Concentrations Of End Products Research Articles

Fangchinoline Ameliorates Diabetic Retinopathy by Inhibiting Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE)-Nuclear Factor Kappa-Light-Chain-Enhancer of Activated B Cells (NF-κB) Pathway in Streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a macrovascular complication that occurs in diabetic patients. Conventional treatments for the management of DR have many limitations. Thus, the present investigation evaluated the protective effect of fangchinoline against diabetic retinopathy (DR).Material/MethodsDR was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg; i.p.) and rats were treated with fangchinoline 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg for 16 weeks. DR was confirmed by determining the concentration of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and morphology of retinal tissues. Parameters of oxidative stress and expression of inflammatory cytokines and receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in the retinal tissue were determined by Western blot assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the apoptosis index and activity of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the retinal tissues.ResultsOur study reveals that the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose in the plasma and AGEs in the retinal tissue were significantly reduced in the fangchinoline group compared to the DR group. Moreover, treatment with fangchinoline attenuated the altered retinal morphology and expression of inflammatory mediators and RAGE in the retinal tissues of DR rats. There was a significant (p<0.01) decrease in oxidative stress, activity of NF-κB, and apoptosis index in the fangchinoline group compared to the DR group of rats.ConclusionsOur investigation shows that fangchinoline attenuates the apoptosis of retinal cells in STZ-induced diabetic retinopathy rats by inhibiting the RAGE/NF-κB pathway.

Cognitive impairments and microvascular endothelial dysfunction in unilateral occlusion of the carotid artery

The study was aimed at determining cognitive impairments, vascular endothelial dysfunction and morphofunctional alterations of neurons in brain structures (neocortex and hippocampus) in unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery in albino rats. The experiments were carried out on Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into two groups: group 1 - the control group composed of sham-operated rats and group 2 - the study group consisting of rats with cerebral ischaemia. The model of cerebral ischaemia was reproduced by occlusion of the left common carotid artery. Cognitive functions in rats were assessed by means of the object recognition test and conditioned passive avoidance response (CPAR). The degree of vascular endothelial dysfunction was evaluated by the number of circulating endotheliocytes and concentration of end products of nitric oxide - nitrites in blood plasma. Pathomorphological studies of the brain and morphometric analysis of the number of damaged neurons after ischaemic exposure were carried out by means of light microscopy. It was determined that unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery in rats resulted in memory impairment revealed by the object recognition test and CPAR (p≤0.05). Cerebral ischaemia induced an elevated level of circulating endotheliocytes and a decrease in end products of nitric oxide - nitrates as compared with the controls (p≤0.05). Morphological study demonstrated signs of vasoconstrictive reactions, microvascular endothelial oedema, as well as an increase in the proportion of damaged neurons localized in the fronto-bregmatic region of the cortex of the cerebral hemispheres and hippocampus on the ipsilateral side (p≤0.05). Unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery in albino rats resulted in cognitive impairments, damage of neurons in the most vulnerable areas of the cortex of the cerebral hemispheres and hippocampus predominantly on the ipsilateral side. Cognitive impairments and ischaemic lesions of the brain structures are induced by endothelial dysfunction, enhanced desquamation of endotheliocytes and prevalence of vasoconstrictive reactions resulting from decreased production of the major vasorelaxing factor - nitric oxide.

PSXIII-28 Inclusion of Soybean Hulls in Extruded Diets for Adult Cats: Effects on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Quality, and Fermentative End-Product Concentrations.

PSXIII-28 Inclusion of Soybean Hulls in Extruded Diets for Adult Cats: Effects on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Quality, and Fermentative End-Product Concentrations.

Advanced Glycation End Products:Receptors for Advanced Glycation End Products Axis in Coronary Stent Restenosis: A Prospective Study.

This study was aimed to correlate the pre- and 6-month postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) serum concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGE), soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), AGE/sRAGE ratio, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with in-stent restenosis (ISR) among patients receiving either a drug-eluting stent (DES) or a bare-metal stent (BMS).In-stent restenosis remains as an adverse outcome following PCI. Sixty consecutive nondiabetic, Caucasian male patients, diagnosed with a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received either a DES or BMS via PCI, were enrolled. Baseline levels of serum AGE, sRAGE, AGE/sRAGE ratios, MDA, and angiographic parameters were determined at stenting and at 6 months. Patients with and without ISR at 6 months were compared on both baseline and 6-month biomarker levels and within stent types.The pre-PCI serum AGE levels and AGE/sRAGE ratios were higher in ISR patients compared with non-ISR patients, while the pre-PCI and post-PCI serum sRAGE levels were lower in ISR patients compared with non-ISR patients. The pre and post-PCI levels of MDA were also higher in ISR patients. Comparing stent types, relative levels of MDA between those with and without ISR at the respective time points were similar, although changes between time points appeared type specific.Post-PCI ISR correlates with low serum values of sRAGE and high serum values of AGE, MDA, and AGE/sRAGE ratio which are present at stenting. The associations of baseline AGE, sRAGE, AGE/sRAGE, and MDA levels with ISR appear consistent between stent types.

Increased Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes-Related Complications in Combined Type 2 Diabetes and Sickle Cell Trait.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, where sickle cell trait (SCT) is also frequent. Although SCT is generally considered a benign condition, evidence suggests that SCT could exaggerate vascular dysfunction in T2D. However, it remains unclear whether SCT could increase the risk of the development of T2D complications. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether T2D complications were more prevalent among Senegalese individuals with SCT and T2D than among those with T2D only. Rates of hypertension, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, and impaired renal function as well as arterial stiffness, blood rheology, and concentrations of plasma advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and cytokines were compared between groups of Senegalese individuals with combined SCT and T2D (T2D-SCT) (n = 60), T2D (n = 52), SCT (n = 53), and neither T2D nor SCT (control) (n = 56). Human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) expression of inflammatory and adhesion factors was measured after treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α and subjects' plasma. Effects of AGE inhibition or tiron on HAEC expression of E-selectin were measured. Retinopathy, hypertension, and reduced renal function were more prevalent, and arterial stiffness, blood viscosity at high shear rates, and thixotropic index were higher, in the SCT group compared with the other groups. Multivariable analysis showed that plasma AGE concentration was significantly associated with arterial stiffness. E-selectin expression was elevated in HAECs treated with T2D-SCT plasma compared with the other groups, but AGE inhibition reversed this. SCT could potentially augment the risk of the development of T2D-related complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy, and hypertension.

Implementation of fed-batch strategies for vitamin K (menaquinone-7) production by Bacillus subtilis natto in biofilm reactors.

Recent studies show the essential health benefits associated with vitamin K, especially menaquinone-7 (MK-7). These benefits include reducing risks of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and even cancer. However, MK-7 production on an industrial level is only possible through bacterial fermentation and also current static fermentation strategies are not potent enough with difficulties to scale up. Biofilm reactors, however, may be a practical alternative. Biofilm reactors provide a controlled environment for the microorganisms to form mature and robust biofilms that enable them to produce value-added products with enhanced efficiencies. In this study, fed-batch addition of glucose and glycerol were investigated to the base media in biofilm reactors, as carbon source addition seemed crucial in batch fermentations. Results indicated that fed-batch strategies can be significantly effective in glucose-based medium, increasing the end-product concentrations to 28.7 ± 0.3mg/L of MK-7 which was 2.3 fold higher than the level produced in suspended-cell bioreactors and renders the biofilm reactors as a potential replacement for static fermentation strategies. Moreover, morphological changes of B. subtilis were tracked during the 12-day long fermentation runs and finally, SEM investigations confirmed significant biofilm and extracellular matrices formed on the plastic composite support (PCS) in the biofilm reactors. In conclusion, biofilm reactors especially with fed-batch fermentation regimes seem to be an effective tool for MK-7 production at industrial scales.

Carnosine supplementation does not affect serum concentrations of advanced glycation and precursors of lipoxidation end products in autism: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Abundant evidence indicate the increased levels of oxidative stress in patients with autism. Advanced glycation end products and advanced lipoxidation end products and their precursors play a major role in increased oxidative stress in numerous metabolic and neurologic diseases. Carnosine is a natural dipeptide with antiglycation effects. The aim of this trial was to examine the effects of carnosine supplementation on the advanced glycation end products and the precursors of advanced lipoxidation end products in patients with autism. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 autistic children, 18 in the carnosine group and 18 in the placebo group. The groups received a daily supplement of 500 mg carnosine or placebo for two months, respectively. Plasma concentrations of glycation and precursors of lipoxidation markers were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In all, 63.9% of the autistic children had normal nutritional status. Carnosine supplementation did not significantly alter plasma concentrations of advanced glycation end products and precursors of advanced lipoxidation end products in autistic children. The findings indicate that supplementation of carnosine could not change advanced glycation end products and precursor of advanced lipoxidation end products in autistic children.

Investigation of hallmarks of carbonyl stress and formation of end products in feline chronic kidney disease as markers of uraemic toxins.

Cats are commonly affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many reactive carbonyl intermediates and end products originating from the oxidative stress pathways are recognised as uraemic toxins and may play a role in CKD progression. The aim of the present study is to confirm whether carbonyl end-product formation is higher in cats affected by CKD and to assess whether an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) might affect these hallmarks. Twenty-two cats were divided into three groups: a control group (CG), cats with CKD and cats with CKD treated with an ACEi. Serum levels of pentosidine, carboxymethyllysine, advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde, methylglyoxal and hexanoyl-lysine were measured. In addition, biochemical parameters and systolic blood pressure were evaluated. After checking for normality, comparisons between groups were performed followed by multiple comparison tests. P values ⩽0.05 were considered significant. Correlations between concentrations of the considered biomarkers and of the other metabolic parameters were investigated. Advanced oxidation protein products, malondialdehyde and hexanoyl-lysine concentrations were significantly higher in CKD and ACEi-treated groups compared with the CG ( P <0.05). Carboxymethyllysine increased in the ACEi-treated group when compared with the CG, whereas intermediate values of these biomarkers were found in the CKD group ( P <0.05). The ACEi-treated group showed the highest values of carboxymethyllysine, advanced oxidation protein products and hexanoyl-lysine. By contrast, the CKD group had the highest concentration of malondialdehyde. No statistically significant difference was found in the levels of pentosidine or methylglyoxal. End products correlated with creatinine and urea and with each other. Significantly high concentrations of both intermediate and end products of carbonyl/oxidative stress were detected in CKD cats. This is the first study to have concurrently taken into account several uraemic toxins and biochemical parameters in cats affected by CKD.

Glycation of Lys-16 and Arg-5 in amyloid-β and the presence of Cu2+ play a major role in the oxidative stress mechanism of Alzheimer's disease.

Extensive research has linked the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide to neurological dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Insoluble Aβ plaques in the AD patient brain contain high concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) as well as transition metal ions. This research elucidated the roles of Aβ, sugars, and Cu2+ in the oxidative stress mechanism of AD at the molecular level. Mass spectral (MS) analysis of the reactions of Aβ with two representative sugars, ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) and methylglyoxal (MG), revealed Lys-16 and Arg-5 as the primary glycation sites. Quantitative analysis of superoxide [Formula: see text] production by a cyt c assay showed that Lys-16 generated four times as much [Formula: see text] as Arg-5. Lys-16 and Arg-5 in Aβ1-40 are both adjacent to histidine residues, which are suggested to catalyze glycation. Additionally, Lys-16 is close to the central hydrophobic core (Leu-17-Ala-21) and to His-13, both of which are known to lower the pKa of the residue, leading to increased deprotonation of the amine and an enhanced glycation reactivity compared to Arg-5. Gel electrophoresis results indicated that all three components of AD plaques-Aβ1-40, sugars, and Cu2+-are necessary for DNA damage. It is concluded that the glycation of Aβ1-40 with sugars generates significant amounts of [Formula: see text], owing to the rapid glycation of Lys-16 and Arg-5. In the presence of Cu2+, [Formula: see text] converts to hydroxyl radical (HO·), the source of oxidative stress in AD.

Advanced glycation end product concentrations in follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF/ICSI with a GnRH agonist protocol

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) is associated with ovarian dysfunction. This study examines whether the accumulation of AGE in follicular fluid affects ovarian responsiveness and embryo quality during IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol. The levels of AGE in follicular fluid were measured in 127 women undergoing IVF/ICSI in GnRH agonist cycles. Plasma hormones were also measured. Embryos were graded using standard approaches. There were inverse associations between follicular fluid AGE concentration and number of oocytes retrieved, number of fertilized oocytes, number of high-quality embryos, fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate, adjusted for potential confounders. AGE concentration in follicular fluid was significantly higher in women with an ovarian response below the target (<7 oocytes) compared with those reaching the target (7–15 oocytes) or above the target (>15 oocytes). The cut-off value of 15.3 µg/ml for follicular fluid AGE showed 84.6% sensitivity and 55.5% specificity in evaluating the response to ovarian stimulation as below the target. The results suggest that ovarian responsiveness and embryo quality are related to intraovarian exposure to AGE.

Oxidative stress markers in patients with hereditary angioedema.

IntroductionHereditary angioedema due to C1-INH deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) or with normal C1-INH is characterized by recurrent swellings due to uncontrolled production of vasoactive mediators, among which bradykinin (BK) is crucial. Through the binding and activation of the two human BK-receptors, kinins may have dual beneficial and deleterious effects in vascular and inflammation physiopathology by inducing oxidative stress. We aimed to assess the serum concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in patients affected by HAE.Material and methodsBlood samples were collected to measure the serum concentrations of AGEs and AOPPs by spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods in patients affected by C1-INH-HAE and FXII-HAE during the remission state.ResultsWe showed that the circulating levels of AOPPs observed on control group (0.94 (0.36) nmol/mg) were significantly lower than those observed on the C1-INH-HAE group (1.68 (0.47) nmol/mg; p = 0.002) and FXII-HAE (1.50 (0.27) nmol/mg; p = 0.001). Moreover, the circulating levels of AGEs were significantly higher in C1-INH-HAE group (211.58 (151.05) AU/g; p = 0.02) than the FXII group (141.48 (89.59) AU/g), thus demonstrating a state of heightened oxidative stress.ConclusionsOur observations show additional underlying events involved in HAE and are of central importance for further investigations of differences in bradykinin receptors signaling among the two disease subgroups.

Effects of dietary calcium fructoborate supplementation on joint comfort and flexibility and serum inflammatory markers in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Our objective was to evaluate the short-term effects of calcium fructoborate (CFB) on gait, joint range of motion, serum inflammatory markers, and owner perception of pain in client-owned dogs. We used 59 osteoarthritic dogs with impairment, with dogs being randomly assigned to 4 treatments: placebo (60 mg fructose; = 15), low dose (69 mg CFB; = 14), high dose (127 mg CFB; = 14), or combination (69 mg CFB, 500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride and 200 mg chondroitin sulfate; = 16). Dogs up to 22.9 kg received 1 capsule/d, while dogs weighing 23 to 50 kg received 2 capsules/d. A physical examination, radiographs, goniometry measurements, gait analysis, blood sample collection, and a canine brief pain inventory questionnaire were performed on d 0 and 28. Change from baseline values were statistically analyzed among groups. After 28 d, dogs fed the low and high doses had an improved ( < 0.05) ability to rise from a lying position compared to placebo. Dogs fed the high dose also had a greater ( = 0.05) increase in soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products concentration than dogs fed the placebo. Sub-analysis of only large dogs (> 23 kg) showed that dogs fed the low dose had decreased ( < 0.05) pain severity score and pain at its worst compared to dogs fed the placebo. Large dogs fed the low dose also were shown to improve ( < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a lying position compared to dogs fed the placebo. Overall, CFB supplementation was well-tolerated and may aid in mitigating joint discomfort in dogs.

Advanced Glycation End-Products Are Associated With the Presence and Severity of Paratonia in Early Stage Alzheimer Disease

ObjectiveParatonia, a distinctive form of hypertonia in patients with dementia, causes loss of functional mobility in early stage dementia to severe contractures and pain in the late stages. The pathogenesis of paratonia is not well understood. Patients in early stage dementia with diabetes mellitus showed a significantly higher risk for the development of paratonia. Both Alzheimer disease and diabetes mellitus are related to higher concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). The purpose of this study is to explore the association of AGEs with the prevalence and severity of paratonia in patients with Alzheimer disease. DesignObservational longitudinal, 1-year follow-up cohort study with 3 assessments. SettingDay care centers for patients with dementia. ParticipantsA total of 144 community-dwelling patients with early stage Alzheimer or Alzheimer/vascular disease were recruited from 24 dementia day care centers in The Netherlands. MeasurementsThe presence of paratonia (Paratonia Assessment Instrument), the severity of paratonia (Modified Ashworth Scale for paratonia), and AGE levels (AGE-reader). ResultsFrom the 144 participants (56.3% female and 43.7% male, with a mean [standard deviation] age of 80.7 [7.7] years), 118 participants were available for final follow-up. A significant association between AGE levels and the presence of paratonia (odds ratio 3.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87–6.44, P < .001) and paratonia severity (β = 0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.23, P < .001) was determined. In participants who developed paratonia and those with persistent paratonia throughout the study the AGE levels (95% CI −0.38 to −0.13, P < .001 and 95% CI −0.46 to −0.06, P = .012, respectively) and the severity of paratonia (95% CI −0.60 to −0.35, P < .001 and 95% CI −0.38 to −0.12, P < .001, respectively) significantly increased, whereas the AGE levels remained stable in those participants without paratonia. Notwithstanding, change in AGE levels was not significantly (P = .062) related to change in paratonia severity, mixed model analyses provided evidence for both a significant time and between participant effect of AGEs on paratonia severity. ConclusionsThis study suggests that elevated AGE levels are a contributing factor to paratonia and its severity and could be the result of peripheral biomechanical changes reducing elasticity and increasing stiffness. These results provide a new perspective on paratonia and gives rise to further research whether paratonia could be postponed or movement stiffness can be improved by reducing AGE levels.

Effect of Preparation Based on Trametes Pubescens Xylotroph Fungi on Lipid Peroxidation in the Blood of Experimental Animals under Conditions of Dark Stress.

Using the model of dark stress caused by animal maintenance at dimmed light we showed that Trametin (product obtained during liquid-phase culturing of Trametes pubescens xylotroph fungi) effectively prevented oxidative stress under conditions of light deprivation. The preparation increased the level of unsaturation of lipids, reduced the concentration of primary and end-products of LPO, and increases both the integral parameter of the antioxidant defense system (total antioxidant activity) and its components (activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione).

A comparison of dicarbonyl stress and advanced glycation endproducts in lifelong endurance athletes vs. sedentary controls.

Dicarbonyl stress and high concentrations of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) relate to an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Exercise training lowers the risk for future CVD. We tested the hypothesis that lifelong endurance athletes have lower dicarbonyl stress and AGEs compared to sedentary controls and that these differences relate to a better cardiovascular health profile. Cross-sectional study. We included 18 lifelong endurance athletes (ATH, 61±7years) and 18 sedentary controls (SED, 58±7years) and measured circulating glyoxal (GO), methylglyoxal (MGO) and 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG) as markers of dicarbonyl stress. Furthermore, we measured serum levels of protein-bound AGEs NƐ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), NƐ-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL), methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 (MG-H1), and pentosidine. Additionally, we measured cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) and cardiovascular health markers. ATH had lower concentrations of MGO (196 [180-246] vs. 242 [207-292] nmol/mmol lysine, p=0.043) and 3DG (927 [868-972] vs. 1061 [982-1114] nmol/mmol lysine, p<0.01), but no GO compared to SED. ATH demonstrated higher concentrations CML and CEL compared to SED. Pentosidine did not differ across groups and MG-H1 was significantly lower in ATH compared to SED. Concentrations of MGO en 3DG were inversely correlated with cardiovascular health markers, whereas CML and CEL were positively correlated with VO2peak and cardiovascular health markers. Lifelong exercise training relates to lower dicarbonyl stress (MGO and 3DG) and the AGE MG-H1. The underlying mechanism and (clinical) relevance of higher CML and CEL concentrations among lifelong athletes warrants future research, since it conflicts with the idea that higher AGE concentrations relate to poor cardiovascular health outcomes.

PS 18-16 Renal sodium handling in relation to plasma advanced glycation end products concentration in untreated subjects

Objective: previous experimental study showed that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) might enhance epithelial sodium channel in the renal cortical collecting duct cells. In the present study, we investigated renal sodium handling, as assessed by endogenous lithium clearance indexes, in relation to plasma AGEs concentration in subjects who did not take antihypertensive medication. Design and Method: The study subjects were previously never treated with or stopped antihypertensive medication for at least 2 weeks. We calculated fractional excretion of lithium and fractional distal reabsorption rate of sodium, as markers of proximal and distal sodium handling, respectively. Plasma AGEs concentration was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and logarithmically transformed for statistical analysis. Results: The 1006 study participants (mean age 51.3 years) included 499 (49.6%) men and 40 (4.0%) diabetic patients. After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, pulse rate, current smoking and alcohol intake, plasma fasting glucose, serum triglycerides, serum total-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, plasma AGEs concentration (geometric mean [95% confidence interval] 13.4 [12.8 to 14.0] mg/mL) was significantly (P = 0.0007) associated with fractional lithium clearance (mean [±standard deviation] 21.7% ± 12.1%). For each 10-time increase in plasma AGEs concentration, fractional lithium clearance was 4.3% (absolute percentage change) lower. In tertile 3 of sodium urinary excretion, higher plasma AGEs concentration was also associated with lower fractional distal reabsorption rate of sodium (93.3% in tertile 3 vs. 95.1% in tertile 1 of plasma AGEs concentration, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Plasma AGEs concentration was positively associated with sodium renal reabsorption in the proximal tubule, as assessed by fractional lithium clearance. However, on the condition of high sodium intake, it was negatively associated with sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, probably as a compensation of increased sodium intake and increased sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule.

Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations of healthy adult dogs fed bioprocessed soy protein1

Animal proteins are commonly used in extruded dog foods. Plant-based proteins have a more consistent nutrient profile than animal sources but may contain antinutritional factors, including trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides. Bioprocessed soy protein (SP; HP-300; Hamlet Protein, Inc., Findlay, OH) is a processed soy-based product with low antinutritional factor concentrations and high protein quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of SP on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and fecal fermentative end products. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify if SP can be a replacement for poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) in dog food and determine if there are practical limits to its use. Three palatability experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) 0 vs. 12% SP, 2) 0 vs. 48% SP, and 3) 12 vs. 48% SP. For digestibility, 48 healthy adult Beagle dogs (20 females and 28 males; 3.4 yr mean age and 10.0 kg mean BW) were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments, 0 (control), 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48% SP, in a completely randomized design. All diets were formulated to meet Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and contained approximately 30% CP and 16% fat. The treatment period consisted of a 10-d diet adaptation phase followed by a 4-d fresh and total fecal collection phase. The palatability results suggest that of the 3 inclusion levels tested (0, 12, or 48% SP), the best inclusion of SP is 12%, which was preferred over 0 and 48% SP. Digestibility and fecal data were evaluated for linear and quadratic effects using SAS. Stool output (on both an as-is and a DM basis) did not differ from the control except for the 48% SP treatment ( < 0.01). Fecal output per unit food intake differed ( < 0.01) from the control only at the 24 and 48% SP inclusion rates. No significant effects of feeding SP were found on stool consistency scores. Digestibility of DM, OM, and energy did not differ from the control at any inclusion rate, except for a decrease ( < 0.01) at 48% SP. Apparent total tract CP digestibility was not affected by treatment and ranged from 82.9 to 86.2%. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were greater ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 24 and 48% SP compared with the control. Conversely, branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were lower ( < 0.01) in dogs fed 8 to 48% SP compared with the control. These data suggest that SP is a suitable replacement for PBPM in dog diets up to a 24% inclusion level.

Influence of the addition of exogenous xylanase with or without pre-incubation on the in vitro ruminal fermentation of three fibrous feeds

The effects of the exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (ENZ) commercial preparation Dyadic® xylanase PLUS (Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, USA), containing endo-1,4-β-d-xylanase, on ruminal fermentation of maize stover, oat straw, and sugarcane bagasse were examined using the in vitro gas production (GP) technique. The ENZ commercial preparation was added at 0 (control), 60 (low), 120 (medium), and 240 (high) µg/g dry matter of substrate, and at two times of application (direct addition just before fermentation or with a 72-h pre-incubation before fermentation). Ruminal GP volumes were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 24, and 48 h of incubation, and substrate degradability and concentration of fermentation end-products (volatile fatty acids, ammonia, methane) in the cultures were determined at 48 h of incubation. Increased (P < 0.05) GP volume was observed in fibrous feeds treated with ENZ compared with untreated substrates. The pre-incubation vs the direct addition of ENZ resulted in greater GP volume (P < 0.05) with the three tested feeds. Enzyme addition decreased (P < 0.05) rumen pH compared to control when maize stover and sugarcane bagasse were incubated. Ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were not affected (P > 0.05) by ENZ application in maize stover and oat straw. However, total and individual VFA concentrations, and CH4 and CO2 volumes were greater (P < 0.05) when sugarcane bagasse was incubated with 240 µg ENZ/g (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the application of endo-1,4-β-d-xylanase enhances rumen fermentation of roughages, although the magnitude of the effects depends on the fibrous substrate fermented, the time of application, and the amount of enzyme added.

Phenolic acids inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products in food simulation systems depending on their reducing powers and structures

The concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in foods, which are formed by Maillard reaction, has demonstrated as risk factors associated with many chronic diseases. The AGEs inhibitory activities of five common phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, dihydroferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic acid) with different chemical properties had been investigated in two food simulation systems (glucose-bovine serum albumin (BSA) and oleic acid-BSA). The results substantiated that the AGEs inhibitory abilities of phenolic acids in the oleic acid BSA system were much better than the glucose-BSA system for their strong reducing powers and structures. Among them, dihydrogenferulic acid showed strong inhibition of AGEs formation in oleic acid-BSA system at 0.01 mg/mL compared to nonsignificant AGEs inhibitory effect in oleic acid-BSA system at 10-fold higher concentration (0.1 mg/mL). This study suggests that edible plants rich in phenolic acids may be used as AGEs inhibitor during high-fat cooking.

Eplerenone restores 24-h blood pressure circadian rhythm and reduces advanced glycation end-products in rhesus macaques with spontaneous hypertensive metabolic syndrome

Hypertension is often associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and serves as a risk factor of MetS and its complications. Blood pressure circadian rhythm in hypertensive patients has been suggested to contribute to cardiovascular consequences and organ damage of hypertension. But circadian changes of BP and their response to drugs have not been clearly investigated in non-human primates (NHPs) of MetS with hypertension. Here, we identified 16 elderly, hypertensive MetS rhesus monkeys from our in-house cohort. With implanted telemetry, we investigate BP changes and its circadian rhythm, together with the effect of antihypertensive drugs on BP and its diurnal fluctuation. MetS hypertensive monkeys displayed higher BP, obesity, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. We also confirmed impaired 24-h BP circadian rhythm in MetS hypertensive monkeys. Importantly, Eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, exerts multiple beneficial effects in MetS hypertensive monkeys, including BP reduction, 24-h BP circadian rhythm restoration, and decreased plasma concentration of inflammation factors and advanced glycation end-products. In summary, we identified a naturally-developed hypertensive MetS NHP model, which is of great value in the studies on pathogenesis of MetS-associated hypertension and development of novel therapeutic strategies. We also provided multiple novel mechanistic insights of the beneficial effect of Eplerenone on MetS with hypertension.