Globulin Concentrations Research Articles

Pathogenetic and prognostic aspects of copper and zinc deficiency in severely burned patients

Objective. To study the copper and zinc content in the severely burned patients’ blood serum and evaluate their capabilities as prognostic criteria for the burn disease outcome.Materials and methods. 37 patients with a burn area of 50,7±17,2 % of the body surface were examined, 7 of them died. The content of copper, zinc, albumin, globulins and prealbumin in blood serum was assessed within 14 days after receiving thermal injury.Results. A copper and zinc deficiency was found during the burn shock. In the future, the copper levels normalization and a tendency to the zinc concentration increase with normalization by 14 days after burn injury are noted. The micronutrient deficiency correlation with the albumin, prealbumin and globulins levels was found. The conjugacy between hypocyncemia and hypocupremia with the sepsis presence and the death probability was revealed. A decrease in zinc levels below 4,7 mmol/l leads to a 24-fold increase in the death chances and in copper content below 13 mmol/l – to a 10–fold increase in the chances. The sensitivity and specificity of the zinc concentration threshold value assessment was 71 % and 90 %, respectively, and the copper concentration was 80 % and 75 % respectively.Conclusion. During the burn shock hypocupremia and hypocyncemia are detected. Further normalization of the copper level and a tendency to zinc concentration normalization were revealed. Zinc and copper concentrations can serve as additional sepsis biomarkers. Threshold values of zinc and copper concentrations in blood serum have been determined which determine the fatal outcome risk of burn disease.

Variations in the End-Use Quality of Whole Grain Flour Are Closely Related to the Metabolites in the Grains of Pigmented Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Whole grain flour is considered a part of a healthy diet, especially when produced with pigmented wheat (Triticum aestivum). However, the specific metabolic pathways and mechanisms by which these metabolites affect the end-use quality of pigmented wheat varieties still need to be better understood. This study examined the relationship between metabolite concentrations and the end-use quality of three wheat varieties: common wheat (CW, JM20), black wheat (BW, HJ1), and green wheat (GW, HZ148). The study's findings revealed significant differences in the accumulation of metabolic substances among the various pigmented wheat varieties. Specifically, BW and GW exhibited notably higher levels of amino acids, derivatives, and lipids than CW. The study's findings revealed significant differences in the accumulation of metabolic substances among the various pigmented wheat varieties. Specifically, BW and GW exhibited notably higher levels of amino acids and their derivatives and lipids than CW. Amino acid derivatives, such as glutathione and creatine, are compounds formed through chemical modifications of amino acids and play crucial roles in antioxidative defense and energy metabolism. The gliadin and glutenin content of BW increased by 12% and 2%, respectively, compared to CW, due to elevated levels of amino acids and their derivatives, whereas GW was notable for its higher globulin content (an increase of 11.6%). BW was also distinguished by its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, including cyanidin-3-O-(6-O-malonyl-beta-D-glucoside) (23.2 μg g-1), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (6.5 μg g-1), and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (2.3 μg g-1), which surpassed the levels found in both CW and GW (which approached zero). However, BW had lower gluten content, resulting in a greater weakening and reduced development and stability times. Conversely, GW exhibited an increased lipid metabolism, which was associated with a higher starch and gluten content, improving the maximum tensile resistance. Overall, the pigmented wheat varieties offer superior nutritional profiles and processing advantages, necessitating further research to optimize their commercial use.

Intake of Condensed Tannins (Acacia mearnsii) by Lambs in Confinement and Its Impact on Growth Performance, Rumen Environment, and Meat

This study determined whether adding condensed tannins to the diet of confined lamb improves performance, metabolism, health, and meat composition and quality. We used 24 Lacaune lambs with an average initial weight of 24.5 ± 0.24 kg. The animals were divided into 12 pens with two animals each. In the treatment group, a black wattle extract was added to the lamb concentrate (2.5 g/kg dry matter), while the control group received only the basal diet (without extract). Black wattle contained 98.6 g/kg of condensed tannin. There was no difference between the performance variables, which included weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. However, the group fed on condensed tannins showed higher carcass yield and a higher percentage of linked intramuscular fat. In meat, a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids combined with higher concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids was observed in lambs of the condensed tannin group. The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were no different; however, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio was observed in animals with condensed tannin intake, and a higher proportion of ω6 and ω3 was observed in the meat of these animals. The meat’s protein and ash content did not differ between treatments, as did the meat’s water retention capacity, color, and luminosity. Furthermore, animals that fed on condensed tannins had lower cholesterol levels and higher globulin content. The values of erythrogram variables were lower in lambs that consumed condensed tannins. More significant ruminal bacterial activity was also observed in the group receiving condensed tannins. The antioxidant effect was verified with lower thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and more significant antioxidant enzyme activity. We conclude that adding condensed tannins improves carcass yield and increases the percentage of fat in the carcass, improving the fatty acid profile, which may be linked to the antioxidant effect, in addition to the health benefits of the consumer of this product.

Effect of Adding Different Concentrations of Mix-Oil Solution to Drinking Water of Broiler Chickens Ross 308 and Breeders at Elevated Temperatures on Blood Biochemical Characteristics and Oxidative Enzymes at the Age of 14 Days

This study was conducted at Al-Anwar Poultry Station located in Babil Governorate for a period of 35 days, from 10/7/2022 to 14/8/2022, to demonstrate the effect of the mix-oil solution added to the drinking water of broiler chickens on some blood biochemical characteristics and oxidation enzymes at the age of 14. day and under conditions of heat stress, where 300 Ross308 broiler chicks were used, one day old, unsexed, and the average weight of the chicks was 40 gm. The mix-oil was added to the drinking water from the first day, as follows: T1: control treatment without addition, T2: adding 0.25 ml of mix-oil / liter of water, T3: adding 0.50 ml of mix-oil / liter of water, T4: adding 0.75 ml of mix-oil / liter of water, T5: Add 1 ml of mix-oil / liter of water. The experimental birds were exposed to periodic temperatures (28-35-28). The most important results we obtained are summarized as follows: A highly significant (p≤0.01) increase in the blood serum glucose concentration of the T5-treated birds compared to the control treatment. A significant increase was also observed (p≤0.01) in the concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin in the T4 treatment compared to the control treatment, while serum cholesterol was observed. The results of our experiment witnessed a "significant" rise and within the normal limits in the concentration of cholesterol for T4-treated birds on T5, T3, and T2 treatments, but it was "significantly similar" in its concentration with the T1 control treatment. The results showed that there was a highly significant increase (p≤0.01) in the rate of triglycerides for the T4 treatment compared to "with all treatments, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) witnessed a significant decrease (p≤0.01) in all addition treatments compared to" control treatment. There was a "significant" decrease (P≤ 0.01) for all addition treatments in the concentration of ALT enzyme compared to the "control treatment", while the T3 treatment had a significant (P≤ 0.01) superiority in the concentration of AST and GSH-PX enzyme compared with the control treatment, while the concentration of the enzyme CAT value decreased in all addition treatments compared to the control treatment, and the rate of MDA increased in the blood serum of T2 treatment birds compared to the control, which recorded the lowest measured rates, but it did not differ significantly with the T5 treatment in its concentration.

Concentration and genetic regulation of sex hormone binding globulin and fracture risk in older women

Objective This study aimed to examine the association between concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and fracture risk in community-dwelling older women and explore whether this was explained by the genetic regulation of SHBG. Methods This prospective cohort study examined 4871 women aged ≥70 years who were not taking medications influencing SHBG concentrations. A genome-wide association study was undertaken to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SHBG concentrations. Incident fracture was confirmed by medical imaging and adjudicated by expert review committee. Results The median age of participants was 74.0 years. Over 3.9 (standard deviation 1.4) years of follow-up, 484 participants had an incident fracture. There was a linear trend for a positive association between SHBG concentrations and fracture risk (p = 0.001), with the highest SHBG quartile associated with a significantly greater fracture risk compared with the lowest quartile (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.04, p = 0.003), adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, impaired renal function, treatment allocation, medications affecting bone and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Two independent SNPs were associated with SHBG concentrations, rs10822163 and rs727428, but neither was associated with fracture risk. Conclusion SHBG concentrations were positively associated with a greater fracture risk in community-dwelling women aged ≥70 years, which was not explained by genetic variants associated with SHBG regulation.

Reducing dietary crude protein levels while meeting metabolizable protein requirements: Performance of dairy cows over a full lactation period.

A total of 90 Holstein dairy cows (24 primiparous, 66 multiparous, mean parity = 3.0) were fed diets containing either 150, 160, or 170 g CP/kg DM from 8 to 180 DIM, with all diets designed to supply at least 100% MP requirements. On d 181, half of the cows in each treatment changed to a diet containing 140 g CP/kg DM (supplying 100% MP requirements), with the remaining cows continuing to be offered their original treatment diets. This resulted in 6 treatments in the mid-late lactation period (181-280 DIM): 150, 150/140, 160, 160/140, 170, and 170/140 g CP/kg DM. Decreasing dietary CP concentration from 170 to 150 g CP/kg DM did not affect DMI, milk yield, milk fat or protein yield in early lactation (8-181 DIM), but reduced MUN and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in milk, as well as serum albumin, globulin, total protein, and urea concentrations. In addition, reducing dietary CP content from 170 to 160 g CP/kg DM improved N use efficiency (NUE; milk N/N intake), with no further improvement with 150 g CP/kg DM. Treatment had no effect on apparent total-tract ration digestibility in early lactation. Urinary N output decreased with decreasing dietary CP content in early lactation, whereas manure N (fecal N plus urinary N) output increased. Urinary N/manure N decreased from 170 to 160 g CP/kg DM diet, whereas no further reduction was observed with the 150 g CP/kg DM diet. Cows that remained on the 150 g CP/kg DM treatment in mid-late lactation (181-280 DIM) had a lower DMI than those which remained on the diet containing 170 g CP/kg DM. Reducing the dietary CP concentration to 140 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation reduced DMI, milk yield, and milk fat and protein yields, compared with offering the 170 or 160 g CP/kg DM diet throughout lactation, possibly reflecting a response to oversupply of MP with the latter treatments, rather than an undersupply of MP with the former, although this is uncertain. Concentrations of C18:2 cis-9,trans-11 and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in milk were lower for cows offered diets containing 140 or 150 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation compared with 160 or 170 g CP/kg DM. Reducing dietary CP concentration from 170 to 140 g CP/kg DM improved NUE from 0.28 to 0.34 in mid-late lactation. Nitrogen digestibility was reduced when cows were offered the 140 g CP/kg DM diet compared with the 150 or 160 g CP/kg DM diet. Lowering the dietary CP concentration from 170 to 140 g CP/kg DM in mid-late lactation decreased N output in milk, feces, urine, and manure. These results indicate that a dietary CP content of 160 g CP/kg DM, which met the MP requirement of cows, may be optimal to support performance over a whole lactation, improve NUE, and reduce N excretion, thus contributing to a more sustainable approach to dairy cow production.

Characterization of Chestnut Tannins: Bioactive Compounds and Their Impact on Lamb Health.

The objective of the present study was to characterize the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tannin product, Farmatan Plus® (Tanin Sevnica d.d., Sevnica, Slovenia), and to subsequently examine its effects on the blood metabolic parameters of fattening lambs, particularly in relation to their health status. Thirty lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups: a control group without added tannin and two groups that received 9.46 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet dry matter (DM) and 18.87 g of the tannin product/kg of the diet DM. Metabolic parameters such as contents of total protein, globulin, urea, and liver enzymes (AST and GGT) were measured over a trial period of 60 days to evaluate the effects of tannin supplementation. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of Farmatan Plus®, demonstrating its richness in bioactive compounds such as vescalin and castalagin. The results showed no significant adverse effects on lamb health, with all parameters remaining within normal physiological ranges (p > 0.05). These results support the safe inclusion of chestnut tannins in the diet of lambs and underline their potential as a functional feed additive that can positively influence the health and growth performance of ruminants.

Insight into the structural, interfacial and functional properties of soybean 11S globulin-debranched starch conjugates through alkaline Maillard reaction

This study examined the effects of the alkaline Maillard reaction on the structural, interfacial, and functional properties of soybean 11S globulin-debranched starch (DBS) conjugates. The results showed that the degree of DBS binding to 11S globulin was influenced by the polymer ratios, which in turn affected the structural, interfacial, and functional characteristics. The 11S-DBS conjugates with a 2:1 biopolymer ratio exhibited the highest grafting degree, largest zeta potential absolute value, smallest particle size, and greatest thermal stability. Conjugates with higher globulin content demonstrated superior interfacial and functional properties, including improved solubility, increased surface hydrophobicity, and reduced interfacial tension. 3D fluorescence scanning revealed a decrease in the signal of aromatic amino acid residues, while microstructural observation provided insights into the binding behavior of different 11S-DBS conjugates. Molecular docking simulations highlighted the key role of hydrogen bonding in the formation of these conjugates. This study enhances understanding of soybean globulin-polysaccharide interaction mechanisms, expanding their potential applications in the food, medical, and bioengineering industries.

Microbiota modulation by the inclusion of Tenebrio molitor larvae as alternative to fermented soy protein concentrate in growing pigs diet.

Tenebrio molitor meal represents a promising protein source for animal nutrition due to its low environmental impact and high nutritional value. To date, there is limited data in the literature regarding the effects of Tenebrio molitor meal on the modulation of gut microbiota in growing animals, with most results focusing on poultry rather than pigs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing fermented soy protein concentrate with Tenebrio molitor meal on gut microbiota and feed digestibility in growing pigs. A total of 14 growing pigs (80 ± 2 days old) were randomly allotted to two groups: the control group (CON) was fed a commercial diet containing 4% fermented soy protein concentrate (48% crude protein), and the treatment group (TM) was fed a basal diet containing 5% of T. molitor larvae meal formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. The study lasted 28 days. Animals were weekly weighted and feed refuse was routinely measured. Fecal, blood samples, and rectal swabs were collected for analysis. No differences were observed in growth and diet digestibility for the protein and lipid components throughout the trial. No differences in the serum concentrations of albumin, globulin, urea, and interleukin-6 were registered in both groups, suggesting an unaltered health status. The TM group showed a significant difference in the beta diversity index considering the total duration of the trial (treatment effect evaluated with PERMANOVA, R2 0.0771, p value = 0.0099) showing an increased abundance of Elusimicrobium spp. and a decrease in Asteroplasma spp. in TM compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). Obtained findings indicate that 5% T. molitor meal can be included as a partial replacement for soy in growing pig formula without impairing pig growth and gut microbiota composition.

Structure formation in high moisture extrudates produced from soy protein fractions varying in 7S/11S globulin ratio

Soy proteins mainly comprise 7S and 11S globulins, which have distinct structural and physical properties. To investigate the impact of soy protein composition on structure formation during high moisture extrusion (HME), fractions enriched in 7S or 11S globulins were prepared and blended in different ratios for lab-scale HME processing. Extrudates prepared from the 11S globulin-enriched fraction were inhomogeneous, as opposed to all other extrudates. Differences in extrudate structure and texture by varying the raw material protein composition were limited. However, 11S globulin-enriched fraction based extrudate was mainly stabilized by disulfide bonds, while with increasing raw material 7S globulin content the importance of non-covalent interactions increased. Even after disrupting all (non-)covalent bonds, high MW aggregates were detected in all extrudates. Thus, the protein composition of soy protein ingredients clearly impacts the type of protein-protein interactions and bonds formed during HME processing. This may hold relevance for the occurrence of specific phenomena during HME, such as syneresis, or the digestibility of the obtained products, although this requires further investigation. Overall, the findings of this study have implications for the use of protein-rich ingredients, which may vary in protein composition as the result of biological variability or prior processing, in high moisture extrusion.

High-intensity ultrasound modification of techno-functional and structural properties of white finger millet protein fractions.

In this study, albumin, globulin, and glutelin were extracted from white finger millet, and their amino acid content, functional and structural properties were investigated. The protein concentration of albumin, globulin, and glutelin were 76.01%, 74.32%, and 69.55%, respectively. The results showed that all the fractions had a significant amount of essential amino acids. Aqueous protein dispersions (10%, w/v) were treated for 12min at different ultrasound power levels (100, 200, and 300W). The solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties of albumin and glutelin were significantly (p<0.05) improved after ultrasound treatment (20kHz) which indicates that ultrasound could unfold protein aggregates. A decrease in particle size, increase in surface hydrophobicity, and zeta potential correlated with improved functional properties. Ultrasound treatment reduced the size of all proteins except for fractions at 300W and also sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a significant change in the molecular weight of albumin and glutelin at 300W. Scanning electron microscopy of treated protein fraction showed distinctive microstructure with irregular structure compared to untreated protein fraction. Although Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of proteins were similar after ultrasonication, a partial increase in the intensity of the Amide A band was observed. In conclusion, the ultrasound-treated protein fraction can be used as a high-value plant-based emulsifier.

Effect of sulfur and potassium foliar applications on wheat grain protein quality

ContextThe effects of sulfur and potassium fertilizers on wheat yield and quality have been well studied, but most of them are used as basal fertilizers. However, the root system is senescent at the later stages of wheat growth and cannot absorb sufficient sulfur and potassium fertilizers plant needed. It is still unclear whether sulfur and potassium foliar applications at the later stages can affect wheat yield and quality. ObjectiveThis experiment was conducted to investigate the changes of sulfur and potassium accumulation and transport, protein synthesis and flour processing quality after foliar application of sulfur and potassium fertilizers, transport and the relating physiological mechanisms. MethodsIn 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a three-factor split plot experiment was carried out in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, with wheat variety, concentration of sulfur fertilizer and potassium fertilizer served as main factor, subfactor and sub-subfactor respectively. ResultsIn the study from 2020 to 2022, the albumin protein content of both varieties decreased in the nutrient spraying treatment, particularly in the high potassium level. However, there was no significant effect on the globulin content. Moreover, the gliadin protein content decreased in the sulfur spraying treatment alone, but significantly increased the wheat gluten content, and thereby the total protein content. We also found significant genotypic differences in the composition and content of high molecular weight wheat glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) between the two varieties. The foliar spraying of sulfur and potassium fertilizers significantly increased the content of subunits 1 and 8 in Yangmai (YM15) and subunits 7 and 12 in Yangmai (YM16), and the effect of mixed spraying was better than single-nutrient spraying, especially the amount of 0.2 % sulfur and 0.3 % potassium fertilizer treatment. ConclusionsThe superimposed effect of sulfur and potassium effectively increased the total protein content by promoting the accumulation of sulfur in transit to the seeds, increasing the substrate supply level, and enhancing enzyme activity. Although sulfur and potassium combination can improve the grain protein quality and flour processing quality, too high spraying concentrations can decrease the flour processing quality. ImplicationsSpraying the appropriate amount of 0.2 % sulfur and 0.3 % potassium fertilizer can serve as an optimization measure for high-quality and efficient production of different types of wheat varieties.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical factors associated with calculated free testosterone concentrations in men: individual participant data meta-analyses.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical variables influence total testosterone (T) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations. The relationship between these factors and "free" T remains unclear. We examined 21 sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical predictors influencing calculated free T (cFT) in community-dwelling men across ages. This is a cross-sectional analysis in 20 631 participants in the Androgens in Men Study. Individual participant data (IPD) were provided by 9 cohorts. Total T was determined using mass spectrometry, SHBG using immunoassays, and cFT using the Vermeulen formula. Associations were analyzed using 2-stage random effects IPD meta-analyses. Cohort median ages ranged from 40 to 76 years and median cFT concentrations from 174.3 to 422.8 pmol/L. In men aged 17-99 years, there was a linear inverse association of cFT with age (-57.2 pmol/L [95% confidence interval, -69.4, -44.9] per 1 SD increase in age). Calculated free T increased with increasing baseline body mass index (BMI) among men with BMI < 23.6 kg/m2, but decreased among men with BMI > 23.6 kg/m2 (-24.7 pmol/L [-29.1, -20.3] per 1 SD increase in the 25.4-29.6 kg/m2 BMI range). Calculated free T was lower in younger men, who were married or in a de facto relationship (-18.4 pmol/L [-27.6, -9.3]) and in men who formerly smoked (-5.7 pmol/L [-8.9, -2.6]), were in poor general health (-14.0 pmol/L [-20.1, -7.8]), and had diabetes (-19.6 pmol/L [-23.0, -16.3]), cardiovascular disease (-5.8 pmol/L [-8.3, -3.2]), or cancer (-19.2 pmol/L [-24.4, -14.1]). Calculated free T was most prominently associated with age and BMI. The linear, inverse association with age, nonlinear association with BMI, and presence of diabetes, cancer, and sociodemographic factors should be considered when interpreting cFT values.

The influence of the method of processing rapeseed seeds on their protein complex

Relevance. The recycling of secondary rapeseed raw materials is a perspective trend for increasing the efficiency of production of this agricultural crop.Methods. Degreasing of the rapeseed kernel fraction was carried out by hexane extraction, wateralcohol treatment of the low—fat rapeseed kernel with a mixture of water + ethanol (3:7). The fractional composition of the rapeseed protein complex was determined by sequential extraction with distilled water, 7% NaCl solution and 0.1M NaOH solution. Protein isolation: extractant — NaCl solution (70 g/l), pH — 9.0, T — 50 °С, duration — 90 min. The protein was precipitated at pH 4.8 and dried in a microwave oven at 500 W for 3–4 minutes. Absorption spectra of protein fractions of rapeseed seeds were recorded on a PE-5400 UV spectrophotometer using the SC5400 program.Results. It was shown that degreasing by hexane extraction contributed to an increase in the content of globulins (by 8.5%) with a decrease in albumins (by 3.0%) and glutelins (by 3.3%). Analysis of the UV spectra of these protein fractions showed the presence of synaptic acid in the fractions of albumins and globulins. The water-alcohol treatment of the skimmed rapeseed kernel, carried out to remove phenolic compounds, contributed to the partial removal of protein from the raw material (protein content decreased from 39.06 to 32.34%), limited protein denaturation, which leads to a decrease in protein solubility and protein yield in the extract, as indicated by a decrease in the yield of the protein product relative to the raw material from 26.4 to 15.3%, a decrease in protein yield relative to the protein contained in the raw material, from 28.9 to 20.3%.

Associations of body composition measures with circulating insulin-like growth factor-I, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations in 16,000 men

BackgroundAdiposity is positively associated with risk of some cancer sites and other health conditions in men; however, it is unclear if endogenous hormones play a role in these associations. We examined how body composition, measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and common measures of adiposity (e.g., body mass index (BMI)), are related to hormone concentrations in men from the UK Biobank study.MethodsUp to 16,237 men with available body composition data (including visceral, subcutaneous, and liver fat, muscle fat infiltration (MFI), lean tissue, and common adiposity measures) and serum hormone measurements (insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and calculated free testosterone) were included. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were used to determine the geometric mean hormone and SHBG concentrations across categories of each exposure.ResultsCommon measurements of adiposity were highly correlated with MRI measures of central and total adiposity (r = 0.76–0.91), although correlations with ectopic fat (liver fat and MFI) were lower (r = 0.43–0.54). Most adiposity measurements showed an inverse U- or J-shaped association with circulating IGF-I and free testosterone; however, MFI was linearly inversely associated, and lean tissue volume was positively associated with both IGF-I and free testosterone concentrations. All body composition measures were inversely associated with total testosterone and SHBG concentrations (relative geometric mean difference between Q5 vs. Q1: 20–30%).ConclusionOur results show that common adiposity and most MRI measures of adiposity relate similarly to serum hormone concentrations; however, associations with ectopic fat (particularly MFI) and lean tissue were different.

Relationship between morphometric measurements and blood parameters in horses with varying adiposity levels and physiological conditions.

Understanding and finding the correlation between morphometric measurements and horse blood parameters is crucial for predicting equine metabolic issues. This study aims to analyse morphometric measurements and blood samples in horses with varying adiposity levels. Cross-sectional observational. A total of 50 horses were included in the study and categorized into groups based on their body condition score (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS). The insulin concentration was significantly higher in overweight horses (p=0.022). Female horses exhibited higher cortisol concentrations (p=0.025) and girth circumference at the withers (p=0.004) compared to males. Lactating mares exhibited higher concentrations of serum total protein (p=0.012) and globulin (p=0.003). A positive correlation was observed between BCS and insulin concentrations (r=0.290, p=0.041). Negative correlations were found between neck circumference to height at withers and glucose (r=-0.309, p=0.029), CNS and glucose (r=-0.315, p=0.026) as well as between crest diameter and cortisol (r=-0.360, p=0.01). Increasing the sample size and conducting longitudinal studies would enhance the study's validity and reliability. Although insulin, glucose and cortisol concentrations have predictive capabilities based on signs and certain morphometric measurements, their correlations are not always strong. Therefore, this study challenges the notion that all overweight horses are unhealthy, as overweight horses can still have good metabolic health. Conversely, lean horses may also experience metabolic issues. Hence, relying solely on visual cues is insufficient to diagnose the metabolic status of horses. Other factors must also be considered to assess their health status accurately.

Prenatal phthalate exposure and pubertal development in 16-year-old daughters: reproductive hormones and number of ovarian follicles.

Is there a possible association between prenatal phthalate exposure and late effects in teenage daughters with respect to reproductive hormone levels, uterine volume, and number of ovarian follicles? Our study showed subtle associations between phthalate metabolite concentrations in maternal serum from pregnancy or cord blood and LH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels as well as uterine volume in their daughters 16 years later. Endocrine-disrupting environmental chemicals may adversely affect human reproductive health, and many societies have experienced a trend toward earlier puberty and an increasing prevalence of infertility in young couples. The scientific evidence of adverse effects of foetal exposure to a large range of chemicals, including phthalates, on male reproductive health is growing, but very few studies have explored effects on female reproduction. This follow-up study included 317 teenage daughters who were part of the Copenhagen Mother-Child Cohort, a population-based longitudinal birth cohort of 1210 females born between 1997 and 2002. A total of 317 female participants (median age 16 years) were examined for weight, height, and menstrual pattern. A serum sample was analysed for concentrations of reproductive hormones, and trans-abdominal 3D ultrasonography was performed to obtain the number of ovarian follicles, ovarian and uterine size. Prenatal maternal serum samples were available for 115 females, and cord blood samples were available for 118 females. These were analysed for concentrations of 32 phthalate metabolites. Weighted quantile sum regression was used for modelling associations of combined prenatal phthalate exposure with the reproductive outcomes in post-menarcheal females. In bivariate correlation analyses, negative significant associations were found between several prenatal phthalate metabolite concentrations and serum hormone concentrations (testosterone, 17-OH-progesterone, and IGF-1) as well as number of ovarian follicles in puberty. Positive significant correlations were found between prenatal phthalate exposure and FSH and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations. Combined analyses of phthalate exposure (weighted quantile sums) showed significant negative associations with IGF-1 concentration and uterine volume as well as a significant positive association with LH concentration. Phthalate metabolites were measured in serum from single prenatal maternal blood samples and cord blood samples. Potential concomitant exposure to other endocrine-disrupting environmental chemicals before or after birth was not controlled for. The study population size was limited. Our results support the need for further research into possible adverse effects of environmental chemicals during foetal development of the female reproductive system. The work was supported by The Center on Endocrine Disruptors (CeHoS) under The Danish Environmental Protection Agency and The Ministry of Environment and Food (grant number: MST-621-00 065). No conflicts of interest are declared. N/A.

9240 Role Of Genetics In The Age-Related Testosterone Decline In Men: A UK Biobank Study

Abstract Disclosure: L. Ogoniak: None. S. Sandmann: None. J. Varghese: None. A.S. Busch: None. Background: Age-related decline in circulating serum testosterone concentrations is a well-established phenomenon in men. While the decline is partially linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), healthy ageing men present with rather stable levels. Recent genetic mapping studies demonstrated a large influence of common genetic variation on testosterone levels in men. However, increasing incidence rates of comorbidities in the ageing population are posing a challenge for the disentanglement of effects. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the genetic component of age-dependent testosterone decline in men. We hypothesize that the decline in testosterone levels in ageing men is primarily influenced by comorbidities, without significant alterations in the genetic architecture of testosterone levels. Material and Methods: We included 6,406 men with baseline and follow-up measurements of circulating serum concentrations of total testosterone (T), bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) representing an independent sub-cohort of the UK Biobank study. We 1) assessed the association of baseline levels with the decline in sex steroids and 2) developed and verified polygenic risk score (PRS) models for T, BAT and SHBG based on 183,909 men from the UK Biobank (sub cohorts: 70% base, 15% target and 15% validation, follow-up cohort excluded for PRS development). Results: In the follow-up sub cohort, mean age (SD) at baseline was 58.2 yrs ( 7.5) and mean (SD) follow-up period was 4.3 (1.0) yrs. Mean (SD) BAT at baseline were 5.2 (1.32) nmol/L with a mean (SD) decline of 1.6 (24.4) % at follow-up. Baseline BAT, T and SHBG levels were significantly associated with the relative change of the respective biomarker at follow-up (-7.8, -2.9 and -0.4% per nmol/L, respectively, all p &amp;lt;0.001). After correcting for age at baseline, follow-up period and principal components 1-10, PGSTestosterone and PGSBAT were not associated with relative decline of the respective biomarker (both p = n.s.). Conclusion: Our study did not find evidence supporting a genetic component in the age-related decline of circulating serum T or BAT concentrations. Instead, in accordance to previous observational studies, our results suggest that rather non-genetic factors, e.g. increasing incidence rates of comorbidities, drive the age-related decline in sex steroid levels in men. Our study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between genetic and non-genetic factors with age-related testosterone decline in men and offers valuable insights for potential interventions targeting age-related hormonal changes and associated health outcomes. Presentation: 6/2/2024

8039 Role Of Genetics In The Age-Related Testosterone Decline In Men: A UK Biobank Study

Abstract Disclosure: L. Ogoniak: None. S. Sandmann: None. J. Varghese: None. A.S. Busch: None. Background: Age-related decline in circulating serum testosterone concentrations is a well-established phenomenon in men. While the decline is partially linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), healthy ageing men present with rather stable levels. Recent genetic mapping studies demonstrated a large influence of common genetic variation on testosterone levels in men. However, increasing incidence rates of comorbidities in the ageing population are posing a challenge for the disentanglement of effects. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the genetic component of age-dependent testosterone decline in men. We hypothesize that the decline in testosterone levels in ageing men is primarily influenced by comorbidities, without significant alterations in the genetic architecture of testosterone levels. Material and Methods: We included 6,406 men with baseline and follow-up measurements of circulating serum concentrations of total testosterone (T), bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) representing an independent sub-cohort of the UK Biobank study. We 1) assessed the association of baseline levels with the decline in sex steroids and 2) developed and verified polygenic risk score (PRS) models for T, BAT and SHBG based on 183,909 men from the UK Biobank (sub cohorts: 70% base, 15% target and 15% validation, follow-up cohort excluded for PRS development). Results: In the follow-up sub cohort, mean age (SD) at baseline was 58.2 yrs ( 7.5) and mean (SD) follow-up period was 4.3 (1.0) yrs. Mean (SD) BAT at baseline were 5.2 (1.32) nmol/L with a mean (SD) decline of 1.6 (24.4) % at follow-up. Baseline BAT, T and SHBG levels were significantly associated with the relative change of the respective biomarker at follow-up (-7.8, -2.9 and -0.4% per nmol/L, respectively, all p &amp;lt;0.001). After correcting for age at baseline, follow-up period and principal components 1-10, PGSTestosterone and PGSBAT were not associated with relative decline of the respective biomarker (both p = n.s.). Conclusion: Our study did not find evidence supporting a genetic component in the age-related decline of circulating serum T or BAT concentrations. Instead, in accordance to previous observational studies, our results suggest that rather non-genetic factors, e.g. increasing incidence rates of comorbidities, drive the age-related decline in sex steroid levels in men. Our study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between genetic and non-genetic factors with age-related testosterone decline in men and offers valuable insights for potential interventions targeting age-related hormonal changes and associated health outcomes. Presentation: 6/2/2024

9240 Role Of Genetics In The Age-Related Testosterone Decline In Men: A UK Biobank Study

Abstract Disclosure: L. Ogoniak: None. S. Sandmann: None. J. Varghese: None. A.S. Busch: None. Background: Age-related decline in circulating serum testosterone concentrations is a well-established phenomenon in men. While the decline is partially linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), healthy ageing men present with rather stable levels. Recent genetic mapping studies demonstrated a large influence of common genetic variation on testosterone levels in men. However, increasing incidence rates of comorbidities in the ageing population are posing a challenge for the disentanglement of effects. Objective: Our study aims to investigate the genetic component of age-dependent testosterone decline in men. We hypothesize that the decline in testosterone levels in ageing men is primarily influenced by comorbidities, without significant alterations in the genetic architecture of testosterone levels. Material and Methods: We included 6,406 men with baseline and follow-up measurements of circulating serum concentrations of total testosterone (T), bioavailable testosterone (BAT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) representing an independent sub-cohort of the UK Biobank study. We 1) assessed the association of baseline levels with the decline in sex steroids and 2) developed and verified polygenic risk score (PRS) models for T, BAT and SHBG based on 183,909 men from the UK Biobank (sub cohorts: 70% base, 15% target and 15% validation, follow-up cohort excluded for PRS development). Results: In the follow-up sub cohort, mean age (SD) at baseline was 58.2 yrs ( 7.5) and mean (SD) follow-up period was 4.3 (1.0) yrs. Mean (SD) BAT at baseline were 5.2 (1.32) nmol/L with a mean (SD) decline of 1.6 (24.4) % at follow-up. Baseline BAT, T and SHBG levels were significantly associated with the relative change of the respective biomarker at follow-up (-7.8, -2.9 and -0.4% per nmol/L, respectively, all p &amp;lt;0.001). After correcting for age at baseline, follow-up period and principal components 1-10, PGSTestosterone and PGSBAT were not associated with relative decline of the respective biomarker (both p = n.s.). Conclusion: Our study did not find evidence supporting a genetic component in the age-related decline of circulating serum T or BAT concentrations. Instead, in accordance to previous observational studies, our results suggest that rather non-genetic factors, e.g. increasing incidence rates of comorbidities, drive the age-related decline in sex steroid levels in men. Our study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between genetic and non-genetic factors with age-related testosterone decline in men and offers valuable insights for potential interventions targeting age-related hormonal changes and associated health outcomes. Presentation: 6/2/2024