups and subcutaneously injected with physiological saline (n = 6; CON) or LTZ (0.25mg/kg BW; n = 6; LTZ). Both groups were subjected to Doppler scanning and hormonal analysis at 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96,144, and 168h. Semen evaluation was performed at 48 and 168h. The LTZ group showed increasing (P < 0.05) in semen volume, sperm motility, and viability and decreasing (P < 0.05) in ejaculation time and sperm abnormalities compared to CON group at 48h. Additionally, T concentrations increased (P < 0.01) at 2, 24, and 48h, E2 decreased (P < 0.01) from 2 to 48h, and LH raised (P < 0.01) at 2 and 72h in LTZ group compared to CON one. Doppler indices reduced (P < 0.05) at 96h in LTZ group. semen pH and scrotal circumference were not affected by LTZ. In conclusion, LTZ administration shortened ejaculation time and enhanced semen quality in bucks during HS.

Dietary thiamine supplementation modulates ruminal microbiota and partly restores lactation performance in lactating Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary thiamine supplementation on milk production, rumen microbiota profile and inflammatory response of Hu ewes under heat-stress conditions. Twenty-seven multiparous pregnant and lactating Hu ewes of 71.6 ± 1.4 kg body weight, 11 ± 0.5 months gestation age, 31 ± 1 days in milk, 1.68 ± 0.15 L/d milk yield, and 2.14 ± 0.12 kg of daily dry matter intake (DMI), were used in the study. Following an acclimation period of 7 days, ewes were divided into 3 blocks of 9 each (one Hu ewe per pen), in a complete randomized design and assigned to one of three environmental temperature conditions for 15 days: thermoneutrality without supplementation (CON), heat-stressed without supplementation (HS) or heat-stressed with dietary thiamine supplementation (200 mg/kg of DMI; HST). The results indicated that the HS group experienced notable declines in milk protein, fat, and lactose content from day 10–15 (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. In contrast, thiamine supplementation significantly elevated milk protein content from day 13–15 and raised milk fat and lactose content on days 14 and 15 (P < 0.05) compared to the HS group, thereby enhancing milk quality to a certain extent. Additionally, thiamine supplementation (HST group) significantly increased the circulating thiamine and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations accompanied by a significant decline in LPS-binding protein, interleukin-1 (IL-1), and serum amyloid A protein (SAA) levels compared to the HS group (P < 0.05). Rumen microbial composition analysis revealed that thiamine supplementation increased the abundance of Pyramidobacter, Butyrivibrio, Bacteroides, and Saccharofermentans. In conclusion, heat exposure during lactation in Hu ewes lowered milk production and quality, affecting rumen microbes. Dietary thiamine supplementation could improve rumen fermentation, mitigate heat stress-induced inflammation, and restore milk production in Hu ewes under heat stress conditions.

Effects of artificial diets on lipid and glucose metabolism, antioxidative capacity, and inflammation in the liver of mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi)

The mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) is a typical carnivorous fish, which has been able to consume artificial diets after domestication in recent years. However, the potential health consequences of artificial diets in mandarin fish remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these concerns. Fish (initial weight: 25.1 ± 0.1 g) were fed with natural (CON group) or artificial diets (AF group) for 8 weeks. Each diet was randomly distributed to sextuplicate circular tanks (300 L) with 40 fish in each tank. The transcriptome analysis revealed significant changes in metabolism-related pathways, particularly those involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Further investigation confirmed that the artificial diets significantly increased hepatic triglyceride content and fatty acid synthase activity. The artificial diets also significantly increased hepatic glycogen and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Furthermore, the artificial diets significantly increased hepatic malondialdehyde levels, indicating increased oxidative stress. Antioxidant defense enzyme activities and the expression of antioxidant stress-related genes were significantly decreased. Additionally, the artificial diets significantly increased the expression of proinflammatory genes, including interleukin 1 beta and interferon-gamma. These findings collectively demonstrated that the artificial diets disrupted hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation, thus affecting the health status of mandarin fish.

Dietary supplementation with sodium propionate and tributyrin alleviated hepatic lipid deposition and improved the antioxidant capacity and hypoxic stress resistance of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with sodium propionate (SP) and tributyrin (TB) on hepatic lipid deposition and antioxidant capacity of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) via an 8-week feeding experiment and a hypoxia stress experiment. The fish were fed five experimental diets: a control diet (CON), a diet supplemented with 2 g/kg SP (SP-0.2%), 4 g/kg SP (SP-0.4%), 2 g/kg TB (TB-0.2%), or 4 g/kg TB (TB-0.4%). No significant difference in growth performance was presented among the groups (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% groups presented significantly lower hepatosomatic and viscerasomatic indexes compared with the CON group. Then, the SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% groups presented stronger resistance to hypoxic stress than the other groups and were analyzed further. The hepatic histology and triglyceride levels revealed that SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% reduced hepatic lipid deposition. Similarly, the downregulation of malondialdehyde and the upregulation of total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities and the related gene expression levels revealed that SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% improved the antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the RNA sequencing demonstrated that SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% regulated gene expression to a similar extent. Among the 117 differentially expressed genes, 67 genes were enriched in the same pattern, and involved the FoxO signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, and insulin-related pathways. In conclusion, supplementing SP-0.4% and TB-0.2% as feed additives effectively improved hepatic lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and hypoxic stress resistance of spotted seabass.

7839 Assess Management of Adrenal Insufficiency in Melanoma Patients Treated with Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract Disclosure: W. Lin: None. L. Min: None. Despite high prevalent of adrenal insufficiency in melanoma patients treated with cancer immunotherapy, no study has examined the management of adrenal insufficiency in these patients. We performed this retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at Mass General Brigham, Boston, aims to characterize the management of adrenal insufficiency in melanoma patients. Patients were identified through our RPDR search tool, and medical record reviews were conducted. Three patient groups were analyzed: Melanoma with secondary adrenal insufficiency group (Mel_SAI, n=74), Melanoma matched control group (Mel_Con, n=69), and Pituitary macroadenoma-related adrenal insufficiency matched control group (Pit_Con, n=37). We compared self-perceived quality of life, glucocorticoid replacement dose, and clinic visit. Mel_SAI patients exhibited significantly higher incidences of anxiety (43.1%, 95%CI: 32.3-54.6), fatigue (73.6%, 95%CI: 62.4-82.4), pain (58.3%, 95%CI: 46.8-69.0), and insomnia (36.1%, 95%CI: 26.0-47.6), as compared to Pit_Con group (21.6%, 11.4-37.2; 24.3, 13.4-40.1; 29.7%, 17.5-45.8; 5.4%, 1.5-17.7, respectively). The initial hydrocortisone dose was higher for Mel_SAI (30mg qd, 95%CI: 20.5-25.1) compared to Pit_Con (15mg qd, 95%CI: 12.8-18.3). Additionally, the Mel_SAI group had fewer endocrinology clinic visits (3, 95%CI: 3.40-5.04) than the Pit_Con group (9, 95%CI: 7.35-10.9). Subgroup analysis indicated a higher mortality risk (HR 2.61, 95% CI 1.11-6.13) in Mel_SAI patients with fewer than three endocrinology visits over five years. Compared to the Mel_Con group, Mel_SAI patients also showed higher incidences of fatigue (71.6%, 95%CI: 60.5-80.6; Mel_Con: 55.1%, 95%CI: 43.4%-66.2%), but lower rates of depression (25.7%, 95%CI: 17.1-36.7; Mel_Con: 43.5%, 95%CI: 32.4-55.2) and appetite loss (24.3%, 95%CI: 16.0-35.2; Mel_Con: 47.8%, 95%CI: 36.4-59.4). No significant difference in other self-perspective symptoms. Furthermore, Mel-SAI patients had more oncological clinic visits (71, 95%CI: 74.0-109.2) than those in the Mel_Con group (41, 95%CI: 42.1-64.1). Our study suggests that most self-perceived quality of life in the Mel_SAI group is related to melanoma rather than adrenal insufficiency. Therefore, a higher initiating dose of hydrocortisone in melanoma patients with adrenal insufficiency may not be necessary. However, increasing endocrine clinic visits in cancer patients with cancer immunotherapy-related adrenal insufficiency may improve their survival outcomes. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Individual and combined effects of dietary chlorogenic acid and quercetin supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of dietary chlorogenic acid and quercetin supplementation on the growth, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of Ctenopharyngodon idellus (C. idellus). Fish (59.7 ± 0.3 g) were fed for 60 days with five diets, including a basal diet not added (CON) or added with chlorogenic acid (CGA, 400 mg/kg), quercetin (QC, 400 mg/kg), and their combinations (CGA:QC=1:1) with 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg (CGA:QC-400; CGA:QC-800). The weight gain was increased (+4.00 %, +4.41 %), and the feed conversion ratio was decreased (-0.07, -0.08) by individual supplementation with CGA and QC (P<0.05), but not by their combinations (P>0.05). In addition, dietary CGA and QC promoted the apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein and the activities of intestinal amylase and protease (P<0.05). The CGA, QC and CGA:QC-800 groups presented higher activities of flesh superoxide dismutase, flesh glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and serum GSH-Px, as well as lower contents of protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde (MDA) in flesh and MDA in serum than those of CON group (P<0.05). An increase in flesh hardness, water-holding capacity, and total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contents was observed in the CGA, QC and CGA:QC-800 groups (P<0.05). The four supplements reduced mesenteric lipid-somatic index, flesh n-3/n-6 ratio and serum triglycerides (P<0.05), and the CGA:QC-400 and CGA:QC-800 groups also showed lower lipid content in flesh than CON group (P<0.05). Taken together, the individual supplementation of dietary CGA and QC enhanced the growth performance, lipid metabolism and flesh quality of C. idellus, and their combination presented synergistic effect only on lipid metabolism.

6644 Glycosylation Patterns of the IgG Variable Region in Thyroglobulin Antibodies and Their Impact on Antigen Binding Affinity

Abstract Disclosure: S. Wang: None. Y. Cao: None. C. Zhao: None. C. Huang: None. K. Zhao: None. Y. Li: None. Y. Huang: None. Z. Ying: None. Y. Zhang: None. Y. Gao: None. Objective: Thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), key serological markers in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients, are predominantly in immunoglobulin G (IgG) form. Prior research has highlighted the importance of increased glycosylation in TgAb IgG from HT patients. This study investigates the unique glycosylation patterns of F(ab')₂ fragments in TgAb IgG in HT patients, compared to healthy individuals. It focuses on how these patterns differ and their impact on binding to thyroglobulin (Tg). Exploring the role of N-glycosylation in the F(ab')₂ segment of TgAb IgG is crucial for understanding its effect on immune responses in HT, potentially unveiling key mechanisms of the disease. Methods: To assess serum TgAb levels in HT patients (n≥28), we used an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, dividing patients into medium-level (mHT, n≥14) and high-level (hHT, n≥14) groups. TgAb IgG was isolated from serum of both HT and control groups (n = 14) using affinity chromatography. TgAb IgG was then cleaved with Ides enzyme to yield TgAb IgG F(ab’)2 and Fc fragments. The F(ab')2 fragment of TgAb IgG underwent MALDI-QIT-TOF-MS mass spectrometry for glycosylation profiling. Additionally, mixed TgAb IgG was separated using columns that recognize mannose and terminal sialic acid, yielding high mannose and high terminal sialic acid TgAb IgG. Different TgAb IgG glycoforms were prepared through enzymatic treatment with peptide-N-glycosidase F, β1-4 galactosidase, and α2-3,6,8 neuraminidase. The binding affinity of these TgAb IgG to Tg antigen was measured using Tg specific ELISA and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Results: Using MALDI-TOF MS, we identified 22 IgG glycan types in both HT and control (Con) groups. In the hHT group, six glycan types (G0F, G1F, G2F, M5A1, A3G1F, A3F) were upregulated compared to Con, with statistical significance (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The mHT group showed increased levels of G1F and G2F compared to Con (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Between hHT and mHT, only A3F was significantly elevated (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Removal of N-glycosylation from IgG TgAb F(ab)2 reduced binding to Tg antigen. Presence of both mannose and terminal sialic acid in TgAb enhanced the binding to Tg. Conclusions: Most TgAb IgG in the variable region of HT patients contain N-glycans. The glycosylation patterns of TgAb IgG F(ab)2 in HT differ significantly from healthy controls, affecting antibody binding affinity. Our findings reveal the complex role of glycosylation patterns in TgAb IgG, providing new insights into HT pathogenesis and potential research directions. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Effects of different forms of amino acid supplementation on the performance and intestinal barrier function of laying hens fed a low-protein diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-protein diets and the sustained release of synthetic amino acids (AA) on the performance, intestinal barrier function and nitrogen excretion of laying hens. Two hundred eighty-eight 39-week-old Hyline brown laying hens of were randomly divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates per group. The crude protein level in the control group (CON) was 16%, the crude protein levels in the crystal AA supplement group (LCP-CAA) and microencapsulated AA group (LCP-MAA) were both 13%, and the AA levels in the LCP-CAA and LCP-MAA groups were consistent with that in the CON group. The experiment lasted 12 wk, and production performance was assessed weekly. The FCR and ADFI values were significantly greater for the LCP-CAA group than for the CON and LCP-MAA groups (P < 0.05). Two hours after feeding, His levels were significantly greater in the LCP-CAA group than in the LCP-MAA group (P < 0.05); 4 h after feeding, the contents of Met, Thr, Leu and Val were significantly greater in blood from the LCP-MAA group (P < 0.05); 6 h after feeding, Trp, Ile and Arg levels were significantly greater in the LCP-MAA group (P < 0.05). The chylase content significantly decreased in the duodenum of the LCP-CAA group (P < 0.05), and the chylase and trypsin were contents increased in the ileum of the LCP-MAA group (P < 0.05). In the LCP-MAA group, significantly increased mRNA expression levels of Occludin, ZO-1 in duodenum; Occludin, ZO-1, y+LAT1 in jejunum; and ZO-1 in ileum were detected at 8 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). The fecal nitrogen content significantly decreased in the low protein diet group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, reducing dietary crude protein levels and supplementing with microencapsulated AAs can improve intestinal barrier function, promote digestive enzyme secretion, increase the expression of AA transporters, improve dietary protein utilization efficiency, and reduce nitrogen emission in laying hens.

Dietary supplementation of Astragalus flavonoids regulates intestinal immunology and the gut microbiota to improve growth performance and intestinal health in weaned piglets.

Astragali Radix (AS) is a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, with calycosin as its main isoflavonoid. Our previous study discovered that calycosin triggers host defense peptide (HDP) production in IPEC-J2 cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the alleviation effects of AS total flavone and AS calycosin on growth performance, intestinal immunity, and microflora in weaned piglets. Sixty-four piglets were assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups, (1) CON: the basal diet, (2) P-CON: the basal diet plus antibiotics (1 g/kg), (3) AS-TF: the basal diet plus AS total flavone at 60 mg/day per piglet, (4) AS-CA: the basal diet plus AS calycosin at 30 mg/day per piglet. Each treatment consists of 4 replicates with 4 piglets per replicate. Results showed that treatment with AS-TF and AS-CA enhanced average daily growth and average daily feed intake compared to the CON group (P < 0.01), while AS-CA significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (P < 0.05). Both AS-TF and AS-CA significantly increased serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG levels, with AS-CA further boosting intestinal mucosal secretory IgA levels (P < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed improvements in the morphology of the jejunum and ileum and goblet cell count by AS-TF and AS-CA (P < 0.05). Supplementation of AS-TF and AS-CA promoted the expression of several intestinal HDPs (P < 0.05), and the effect of AS-CA was better than that of AS-TF. In addition, the AS-TF and AS-CA regulated jejunal microbial diversity and composition, with certain differential bacteria genera were showing high correlation with serum cytokines and immunoglobulin levels, suggesting that the intestinal flora affected by AS-TF and AS-CA may contribute to host immunity. Overall, AS CA and AS TF all improved growth performance and health, likely by enhancing nutrition digestibility, serum and intestinal immunity, and intestinal microbial composition. They showed the similar beneficial effect, indicating AS CA appears to be a major compound contributing to the effects of AS TF. This study demonstrated the positive effect of AS flavonoids on weaned piglets and provided a scientific reference for the efficient use of AS products.

Effects of microbe-derived antioxidants on growth performance, hepatic oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis in weaning piglets

BackgroundWeaning causes redox dyshomeostasis in piglets, which leads to hepatic oxidative damage. Microbe-derived antioxidants (MA) have great potential for anti-oxidation. This study aimed to investigate changes in hepatic redox system, mitochondrial function and apoptosis after weaning, and effects of MA on growth performance and liver health in weaning piglets.MethodsThis study consisted of 2 experiments. In the both experiments, piglets were weaned at 21 days of age. In Exp. 1, at 21 (W0), 22 (W1), 25 (W4), 28 (W7), and 35 (W14) days of age, 6 piglets were slaughtered at each timepoint. In Exp. 2, piglets were divided into 2 groups: one received MA gavage (MA) and the other received saline gavage (CON). At 25 days of age, 6 piglets from each group were sacrificed.ResultsIn Exp. 1, weaning caused growth inhibition and liver developmental retardation from W0 to W4. The mRNA sequencing between W0 and W4 revealed that pathways related to “regulation of apoptotic process” and “reactive oxygen species metabolic process” were enriched. Further study showed that weaning led to higher hepatic content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2 and O2−. Weaning enhanced mitochondrial fission and suppressed their fusion, activated mitophagy, thus triggering cell apoptosis. In Exp. 2, MA improved growth performance of piglets with higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The hepatic ROS, as well as products of oxidative damage malonaldehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the MA group decreased significantly than that of the CON group. The MA elevated mitochondrial membrane potential, increased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (MRC) I and IV, enhanced mitochondrial fusion and reduced mitophagy, thus decreasing cell apoptosis.ConclusionsThe present study showed that MA improved the growth performance of weaning piglets and reversed weaning-induced oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Our results suggested that MA had promising prospects for maintaining liver health in weaning piglets and provided a reference for studies of liver diseases in humans.Graphical

A Short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with navigation system in Asian population: A retrospective comparative study

BackgroundIn reverse total arthroplasty (rTSA), glenoid component positioning is a critical factor for outcomes especially in Asian population with smaller glenoid. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of rTSA with and without the navigation system with a minimum follow-up of two years in Asian population. MethodsThis was a retrospective comparative study of 33 rTSA with the navigation system (NAV group) and 40 conventional rTSA (CON group). Radiologic measurements regarding the position of the glenoid component, glenoid vault perforation by the central cage, and scapular notching, as well as clinical outcomes including range of motion (ROM), functional scores and complications were compared. Number, length, and angulation of screws were assessed. ResultsThe mean age was 73.9 ± 5.9 years with a mean follow-up of 30.1 ± 6.4 months. The NAV group more frequently utilized augmented baseplate (P < 0.001), showed less superior inclination (P = 0.030) and had lower incidence of glenoid vault perforation (P = 0.040). The length of superior (P = 0.001) and inferior screws (P = 0.045) was longer in the NAV group. In the NAV group compared to the CON group, more inferior orientation of superior screws (P < .001), more anterior orientation for inferior screws (P = 0.031), and anterior screws (P = 0.003) were observed. The NAV group showed significantly less penetration into the suprascapular fossa by a superior screw (P = 0.007). Final ROM, functional scores, and complications showed no significant differences between two groups. ConclusionIn short-term follow-up, the use of a navigation system in rTSA showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes and complications compared to conventional implantation. However, it enabled a lower superior inclination and a reduced glenoid vault perforation by the central cage, simultaneously allowing for the insertion of longer peripheral screws in a safer direction compared to conventional implantation.

Effect of Solid-State Fermentation Products of Lactobacillus plantarum, Candida utilis, and Bacillus coagulans on Growth Performance of Broilers and Prevention of Avian Colibacillosis.

This study investigates the impact of the solid-state fermentation products of Lactobacillus plantarum, Candida utilis, and Bacillus coagulans (LCBs) on the growth characteristics, immune function, intestinal morphology, cecum microbial community, and prevention of avian colibacillosis in broilers. One hundred and twenty Hyland Brown broilers (aged one day) were divided randomly into three groups (four replicates of ten broilers per group). (1) The CON group was fed a basal diet. (2) The MOD group was fed a basal diet. On day 40, APEC strain SX02 (1.1 × 105 CFU/g) was administered to the breasts of chickens in this group. (3) The LCBs group was fed a basal diet supplemented with fermentation products (98.5% basal diet + 0.5% Lactobacillus plantarum and Candida utilis solid-state fermentation products + 1.0% Bacillus coagulans solid-state fermentation products). On day 40, the LCBs group received the same treatment as the MOD group. The experiment lasted 43 days. This study found that the average daily gain (ADG) of the LCBs group was significantly higher than that of the MOD group (p < 0.05), indicating that LCBs can significantly increase the ADG of broilers and improve the feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, compared to the MOD group, the heart bacterial load was significantly reduced in the LCBs group (p < 0.05), and the lesions less severe in the heart, liver, and jejunum were observed (p < 0.05). Additionally, the detection of intestinal flora showed a significant increase in the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the cecum of the LCBs group, while the number of Escherichia coli and Shigella decreased significantly. In conclusion, the solid fermentation of Lactobacillus plantarum, Candida utilis, and Bacillus coagulans can improve the growth performance of broilers while also protecting against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli infection. This demonstrates the potential usefulness of these LCBs in feed production.

Weighted vest intervention during whole-body circuit training improves serum resistin, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk factors in normal-weight obese women

Background and objectivesObesity is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Normal-weight obesity, where the body mass index(BMI) is within the normal range but the body fat percentage is high, also adversely impacts cardiovascular and metabolic health. This study explored the effects of whole-body circuit training using a weighted vest on serum resistin, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal-weight obese women. MethodsThirty-six normal-weight obese women were divided into three groups: Weighted Vest Circuit Training(WVCT)(n = 12), Body Weight Circuit Training(BWCT)(n = 12), and a Control group(CON)(n = 12). Participants in the WVCT and BWCT groups engaged in whole-body circuit training three times per week for eight weeks. Serum resistin, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and insulin resistance were measured before and after the intervention. ResultsThe study revealed significant and impactful findings. There were substantial improvements in body composition(Skeletal Muscle Mass: +7.5 %, p = 0.042, d = 0.80), Serum Resistin(-38.2 %, p = 0.001, d = 0.85), insulin resistance(HOMA-IR: 27.1 %, p < 0.001, d = 0.88), and a reduction in IL-6 levels(-25.4 %, p = 0.082, d = 0.60) in the WVCT group compared to the BWCT and CON groups. The WVCT group outperformed the other groups, demonstrating greater effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk factors. ConclusionThese findings have significant implications for healthcare. Whole-body circuit training with weighted vests has effectively improved body composition, reduced serum resistin, and lowered insulin resistance, reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in normal-weight obese women. These results could inform and enhance the treatment and management of obesity-related cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Sulforaphane substantially impedes testicular ferroptosis in adult rats exposed to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate through activation of NRF-2/SLC7A11/GPX-4 trajectory.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer with a deleterious impact on testicular functionality and male fertility. Growing evidence implicates ferroptosis as one of the plausible mechanisms for DEHP-induced testicular injury. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate displaying beneficial effects on testicular injury in several animal models. Herein, we explored the potential protective effect of SFN on testicular ferroptosis and toxicity evoked by DEHP. Adult male Wistar rats were equally distributed into three groups (n = 6/group): (i) CON group; (ii) DEHP group, received DEHP (2g/kg PO) for 4weeks; and (iii) DEHP + SFN group, received SFN (10mg/kg, PO) 1week prior to DEHP then concurrently with DEHP for further 4weeks. Compared to CON group, exposure to DEHP caused testicular atrophy, deteriorated testicular architecture, testicular fibrosis, reduced sperm count and motility, higher sperm deformity, and declined serum testosterone level. All these abnormalities were ameliorated by SFN preconditioning. Additionally, pretreatment with SFN reversed the increased aromatase level and upregulated the steroidogenic markers in testes of DEHP-exposed rats. SFN pretreatment also counteracted DEHP-induced oxidative stress and boosted the total antioxidant capacity in testicular tissue via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) and its downstream target, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, SFN preconditioning mitigated DEHP-induced ferroptosis through up-surging SLC7A11, GPX-4, and GSH, while suppressing iron overload and ACSL4-induced lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue of rats. These findings may nominate SFN as a promising protective intervention to alleviate testicular ferroptosis associated with DEHP exposure through activation of NRF-2/SLC7A11/GPX-4 trajectory.

Effects of 8-weeks Surf Skateboard training on physical fitness in young people

BackgroundSurf skateboards have grown in popularity among young people in recent years. However, no research studies have analyzed the effect of surf skateboarding on physical fitness. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 8-week surf skateboard training on physical fitness in young adults. MethodsTwenty-two young people, ages 18–24 years were randomly assigned into two groups: a control (CON; n = 11) and surf skateboarding (SSK; n = 11) group. The surf skateboard training group received an eight-week intervention consisting of three 60-minute (min) sessions per week, while the control group continued with their normal daily lives. Physical fitness was assessed before and after the intervention through a battery of tests that included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance. ResultsThe results showed that the SSK group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) improvements in maximum voluntary ventilation, back and leg strength, lower body muscular endurance by the sit-to-stand tests, and balance in all direction compared with the pre-test and the CON group. In addition, the SSK group showed significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body weight, body mass index, percent body fat, and resting heart rate, while increased maximum oxygen consumption, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, upper body muscular endurance by the sit-up test and flexibility compared with the pre-test. ConclusionThe findings suggest that surf skateboard training have an effective physical activity intervention to improve body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance in young people.

Immunomodulatory and growth promotors effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and/or Spirulina with respect to some gene expression on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Aswan Governorate

The purpose of this work trial was to determine the true impact of spirulina and rosemary in a combination treatment on Nile tilapia performance before experimental infection. Moreover, the effects of these treatments on the liver and kidney functions, the histology of certain organs, and the expression of certain antioxidant and immune-related genes in the liver tissue both before and after Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) infection are also included. To achieve this purpose, four diets were prepared: the first was free of additives as a control group (Con), the second contained (SP) spirulina at 7.5 g/kg of diet, the third contained (RM) rosemary at a rate of 10 g/kg of diet, and the fourth one contained rosemary and spirulina as a SP + RM group. The results of the different parameters indicated the growth-stimulant effects of rosemary and spirulina either alone or in a combination when compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05), with a superior effect to combination treatment. In addition, improved hematological parameters, immunological assays, phagocytic activity and index, and expression of antioxidant and immune-related genes occurred before and after infection. Moreover, there were positive effects of spirulina and rosemary without pathological lesions in the different organs before infection and fewer lesions after infection.

Pro-Inflammatory Signaling Cascade Markers, Oxidative Stress-Inflammatory Signaling Axis, and Chronic Total Occlusion of Tibial Artery in Elderly Patients Suffering from Occlusion of Coronary Arteries.

Oxidative response is a risk factor in the progression of arterial atherosclerosis. This research study aimed to examine the effects of oxidative response on atherosclerotic susceptibility as well as the development of arteriosclerosis occlusions of the tibial artery through pro-inflammatory mediator genes in elderly patients with occlusion of coronary arteries. We determined that oxidative stress biomarkers (Malondialdehyde-modified Low-density Lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) as well as Heme Oxygenase- 1 (HO-1)] and the expressions of pro-inflammatory mediator genes [Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Myeloid Differentiating factor 88 (MyD88) and Growth Arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6)] have an impact on the severity of arteriosclerosis occlusions of tibial artery in elderly patients suffering from occlusion of coronary arteries. Levels of MDA-LDL, Ox-LDL, HO-1, TLR4, NF-κB, MyD88, and GAS6 were increased in the occlusion of tibial arteries + two-vessel coronary occlusion group compared to the CON group and occlusion of tibial arteries + one-vessel coronary occlusion group, respectively (p < 0.001); they were also elevated in occlusion of tibial arteries + multiple-vessel coronary occlusion group compared to occlusion of tibial arteries + one-vessel coronary occlusion group and occlusion of tibial arteries + two-vessel coronary occlusion group, respectively (P < 0.001). This has indicated the key roles of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediator genes in arteriosclerosis occlusions of tibial artery in elderly patients with occlusion of coronary arteries. Oxidative response may promote the expressions of inflammatory genes and enhance susceptibility to arteriosclerosis occlusions of the tibial artery in elderly patients with chronic total coronary occlusions.

The influence of the NRG1/ERBB4 signaling pathway on pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

This study aimed to examine the influence of the Neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/ERBB4 signaling pathway on the function of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that ERBB4 levels in the serum of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). In cellular studies, thrombin stimulation for 6 h led to a significant decrease in cell viability and overexpression of ERBB4 compared to control (p < 0.05). In the NRG1 group, apoptosis of HPAECs was reduced (p < 0.05), accompanied by a decrease in ERBB4 expression and an increase in p-ERBB4, phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase proteins (Akt) (p-Akt), and p-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) expression (p < 0.05). In the AG1478 group, there was a significant increase in HPAEC apoptosis and a significant decrease in p-ERBB4 and ERBB4 expression compared to the Con group (p < 0.05). In the AG1478 + NRG1 group, there was an increase in the apoptosis rate and a significant decrease in the expression of p-ERBB4, ERBB4, p-Akt, and phosphorylated PI3K compared to the NRG1 group (p < 0.05). In animal studies, the PE group showed an increase in the expression of ERBB4 and p-ERBB4 compared to the Con group (p < 0.05). NRG1 treatment led to a significant reduction in embolism severity with decreased ERBB4 expression and increased p-ERBB4 expression (p < 0.05). Gene set enrichment analysis identified five pathways that were significantly associated with high ERBB4 expression, including CHOLESTEROL HOMEOSTASIS, OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION, and FATTY ACID METABOLISM (p < 0.05). Therefore, NRG1 inhibits apoptosis of HPAECs, accompanied by a decrease in ERBB4 and an increase in p-ERBB4. NRG1 inhibition in HPAECs apoptosis can be partially reversed by inhibiting ERBB4 expression with AG1478. ERBB4 has the potential to be a novel biological marker of PE.

Elaeagnus angustifolia L. fruit alleviates diarrhea via regulating intestinal microbiota and short chain fatty acids

Fruits of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. have been used as Uyghur medicine due to the properties of treating spleen and stomach weakness, indigestion, enteritis, diarrhea, lung heat, and cough. However, the anti-diarrhea mechanism was still not clear. This study explored the mechanism of E. angustifolia fruit alleviated diarrhea from the perspective of gut microbiota. Diarrhea model was established with Folium sennae in mice. Then, the levels of diarrhea rate and diarrhea index of mice were evaluated. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was employed to detect pathological sections of colon tissue. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was researched to confirm the gut microbiota in mice. Diversity and differential analysis were adopted to analyze the intestinal microflora. Furthermore, Gas chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (GC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to detect the concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestine. The high-dose group (3.2 g/kg) of E. angustifolia fruit could significantly reduce the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index of mice caused by Folium sennae (p < 0.01). We also found that E. angustifolia fruit enhanced the diversity of gut microbiota while ameliorating diarrhea. Alpha diversity revealed that the microbial composition of E. angustifolia fruit group tended to be more similar to that of the CON group (no significant difference at p < 0.05). E. angustifolia fruit also induced structural changes of gut microbiota in mice. In addition, the concentrations of SCFAs increased after administration of E. angustifolia fruit. This study demonstrated that E. angustifolia fruit could ameliorate diarrhea by regulating the composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota, together with the levels of SCFAs.

Effect of Dietary Benzoic Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Microbiota in Weaned Holstein Dairy Calves

Supplementation with benzoic acid (BA) in animal feed can reduce feeds’ acid-binding capacity, inhibit pathogenic bacterial growth, enhance nutrient digestion, and increase intestinal enzyme activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of BA on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota of weaned Holstein dairy calves. Thirty-two Holstein calves at 60 days of age were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 8): a control group (fed with a basal diet without BA supplementation; CON group) and groups that were supplemented with 0.25% (LBA group), 0.50% (MBA group), and 0.75% (HBA group) BA to the basal diet (dry matter basis), respectively. The experiment lasted for 42 days, starting at 60 days of age and ending at 102 days of age, with weaning occurring at 67 days of age. Supplementation with BA linearly increased the average daily gain of the weaned dairy calves, which was significantly higher in the LBA, MBA, and HBA groups than that in the CON group. The average daily feed intake was quadratically increased with increasing BA supplementation, peaking in the MBA group. Supplementation with BA linearly decreased the feed-to-gain (F/G) ratio, but did not affect rumen fermentation parameters, except for the molar proportion of butyrate and iso-butyrate, which were linearly increased with the dose of BA supplementation. Compared with the CON group, the molar proportions of iso-butyrate in the LBA, MBA, and HBA groups and that of butyrate in the HBA group were significantly higher than those in the CON group. Supplementation with BA had no significant effect on the alpha and beta diversity of the rumen microbiota, but significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, and reduced those of the harmful bacteria, such as unclassified_o__Gastranaerophilales and Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002, in the rumen. Functional prediction analysis using the MetaCyc database revealed significant variations in the pathways associated with glycolysis across groups, including the GLYCOLYSIS-TCA-GLYOX-BYPASS, GLYCOL-GLYOXDEG-PWY, and P105-PWY pathways. In conclusion, BA supplementation improved the composition and function of rumen microbiota, elevated the production of butyrate and iso-butyrate, and increased the growth performance of weaned Holstein dairy calves.