Serum Nitric Oxide Concentration Research Articles

Effect of Phenobarbital on Nitric Oxide Level in Term Newborn Infants with Perinatal Asphyxia.

Perinatal asphyxia (PA) is very significant in perinatal medicine due to the involvement of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical, clinical, and paraclinical changes associated with phenobarbital administration in neonates with PA. In this prospective, case-control study, 30 neonates with PA in two groups of 15 each (case and control) were investigated. The case group received 20 mg/kg intravenous phenobarbital within six hours of birth, and the control group did not receive phenobarbital. Serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) were measured at enrollment and one week after birth in the two groups. Clinical, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the two groups were compared. At enrollment, the two groups did not differ in clinical severity, seizure incidence, or NO concentration. After one week, NO concentration was significantly lower in the case group (p < 0.050), but there was no significant difference in other variables between the two groups. Early administration of phenobarbital in term neonates with PA could protect them against encephalopathy.

The oxidative stress and antioxidant therapy in patients with acute and chronic poisoning by pesticides

Anticholinesterase poisoning is an important health problem in developing countries, and understanding of its underlying mechanisms is essential for the effective treatment. This study is designed to examine the effects of Y-27632, a selective Rho-kinase inhibitor, on organophosphate-induced cardiac toxicity and mortality in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (corn oil), dichlorvos (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and 1- and 10-mg/kg Y-27632 + dichlorvos groups. After 6 hours of intraperitoneal injection, venous blood and cardiac samples were obtained, biochemical or immunohistochemical analyses were performed, and the intensity of muscle fasciculation was recorded. Serum cholinesterase activities were suppressed with dichlorvos, and these reductions were inhibited with Y-27632 pretreatment. Serum creatine kinase, creatine kinase–MB activities, and myoglobin and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide concentrations were not markedly affected with poisoning or Y-27632. Although serum nitric oxide concentrations did not change with dichlorvos, cardiac nitric oxide levels were markedly increased with Y-27632 pretreatment. Cardiac glutathione levels also increased with 1 mg/kg Y-27632. There was no staining for apoptosis, and immunohistochemical analyses of inducible nitric oxide synthase showed no change in cardiac tissue for all of the groups. Both doses of Y-27632 abolished mortality in rats with acute dichlorvos exposure (100% survival). These results show that administration of Rho-kinase inhibitor can produce protective effects against dichlorvos intoxication in rats. These findings may provide new possibilities for the treatment of organophosphate poisoning.

Effect of anticoccidial monensin with oregano essential oil on broilers experimentally challenged with mixed Eimeria spp

Essential oil of oregano ( OEO: ) has proven to be a potential candidate for controlling chicken coccidiosis. The aim of the current study is to determine whether OEO and an approved anticoccidial, monensin sodium ( MON: ), as in-feed supplements could create a synergism when combined at low dosages. Day-old broiler chickens were separated into six equal groups with six replicate pens of 36 birds. One of the groups was given a basal diet and served as the control ( CNT: ). The remaining groups received the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg MON, 50mg/kg MON, 24 mg/kg OEO, 12 mg/kg OEO, or 50mg/kg MON + 12 mg/kg OEO. All of the chickens were challenged with field-type mixed Eimeria species at 12 d of age. Following the infection (i.e., d 13 to 42), the greatest growth gains and lowest feed conversion ratio values were recorded for the group of birds fed 100 mg/kg MON (P < 0.05), whereas results for the CNT treatment were inferior. Dietary OEO supplementations could not support growth to a level comparable with the MON (100 mg/kg). The MON programs were more efficacious in reducing fecal oocyst numbers compared to CNT and OEO treatments (P < 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01), whereas superoxide dismutase (P < 0.05) and total antioxidant status (P < 0.01) were increased in response to dietary medication with MON and OEO. All MON and OEO treatments conferred intestinal health benefits to chickens by improving their morphological development and enzymatic activities. The results suggest that OEO supported the intestinal absorptive capacity and antioxidant defense system during Eimeria infection; however, it displayed little direct activity on the reproductive capacity of Eimeria This might be the reason for inferior compensatory growth potential of OEO compared to that MON following the challenge. Combination MON with OEO was not considered to show promise for controlling chicken coccidiosis because of the lack of a synergistic or additive effect.

Effects of acupoint laser irradiation on gastric acid secretion and NO content in chronic atrophic gastritis

Objective To study the effects of He-Ne laser irradiation on the pH value of gastric juice, the ultrastructure of gastric parietal cells and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods Sixty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, a drug group, an acupuncture group and a laser acupoint group, each of 12. A CAG model was successfully introduced to all except those in the normal control group through the administration of sodium salicylate and alcohol, combined with fasting and water deprivation, running fatigue and other interventions. The rats of the drug, acupuncture and laser acupuncture groups were given medications, acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint and laser irradiation at Zusanli acupoint accordingly. After 14 days of treatment, all of the rats were executed and diluted gastric juice and gastric tissues were collected. NO content in serum was determined using a nitrate enzyme reduction method, the pH value of gastric juice was measured, and the ultrastructure of the gastric mucosa was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Results The average pH of the gastric juice and the average serum NO content were both significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group. In the model group the membrane structure of the parietal cells was absent or partly dissolved and the mitochondria were swollen. Drugs, acupuncture and laser irradiating at the Zusanli acupoint all corresponded with reduced pH and NO content, but the most significant improvements were observed in the laser acupuncture group. In the laser acupuncture group the membrane structure of parietal cells was complete, and the cytoplasmic organelles had nearly returned to normal. Conclusions Laser irradiation can promote recovery from CAG, increasing the secretion of gastric acid and decreasing the serum level of NO. Both have a good curative effect for CAG. Laser irradiation deserves further clinical research and promotion. Key words: Laser acupuncture; Lasers; Acupuncture; Gastritis; Nitric oxide

Effect of Shuwei Decoction () on rats with functional dyspepsia.

To investigate the effects of Shuwei Decoction (, SWD) on gastric emptying, serum stem cell factor (SCF), the content of serum nitric oxide (NO), and structure change of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats. Sixty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: blank group (group A), model group (group B), mosapride group (group C), Muxiang Shunqi Pill (, MSP) group (group D), SWD low-dose group (group E), and SWD high-dose group (group F), 10 rats in each group. FD rat model was established by clasping rats' tails for 7 days, except the group A. After 3 days, group A and group B were given distilled water, and the medicated rats were given corresponding medicine for 14 days. The gastric emptying, structure change of ICC in gastric antrum by transmission electron microscope, the content of serum NO by nitrate reductant and SCF by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were observed. Compared with group A, the rats in group B delayed gastric emptying, serum SCF decreased, serum NO increased (P <0.05). Compared with group B, the rats in groups D, E and F were improved on gastric emptying, obviously increased on serum SCF, decreased on serum NO (P <0.05), and structure change of ICC in gastric antrum improved. Compared with group B, structure change of ICC of group E after treatment was improved and was closed to group A. SWD recovered gastrointestinal motility of FD, possibly by regulating the levels of serum NO and SCF, and improving the structure of ICC in gastric antrum.

PM195 Flutuation of Nitric Oxide Serum Concentration During Head-Up Tilt Test in Patients With Vasovagal Syncope

PM195 Flutuation of Nitric Oxide Serum Concentration During Head-Up Tilt Test in Patients With Vasovagal Syncope

Atorvastatin Plus Metformin Confer Additive Benefits on Subjects with Dyslipidemia and Overweight/Obese via Reducing ROCK2 Concentration.

Atorvastatin and metformin both have pleiotropic effects. Whether atorvastatin combined with metformin could provide additive benefits on subjects with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese is unknown. And the mechanism is also not fully clear yet. A cross-sectional research was performed and 130 subjects with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese were enrolled and randomly assigned into combined group (20 mg of atorvastatin daily plus 500 mg of metformin twice daily) and control group (20 mg of atorvastatin daily). At baseline and 8 weeks later, parameters of interest were recorded and fasting venous blood was drawn for laboratory examination. The rates of overweight (76.9% vs. 73.8%) and obese (23.1% vs. 26.2%) in both group were comparable. Dyslipidemia in both groups were featured by increased serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Serum level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) was comparably elevated in both groups at baseline, and leukocyte rho-associated kinase 2 (ROCK2) and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were also comparable. Generally, the baseline characteristics between these 2 groups were no significant differences. 8 weeks later, compared to baseline, body mass index (BMI), the rates of overweight and obese, daily exercise time, smoking status, lipid profiles, Hs-CRP level, leukocyte ROCK2 and serum NO concentrations in both groups were improved. Notably, compared to control group, the rate of obese, Hs-CRP level, leukocyte ROCK2 and serum NO concentrations were improved more profoundly in the combined group (p<0.05). After adjusted for age, gender, BMI, TG, LDL-C, Hs-CRP and exercise time, atorvastatin plus metformin was positively associated with serum NO concentration, with odds ratio (OR) of 1.146 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.089-1.164, combined group vs. control group, p<0.05), and inversely associated with leukocyte ROCK2 concentration, with OR of 0.853 (95% CI 0.834-0.872, combined group vs. control group, p<0.05). In subjects with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese, atorvastatin plus metformin may confer additive benefits through reducing leukocyte ROCK2 concentration.

Effects of selenium supplement on atherogenesis of ApoE-knockout mice fed high fat diet

To investigate the effects of selenium supplement on atherogenesis and endothelial function in ApoE-knockout mice fed high fat diet. ApoE-knockout mice fed with selenium-deficient and high fat diet were randomly allocated into 3 groups based on random number table including control group (not supplied with sodium selenite, n=10), low dosage selenium supplement group (supplied water with 0.1 mg/L sodium selenite, n=10) and high dosage selenium supplement group (supplied water with 0.2 mg/L sodium selenite, n=10). After 15 weeks, the following values were measured: the concentrations of selenium in heart and liver, the levels of serum lipid, the parameters of antioxidant function including activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum, the parameters of endothelial function including serum nitric oxide (NO), endothelin 1(ET-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and ET-1 and VEGF levels in aorta roots. The atherosclerotic lesions in aorta roots were analyzed with oil red O staining. (1) The selenium concentrations in heart and liver were significantly higher in high dosage and low dosage selenium supplement groups compared to control group (both P<0.05). (2) The levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar among groups (all P>0.05). (3) The activity levels of serum SOD were significantly higher in low dosage ((113.8±12.5)U/ml) and high dosage selenium supplement group ((152.3±11.3)U/ml) compared to control group ((90.7±10.7)U/ml, all P<0.05). The activity levels of serum GSH-Px were significantly higher in low dosage ((53.9±7.2)U/ml) and high dosage ((69.6±8.7)U/ml) selenium supplement groups than that of control group ((36.4±5.6)U/ml, all P<0.05). The serum MDA levels in low dosage ((4.73±1.05)nmol/ml) and high dosage ((4.13±1.21)nmol/ml) selenium supplement groups were significantly lower than that of control group ((5.97±1.08)nmol/ml, all P<0.05). (4) The serum NO concentrations in low dosage ((61.5±12.8)μmol/L) and high dosage ((79.0±14.6)μmol/L)selenium supplement groups were significantly higher than that of control group((42.7±9.1)μmol/L, all P<0.05). The concentrations of serum ET-1 in low dosage ((52.8±6.3)ng/L)and high dosage ((46.3±4.7)ng/L)selenium supplement groups were significantly lower than that of control group((72.2±6.3)ng/L, P<0.05). The concentrations of serum VEGF in low dosage ((97.4±16.5)ng/L)and high dosage ((83.5±22.0)ng/L)selenium supplement groups were significantly lower than that of control group((125.8±18.6)ng/L, P<0.05). The expression levels of ET-1 and VEGF in aorta roots among low dosage and high dosage selenium supplement groups were significantly lower compared to control group (all P<0.05). (5) The plaque area of aorta roots in low dosage ((0.95±0.19)×10(5) μm(2))and high dosage selenium supplement ((0.75±0.15)×10(5) μm(2)) groups were significantly smaller than that of control group((1.13±0.23)×10(5) μm(2)), and the plaque area in high dosage selenium supplement group was significantly smaller than in low dosage selenium supplement group (P<0.05). Supplement of selenium can attenuate atherogenesis in ApoE-knockout mice fed high fat diet, which is possibly mediated via reducing lipid peroxidation and improving endothelial functions.

Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude is affected by dietary source of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids.

The present study evaluated the development of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100m) as affected by dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid sources. Flax oil and soy oil were used as sources of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, respectively, either with or without α-tocopheryl acetate. A total of 192 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design using isoenergetic and isonitrogenous experimental diets. Results showed that dietary flax oil significantly (p<0.05) improved feed conversion ratio during 21-42days of age. However, body weight gain did not significantly differ among the experimental groups in entire trial. Birds received flax oil had significantly higher serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) but they had lower serum concentration of malondialdehyde when compared with their counterparts fed with soy oil. Liver and abdominal fat weights were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by substitution of soy oil for flax oil. The right-to-total ventricle weight ratio (RV/TV) and mortality from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in birds that received flax oil. In conclusion, n-3 fatty acids could significantly reduce RV:TV and PAH mortality in birds by increasing circulatory level of NO and suppressing hepatic lipogenesis.

Aloe vera toxic effects: expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in testis of Wistar rat.

Nitric oxide (NO), a product of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), contributes in germ cell apoptosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera gel (AVG) on male Wistar rat reproductive organ, serum NO level, and expression of iNOS gene in leydig cells. Adult male Wistar rats (n=36) were used for experiments in three groups. The experimental groups were orally administered with the AVG extract solution once-daily as follow: 150 mg.kg(-1); group A, 300 mg.kg(-1); group B, and only normal saline; group C (control group). They were mated with untreated females and the reproductive and chemical parameters were assessed for each group, including semen quality, serum testosterone, sperm fertility, gonad and body weight, serum NO concentration (by the Griess method), and iNOS gene expression (using RT-PCR). The testes weight, serum testosterone, as well as sperm count and fertility of the AVG treated groups were significantly reduced when compared to the control (P<0.001). Concentration of serum NO was significantly increased (37.1±4.63 µM) in the administrated group with higher AVG concentration, compared to the control group (P<0.001; 10.19±0.87 µM); however, iNOS mRNA expression was increased in the treated animals (P<0.001). iNOS may play a functional role in spermatogenesis via apoptosis, reducing sperm count, but further studies are needed to illustrate the mechanisms by which AVG exerts its negative effects on spermatogenesis and sperm quality.

Evaluation of changes in Doppler ultrasonography indices and levels of maternal serum angiogenic factors throughout pregnancy in ewes

We evaluated the changes in the pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of fetal and maternal vessels and maternal serum angiogenic factors throughout pregnancy in 20 Kivircik ewes. They were examined for pregnancy detection on Day 30 after mating. The PI and RI during the pregnancies were followed using Doppler ultrasonography (USG) of the uterine artery, umbilical artery, fetal aorta, and fetal vena cava. Doppler USG was performed every 15 days beginning from the 40th day after mating. Blood samples were collected every 15 days starting from the day of mating. Nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and angiopoietin-1 and -2 levels were measured in maternal serum. A gradual decline was observed in the PI and RI of the umbilical artery beginning from Day 75 of pregnancy. Similarly, the RI of the uterine artery decreased on Day 135. Embryonic resorption was detected in two ewes with an increased PI and RI in the uterine artery. A significant and gradual decrease in the maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor level was observed throughout pregnancy. The maternal serum NO level increased beginning from Day 135 of pregnancy. The results of this study illustrate the progressive changes in the Doppler USG findings of fetomaternal vessels and maternal serum angiogenic factors that occur throughout ewe pregnancy. The umbilical and uterine artery Doppler USG findings and maternal serum NO concentration may be important parameters for evaluation of the course of pregnancy in ewes. The results of this study should be compared with those of further studies that include compromised pregnancies and nonpregnant ewes.

Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties of PWV, NO and Ascending Aorta between WHY Rats and SHR Rats.

The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the tensile mechanical properties of the ascending aorta (AA) in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), for the purpose of providing a biomechanical basis for hypertension prevention. Pulse wave velocities (PWV) and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were determined in 6-month-old WKY rats and SHRs (n = 21, n = 21, respectively). Then, 20 AAs from each group were obtained for longitudinal tensile testing. The maximum stress, maximum strain, and strain at a tensile stress of 16 Kpa were greater in WKY rats than in SHRs (p < 0.05). The aortic elastic modulus and PWV value were greater in SHRs than in WKY rats (p < 0.05 for both), while NO concentrations were lower in the SHR group than in the WKY group (p < 0.05). The AA tensile mechanical properties differed between the WKY rats and SHRs, and the tensile mechanical properties of the SHR model had changed. Ascending aorta; Hypertension; Mechanical properties; Pulse wave velocity; SHR rats; WKY rats.

Effects of chitosan on nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity and mRNA expression in weaned piglets

The effects of chitosan on nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and gene expression in vivo or vitro were investigated in weaned piglets. In vivo, 180 weaned piglets were assigned to five dietary treatments with six replicates. The piglets were fed on a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg chitosan/kg feed, respectively. In vitro, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a weaned piglet were cultured respectively with 0 (control), 40, 80, 160, and 320 &amp;micro;g chitosan/ml medium. Results showed that serum NO concentrations on days 14 and 28 and iNOS activity on day 28 were quadratically improved with increasing chitosan dose (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The iNOS mRNA expressions were linearly or quadratically enhanced in the duodenum on day 28, and were improved quadratically in the jejunum on days 14 and 28 and in the ileum on day 28 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In vitro, the NO concentrations, iNOS activity, and mRNA expression in unstimulated PBMCs were quadratically enhanced by chitosan, but the improvement of NO concentrations and iNOS activity by chitosan were markedly inhibited by N-(3-[aminomethyl] benzyl) acetamidine (1400w) (P&amp;nbsp;&amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, the increase of NO concentrations, iNOS activity, and mRNA expression in PBMCs induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were suppressed significantly by chitosan (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The results indicated that the NO concentrations, iNOS activity, and mRNA expression in piglets were increased by feeding chitosan in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, chitosan improved the NO production in unstimulated PBMCs but inhibited its production in LPS-induced cells, which exerted bidirectional regulatory effects on the NO production via modulated iNOS activity and mRNA expression.

Effect of yoga on arterial stiffness in elderly subjects with increased pulse pressure: A randomized controlled study

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the effect of yoga on arterial function in elderly with increased pulse pressure (PP). DesignRandomized controlled study with two parallel groups. ParticipantsElderly subjects with PP≥60mmHg (n=60). InterventionsYoga group (n=30) was assigned for yoga training and brisk-walking (BW) group (n=30) for brisk-walk with stretching exercise for 1h in the morning for 6 days in a week for 12 weeks. Main outcome measuresArterial stiffness measures: Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c–f PWV), aortic augmentation index (AIx@75), arterial stiffness index at brachial (bASI) and tibial arteries (aASI). Total serum nitric oxide concentration (NOx) as an index of endothelial function. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures: Low frequency and high frequency in normalized units (LFnu, HFnu) and LF/HF ratio. ResultsThe mean between-group change (with 95% CI) in arterial stiffness: c–f PWV(m/s) [1.25(0.59–1.89); p<0.001], baPWV(m/s) [1.96(0.76–3.16), p<0.01], AIx@75 [3.07(0.24–5.89), p=0.066], aASI [8.3(4.06–12.53), p<0.001]; endothelial function index: NO(μmol/L) [−9.03(−14.57 to −3.47), p<0.001]; SBP(mmHg) [14.23(12.03–16.44), p<0.001], DBP(mmHg) [0.1(−1.95–2.15), p=0.38], PP(mmHg) [14.07(11.2–16.92), p<0.001], MAP(mmHg) [4.7(3.08–6.32), p<0.001]; and cardiac autonomic function: LF(nu) [4.81(1.54–8.08), p<0.01], HF(nu) [−4.13(−7.57 to −0.69), p<0.01], LF/HF ratio [0.84(0.3–1.37), p<0.001], indicate significant difference in effects of two intervention on arterial stiffness, endothelial function, BP and cardiac autonomic activity. There was significant change within-yoga group in vascular function, BP and autonomic function, while no significant change within-BW group was observed. ConclusionOur findings suggest that yoga program offered was more effective than brisk-walk in reducing arterial stiffness along with BP in elderly individuals with increased PP. Yoga can also significantly reduce sympathetic activity and improve endothelial function with enhancement in bioavailability of NO.

Association between serum concentrations of nitric oxide and transition to menopause

Menopausal status may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Nitric oxide plays a role in the protection against CVD onset and progression but has not been studied around the time of menopause. We investigated associations between serum nitric-oxide metabolite (NOx) concentrations and menopausal status. Comparative case-control cross-sectional study. Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, university center. Sub-groups from a cohort of 2137 women, of whom 213 met enrollment criteria. We studied four sub-groups in a 1.2 ratio: (1) post-menopausal women (n = 29) with natural amenorrhea for 13-24 months, (2) age- and BMI-matched controls (n = 58) with regular menstrual cycles; (3) peri-menopausal women (n = 42) with natural amenorrhea for 1-12 months, and (4) age- and BMI-matched women as controls for the last group of women (n = 84). Serum nitric oxide concentrations. Medians (inter-quartile ranges) of NOx in post-menopausal women and their controls were 31 (21.7-40.2) and 23.5 (17.2-31) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.012). In peri-menopausal women and their controls the medians (inter-quartile ranges) were 28 μmol/L (18.5-50.5) and 25 (20-31.25) μmol/L, respectively (p = 0.035), but were not significantly different between peri- and postmenopausal women and were unchanged after adjustment for lipids. In a conditional fixed-effect logistic regression model, the risk of "transition to menopause" and "menopause" rose respectively 2.44- and 2.27-fold for a one-score increase in the NOx standard deviation. Menopausal status, by itself and not as a consequence of aging, is associated with increased serum nitric oxide concentrations. Identification of variables associated with menopausal cardiovascular consequences may be used to improve women's health after menopause.

Antioxidant supplementation of low-protein diets reduced susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens raised at high altitude.

A reduced-protein diet (designated as RPD) was prepared and its effects on growth performance and the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) were evaluated in broiler chickens compared to a normal-protein diet (designated as NPD) or to the RPD supplemented with CoQ10 alone (30 mg/kg) or in combination with vitamin E (30 mg/kg CoQ10 + 100 mg/kg vitamin E). The RPD had 30 g/kg less crude protein compared to the NPD. A total of 208 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308 strain) were used in a 42-day trial. Serum concentrations of uric acid (UA) and nitric oxide (NO) significantly (p < 0.05) declined when chickens fed on the RPD. However, supplementing RPD with the antioxidants significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum NO concentration. Although serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the RPD than the NDP, supplementing RPD with CoQ10 and CoQ10 + VE decreased serum MDA concentration to similar levels found in the NPD. Significant overexpression in GPX1 gene observed in the heart and lungs of broilers fed on the RPD, which was effectively restored by supplementation of CoQ10 . The right to total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in birds fed the RPD, which concurred with an increase in mortality from pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS). However, a significant decline in mortality from PHS was observed when birds on RPD received CoQ10 or CoQ10 + VE. In conclusion, antioxidant supplementation effectively improves pulmonary hypertensive response in broiler chicken fed of reduced-protein diets.

Effects of dietary supplementation with glutamate and aspartate on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary glutamate and aspartate supplementations on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets. Diquat injection significantly reduced growth performance, including body weight, average daily weight gain, and feed intake (P<0.05). Meanwhile, diquat administration induced oxidative stress evidenced by the decreased serum nitric oxide (NO) and elevated malondialdeyhde (MDA) concentration (P<0.05). Furthermore, diquat-induced oxidative stress disrupted intestinal absorption system and decreased serum threonine, serine, and glycine levels. Dietary supplementation with glutamate improved final body weight, antioxidant system, and expressions of amino acids transporters and enhanced serum glutamate concentration compared with diquat group (P<0.05). While aspartate failed to alleviate diquat-induced oxidative stress, growth depression, and dysfunction of nutrients absorption except for liver relative weight. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with glutamate confers beneficial effects on diquat-induced oxidative stress in piglets, while aspartate exhibits little effects.

Plasma amino acid profiling identifies specific amino acid associations with cardiovascular function in patients with systolic heart failure.

BackgroundThe heart has close interactions with other organs’ functions and concomitant systemic factors such as oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO), inflammation, and nutrition in systolic heart failure (HF). Recently, plasma amino acid (AA) profiling as a systemic metabolic indicator has attracted considerable attention in predicting the future risk of human cardiometabolic diseases, but it has been scarcely studied in HF.MethodsThirty-eight stable but greater than New York Heart Association class II symptomatic patients with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <45% and 33 asymptomatic individuals with normal B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) value were registered as the HF and control groups, respectively. We analyzed fasting plasma concentrations of 41 AAs using high-performance liquid chromatography, serum NO metabolite concentration, hydroperoxide and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein measurements, echocardiography, and flow-mediated dilatation.ResultsWe found that 17 AAs and two ratios significantly changed in the HF group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). In the HF group, subsequent univariate and stepwise multivariate analyses with clinical variables revealed that Fischer ratio and five specific AAs, ie, monoethanolamine, methionine, tyrosine, 1-methylhistidine, and histidine have significant correlation with BNP, LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic volume index, inferior vena cava diameter, the ratio of early diastolic velocity of the mitral inflow to mitral annulus, and BNP, respectively (p < 0.05). Interestingly, further exploratory factor analysis categorized these AAs into hepatic-related (monoethanolamine, tyrosine, and Fischer ratio) and skeletal muscle-related (histidine, methionine, and 1-methylhistidine) components. Some categorized AAs showed unique correlations with concomitant factors: monoethanolamine, tyrosine, and Fischer ratio with serum NO concentration; histidine with serum albumin; and 1-methylhistidine with flow-mediated dilatation (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPlasma AA profiling identified correlations of specific AAs with cardiac function and concomitant factors, highlighting the cardio-hepatic-skeletal muscle axis in patients with systolic HF.

Effect of ginger powder supplementation on nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in elderly knee osteoarthritis patients: A 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

There is limited evidence that ginger (生薑 shēng jiāng) powder consumption can relieve pain and inflammation because of its special phytochemical properties. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of ginger powder supplementation on some inflammatory markers in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. This is a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with a follow-up period of 3 months that was conducted on 120 outpatients with moderately painful knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomly divided up into two groups: ginger group (GG) or placebo group (PG). Both groups received two identical capsules on a daily basis for 3 months. Each ginger capsule contained 500 mg of ginger powder; the placebo capsules had 500 mg of starch in them. Serum samples were collected prior to and after the intervention and were stored at −70 °C until the end of the study. Serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of inflammatory markers (i.e., NO and hs-CRP) prior to the intervention. However, after 3 months of supplementation, serum concentration of NO and hs-CRP decreased in the GG. After 12 weeks, the concentration of these markers declined more in the GG than in the PG. Ginger powder supplementation at a dose of 1 g/d can reduce inflammatory markers in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and it thus can be recommended as a suitable supplement for these patients.

Dietary L-Carnitine Supplement Counteracts Pulmonary Hypertensive Response in Broiler Chickens Fed Reduced-Protein Diets and Subjected to Cool Condition and Hypobaric Hypoxia

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementing reduced-protein diets with L-carnitine on growth performance and occurrence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) syndrome in broiler chickens reared at high altitude. A total of 156 day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to three dietary treatments and reared up to 42 days of age. A normal-protein diet (NPD) was formulated according to the National Research Council (1994) and served as control. A reduced-protein diet (RPD) was also prepared to contain 3% less protein than that of the NPD. An additional RPD diet was prepared by supplementing L-carnitine (LC) at 100 mg/kg to the RPD. Results showed significant improvements in feed:gain and carcass yield in birds fed on RPD when supplemented with LC. The proportions of liver, heart, and abdominal fat pad relative to body weight and the right ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV) were significantly higher in birds fed on the RDP than those of the control fed the NPD. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements recorded from lead II supported the development of PAH in birds fed RPD as evidenced by deep S waves. Supplementing LC to the RPD significantly reduced the liver weight, abdominal fat deposition, and RV:TV, which reflected in reduced S waves. Feeding broilers with the RPD significantly reduced serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and uric acid (UA). However, supplementation of the RPD with LC significantly increased the serum concentrations of NO. In conclusion, feeding reduced-protein diets to broilers reared at hypobaric hypoxia increases their susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension. Dietary LC supplementation of reduced-protein diets had beneficial effects in preventing PAH mortality mainly through enhancing blood NO concentration.