Serum Triglyceride Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of Fermented Bamboo Shoot Processing Waste on Growth Performance, Serum Parameters, and Gut Microbiota of Weaned Piglets.

Simple SummaryBamboo shoot processing waste is usually directly discarded, resulting in the waste of bamboo resources and environmental pollution. Fermented bamboo shoot processing waste (FBSPW) for feed processing is an important way to reuse bamboo shoot processing waste. In this study, to evaluate the feasibility of FBSPW as a feed additive for weaned piglets, we analyzed the effects of different concentrations of FBSPW added to feed on growth performance, serum parameters, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets. Our results showed that the addition of FBSPW significantly decreased the average daily feed intake, serum triglyceride content, and urea nitrogen of weaned piglets compared to the control. The cecum and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets fed the basal diet with 12% FBSPW were significantly different compared to the control. The addition of 12% FBSPW to weaned piglet feed could improve their nitrogen and lipid metabolisms and have beneficial effects on gut microbiota.Gut microbiota (GM) plays a vital role in the nutrition and metabolism of weaned piglets. Some feed additives can be used to adjust the composition of GM to improve the health of weaned piglets. In this study, we investigated the effects of adding fermented bamboo shoot processing waste (FBSPW) to diet on growth performance, serum parameters, and GM of weaned piglets. Seventy-two piglets were divided into four groups and were fed diets containing 0% (control), 4% (group A), 8% (group B), and 12% (group C) FBSPW for 50 days. We found that the addition of FBSPW significantly decreased the average daily feed intake, serum triglyceride content, and urea nitrogen of weaned piglets compared to the control. The cecum and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets fed the basal diet with 12% FBSPW were significantly different compared to the control. A basal diet with 12% FBSPW significantly reduced the taxon feature number, and the relative abundance of Tenericutes in the cecum and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets compared with the control. The addition of 12% FBSPW to weaned piglet feed could improve their nitrogen and lipid metabolisms and have beneficial effects on GM.

Effects of Fat Pre-Emulsification on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Index, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Nutrient Utilization, and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Pekin Ducks Fed Diets with Different Fat Sources.

Simple SummaryEmulsifiers, which can reduce fat chylomicrons and improve fat emulsification, are currently widely used in animal feed to increase the utilization of fats and improve animal growth performance. However, the traditional method of adding emulsifiers directly to feed has shown inconsistent effects on livestock and poultry. Moreover, China is the largest duck-producing country, and it can, therefore, be anticipated that many duck processing enterprises will produce a large amount of duck fat. However, there is no information about the effects of duck fat as a fat source for Pekin duck. Considering the increase in oil prices, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of fat pre-emulsification (preE), which is a new method to improve the utilization of dietary oil, on Pekin ducks fed diets with different fat sources. The obtained results revealed that fat preE contributed to the utilization of dietary nutrients, serum lipid metabolism, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and liver health, thereby improving the growth performance of ducks; duck fat has higher bioavailability for ducks based on dietary ether extract (EE) utilization.This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fat pre-emulsification on growth performance, the serum biochemical index, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, nutrient utilization, and the standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (SIDAA) in Pekin ducks fed diets containing different fat sources. Three hundred and twenty healthy ten-day-old Pekin male ducks (409 ± 27 g) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design and given one of two types of poultry fat (duck fat or a mixed type of fat composed of chicken fat and duck fat in a 1:1 ratio) that had been pre-emulsified or not. This resulted in four treatments of eight replicates, with each replicate having ten ducks. The results showed that fat pre-emulsification (preE) significantly increased (p < 0.05) body weight and body weight gain and decreased (p < 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio, the liver index, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the concentration of total cholesterol (TC) in the serum. Fat preE also tended to decrease the activity of lipase (p = 0.07) and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the activity of trypsin in the duodenum. The utilization of dietary dry matter, ether extract (EE), energy, and total phosphorus, as well as apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and the SID of serine (p = 0.090), were improved by fat preE. Duck fat markedly increased (p < 0.05) the serum TC concentration and the utilization of dietary EE; however, it also tended to decrease the serum triglyceride (TG) concentration (p = 0.09) and markedly decreased (p < 0.05) the activity of trypsin in the jejunum and duodenum. These results indicated that fat preE contributed to the utilization of dietary nutrients, serum lipid metabolism, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, and liver health, thereby improving the growth performance of ducks. Duck fat has higher bioavailability for ducks based on dietary EE utilization.

Application of sunflower meal in diets of on-growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and evaluation of enzymatic hydrolysis

An 8-week trial was performed to investigate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) by sunflower meal (SM) or enzymolysis sunflower meal (ESM) on the growth, lipid metabolism, and intestinal health of Ctenopharyngodon idellus. Compared with SM, the small peptides and amino acids contents in ESM increased, while the crude fiber decreased. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipid diets (SM0, SM25, SM50, SM75, SM100, ESM75, and ESM100) were prepared for SM to replace 0, 25, 50, 75, 100% SBM and ESM to replace 75 and 100% SBM, respectively. The results showed that with an increasing proportion of SM instead of SBM, weight gain rate (WGR) of grass carp showed a decreasing trend, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a rising trend, and significantly changed in the SM75 and SM100 groups. WGR in the ESM75 group was significantly increased compared with the SM75 group, and there was no statistical difference with the SM0 group. Replacing 75% and 100% SBM with ESM was beneficial to lipid metabolism, which was mainly manifested in decreased serum low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol contents, and significantly down-regulated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), fatty acid synthase (fas) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (srebp1) gene expression in liver. Replacing 75% and 100% SBM with SM resulted in intestinal oxidative damage (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents increased; superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased) and disrupted intestinal physical and immune barrier functions (claudin15, myosin light chain kinase (mlck), interleukin-1β, 6, 12β (il-1β, il-6, il-12β), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and nuclear factor-κB (nf-κb) gene expression up-regulated; zonula occluden 1, 2 (zo1, zo2), transforming growth factor β1 (tgf-β1), and il-10 gene expression down-regulated), while substitution of 75% and 100% SBM by ESM alleviated oxidative damage and improved intestinal immune and physical barrier functions. In addition, the α-diversity index and the abundances of Erysipelatoclostridium and Bacteroides in the ESM75 group were significantly increased compared with the SM0 and SM75 groups. In conclusion, the replacement proportion of SBM with SM should not exceed 50%, otherwise it will lead to reduced growth, lipid deposition, intestinal health damage and intestinal microbiota disorder. However, the replacement of 75% SBM with ESM has no negative effect on grass carp, and it improved lipid metabolism and intestinal health compared with substitution of SBM with SM.

Effects of traditional Chinese medicines on biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity and heat shock protein expression in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) under heat stress

This study investigated the effects of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) Huoxiangzhengqi decoction (HXZQD), Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) and Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) on the biochemical parameters, antioxidant capacity and heat shock protein expression in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under heat stress. The results showed that before stress, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), hepatic heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β) mRNA expression levels in the trout were increased in the TCM groups, but the serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHO) levels were decreased. Under heat stress at 20°C, the fishfed TCMs showed significantly decreased serum TG, CHO, creatinine (CRE) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (p < 0.05) and significantly increased serum CAT levels and hepatic HSP70 and HSP90β mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The AST level in the HXZQD group was significantly lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). Under heat stress at 25°C, the serum GLU, TG, CHO, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT concentrations were significantly lower in all the TCM groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The CRE levels in the XCHD and HXZQD groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the CAT activity in the HXZQD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). The serum GSH-Px activity and liver HSP70 and HSP90β mRNA expression in the fishfed TCMs were significantly higher than those in the control fish (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with these TCMs could improve the physiological response, antioxidant capacity and the expression of two HSPs. The HXZQD group showed the best resistance to heat stress.

Black ginseng protects against Western diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice.

Black ginseng (BG) shows beneficial effects on liver injury, but the related mechanism has not been fully revealed. This study attempted to investigate the protective effects and associated mechanisms of BG against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Twelve ginsenosides in BG were annotated by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The Western diet (WD) together with the low-dose CCl4 was given to mice to create the NASH model. Histopathological examination and liver/serum biochemical analysis revealed that the NASH mice displayed severe steatosis and liver damage compared with control mice. After BG administration, the serum and liver triglycerides (TG) concentrations and the serum level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were dramatically reduced. Besides, the BG treatment greatly decreased the serum values of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the hepatic expression of fibrotic-related genes, such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1α1). We further discovered that BG administration could block the protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), indicating that BG exerted a liver protective effect via regulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. This study demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy and the associated mechanism of BG in the treatment of NASH, giving evidence for BG as a potential functional food to prevent NASH. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: BG is a type of processed ginseng product that has been used as diet supplementation and has shown favorable effects on liver injury. However, the pharmacological impact of BG on NASH has not been studied in depth. The present study showed that BG could effectively reduce WD-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB axis, which indicated that BG has the potential to be utilized as a functional herb to attenuate liver injury.

Oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in hypertensive patients with/without diabetes mellitus in cardiovascular risk evaluation

Abstract Introduction: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus affect a large number of patients and can significantly influence their life expectancy. Changes in metabolic and oxidative stress parameters are common in these pathologies, contributing to associated complications. The aim of the study was assessment of relationship between laboratory parameters and their role in evaluation of cardiovascular risk, and possible gender-related differences in the protective factors. Material and methods: Blood samples were collected from hypertensive patients with/without diabetes mellitus admitted to the Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic in Tîrgu Mureș and controls without these pathologies. Biochemical analyses were performed on Konelab analyzer (glycemia, lipid profile, kidney function tests, zinc, hsCRP). Oxidative stress markers, such as serum malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated using an HPLC-UV/VIS technique at GEP UMPhST. Statistical analysis was performed by GraphPad InStat3. Results: Mean age of hypertensive patients (n=131) was 69.44 ± 9.02 years, 45.8% males, 31.3% being diabetics. 74.1% of the studied patients had zinc deficiency, 19.8% presented slightly elevated hsCRP. The control group included 24 nonhypertensive/nondiabetic patients of similar age. Average GSH was significantly lower (p=0.0002) in hypertensive patients, 1.89 ± 0.82 µg/ml, compared to the control group (3.23 ± 0.49 µg/ml), and no correlation could be observed between GSH and MDA values. GSH concentration was significantly higher in males (p=0.0395) and HDL-cholesterol significantly higher in females (p=0.0132). A negative correlation was observed between serum triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol concentration. Conclusions: Gender differences are present in the level of protective factors against cardiovascular diseases, while oxidative stress is intensified in hypertensive/diabetic patients.

Relationship Between Markers of the Acute Phase of Inflammation, Parameters of Blood Lipid Composition and Intracardiac Hemodynamics During Chemotherapy in Patients With Multiple Myeloma.

Aim To evaluate in a pilot study time-related changes in the clinical state, indexes of the acute phase of inflammation, parameters of blood lipid profile, intracardiac hemodynamics, and disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction in patients who are not candidates for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation, during three bortezomib-containing chemotherapy courses (VCD) followed by a correlation analysis.Material and methods This pilot study included 20 patients diagnosed with myeloma, who were not candidates for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation and who had undergone three courses of VCD chemotherapy (bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone). In addition to mandatory examinations, measurement of blood lipid profile, transthoracic echocardiography (EchoCG), and 24-h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring were performed for all participants before and after a specific therapy.Results Following three bortezomib-containing courses of chemotherapy, patients of the study group had significant increases in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (1.6±0.2 and 2.5±0.4; р=0.05), cholesterol concentration (4.8±1.1 and 5.6±1.1 mmol/l, р=0.05), and low-density lipoprotein concentration (2.8±0.4 and 3.5±0.8 mmol/l, р=0.02). In comparing the changes in parameters of intracardiac hemodynamics, criteria for genuine cardiotoxicity were not met, however, a tendency to emergence/progression of myocardial diastolic dysfunction was noted. No clinically significant disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction were observed. The correlation analysis performed prior to the start of chemotherapy, showed significant strong, direct correlations between the C-protein concentration and left atrial (LA) volume (r=0.793; p=0.006), right atrial (RA) volume (r=0.857; p=0.002), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (EDD) (r=0.589; p=0.043), and LV end-diastolic volume (EDV) (r=0.726; p=0.017). Following the specific treatment, significant, medium-power and strong correlations were found between NLR and EDV (r= -0.673; p=0.033), NLR and end systolic volume (ESV) (r= -0.710; p=0.021), respectively. Significant direct correlations were found between the bortezomib dose per one injection and the serum concentration of triglycerides following the treatment (r=0.78; p=0.05); a single bortezomib dose and parameters of intracardiac hemodynamics: LA (r=0.71; p=0.026), RA (r=0.74; p=0.014), EDD (r=0.837; p=0.003), EDV (r=0.749; p=0.013), ESV (r=0.553; p=0.049).Conclusion For the first time, a comprehensive evaluation was performed in patients with multiple myeloma, including the dynamics of blood lipid profile, intracardiac hemodynamics and disorders of cardiac rhythm/conduction during bortezomib-containing antitumor therapy, with an analysis of correlation with levels of acute inflammation phase markers. Although in the observation window for genuine cardiotoxicity, clinically significant cardiovascular complications were not detected, the found correlations may evidence a potential role of systemic inflammation activity in myocardial remodeling in the studied patient cohort.

Metabolic profiles and follicular dynamics of prepubertal and pubertal Santa Inês ewe lambs with dietary restriction and supplementation with roasted whole soybeans

The objectives of this study were to evaluate moderate feed restriction and lipid supplementation on follicular dynamics, serum concentrations of fatty acids, and metabolic profile of prepubertal and pubertal ewe lambs. Thirty-five Santa Inês ewe lambs were randomly assigned according to body weight in an unbalanced block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, which consisted of level of intake (ad libitum - AL or restricted - FR), lipid supplementation (with or without whole roasted soybean). Ewe lambs in the FR group had 85% of the diet offered to those in the AL group. Ovulation was retrospectively defined by serum progesterone sample ≥ 1 ng/mL. The physiological status, ovulating (OV) and not ovulating (NOV), was considered as a two-level covariate. Dry matter and ether extract intake were greater in unsupplemented than supplemented AL ewe lambs that had ovulated (intake level x lipid supplementation x physiological status, P < 0.05). Plasma glucose and serum triglyceride concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented animals, but no changes were observed in serum insulin concentrations (P > 0.05). In the unsupplemented animals, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and cholesterol concentrations were higher in FR animals than in AL animals; serum HDL and cholesterol concentrations did not differ between lipid-supplemented groups (intake level x lipid supplementation, P < 0.05). Serum HDL was higher (P < 0.05) in animals that had ovulated than in animals that had not ovulated. In supplemented ewe lambs, serum stearic concentrations were greater in the AL group than in the FR group; conversely, in unsupplemented animals, stearic concentrations were lower in the AL group than in the FR group (intake level x lipid supplementation, P < 0.05). The linoleic serum concentrations were not affected (P > 0.05) by intake level, lipid supplementation, or physiological status. The number of follicular waves was greater (P < 0.05) in AL ewe lambs than in FR ewe lambs. There was no main effect of treatment or interaction effects (P > 0.05) on the number of follicles, follicular diameter, or growth rate of the largest follicle. In conclusion, lipid supplementation with roasted whole soybeans improved the metabolic profile of ewe lambs, with no concomitant effect on follicular dynamics or linoleic serum concentration. Except for a reduction in the number of follicular waves, the follicular dynamics were not altered by moderate FR. Despite the higher serum HDL concentrations in ewe lambs that had ovulated, the follicular development was not enhanced.

Obese male Zucker rats exhibit dendritic remodeling in neurons of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit as well as spatial memory deficits.

Obesity is characterized by excessive fat accumulation. The Zucker rat displays genetic obesity due to a mutation in the leptin receptor gene; this model is of great interest because of its similarity to human obesity. Brain regions may be affected by obesity, but detailed information is lacking. In the present study, we analyzed the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit as well as the spatial memory of obese Zucker rats. We performed two experiments. Each experiment contained two experimental groups: the control group (male Long Evans rats) and the study group (obese male Zucker rats). We monitored the body weights of all rats over 4 weeks. In the first experiment, we analyzed the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Under anesthesia, we measured the abdominal and hip circumferences and collected at least 1ml of blood to assess serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TGC), and cholesterol (COL) concentrations. We perfused the brains of these rats with 0.9% saline solution, incubated the brains in Golgi-Cox solution, and subsequently evaluated the morphology of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus (the CA1-CA3 regions) and the entorhinal cortex as well as the morphology of granule neurons in the dentate gyrus. In the second experiment, we assessed the spatial memory of animals with the Morris water maze. The Zucker rats had an obese phenotype, as indicated by their elevated body weight and increased abdominal and hip circumferences as well as elevated GLU, COL, and TGC concentrations. Analysis of neurons from the specified regions in obese male Zucker rats indicated reduced dendritic arborization and reduced dendritic spine density. In terms of spatial learning and memory, the obese Zucker rats exhibited intact spatial learning (i.e., of platform location) but deficits in spatial memory. These data provide evidence that obesity alters the morphology and function of hippocampal neurons.

Effects of pemafibrate on lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia: A multi-center prospective observational study, the PARM-T2D study

AimsPemafibrate, a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulator, was shown to ameliorate lipid abnormalities in a phase III clinical trial of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its efficacy has not been demonstrated in real-world clinical practice in patients with T2DM. MethodsWe performed a multi-center prospective observational study of the use of pemafibrate in patients with T2DM and hypertriglyceridemia versus conventional therapy, with or without a fibrate. The primary outcomes were the changes from baseline in fasting serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations at week 52. ResultsWe recruited 650 patients, and data from 504 (252 per group) were analyzed after propensity score matching. In the pemafibrate group, both TG and HDL-C showed significant improvements (p < 0.001), and several indices reflecting TG-rich lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol particle size, and liver enzyme elevations were significantly ameliorated compared with the control group, but there was no difference in glycemic control markers. One of the key secondary endpoints showed that switching from conventional fibrates to pemafibrate improved eGFR but increased uric acid concentration. ConclusionsIn patients with T2DM, pemafibrate has superior effects on lipid profile as well as liver and renal dysfunction to conventional fibrates.

Dietary supplementation with a mixture of herbal extracts during late gestation and lactation improves performance of sows and nursing piglets through regulation of maternal metabolism and transmission of antibodies.

The dietary inclusion of phytogenic feed additives to improve the performance and health of sows is considered to be safe, effective and environmentally friendly, thus gaining growing popularity among new strategies. This study was designed with three trials aimed to determine the effective supplemental levels of Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica mixed extracts (SLE) in sow diets based on production performance and explore its related mechanisms of action based on serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity, and immune profile of sows and nursing piglets. Trials 1 and 2 were conducted to determine the effective dose and ratio of SLE by supplementation of various proportions and doses of SLE to sows diets from the late pregnancy to weaning, with litter performance at farrowing and weaning and disease conditions being evaluated. Trial 3 was conducted to further explore the mechanisms of action of SLE as evaluated by serum immunity and antioxidants indices in late gestation and lactation sows. The results of trials 1 and 2 showed that dietary supplementation of 1.0 g/kg SLE (50% S. baicalensis extract, 30% L. japonica extract, and 20% wheat bran fiber as carrier) enhanced the number of piglets born alive, litter birth weight, litter weight gain, and average daily feed intake of sows during lactation, while decreased diarrhea of suckling piglets. In Trial 3, compared with the control group, dietary SLE supplementation increased (P < 0.05) sow serum glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), prolactin (PRL) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities at the farrowing, and increased (P < 0.05) sow serum prolactin, leptin, and insulin concentrations at d 14 of lactation. Fat concentrations in sow colostrum and in milk on day 14 of lactation, both IgA and IgG concentrations in colostrum, and both IL-10 and IgA concentrations in piglet serum at d 14 of lactation were all increased (P < 0.05) following dietary SLE supplementation. Altogether, dietary supplementation with the appropriate levels of SLE promoted health and growth of suckling piglets, which was associated with the improvement of maternal metabolism and transmission of antibodies.

Dietary insulin index and insulin load in relation to hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and low brain derived neurotrophic factor in adults.

BackgroundThe evidence about the relation of the insulinemic potential of food with visceral obesity and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was limited. We aimed to investigate the relation of dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HTGW) and serum BDNF in Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 528 middle-aged adults (45.6% women), using a multistage cluster random-sampling method. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were collected after 12 h of fasting for assessing the serum BDNF and triglyceride concentrations. HTGW was defined as triacylglycerol ≥ 150 mg/dL plus enlarged waist circumference. The values less than the first decile of serum BDNF were considered as the low level.ResultsIndividuals in the top tertile of DIL, in comparison to those in the bottom tertile, had higher odds of HTGW in both crude (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14–3.37) and fully adjusted model (OR = 6.10, 95% CI: 1.58–23.53). However, the relation between DII and odds of HTGW was statistically insignificant in crude (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.78–2.16) and maximally adjusted model (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.65–2.40). After considering confounders, participants in the top tertile of DIL had marginally higher odds of having low BDNF values (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 0.95–4.21). Nevertheless, the association between DII and odds of low BDNF values was statistically insignificant.ConclusionThis population-based study demonstrated that adults with higher DIL had significantly higher chance of HTGW phenotype and slightly higher chance for low BDNF level. DII was not associated with HTGW phenotype or BDNF values.

Predictive Value Analysis of Serum sFlt-1 and PLGF Levels/Ratio in Preeclampsia

Background: This study is to explore the clinical significance of serum sFlt-1, and placental growth factor (PLGF) contents, as well as sFlt-1/PLGF ratio in predicting and diagnosing preeclampsia. Methods: Peripheral venous blood was collected from all pregnant women at 11–33+6 weeks for biomarker detection. Totally 105 patients with preeclampsia and 57 patients with severe preeclampsia were included. Serum sFlt-1 and PLGF levels were determined, and sFlt-1/PLGF ratio was calculated. Correlation between sFlt-1, PLGF, sFlt-1/PLGF ratio and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase and calcium content levels were analyzed. receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate values of sFlt-1, PLGF and sFlt-1/PLGF ratios in disease diagnosis and prediction. Results: Serum sFlt-1 content and sFlt-1/PLGF ratio in Preeclampsia (PE) patients were significantly higher than control. Serum sFlt-1 content and sFlt-1/PLGF ratio of the severe PE group were significantly higher than the PE group. Serum PLGF contents of the PE and severe PE group were significantly lower than control, and the difference in PLGF content between the severe and PE groups was not significant. There was a moderate correlation between the sFlt-1 content and the lactate dehydrogenase level. There was a low-level correlation between the sFlt-1/PLGF ratio and the lactate dehydrogenase level. The receiver ROC curve analysis showed that sFlt/PLGF had greater predictive value for preeclampsia, with a sensitivity of 98.1% and a specificity of 78.2%. Conclusions: Serum sFlt-1 level and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio have better predictive and diagnostic values, as well as better auxiliary efficiency for preeclampsia. The diagnostic efficiency of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is better than sFlt-1 content alone.

Effect of dietary octacosanol concentration extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of octacosanol (OCT) extracted from triticale sprout on laying performance, egg quality, and blood parameters of laying hens. A total of 192, Hyline brown laying hens aged 43 weeks were divided into 4 dietary groups of 48 birds each and they were randomly subjected to one of the experimental diets containing OCT at the levels of none, 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg of diet. All birds were fed with isoenergetic and isonitrogenous mash diets for 6 weeks. The result showed that hens supplemented with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT in diet significantly increased (p < 0.05) egg production than those fed with the basal diet. OCT concentration in the egg yolk of hens fed with 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT was significantly higher than in those fed the control diet. Hens fed 20 and 30 mg/kg OCT exhibited greater high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and interleukin (IL) concentrations and reduced serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride compared to those fed with 0 and 10 mg/kg OCT. This study indicates that supplementing the diet of laying hens with 20 and 30 mg/kg of OCT can improve the performance, egg quality, and health status of laying hens.

Dietary silymarin ameliorating reproductive and lactation performance of sows via regulating body antioxidant and metabolism

ObjectiveThe experiment was conducted to explore the effects of silymarin on reproductive and lactation performance, serum antioxidants, and body metabolism of sows. MethodsSixty pregnant sows (85 d, Large × Landrace) with similar genetic background, body condition, and parity were randomly divided into three groups, and each group has 20 individually housed sows. The sows in the control group (CG) were fed with basal diet, and those in the experimental group A (EGA) and B (EGB) were fed with basal diet containing 250 and 500 mg/kg silymarin, respectively. The experiment lasted 46 days from day 85 of gestation to the end of lactation (weaning on day 17 ).The milk composition and serum biochemical parameters were determined by a milk composition analyzer and a blood biochemical analyzer, respectively. Serum antioxidant indexes and plasma hormone levels were measured using the biochemical kits. The gas chromatograph was applied to detect the fecal short chain fatty acids. ResultsCompared with the CG, the total feed intake (TFI) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the urea content in regular milk tended to increase (P = 0.095) in the EG. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were decreased on day 90 of gestation and the day of farrowing (P < 0.01), and the serum contents of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) tended to increase on day 17 of lactation (P = 0.099) compared with the CG. Compared with the CG, the serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations in the EG tended to increase on day 90 of gestation (P = 0.062), and the content of serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) reduced on day 17 of lactation (P < 0.01). Compared with the CG, plasm D-lactic acid content was decreased (P < 0.05), and the plasma prostaglandin (PG) level tended to increase (P = 0.088) in the EG on the day of farrowing and day 17 of lactation. Compared with the CG, fecal isobutyric acid concentration in the EG significantly decreased on the day of farrowing ( P < 0.05). ConclusionAdding 250 – 500 mg/kg silymarin to diets from the late gestation to the end of lactation could improve reproductive and lactation performance of sows via the regulation of nutrient metabolism and serum antioxidant.

Discrepancies among healthy, subclinical mastitic, and clinical mastitic cows in fecal microbiome and metabolome and serum metabolome.

Mastitis is generally considered a local inflammatory disease caused by the invasion of exogenous pathogens and resulting in the dysbiosis of microbiota and metabolites in milk. However, the entero-mammary pathway theory may establish a possible link between some endogenous gut bacteria and the occurrence and development of mastitis. In the current study, we attempted to investigate differences in the gut microbiota profile and metabolite composition in gut and serum from healthy cows and those with subclinical mastitis and clinical mastitis. Compared with those of healthy cows, the microbial community diversities in the feces of cows with subclinical mastitis (SM) and clinical mastitis (CM) were lower. Lower abundance of Bifidobacterium, Romboutsia, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Coprococcus, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcus, and Alistipes, and higher abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus were observed in CM cows. Klebsiella and Paeniclostridium were significantly enriched in the feces of SM cows. Several similarities were observed in feces and serum metabolites in mastitic cows. Higher levels of proinflammatory lipid products (20-trihydroxy-leukotriene-B4, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, and 9,10-dihydroxylinoleic acids) and lower levels of metabolites involved in secondary bile acids (deoxycholic acid, 12-ketolithocholic acid), energy (citric acid and 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine), and purine metabolism (uric acid and inosine) were identified in both SM and CM cows. In addition, elevated concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and decreased concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were detected in the serum of SM and CM cows. Higher serum concentrations of triglyceride and total cholesterol and lower concentrations of high-density lipoproteins in mastitic cows might be related to changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. These findings suggested a significant difference in the profile of feces microbiota and metabolites in cows with different udder health status, which might increase our understanding of bovine mastitis.

Serum triglycerides concentration in relation to total and cardiovascular mortality in an elderly Chinese population.

To investigate serum triglycerides in relation to all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality in an elderly Chinese population. The study participants (n = 3565) were elderly (≥ 60 years) community dwellers living in a suburban town of Shanghai. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as a serum triglycerides concentration ≥ 2.30 mmol/L (definite) and ≥ 1.70 mmol/L (borderline), respectively. The prevalence of definite and borderline hypertriglyceridemia at baseline was 7.5% and 29.5%, respectively. It was higher in women (n = 1982, 9.0% and 33.8%, respectively) than men (n = 1583, 6.2% and 27.9%, respectively), in obese and overweight participants (n = 1566, 10.5% and 36.4%, respectively) than normal weight participants (n = 1999, 5.6% and 27.1%, respectively), and in diabetic participants (n = 177, 11.9% and 39.0%, respectively) than non-diabetic participants (n = 3388, 7.5% and 30.8%, respectively). During a median of 7.9 years follow-up, all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular deaths occurred in 529, 216 and 313 participants, respectively. In analyses according to the quintile distributions of serum triglycerides concentration, the sex- and age-standardized mortality rate was lowest in the middle quintile for all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality (18.6, 7.8 and 11.9 per 1000 person-years, respectively, versus 21.5, 10.5 and 12.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively, in the two lower quintiles and 21.7, 9.5 and 14.0 per 1000 person-years, respectively, in the two higher quintiles). The fully adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for the middle quintile versus the combined two lower with two higher quintiles were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.67-1.07, P = 0.17), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54-1.19, P = 0.28) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.64-1.17, P = 0.35) for all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Our study showed high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, especially when defined as borderline and in obese and overweight participants, and mildly but non-significantly elevated risks of cardiovascular mortality relative to the middle level of serum triglycerides.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of total extract and supernatant fraction of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus in HFD-fed and Streptozocin -induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic properties of hydro alcoholic extract and supernatant fraction of the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus, a plant used by traditional healers to treat Diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of Streptozocin to Sprague Dawley rats under a fructose-enriched fat diet. Diabetic rats were treated with 500 mg/kg of total extract and 100 mg/kg of supernatant. The antidiabetic activity was assessed by measuring blood glucose level, lipid profile, insulin and biochemical parameters together with the antioxidant potential.The administration of total extract and supernatant exhibited significant decrease (p < 0.01) of the blood glucose level in the diabetic rats after 7 days of treatment compared to the diabetic rats. A significant reduction in the serum concentrations of cholesterol (19.7 %) and triglycerides (56.7 %) was observed in the treated diabetic rats. The levels of insulin did not differ across all the groups. However, compared to diabetic rats, HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin-resistance) and HOMA-β (Homeostasis Model Assessment for β cell function) showed a statistical decrease in insulin resistance and an increase in pancreatic β cell function in the treated diabetic rats. Moreover, total extract and supernatant significantly increased GSH level and decreased lipid peroxidation because of their antioxidant properties. In comparison, the supernatant fraction exerted stronger antidiabetic and antioxidant effects than the total extract.Hence, the roots of Anogeissus leiocarpus are a potent antidiabetic agent that can be developed as an alternative medicine for diabetes and its complications.

Ethanolic extract of Lippia graveolens stem reduce biochemical markers in a murine model with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a risk to develop metabolic-chronic degenerative disease, it is important to find natural alternatives to help decrease the risk. Mexican oregano has a traditional use in Mexican food, moreover, has pharmacologic effects that can help to reduce risk the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of Mexican oregano ethanolic extract in metabolic syndrome in murine model.Ethanolic extract of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) stem (Ext) had a favorable effect on biochemical markers in a murine model of MetS, induced by injection of monosodium glutamate (MSG). From newborn female mice, two groups were formed: control and the MSG groups, which received a dosage of 2 mg/kg of MSG via subcutaneous injection at the second and fourth postnatal day (PD 2,4), and 4 mg/kg at the PD 6, 8, 10 to induce obesity. On week 13, a part of the MSG group received Ext (group MSG + Ext) at 300 mg/kg, administered orally daily from week 13 to week 18. The results indicated that ethanolic extract of Lippia graveolens stem decreases the percentage of body fat, waist circumference, and body weight gain as well as cholesterol, serum triglyceride concentrations and systolic and diastolic pressure. Insulin and leptin hormone values showed a significant effect with the Ext administration. However, hepatic lipoperoxidation levels of MSG and MSG + Ext groups did not show any statistically significant differences between them, both being higher than the control group. Taking in consideration the results obtained in this study, it is concluded that the administration of Ext had a beneficial effect in the murine model with MetS. This is the first study demonstrating the potential of the polar fraction Lippia graveolens stem in MetS.

Effects of dietary supplementation of chromium methionine chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress, hematological indices, and carcass traits of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary effects of chromium methionine (Cr-Meth) chelate on growth performance, oxidative stress parameters, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. An experiment was conducted on 34,000 1-day-old straight-run broiler chicks (Indian River; 42.0 ± 0.03) at a commercial farm. The chicks were divided randomly into 3 groups; the first group contained 17,000 birds, which used as a control, whereas the second and third groups consisted of 7000 and 10,000 birds, respectively, with 5 replicates per group. A completely randomized design was used. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing graded levels of Cr-Meth chelate: 0 (control), 50, and 100 g/ton. This compound consisted of chromium (0.4%) chelated with methionine, and it supply the diets with 200 and 400 ppb Cr for the used levels of 50 and 100 g/ton feed, respectively. Growth performance indices (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio) were measured throughout the experiment. At the end of experiment, 10 birds per treatment were slaughtered, and the carcass yield with relative weight of the internal organs was determined. Also, blood samples were taken and analyzed for glutathione peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde, ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. It was found that Cr-Meth improved the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio of broilers. Moreover, it reduced the mortality rate of birds. The chelated chromium can alleviate the oxidative status of birds by increasing the plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and reducing the serum malondialdehyde level. It was observed that the effects of 100 g/ton Cr-Meth chelate on performance indices, mortality rate, and oxidative stress parameters were better than that of 50 g/ton inclusion rate. Supplementation of Cr-Meth increased the total protein level, but reduced the glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations in the blood serum. In addition, it increased the carcass yield and reduced the abdominal fat percentage of the birds’ carcass. Therefore, chromium can be included in diets of broilers at a rate of 200 to 400 ppb, and the higher concentration was more effective than the lower one. So, it can be recommended to use Cr-Meth chelate in broiler diets at 100 g/ton to improve the productive performance and reduce the oxidative stress of birds.