Blood Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Analysis of weight loss, metabolism, and anti-reflux effect of sleeve gastrectomy combined with fundoplication as treatment of obesity complicated by gastroesophageal reflux disease

Objective: To explore the weight-loss, metabolism, and anti-reflux effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy combined with fundoplication (SGFD) as treatment of obesity complicated by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the aim of identifying the best treatment for such patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Relevant clinical data of 140 patients with obesity (body mass index≥30 kg/m2) complicated by GERD (confirmed by preoperative GerdQ score, gastroscope, upper gastrointestinal radiography, 24-hour pH monitoring of esophagus, and high-resolution esophageal manometry) who had undergone bariatric surgery in the Minimally Invasive Surgery, Hernia and Abdominal Surgery Department of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2019 to February 2023 were collected. The participants were allocated to the following groups according to surgical procedure performed: sleeve gastrectomy group (SG group, 92 cases) versus SGFD (SGFD group, 48 cases). SGFD, a new type of anti-reflux weight loss surgery that achieves both anti-reflux and weight loss effects by a procedure involving "cutting first and then folding", was developed by our team. In this study, our main aim was to compare and analyze differences in outcomes between the SG and SGFD groups in terms of weight loss and improvements in metabolism and reflux 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The 140 patients comprised 50 men and 90 women of average age 36.0±9.6 years and preoperative body mass index (BMI) (38.5±6.5) kg/m2. The average preoperative GERD score was 10.2±1.6. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the SGFD and SG groups (all P>0.05). There were also no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, or postoperative complications between the two groups (all P>0.05). However, the operation time was longer in the SGFD than SG group (137.5±10.5 minutes vs. 105.3±12.6 minutes, t=-15.131, P<0.001). Compared with preoperative values, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass, BMI, and GERD score were all lower 3 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). Six months postoperatively, triglyceride, uric acid, and DeMeester score were lower in the SGFD than SG group; however, the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure was higher in the SGFD group (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in weight loss indexes (body mass, BMI, percentage of excess body mass loss) or metabolic indexes (fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations) between the SG and SGFD groups 3 and 6 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). However, anti-reflux indexes (GerdQ score, DeMeester score, and lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure) were all significantly better in the SGFD than SG group 6 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Obese patients with GERD get good weight loss, metabolism improvement and anti-reflux effect after SGFD. SGFD is a safe and feasible surgical method, and its anti-reflux effect is better than SG at the 6th month after operation, so it is feasible.

Sensitivity of chitosan/reduced graphene oxide/manganese dioxide modified electrodes for cholesterol detection using cyclic voltammetry

Cholesterol detection needs to be carried out to detect early symptoms of dangerous diseases such as heart disease. The process of detecting cholesterol in the human blood requires a sensitive detection tool in order to produce accurate values. This paper reports the performance of chitosan thin films modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) as the sensitive layer of working electrodes in detecting cholesterol. The electrode substrate is a copper-screen printed electrode (copper-SPE) which was patterned into 5 mm of sensitive area. The chitosan and chitosan-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrices were deposited on the top of working electrodes. The characterization of chitosan, chitosan/rGO, and chitosan/rGO/MnO2 thin films was performed using AFM, FE-SEM, and FTIR. The electrochemical sensing properties of modified working electrode were observed using an electrochemical method of cyclic voltammetry (CV). The novelty of this research is the utilization of chitosan/rGO/MnO2 thin film-based working electrode for detecting cholesterol. The testing results indicated that the sensitivity of the modified working electrodes increased when working electrodes based on chitosan/rGO/MnO2 thin film were used for cholesterol detection compared to the working electrodes based on the chitosan thin film. It was proven from the sensitivity of working electrodes based on chitosan/rGO/MnO2 thin film which gave the lowest value of 3.21 × 10−5 µA/µM as well as the ability of working electrodes based on chitosan/rGO/MnO2 thin film which worked at limit of detection (LoD) 0.26 µM/L and limit of quantification (LoQ) 0.87 µM/L. Based on the sensitivity, LoD, and LoQ values, the chitosan/rGO/MnO2 modified electrodes can be used as working electrodes to measure cholesterol concentration in blood.

Development of a tamarind-based functional beverage with partially-hydrolyzed agave syrup and the health effects of its consumption in C57BL/6 mice

Excess consumption of sweetened beverages is associated with a global rise in metabolic diseases. Tamarind and partially-hydrolyzed agave syrup have potential for developing healthier beverages. Our objective was to develop a functional beverage using these ingredients (PH-AS-B). We also evaluate shelf-life stability (physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant properties) and health effects in C57BL/6 mice compared with tamarind beverages sweetened with glucose or fructose. Optimal tamarind extraction conditions were a 1:10 ratio (g pulp/mL water) and boiling for 30 min, and the resulting beverage had a shelf life of two months at 4 °C. Non-volatile metabolites were identified using HPLC/MS. PH-AS-B was associated with decreased blood cholesterol (5%) and triglyceride (20–35%) concentrations in healthy mice as well as lower lipid (82%) concentrations and evidence of protein oxidation (42%) in the liver, compared with glucose- and fructose-sweetened tamarind beverages. In conclusion, PH-AS-B was stable and associated with beneficial metabolic properties in healthy mice.

Physiologic Effects of Isolated or Synthetic Dietary Fiber in Children: A Scoping Review

BackgroundFiber is an integral part of a healthy diet. Studies have shown that the fiber intake in children is below adequate amounts, leading to adverse health outcomes. ObjectivesThis study aimed to perform a scoping review to assess the available evidence for the impact of isolated and synthetic dietary fiber on children’s health outcomes. MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in Ovid Medline, Ovid Global Health, Embase, and Cochrane Library via Wiley to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in healthy children aged 1–18 y at baseline who consumed added, isolated, or synthetic dietary fiber. The outcomes of interest were categorized based on the Food and Drug Administration’s guidance for industry on nondigestible carbohydrates and the Vahouny Fiber Symposium criteria, which included reduced fasting blood, glucose, total and/or LDL cholesterol concentrations, attenuation of postprandial glycemia/insulinemia, increased fecal bulk/laxation, reduced transit time, weight loss/reduction in adiposity, reduced energy intake from food consumption, increased satiety, bone health/enhanced mineral absorption, and blood pressure. We also cataloged additional reported outcomes. ResultsOf 3837 randomized controlled parallel or crossover trials screened at the abstract level, 160 were eligible for full-text review, and 32 included for data extraction. This scoping review presents analysis of data from 32 RCTs in children who were healthy, overweight/obese or had mild hypercholesterolemia. Inulin-type fructans (41%) and psyllium (22%) were the most frequently administered fiber types, with weight/adiposity, markers of lipid metabolism (41%), and bone-related markers (38%) being the most frequently reported health outcomes. Only a few RCTs have investigated the effects of laxation (9%), and none specifically studied the impact of fiber on reducing postprandial glycemia/insulinemia. ConclusionsThis scoping review demonstrates sufficient evidence for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses for several outcomes. Evidence gaps remain on the impact of isolated fibers on outcomes such as laxation, colonic transit time, and postprandial glycemia/insulinemia in children.

Use of tannase-producing bacteria isolated from the rumen to improve the nutritional value of pomegranate peel for fattening lambs.

The use of plants and by-products, which are containing a high amount of secondary and anti-nutritional compounds such as tannins, in animal feed is limited. The methods that can reduce these compounds make facilitate their use in animal feed. The aim of this study was to reduce the adverse effects of pomegranate peel (PP) tannin for fattening lambs using the tannase-producing bacteria. Twenty-one Arabi male lambs (averagely 35±3.8kg weight and 8±1.0 months age) were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments and seven replications in the present experiment. The experimental treatments included 1 - control diet (CNT, no PP), 2 - diet containing untreated PP (raw PP, UTPP) and 3 - diet containing PP treated with tannase-producing bacteria (bacteria treating PP, BTPP). Using UTPP decreased nutrient intake compared to the control and treatment with tannase-producing bacteria again significantly increased nutrient intake compared to the UTPP (p<0.05). The digestibilities of organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre in the control treatment were significantly higher than UTPP and BTPP and in the BTPP were significantly higher than the UTPP (p<0.05). The use of UTPP in the diet significantly decreased the pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and the total protozoa population of the rumen compared to the control (p<0.05), and treatment with bacteria increased them again. The lowest total protozoa population was observed in UTPP treatments (p<0.05). The highest concentration of blood glucose was observed in UTPP; however, the highest concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (non-significant) and low-density lipoprotein were in the control treatment. The effect of experimental treatments on the dry matter consumption of the whole period was significant; however, there was no significant effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency and longissimus muscle colorimetric systems. Therefore, considering the positive effects of treatment PP with tannin-degrading bacteria relative to raw PP, using these bacteria is a proper way to reduce tannin, thus improving the nutritional value of PP for ruminants.

The serum levels of angiopoietin-like protein 3 and 4 in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome compared to the control group.

ANGPTLs (Angiopoietin-like proteins) 3 and 4 play an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. These glycoproteins affect the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. They inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and provoke lipolysis. This study was aimed to investigate the protein levels of ANGPTL3 and 4 in the serum of type 2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome in comparison to the type 2 diabetic patients without metabolic syndrome and the control group. Three groups of individuals were included in this study; Group I: 47 patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; Group II: 25 patients with type 2 diabetes without metabolic syndrome; Group III: 40 non-diabetic healthy people without metabolic syndrome as a control group. After collection of 5 mL fasting blood samples, serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar (FBS), cholesterol (Chol), triglyceride (TG), HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) and LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein-Cholesterol) were measured by the enzymatic method; blood pressure (BP), height and weight with stadiometers; and ANGPTL3 and 4 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of ANGPTL3 was significantly different among our three groups (p = .000). In patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Group I), ANGPTL3 and 4 levels were lower than the control group. The serum levels of the parameters evaluated in this study (except HDL-C) was lower in the group II in comparison with the group I, and this difference was significant for TG, Chol, BP and BMI between these two groups. Also, our results revealed that there was a negative correlation between FBS, TG, Chol, LDL-C and BMI with ANGPTL3 and 4. While, there was a significant positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and ANGPTL3. Altogether, our findings suggest that the decreased levels of ANGPTL3 and 4 may be a causative factor for type 2 diabetes.

PSI-4 Soybean-Supplemented Nursing Ewes Showed Better Performance and Health Status Than Corn-Supplemented Ewes Stocked in Woodlands

Abstract Previous woodland-grazing studies recommended nutritional supplementation to young, growing goats and sheep as well as lactating does. However, information is limited on the role of supplement type to improve the performance and health status of nursing ewes raised in woodlands. This study tested a hypothesis that nursing ewes would remain healthy and perform equally well either with corn or soybean supplements. The study objective was to evaluate the performance and blood parameters of the nursing ewes when stocked in woodlands with corn or soybean supplements. Eighteen Katahdin-St. Croix cross-nursing ewes were divided into two groups. Each group was stocked in a separate set of woodland plots (3 plots/group) and rotated among those plots throughout the study period along with ad libitum hay from May to August 2022. Group-1 ewes were supplemented with whole corn and Group-2 ewes with whole soybean (0.5% of body weight). Animal performance data [body weight, FAMACHA score, and body condition score (BCS)] were measured on day 1, fortnightly during the study, and at the end of the study. For assessing the health status, blood samples were collected on days -1, 45, and 80 and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters using ProCyte-Dx Analyzer and Catalyst One (Table 1). Animal performance and blood parameter data were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS 9.4. Soybean-supplemented nursing ewes had greater body weight (22%, P &amp;lt; 0.05), and better FAMACHA score (13%, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and BCS (8%, P &amp;lt; 0.001) in comparison to corn-supplemented nursing ewes. Similarly, blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphate, cholesterol, and calcium concentration were greater in soybean-supplemented vs. corn-supplemented ewes (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results suggest that soybean is a better supplement than corn for enhancing the performance and health status of nursing ewes grazing in woodlands.

Differentiation of Hair Sheep Breeds Based on the Physiological and Blood Biochemical Changes in Response to Different Stressors Using Multivariate Analysis Techniques.

Physiological and blood measurement changes due to high heat load, restricted feed intake, and limited drinking water availability in 135 animals of three hair sheep breeds (Dorper, Katahdin, and St. Croix) were subjected to multivariate analysis techniques. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the ability of these variables to separate individual hair sheep into groups based on adaptation characteristics in response to three physiological stressors and identify variables with greater discriminatory power. There were 16, 8, and 13 physiological and blood variables obtained from high heat load, restricted feed consumption, and water intake studies, respectively, for multivariate analysis. Physiological variables such as respiration rate, rectal and skin temperature, and panting score were measured only in the heat stress study. The results of the cluster and canonical discriminant analyses showed the presence of wide divergence (p < 0.05) between St. Croix and other breeds in their responses to high heat loads and restricted-feed- and -water-intake conditions. Dorper and Katahdin were grouped (p > 0.05) together based on the changes in physiological variables, which were separated (p < 0.05) from those of St. Croix as a resilient group. The stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that skin temperature, panting score, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and blood urea nitrogen and oxygen concentrations were the significant (p < 0.05) discriminating variables in clustering individual sheep into groups based on their responses to the high-heat-stress condition. Under the limited feed intake condition, the significant (p < 0.05) traits responsible for the separation of St. Croix from Dorper and Katahdin were blood triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, whereas blood hemoglobin, osmolality, protein, and albumin were most important discriminating variables under the limited water intake condition. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the stress responses of Dorper and Katahdin are similar and different from that of St. Croix. This finding can be useful information for future decisions in developing climate-resilient sheep through selective breeding.

Effect of selected doses of ethanol extract of Seidlitzia rosmarinus leaves on serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration in male rats

This study was carried out on the chemical extract of leaves of the plant of Al-Shinan and was aimed at the most important chemical components of plant leaves, and quantitative determination major phytochemicals then tested on laboratory animals to know the most effective dose in reducing the concentration of total cholesterol in the serum blood of experimental animals. The Chemical tests showed that the leaves contain alkaloids, clicosides, phenols, flavinoids, soap and tannins. On the other hand, the total value of the yield of the ethanolic extract was 18.92%. and the results also showed the extract contained 1.112% phenol, 0.393% flavonoids and 1.5225% soap. In order to extract the most effective dose of the extract of this study, thirty mature male rats were selected and divided into five equal groups. The first was considered as a control group and only the distilled water was administered and the other groups were given 100,200,300 and 400 mg of crude ethanol / kg body weight. For four weeks. After two and four weeks of treatment, the results of the total cholesterol concentration measurements of the animals' forbidden blood samples for more than eight hours showed that the 200 mg / kg B.W. dose caused the highest reduction in total cholesterol concentration.

Effects of graded levels of dietary protein supplementation on milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes.

Diet-associated characteristics such as dietary protein levels can modulate the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, leading to effects on the productive performance and overall health of animals. The objective of this study was to see how changes in dietary protein levels affect milk yield, body weight gain, blood biochemical parameters, and gut microbiota in lactating ewes. In a completely randomized design, eighteen ewes were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 6 ewes/group), and each group was assigned to one of three dietary treatments with different protein contents. The ewes' groups were fed on 8.38% (S-I), 10.42% (S-m), and 13.93% (S-h) dietary protein levels on a dry basis. The body weight gain and milk yield were greater (p < 0.05) in ewes fed the S-h dietary treatment than in those fed the S-m and S-1 diets, respectively. However, milk protein contents were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. The blood glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, lactate, creatinine, and C-reactive protein contents of lactating ewes were not influenced (p > 0.05) by different dietary protein levels. The alanine transaminase, aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities were also not changed (p > 0.05) across the groups. However, blood urea nitrogen and albumin contents of lactating ewes were changed (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary protein, and these metabolite concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) for S-h than the rest of the treatments. In the different treatment groups, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found to be the most dominant phyla. However, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae species decreased as dietary protein levels increased. Within the Bacteroidetes phylum, Rikenellaceae were more abundant, followed by Prevotellaceae, in ewes fed the S-m diet compared to those fed the other diets. Based on the results, feeding at an optimal protein level improved milk yield and body weight gain through modifying the digestive tract's beneficial bacterial communities. The results of blood metabolites suggested that feeding higher-protein diets has no negative impact on health.

The effect of different energy sources on the performance and blood metabolites of sheep

Energy has an important role in metabolic processes. Dietary energy sources can be in the form of carbohydrates or fat. This study aimed to elaborate the performance and blood metabolites of ewes fed cassava, palm oil or canola oil. Sixteen ewes were divided into four groups of four treatments, namely T1 = 100% grass; T2 = 40% grass + 30% concentrate + 30% cassava; T3 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% palm oil; T4 = 40% grass + 50.3% concentrate + 9.7% canola oil. Randomized block design was used and data were analyzed using analysis of variance and any differences were furthered tested by Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that feeding with different energy sources significantly (P<0.05) had a significant effect on feed consumption and digestibility, weight gain, and feed utilization efficiency. The feed consumption of 100% grass ration (T1) was significantly higher than the other treatments. Diet with 30% cassava (T2) had significantly different feed digestibility and performance from the 100% grass and oil treatment. The blood cholesterol content of sheep fed with oil (T3 and T4) was higher than that given 100% grass (T1) and 30% cassava (T2). However, there were no differences among the treatment on blood glucose and protein concentration. It is concluded that the provision of 30% cassava resulted in better sheep performance and lower blood cholesterol levels compared to feeding with an energy source in the form of oil.

Associations between serum cholesterol and immunophenotypical characteristics of circulatory B cells and Tregs

Blood lipids play a major role in the manifestation of cardiovascular diseases. Recent research suggested that there are connections between cholesterol levels and immunological alterations. We investigated whether there is an association between serum cholesterol levels (total, HDL, and LDL) and immune cells (B cell and regulatory T cells [Tregs]). The analysis was based on data from 231 participants of the MEGA study in Augsburg, Germany, recruited between 2018 and 2021. Most participants were examined two different times within a period of 9 months. At every visit, fasting venous blood samples were taken. Immune cells were analyzed immediately afterward using flow cytometry. Using multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, the associations between blood cholesterol concentrations and the relative quantity of several B-cell and Treg subsets were analyzed. We found that particularly HDL cholesterol concentrations were significantly associated to some immune cell subpopulations: HDL cholesterol showed significant positive associations with the relative frequency of CD25++ Tregs (as proportion of all CD4+CD25++ T cells) and conventional Tregs (defined as the proportion of CD25+CD127− cells on all CD45RA−CD4+ T cells). Regarding B cells, HDL cholesterol values were inversely associated with the cell surface expression of IgD and with naïve B cells (CD27−IgD+ B cells). In conclusion, HDL cholesterol levels were associated with modifications in the composition of B-cell and Treg subsets demonstrating an important interconnection between lipid metabolism and immune system. Knowledge about this association might be crucial for a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.

Serum lipids concentration on prognosis of high-grade glioma.

To investigate the effect of serum lipids concentration on the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of the patients with high-grade glioma who received postoperative Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy between 13 May 2013 and 12 September 2018 was performed. The patients were grouped according to the average values of serum total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood (before surgery, 6months after therapy). Cox proportional hazards model was performed to determine whether the total cholesterol concentration, LDL concentration, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood before therapy and their changes after therapy were factors influencing the prognosis. The results of COX regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors of high-grade glioma patients were pathological grade, the extent of resection, serum cholesterol concentration pre-surgery, and the change of LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy. The prognosis of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy was worse than those of patients with low total cholesterol concentration. The 5-year survival rate and the median survival time of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy were 4.9% and 23.6months, but the low cholesterol concentration group were 19.6% and 24.5months, respectively. Besides, the average serum LDL concentration in high-grade glioma patients gradually increased after therapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients and the median survival time with elevated LDL concentration after therapy is 11.8% and 20.4months, but the reduced LDL concentration group was 16.7% and 28.4months, respectively. The total cholesterol and LDL concentration increased significantly after therapy in Grade IV patients while Grade III patients did not. The cholesterol concentration before therapy and LDL concentration change from pre-surgery to post-therapy are the factors that affect the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients who have undergone postoperative radiotherapy. In the final analysis, the high serum cholesterol pre-surgery and the increased in serum LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy were associated with worse survival of patients.

Effect of Vitamin C and Probiotics on Broilers Performance and Claudin-2 (CLDN-2) Expression Under Heat Stress [RESEARCH NOTE

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamin C and probiotic which consists of five species of beneficial bacteria and two species of fungi on performance, blood parameters, and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression of broilers during heat stress (HS). A total of 400 broilers were randomly divided into five groups, each of which received a different treatment. The first group was considered a negative control and did not experience any HS (C-); the second group was considered a positive control (C+) and was exposed to HS; the third group received only vitamin C (250 mg/L in drinking water); the fourth group received only the recommended dose of probiotics; and the fifth group received a combination of both vitamin C and probiotics (250 mg/L in drinking water and recommended dose, respectively). The broiler’s performance, blood parameters, and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression were assessed. The results showed that the administration of probiotics and vitamin C increased the broiler's feed intake and decreased the feed conversion ratio (p &lt; 0.05). Heat stress increased the broiler's blood total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and liver enzyme concentration (p &lt; 0.05). While the supplementation of vitamin C and probiotics decreased these parameters during HS (p &lt; 0.05). Vitamin C administration reduced the intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression in broilers, during HS (p &lt; 0.05). Heat stress negatively affected the broiler's performance and increased the mortality rate and intestinal CLDN-2 gene expression, whereas, the supplementation of vitamin C decreased the deleterious effect of HS in broilers.

Effects of high-grain diet feeding on fatty acid profiles in milk, blood, muscle, and adipose tissue, and transcriptional expression of lipid-related genes in muscle and adipose tissue of dairy cows

BackgroundHigh-grain (HG) diets affect lipid metabolism in the liver and mammary tissue of dairy cows, but its effects on muscle and adipose tissue have not been wide evaluated. Thus, the aim of this study is to clarify this issue.MethodsTwelve Holstein cows were randomly divided into two groups: conventional diet group (CON, n = 6) and the HG diet group (n = 6). On day 7 of week 4, rumen fluid was sampled to measure pH, milk was sampled to measure components, and blood was sampled to measure biochemical parameters and fatty acid composition. After the experiment, cows were slaughtered to collect muscle and adipose tissue for fatty acid composition and transcriptome analysis.ResultsHG feeding decreased the ruminal pH, milk’s fat content and long-chain fatty acid proportion (P < 0.05) and increased the proportion of short- and medium-chain fatty acids in the milk (P < 0.05) as compared with CON diets. The concentrations of blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the HG cows were lower than those in CON cows (P < 0.05). In muscle tissue, HG feeding tended to increase the triacylglycerol (TG) concentration (P < 0.10). Transcriptome analysis revealed changes in the biosynthesis of the unsaturated fatty acids pathway, the regulation of lipolysis in the adipocytes pathway, and the PPAR signalling pathway. In adipose tissue, HG feeding increased the concentration of TG and decreased the concentration of C18:1 cis9 (P < 0.05). At the transcriptome level, the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, linoleic acid metabolism pathway, and PPAR signalling pathway were activated.ConclusionHG feeding leads to subacute rumen acidosis and a decreased milk fat content. The fatty acid profiles in the milk and plasma of dairy cows were changed by HG feeding. In muscle and adipose tissue, HG feeding increased TG concentration and up-regulated the expression of genes related to adipogenesis, while down-regulated the expression of genes related to lipid transport. These results complement our knowledge of the fatty acid composition of muscle and adipose tissue in dairy cows and expand our understanding of the mechanisms by which HG diets affect lipid metabolism in muscle and adipose tissue.

Impact of natural betaine supplementation on rumen fermentation and productive performance of lactating Damascus goats

Two natural betaine sources; dehydrated condensed molasses fermentation solubles (Bet1) and Betafin®, a commercial anhydrous betaine extracted from sugar beet molasses and vinasses (Bet2); were used to investigate their impact on rumen fermentation parameters and lactation performance of lactating goats. Thirty-three lactating Damascus goats, with an average weight of 37 ± 0.7 kg and their age ranged from 22 to 30 months (2nd and 3rd lactation season), were divided into three groups, each group contained 11 animals. The control group (CON) was fed ration without betaine. While the other experimental groups were fed a control ration supplemented either with Bet1 or Bet2 to provide a 4 g betaine/kg diet. Results confirmed that betaine supplementation improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive value, and increased milk production and milk fat contents with both Bet1 and Bet2. Significant increases in concentration of ruminal acetate were observed in betaine-supplemented groups. Goats fed dietary betaine non-significantly recorded higher concentrations of short and medium-chain fatty acids (C4:0 to C12:0), and significant lower concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 in milk. Also, both Bet1 and Bet2 non-significantly decreased the blood concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, it could be concluded that betaine can improve the lactation performance of lactating goats and produce healthy milk with beneficial characteristics.

Comparative analysis of biochemical, hormonal, and mineral compositions of preovulatory and cystic ovarian follicles in buffalo during the non-breeding season.

This study is a comparative analysis of the biochemical, hormonal, and mineral compositions of follicular fluid in preovulatory and cystic follicles of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In total, reproductive tracts from 215 buffalo along with intact ovaries were collected randomly from an abattoir. The incidence of cystic conditions found in this study was 3.72% (8/215), involving the right ovary in 62.5% of instances and the left ovary in 37.5% of instances during the non-breeding season. Follicular fluid was aspirated from preovulatory follicles (12-15 mm diameter, oestrogen-active, follicular phase or stage IV corpus luteum on one of the two ovaries, n = 10) and cystic follicles (at least 20 mm diameter, no corpus luteum on any one of the two ovaries, n = 8). The follicular fluid samples were assayed for biochemical components (uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, total protein, glucose, ascorbic acid, and alkaline phosphatase), hormones (progesterone, estradiol, and insulin), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and cobalt). Cystic follicles had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, progesterone, copper, zinc, and cobalt, and lesser (P < 0.05) concentrations of uric acid, glucose, ascorbic acid, estradiol, insulin, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus compared with preovulatory follicles. These results indicated the marked differences in follicular fluid composition between preovulatory and cystic follicles in buffalo. Some of the changes were indicative of oxidative stress and disturbed steroidogenesis, two important mechanisms shown to be associated with cystic ovarian disease in various species. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether these differences are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of cystic follicles or are mere manifestations of the condition.

고온 환경에서 카테킨 및 비타민 C 첨가가 육계의 생산성, 계육품질, 혈액성분 및 스트레스 지표에 미치는 영향

The study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary combined supplementation of antioxidants as catechin and vitamin C on growth performance, meat quality, blood profiles and stress responses of broilers exposed to high temperature. For this experiment, a total of 360 21-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used. Treatments were assigned with 6 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate in a 2 × 3 factorial design with vitamin C (0, 250 mg/kg) and catechin (0, 600, 1,200 mg/kg). The heat stress environment was maintained at temperature 32±1°C and relative humidity 60±5% for 24 hours until the end of the experiment. The supplemented antioxidants had no significant difference in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05). The content of total cholesterol in blood had no interaction, but decrease (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01) in the supplemented catechin group. Also, the supplementation with catechin showed increase in the SOD activity of blood, and lower corticosterone and IgM levels of broilers. The contents of HSP70 and MDA in liver decrease (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05) with the supplementation of antioxidants, and HSP70 showed an interaction between groups. DPPH radical scavenging ability in breast meat increased (<i>P</i>&lt;0.01) in catechin, but meat quality did not show difference according to treatments. Respiratory rate decreased (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05) in catechin, but no interaction with vitamin C. In conclusion, the combination of vitamin C and catechin can alleviate stress under high temperature, such as HSP70 and MDA, but further study on the optimal supplemental level is needed.

On the significance of the activity of liver arginase and Kupffer cells in the development of secondary atherogenic dyslipidemia and the formation of thyroid status in rats with experimental peritonitis

Peritonitis is one of the most severe complications of various diseases and injuries of the abdominal organs. The diagnosis of peritonitis in a general sense implies any form and severity of inflammation of the peritoneum. Currently, the problem of peritonitis remains actual, despite the achievements of scientific and technological progress. So, despite the successes of modern surgery, the achievements of asepsis and antiseptics, the rather wide possibilities of antibacterial, infusion and detoxification therapy, the incidence of peritonitis and mortality from it remain at a high level. The aim of the study was to elucidate the significance of the activity of liver arginase and Kupffer cells in the development of secondary atherogenic dyslipidemia and the formation of thyroid status in rats with experimental peritonitis. It has been established that under conditions of experimental peritonitis in rats, the activity of liver arginase decreases, the content of NO3 – /NO2 – increases and the level of iodine-containing thyroid hormones in the blood decreases, secondary atherogenic dyslipoproteinemia develops. Liver arginase and Kupffer cells are involved in changes in the content of total cholesterol in the liver, total cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol, the level of iodine-containing hormones in the blood and body temperature in peritonitis. A decrease in the activity of Kupffer cells in peritonitis is accompanied by an increase in the level of triiodothyronine in the blood, a less pronounced decrease in the activity of liver arginase and a weakening of the development of characteristic changes in the content of total cholesterol in the liver, lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood and prevents the development of secondary dyslipoproteinemia. Depression of liver arginase in conditions of peritonitis aggravates changes in the content of total cholesterol in blood and liver lipoproteins, triiodothyronine in the blood and contributes to the development of secondary dyslipoproteinemia.

Effects of Nutritional Plane at Breeding on Feed Intake, Body Weight, Condition Score, Mass Indexes, and Chemical Composition, and Reproductive Performance of Hair Sheep.

This study was conducted to assess effects of the nutritional plane before and during breeding on feed intake, body weight (BW) change, reproductive performance, body condition score (BCS), body mass indexes (BMI), and body composition of three breeds of hair sheep. Twenty-five Dorper, 27 Katahdin, and 33 St. Croix ewes were allocated to groups and treatments based on initial BW and age. Supplementation treatments were soybean meal fed at 0.16% BW (LS) and a mixture of 25% soybean meal and 75% ground corn given at 0.8% BW (HS; dry matter basis) for 88 to 102 days including 17 days after breeding. Wheat straw intake (% BW) was greater (p < 0.01) for LS than for HS. Average daily gain and BCS change were similar among breeds, but both were greater for HS vs. LS. Birth rate, litter size, total litter birth weight, gestation length, and number of services were similar among breeds (p > 0.05), although individual lamb birth weight was lower for St. Croix than for Katahdin (p < 0.05). None of these reproductive variables were influenced by treatment or the breed × treatment interaction (p > 0.05). There were no breed differences in whole body concentrations of water, fat, protein, ash, or energy in week 0 or 4, but in 8 week concentrations of water, protein, and ash were greatest among breeds for St. Croix (p < 0.05) and levels of fat and energy were lower for St. Croix than for Dorper (p < 0.05). In week 8, total amounts and concentrations of fat and energy were greater for HS vs. LS and those of water, protein, and ash were less for HS (p < 0.05). There were interactions (p < 0.05) between treatment and period in blood concentrations of cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and between breed, treatment, and period in level of triglycerides and total antioxidant capacity. The concentration of cortisol was greater for HS vs. LS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation did not influence reproductive performance despite differences in BW and BCS change, which may be due to the initial moderate BCS and greater wheat straw intake for the LS treatment.